I Am Refocused Podcast

Sheila K. Collins, PhD, is an organizational grief consultant, award-winning author, international speaker, and former professional dancer who has helped thousands of people turn grief into a genuine gift. A longtime social worker, therapist, and professor, she specializes in using expressive arts — movement, storytelling, improv, dance, and creative expression — to help people process loss, memorialize loved ones, and refocus their lives with courage and joy. After losing her son to AIDS and her daughter to breast cancer, Sheila channeled her pain into powerful books including the acclaimed memoir Warrior Mother: Fierce Love, Unbearable Loss and the Rituals That Heal and her newest release The Art of Grieving. Her guiding philosophy: “Whatever life hands you… pick it up and dance with it.” https://sheilakcollins.com/ 📌 Connect with I Am Refocused Radio: 📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork 📸 Instagram: @iamrefocusedradio 📘 Facebook: @iamrefocusedradio 🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com #RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher A. Wilson (Chris Wilson) is a seasoned tax practitioner, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to making personal finance simple, accessible, and actionable. As CEO of Wilson Enterprise, Inc., he oversees 14 H&R Block offices across North Carolina and Virginia, serving thousands of clients each year. With more than 20 years focused on financial education and empowerment — plus prior corporate experience at GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Ashland Oil — Chris holds a Business & Accounting degree from Winston-Salem State University and currently serves on its Foundation Board. He is the visionary behind upcoming book concepts including Investment Clubs, S&P 500, and Mortgage Magic, all designed to help everyday people understand investing, smart tax strategies, and building a nest egg that lasts a lifetime. His core mission: “to make financial understanding accessible and empower people to take control of their financial future.” https://www.christopherawilson.com/ 📌 Connect with I Am Refocused Radio: 📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork 📸 Instagram: @iamrefocusedradio 📘 Facebook: @iamrefocusedradio 🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com #RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A powerful resource for citizens, educators, leaders, and parents, Hijacked speaks to those ready to defend liberty, restore responsibility, and reweave the social fabric of our nation—before it’s too late. In an era of cultural confusion and political polarization, Hijacked offers a bold roadmap for reclaiming the essential principles of a flourishing society. Drawing from historical evidence and timeless wisdom, authors Peter H. Calfee and J. Kevin Dolan argue that the survival of the American republic depends on our collective ability to return to foundational values— Critical Thinking, Education, Religion/Faith/Values, History, Politics, and Economics. From the very first chapter, Hijacked drives home the premise that the American experiment is not immune to failure — unless its people actively think, question, and speak with clarity and conviction. In one of the book’s foundational sections, Calfee and Dolan explore the erosion of public discourse and the consequences of abandoning Critical Thinking. They recount how great civilizations—from Ancient Rome to modern states—fell not due to external enemies but internal decay. Indoctrination, moral relativism, and the suppression of inquiry replaced reasoned dialogue and moral clarity. About the Authors J. Kevin Dolan is a former airline pilot and Wharton MBA who co-founded a successful Registered Investment Advisory firm and played a key role in launching the Allied Pilots Federal Credit Union. Peter H. Calfee is a financial expert and retired CPA, CFP®, and CLU with leadership experience in regulatory, nonprofit, and academic settings. He holds degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Together, they bring decades of real-world experience and principled leadership to this urgent call for national renewal. https://hijackedourrepublic.com/ 📌 Connect with I Am Refocused Radio: 📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork 📸 Instagram: @iamrefocusedradio 📘 Facebook: @iamrefocusedradio 🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com #RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning picture book author and self-proclaimed “National Park Gramma” living on a cattle ranch in Central California. With nearly 30 books (including the beloved Mouse Traveler series that takes kids on adventures to America’s National Parks), Tricia weaves real facts into fun, heartwarming stories. After a 20+ year hiatus and personal challenges, she returned to her passion in her 80s — independently publishing under Write ‘em Cowgirl Publishing and even crowdfunding new titles. A former archaeology student, rancher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Tricia brings warmth, wisdom, and an uplifting