What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What happens when life throws you across the globe, shatters your expectations, and tests your resilience as a mother? Cross-cultural expert Maria Garaitonandia reveals how a chaotic upbringing as a "third culture kid" became her secret weapon for navigating sudden medical tragedies, surviving life as a solo entrepreneur, and mastering the unspoken rules of global communication. If you’re interested in: Customer service trends and the human connection versus automation. The immigrant experience and fleeing Cuba during the Bay of Pigs. Growing up as an expatriate in Italy, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The psychology, adaptability, and emotional detachment of "third culture kids." Balancing single motherhood, divorce, and international relocation. Navigating severe childhood epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and vagus nerve stimulators. Cross-cultural training for corporate executives relocating to foreign environments. Cultural communication differences, specifically blunt phrasing versus relationship-based interactions. The harsh realities and distinct freedoms of 100% commission entrepreneurship. The unique history of the Basque language and Cuban immigration at the turn of the 20th century. You’ll want to watch this episode. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: YouTube: https://youtu.be/FZDatftHkqg Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH MARIA GARAITONANDIA Webpage: https://www.mariagaraitonandia.com/http://www.globalbridgestraining.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariagaraitonandia/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariagaraitonandia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariagaraitonandia Book Untangling Communication: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP8C7HRS CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

In this lively and unfiltered episode, Jaime and Stan sit down with LaKeesha Hines. LaKeesha is a certified professional life coach and sex counsellor. She shares her journey from working as a school counsellor to realising that helping adults is the key to creating healthy families. The conversation covers the importance of stepping outside for a mental reset , breaking generational cycles of poor communication , and navigating the five love languages to avoid relationship disconnects. LaKeesha also introduces her conversation cards called The Bedroom Switch. These cards are designed to help couples communicate more openly. If you’re interested in: How taking a simple step outside can instantly boost your mood and reset your day. The transition from school counselling to professional life coaching and sex therapy. Why understanding your partner's love language is crucial for a healthy relationship. Tools to spark honest and open communication in the bedroom. How childhood experiences and family dynamics shape our adult communication styles. You’ll want to watch this episode. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan YouTube: https://youtu.be/mXsUTikXrt4 CONNECT WITH LAKEESHA HINES Website: https://www.lakeeshahines.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirestarterCS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fire_starter_cs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeesha-hines-04687616b CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

In today's episode, Jamie and Stan sit down with the incredible Joyce Wietrecki. Joyce shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in Chicago to becoming a powerhouse in corporate leadership and training. She opens up about overcoming unimaginable personal loss, the undeniable power of visualising your goals, and her current mission to equip the next generation with essential life skills. If you need a reminder that you can turn setbacks into stepping stones, this episode is exactly what you need to hear. If you’re interested in: Finding resilience and overcoming unimaginable personal loss at a young age. Using goal setting and dream books to create your own success. Building corporate training and leadership development departments from scratch. Practical strategies for engaging employees and catching them doing successful things. How to empower the next generation with essential life and interview skills. You’ll want to watch this episode. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube: https://youtu.be/NCehoQNMfNo Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH JOYCE LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/joycewietrecki CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

We are thrilled to be part of the fourth annual Podcasthon, a week where thousands of podcasts highlight a charity of their choice. Today, we welcome the Every Cat Health Foundation to discuss their 60-year mission dedicated to feline health research. From the groundbreaking discovery of taurine in cat diets to modern genetic studies, this organization is the only one in the world solely focused on funding research for every cat, everywhere. In this episode, we explore the fascinating biology of cats—sharing 95.6% of their DNA with tigers—and bust common myths about their health and behaviour. Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or a new pet parent, you'll learn how this global research translates into better care for your feline family members. If you’re interested in: Life-saving veterinary research that helps cats live longer, healthier lives. The "Small Dog" Myth and why cats need unique medical attention. Genetic predispositions in popular breeds like Maine Coons. Supporting global charities through initiatives like Podcasthon. You’ll want to watch this episode. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST You Tube: https://youtu.be/u7PZfcLD5Z8 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH EVERYCAThttps://everycat.org/https://www.facebook.com/EveryCatHealthhttps://www.instagram.com/everycathealth/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6-jPgpyYO1nodYvmTmkpQhttps://x.com/everycathealth CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