message about using stories to spark curiosity, conservation, and lasting family values in the next generation. https://triciagardella.com/ 📌 Connect with I Am Refocused Radio: 📺 YouTube: @RefocusedNetwork 📸 Instagram: @iamrefocusedradio 📘 Facebook: @iamrefocusedradio 🌐 Website: https://www.iamrefocusedradio.com #RefocusedNetwork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT BOOMTOWN The true story of the corrupt and violent town of Borger, Texas in 1927―and the legendary Texas Ranger tasked with taming it. Just a year after the town of Borger, Texas was founded, the press called it "the wickedest in the state" for good reason. The town, sprung into existence overnight to support the oilfields, was a second chance for many residents but had also become a lawless haven for bootleggers, pimps and gamblers, run by a crooked city hall. That environment attracts some of the most unsavory characters in prohibition America, including a gang of murderous bank robbers who head into Borger to spend their money on booze, gambling and prostitutes. In the span of weeks, the gang kills three law enforcement officers, bringing the worst heat imaginable: legendary Texas Ranger Captain Frank Hamer, years before he will lead the 1934 posse that tracked down and killed criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. His arrival threatens to break even this hardest boomtown in America―if it doesn't kill him first. What follows is one of the most thrilling and violent untold stories from the era of gangsters, lawmen and vice. Author Joe Pappalardo brings to life a town previously lost in the haze of history. JOE PAPPALARDO BIO Joe Pappalardo is a non-fiction author and an award-winning contributor at magazines including Popular Mechanics, National Geographic & Texas Monthly. His work has also appeared in Smithsonian Air & Space and American Way magazines, and he has been a guest on C-SPAN, CNN, CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor, MSNBC and Fox News. He's appeared on several television programs on the History and Science channels. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eye-opening conversation with Nell 3D (Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey) — leadership advisor, Forbes Senior Contributor, keynote speaker, and self-described Subtraction Activist. With degrees from Harvard, Cambridge, Columbia Business School, and London Business School, and 25+ years advising Fortune 500 executives at Google, Bank of America, American Express, Coca-Cola, and more, Nell has helped high-achieving, impact-driven leaders across the globe break through invisible success ceilings. After her own near-fatal wake-up call from chronic overdoing, she created the Systematic Subtraction™ and Lead in 3D™ frameworks (ME / WE / WORLD) that teach ambitious women how to stop adding more effort and start subtracting what no longer serves them — creating structural change, conserving energy, and generating compounding results in life, teams, and organizations. In this episode, Nell shares why “doing more” stops working for high performers, how to identify and release the hidden drains on your time and energy, and practical ways to align your purpose so success finally feels as good as it looks. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or mission-driven professional feeling stretched thin, this conversation will give you the permission and tools to do less while mattering more. https://www.nell3d.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long before she became Atlanta’s mayor, a CNN political commentator, and senior advisor to President Joe Biden, Keisha Lance Bottoms was simply a daddy’s girl from Atlanta’s west side—talkative, outgoing, and shaped by a big, loving Southern family that taught her confidence and resilience. In her powerful new memoir, The Rough Side of the Mountain, Keisha takes us on a deeply personal journey of excavation. After years of sanding down her story for political success—hiding her father’s drug abuse and prison time, her own experiences with sexual abuse and an eating disorder, and the beautifully unpolished truth of her family—she realized something was missing. In her early fifties, she stepped back from the grind and chose to reclaim every part of herself she once thought she had to leave behind. This is more than a political memoir—it’s an honest, heartfelt celebration of unmasking, authenticity, and the joy of showing up fully. Through raw stories and hard-won lessons from her kinfolk, Keisha shows how the roughest chapters become the strongest foundation for leadership, purpose, and real resilience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about embracing your full story and spreading the powerful message that you don’t have to hide who you are to rise. https://keishalancebottoms.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kayse Gehret is a visionary leader in the healing arts with more than three decades of experience guiding individuals toward profound mind-body-spirit transformation. As the founder of Microdosing for Healing and the Microdosing for Healing Podcast, she is a sought-after educator, professional trainer, and guide specializing in the safe, intentional use of microdosing for trauma healing, personal growth, and conscious living. A Reiki Master, certified yoga instructor, hypnotherapist, and practitioner of energy medicine, intuition medicine, astrology, Human Design, and the Enneagram, Kayse weaves ancient wisdom with modern psychedelic science. She serves as an educator for Psychedelics Today’s VITAL professional facilitator program and has taught for the Microdosing Institute, Entheonation’s Plant Spirit School, and multiple psychedelic therapy associations. Before launching her microdosing platform, Kayse founded Soulstice Mind & Body Studio in Northern California and built a thriving global healing arts practice serving corporate leaders, professional athletes, musicians, and luxury clients (St. Regis, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, IDEO, and the NBA). Her work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, Health Magazine, and numerous industry publications. She is also the author of Body/Work: Careers in Massage Therapy. Today Kayse offers 1:1 guidance, group immersions, the Microdosing Professional Program mastermind, and facilitator certification training—empowering healers, therapists, coaches, and wellness professionals to integrate microdosing ethically and effectively while igniting their clients’ innate healing potential. Passionate about building conscious community and sustainable, heart-centered businesses, Kayse helps people discover their true path and purpose through the powerful intersection of holistic healing and microdosing. https://www.microdosingforhealing.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yogi Mueller — former Disney leader, hospitality veteran, professional comedian, and Chief Craftsman of Craft Leadership — has spent over 30 years helping people and organizations sharpen their edge. Through his signature “Sandpaper Learning” approach and the power of G.R.I.T. (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity), Yogi turns good leaders into unforgettable ones with no-fluff, high-impact coaching, workshops, and keynotes. He joins us to share real-world stories from the Disney trenches, hilarious lessons from the comedy stage, and practical tools you can use right now to build stronger teams and unlock the hidden potential in yourself and your people. If you’re ready for leadership that actually sticks, this conversation is for you. https://craftleadership.net/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becca Eve Young was living the “perfect” scripted life — successful corporate career, marriage, the whole checklist — until it all came crashing down. In her raw, hilarious, and deeply honest memoir It’s Gonna Get Messy, she shares the unfiltered true story of losing her best friend, her marriage, her job, and nearly everything else… and how those very messes led her to the most alive, authentic version of herself. Now a conscious guide and storyteller, Becca joins us to talk about what happens when you stop performing for society’s script and finally start living your truth. If you’ve ever felt stuck, broken, or ready for a reinvention, this conversation is for you. https://www.beccaeveyoung.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT JEFF DUNHAM AND THE CARS THAT DROVE US Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will share his passion for cars along with his longtime pals Peanut, Walter, and Bubba J in Discovery's upcoming docuseries "Jeff Dunham's The Cars That Drove Us," premiering on March 31. The eight-episode series takes viewers on an entertaining nostalgic ride through the incredible history of automobiles, including the Batmobile and the DeLorean from Back to the Future. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on the Humvee episode. Jeff will also take viewers into his garage to showcase his personal collection of 130 legendary cars. *Jeff has the distinction of holding the Guinness Book of World Records for Most Tickets Sold for a Comedy Tour *Has 22.2 million+ followers across Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and X *Is touring across the U.S. in his Still Not Canceled comedy show Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBwuyK1wJb0&t=145s Here is the episode featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger on Humvees: https://app.mediasilo.com/review/698e299ad558392973bcc8d8e See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ALEXIA JAYY IS CROWNED SEASON 29 VOICE WINNER The very first The Voice: Battle of Champions winner has been crowned with Coach Adam Levine and his Artist Alexia Jayy wowing the audience of The Voice. A standout going back to the Blind Auditions when she earned the first Triple Chair Turn of the season and brought her son Matthew on stage to celebrate, Jayy proceeded to just get more and more confident each week until she landed her critical trio of Finale song performances. On the red carpet at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Hollywood on April 