Have you ever wondered what it takes to leave a lucrative finance career in London for a life dedicated to giving back? In this episode, Jaime and Stan sit down with Christopher Hill, the innovative founder of Hands Up Holidays and Impact Destinations. Chris shares his incredible global journey from New Zealand to Australia, London, and Canada, and how a life-changing volunteer building trip in South Africa inspired him to completely redefine family travel. Discover how you can seamlessly blend high-end sightseeing with meaningful community projects, from building homes to wildlife conservation, and learn how one person's vision is making a worldwide impact. If you're interested in: Finding out how to combine high-end family holidays with meaningful volunteer work. Hearing the story of a major career pivot from investment banking to global philanthropy. Learning about tailored travel experiences like relocating rhinos in South Africa or building accessible bathrooms in Bali. Discovering how to instil a sense of gratitude and global awareness in your children through travel. A fun chat about mixed accents, living globally, and navigating the wild world of entrepreneurship. You'll want to watch this episode. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST YouTube: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

What kind of nine-year-old watches The Paper Chase and thinks, “Yes. I want to be that lawyer.” Meet Lex Rosenberg — better known as Litigation Lex. Before the TV appearances. Before the high-profile trials. Before the national commentary… There was a little girl navigating her parents’ divorce, managing the emotional weight of a father’s fragile health, working after-school jobs — and quietly mapping out her future with bold precision. This episode is part origin story, part masterclass in resilience, and part behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a life (and career) on your own terms. And yes… we talk Johnny Depp. 👀 If you’re interested in: The real story behind becoming a national legal commentator How childhood instability can create unstoppable drive Pivoting your career without losing momentum What business owners don’t know about legal risk High-profile trials and what actually happens behind the scenes Balancing motherhood, marriage, and ambition Why fighting the universe rarely works You’ll want to listen to this episode. From Law Firm to National Commentary Lex has appeared on major legal platforms breaking down trending cases in language real people can understand. We talk about: The Johnny Depp trial The Karen Read case And what it’s really like to analyze high-profile cases in real time Her secret? Break it down. Drop the legal ego. Speak human. The CEO’s Legal Playbook After 25+ years in business litigation, Lex created a course designed to help business owners spot legal issues before they become lawsuits. Because the most expensive lawsuit… Is the one you didn’t see coming. A Few Moments You’ll Remember “People pay me to fix things. My son told me sometimes he just wants me to listen.” “Even if you’re 100% right, it might not be in your business’s best interest to litigate.” “I envisioned my life at nine. Maybe it was control. Maybe it was destiny.” LISTEN AND WATCH THE PODCAST YouTube: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

He drowned in a cave… and says it wasn’t his time. Meet Lex Waters — marine biologist, high school science teacher of 46 years, scuba instructor, and a man who experienced what he believes was a true near-death encounter deep underwater. Before he became a beloved educator and mentor, Lex made a diving mistake that nearly cost him his life. Trapped in a pitch-black underwater cave with almost no air left, he describes an out-of-body experience, a tunnel, voices welcoming him — and a message that sent him back. “It’s not his time yet.” From that moment on, every day has been a 10. In this powerful and unexpectedly funny conversation, Lex shares how growing up as the son of a Navy fighter pilot built resilience, how curiosity shaped his teaching philosophy, why he believes in always answering students’ questions, and how surviving that dive permanently changed his outlook on life. This episode blends adventure, faith, science, mentorship, and second chances — with a few treasure-hunting detours along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you almost don’t make it… this conversation will stay with you. In This Episode, We Cover: • The near-death cave diving experience that changed everything • What it felt like to run out of air at 80+ feet underwater • The out-of-body experience and “not his time yet” moment • Growing up as the son of a WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Navy pilot • Moving coast-to-coast every two years and building resilience • 46 years teaching high school science and marine biology • Why great teachers must be “subject area masters” • Encouraging curiosity instead of shutting down questions • The dangers of cave diving and real-life recovery stories • Meeting treasure hunter Mel Fisher before the Atocha discovery • Coral reef restoration efforts and supporting marine conservation • Why Lex wakes up every day and calls it a 10 This Episode Is For You If You’re Interested In: Near-death experience stories Scuba diving survival stories Cave diving risks and lessons Marine biology careers Long-term teaching impact stories Resilience built through adversity Faith after survival experiences Treasure hunting history Living life with gratitude Memorable Quotes “Every day I wake up, it’s a 10.” “I didn’t know enough to know how bad the situation was.” “I promise I won’t cuss, I won’t lie — just get me out of here.” “Don’t take yourself too seriously.” “You’d be amazed what you can do when you think you’re going to die.” “It’s just not his time yet.” LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