14, Jayy and Levine reunited to celebrate their win publicly for the first time. She shared with NBC Insider that while the Finale was pre-recorded, she kept her victory a secret, even from her son! "You know what? He was actually watching tonight, so he just found out," Jayy shared, laughing. "I go home for the weekend and we're going to throw a big party." With this win, Levine is now tied with fellow Battle of Champions Coach Kelly Clarkson. "It's fun to win," Levine told NBC Insider with a smile. "I think that I needed to take the break I took and when I came back it was really fun and easy. It's been fun. I don't know whatever it is but I hope it keeps on working for me." While Levine was able to keep Jayy on his team all season long, the Maroon 5 frontman admitted to NBC Insider aside from that, he can't take much credit for her win. "I don't say that just to be humble," Levine said. "She was so calm. I didn't need to tell her much. I mean, there were little moments where she would be nervous and she's like, 'How do I get out of my head?' And I'm like, 'Just keep doing what you're doing. Don't worry about winning because that's not something you should concern yourself with. You should just do your best and see where it takes you.' But most of the time, she was always game-ready and so I was really just her biggest cheerleader." And Jayy said Levine's words were exactly what she needed to hear all season long. "I like things to be perfect so I was in my head," she said of her nerves. "And so for him to tell me, 'Hey, we all are all in our heads, but you're going to go out there and you're going to kill it. Tell yourself that and you'll be fine.' He was in my head like, just get out there and love singing." There was no shortage of incredible Alexia Jayy performances all season long, but when asked what song made her feel like she accomplished everything she intended, she said it was her interpretation of Adele's "One and Only" in the Finale. That was also the song that brought all three Coaches to tears. "To be able to touch three people who have touched the world tremendously is amazing," she said of their reaction. "I'm blessed." As for what made that song came out so right, Jayy said: "Before I got on stage to sing 'One and Only,' I prayed a prayer and I asked God, 'I really want to be present. [Usually], I'm never really present because I'm always trying to make sure everything is perfect. So I asked God to let me be present in this moment and he allowed me to be present and that's why those tears came down because I was just so proud of myself. I've been singing since I was 2 years old and I finally got on this big stage and I'm just singing my heart out." Looking into the future for Jayy, Levine said she has a great career ahead of her. "I think she can do whatever she wants," he said with admiration. "She's a soul singer in her DNA. When you think of Alexia you think of the Arethas of the world, the Lauren Hills of the world. She's got a big voice so the potential is kind of limitless for her." "I'm excited to see how it unfolds for her," Levine added. "But man, I'm a huge fan of hers." Right now, Jayy revealed that she's already released a new original single "Rent Free," available wherever you listen to music. And as for the broader future, she said, "I'm just going to keep putting out more music. I am going to get on those big stages, as many as I possibly...

At 97 years young, former teacher and education advocate Cynthia Schumacher is proving it’s never too late to share your stories with the world. After a 33-year career shaping young minds, followed by years of advocacy, she turned to writing—first publishing three children’s books and seven poetry collections. Now she’s releasing Prose Pizza, her debut collection of nine short stories written 60 years ago and finally seeing the light of day. With warmth, wisdom, and a quietly incisive eye, Schumacher peels back the layers of ordinary lives to reveal hidden desires, quiet rebellions, shifting identities, and the unexpected moments that reorient everything. Using the metaphor of pizza “slices,” these charming, thoughtful stories explore marriage, aging, social expectations, and the extraordinary that lives just beneath the surface of everyday people. As Book Trib writes: “This is a collection that invites reflection, rewards attention and lingers pleasantly, like a meal shared with good company.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Whaley brings over 40 years of ministry experience to every conversation, including 21 years as a pastor. He currently serves as Chief of Staff for Prayer at the Heart and as Senior North American Pioneer and Executive Pioneer for The Rooftop International. A passionate teacher of the Word and advocate for united prayer, John previously led a city-wide Pastors Prayer Movement in Alabama that united leaders across denominational lines. He now serves on the National Prayer Committee in the United States and has preached the Gospel throughout the U.S. and in countries including Romania, Germany, France, Poland, Austria, South Africa, and South Korea. John’s deepest burden is to see every local church awakened to the priority of prayer, the passion of the Father, and the power of the Gospel. He longs for pastors in every city to pray and labor together as one, and for believers to step beyond the walls of their buildings to transform their cities with the Gospel and make disciples who make disciples. John is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and lives in Hickory, North Carolina, with his family. Prayer at the Heart is a national prayer movement dedicated to igniting spiritual awakening in America through unified, humble, and biblically grounded prayer. Their bold mission is simple yet powerful: “One Million Praying. One Million Saved. 50 Days. One God.” The organization is mobilizing 1 million Christians to pray specifically for 1 million Americans to come to faith in Jesus Christ. This 50-day focused prayer campaign runs from Passover to Pentecost (April 5 – May 24, 2026) and builds toward the America 250 National Prayer Initiative — coordinated public prayer gatherings in all 50 states on July 4, 2026, as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday. At its core, Prayer at the Heart calls the Church back to the heart of God through repentance, renewed passion for prayer, and bold witness. Rooted in 2 Chronicles 7:14, the movement emphasizes that real cultural and spiritual change begins when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. Rather than top-down programs, PATH focuses on grassroots activation — everyday believers praying for friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, while churches open their doors and leaders unite across denominational lines for city-wide and nationwide prayer. The initiative was piloted in Northeast Ohio and is now scaling nationally. It equips participants with free prayer guides, trains state and county representatives, and encourages visible prayer in public spaces such as campuses, workplaces, neighborhoods, and city halls. Leadership includes: Dr. P. Douglas SmallGarry BryantJohn Whaley The movement is proudly endorsed by Dr. Franklin Graham and Dr. Ronnie Floyd. Individuals and churches can get involved by: In short, Prayer at the Heart believes that if America returns to prayer, God will return in power — and they are calling believers to be part of that historic move right now. https://prayerattheheart.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful interview, Jay Campbell — 5x international bestselling author, world-renowned biohacker, peptide expert, and co-founder of BioLongevity Labs — shares his no-BS blueprint for achieving peak physical, mental, and spiritual performance at any age. At 55, Jay (along with his wife Monica) looks and feels decades younger by strategically using therapeutic peptides, hormone optimization (including TRT), bioregulators, and advanced longevity protocols. He breaks down exactly how these tools work, why they’re the future of medicine, and how you can use them to lose fat, build muscle, reverse aging, boost energy, and raise your consciousness — all while ditching the broken traditional medical system. Whether you’re struggling with low testosterone, stubborn fat, chronic fatigue, or simply want to live at the highest level possible, this conversation delivers actionable, cutting-edge strategies you won’t hear anywhere else. Jay also discusses: • His top peptide stacks for healing, fat loss & performance • The truth about GLP-1s, bioregulators & hormone therapy • How to become the “scientist of your own body” • Raising human vibration while optimizing biology If you’re ready to take full control of your health and unlock your body’s full potential, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. 🔗 Learn more & get Jay’s free resources at https://jaycampbell.com/ Subscribe for daily optimization tips and never miss an update. #Peptides #HormoneOptimization #Biohacking #Longevity #TRT #JayCampbell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucas West, 20 Team Legend Hometown: Rochester, NY Resident: Fairport, NY Raised in a bilingual household, Lucas developed a deep connection to his German heritage, inspired by his Opa, a renowned opera singer, and guided by his mom, a music teacher and clarinetist, who helped him explore piano, trombone, jazz, classical and musical theater. Lucas discovered pop and rock through his dad's iPod, absorbing artists from Aerosmith to Elton John, which shaped his love for storytelling and performance. A jazz studies major at SUNY Fredonia, Lucas performs in multiple ensembles, fronts his own band and shares his music online. His performances blend classical training with pop sensibility, emphasizing powerhouse vocals and engaging piano-driven shows. Beyond music, he balances work at his dad's brewery at home and the fitness center at school, using bodybuilding and discipline to support his focus and mental health. For Lucas, "The Voice" is a chance to honor his family's legacy, showcase his unique sound and share his lifelong passion for music with the world. Blind Audition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCrXpx-HTU Battle Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRuRue3rOjM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexia Jayy, 31 Team Adam Hometown: Irvington, AL Resident: Mobile, AL A self-proclaimed "old soul," Alexia Jayy has been chasing her dream since she was 2. Inspired by icons such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, she grew up performing - from her first solo at the Apollo at 5 to recording her own original music as an adult. Alexia's signature, accessory-adorned Afro has become a joyful extension of her personality and artistry. Life hasn't been without challenges, though. A single mother at 21, Alexia balanced raising her son, Matthew, with pursuing music, even writing her first single, "Who Raised You," in his honor. She later welcomed her daughter, Harmony, while continuing to perform, record and build a following online. Supported by her partner, David, and her mother, Michelle, Alexia juggles family, music and faith, proving that perseverance, passion and love can turn obstacles into opportunity. Blind Audition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYo7dYGQT30 Battle Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULaDNo8dzi0 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antonina Samoilova – the FIRST Ukrainian woman to summit Mount Everest THREE times and the world’s five highest mountains – shares her unbelievable journey of courage, resilience, and peak performance mindset. From conquering Everest + Lhotse in a single day to capturing the first-ever drone footage from the top of Everest (100+ million views), Antonina teaches the “SUMMIT MENTALITY” that turns impossible challenges into breakthroughs – in mountaineering, business, and life. Antonina Samoilova is a world-record-breaking Ukrainian mountaineer, entrepreneur, TV & radio host, and global motivational speaker. She is among the top 10 women in the world to summit Mount Everest three times and the only Ukrainian woman to achieve this feat (2022–2024). Antonina made history as the first to summit the world’s five highest mountains and became the first woman to climb both Everest and Lhotse (8,000m+) in a single day in 2024. On a mission to complete all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, Antonina empowers women worldwide through her “Summit Mentality” philosophy. She proves that the greatest obstacles are built in the mind — and that the decision to continue is what ultimately defines success. Through courage, resilience, and unwavering determination, she inspires people everywhere to break their own limits in life, leadership, and high performance. https://www.antoninasamoilova.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Tarnoff is an executive career transition coach, speaker, and bestselling author who specializes in helping mid-career and late-career professionals reinvent themselves and build meaningful, sustainable second-act careers. A 40-year veteran of the Hollywood entertainment industry as a film producer and studio executive (including time at DreamWorks Animation), John was fired nearly 39% of the time during his career. These repeated setbacks taught him how to turn adversity into powerful opportunities for reinvention. At age 50, he earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and completely transformed his own path to now guide others through the same journey. He is the author of the book Boomer Reinvention: How to Create Your Dream Career Over 50. John helps professionals over 50 defy ageism, move past burnout or career stagnation, and design bold, purpose-driven next chapters aligned with their values and talents. Learn more at https://johntarnoff.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom French is a senior partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company and a lifelong mountaineer and cross-country skier. After four decades in the high-pressure corporate world, he retired at the end of 2019 and decided to take “gap years” to rediscover the passions of his youth. What started as one year quickly turned into three extraordinary years of adventure and self-discovery. He rebuilt his athletic strength, competed in demanding cross-country ski marathons, and completed two epic expeditions to Mount Everest — one dramatically interrupted by a cyclone and a harrowing blizzard descent down the Lhotse Face, and another where he became the first climber ever to approach the mountain through the remote Makalu Barun region, summiting on a moonlit night. In his inspiring new book, The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back, Tom shares a powerful story about the joy found in wild places, the power of endurance, and the profound renewal that comes from reconnecting with what truly lights you up — proving it’s never too late to step away from burnout and expectations to create a bold, purpose-filled next chapter. Learn more about the book here: https://brandeisuniversitypress.com/title/the-gap-years-climbing-skiing-and-the-journey-back/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.