Meet Dr. Joseph Dituri (aka "Dr. Deep Sea"), the man who lived underwater for 100 days and came back younger. Yes, you read that right. A retired Navy Commander and biomedical engineer, Joe didn't just break a world record; he used the ocean's pressure to heal his own Traumatic Brain Injury and reverse his biological age by 20 years. In this mind-blowing conversation, Joe shares his incredible journey from the military to the bottom of the ocean, explaining how hyperbaric medicine, mindset, and his "GAMPS" method can help anyone live a longer, healthier life. Plus, find out why he believes everything happens for you, not to you.If you’re interested in:Biohacking secrets to reverse aging and lengthen telomeresNatural remedies for curing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)The science behind hyperbaric oxygen therapyWild stories from 28 years in the Navy and living underwaterHow to build an unbreakable mindset and gratitude practiceThe "GAMPS" formula: Gym, Autophagy, Mindset, Hydration, Sunlight/SleepYou’ll want to watch this episode.LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stanCONNECT WITH DR JOSEPH DITURIInstagram: DrDeepSeaTikTok: DrDituriX: DrDeepSeaCONNECT WITH THE PODCAST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of What’s Your Story with Jaime & Stan, we sit down with Alan Goldberg, a retired pharmacist and drug safety expert whose life story is nothing short of extraordinary. After surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the 1980s, septic shock, and open-heart surgery that left him in a three-week coma, Alan shares what it’s like to come face-to-face with mortality — and still find humor, purpose, and resilience. Alan also pulls back the curtain on the world of pharmacovigilance, explaining how adverse drug reactions are reported, how drug labels change over time, and the surprising stories behind medications like Viagra and Rogaine. This conversation is about survival, science, perspective, and the human will to live. If you’re interested in:- Coma survivor stories - Near-death experiences - Hodgkin’s lymphoma survival - Drug safety and pharmacovigilance - Pharmacy career stories - Open-heart surgery recovery - Resilience and inspiration You’ll want to watch this episode. LISTEN AND WATCH THE PODCAST YouTube: https://youtu.be/-TlQo5vHKpoApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan CONNECT WITH THE PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco Website: https://www.jaimemarco.com Got feedback or a guest recommendation? Email: [email protected]

In this powerful episode, Jaime and Stan sit down with Chris Kiblin, a man who defines resilience. From scrubbing floors at age 11 in Baltimore to building a career in the mortgage industry, Chris has always had hustle in his DNA. But his greatest challenge wasn't in business—it was a fight for his life. Chris opens up about his harrowing battle with acute pneumonia that left him in a five-day coma and facing his own mortality. He shares how this experience, alongside a struggle with depression, reshaped his perspective on life, faith, and the importance of giving back to his community.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Early Hustle: Growing up in Baltimore and learning the value of work by scrubbing floors at age 11 to buy a fish tank.Military & Early Family Life: Serving in the Army Reserves and becoming a father at age 21.Career Pivots: Moving from door-to-door insurance sales to retail banking and eventually finding his stride in the mortgage industry.A Brush with Death: The terrifying timeline of January 2024, from deep depression to waking up from a coma with nerve damage and a new lease on life.Finding Purpose: How surviving changed his outlook, leading him to support charities like Sertoma Kids and 40 Carrots.Overcoming Darkness: A candid discussion on battling depression, the isolation of recovery, and pulling oneself out of the "black hole".MEMORABLE QUOTES"I learned at a very young age that if you want anything in life, if you wanted it bad enough, then you figure out how to make it work.""I missed dying right that night... If I would have waited another day, my right lung would have been completely full. I would have drowned in my own fluid.""I’m living the life that I have right now... I want to do as much as I can, and be a part as much as I can.""I grew up in a family that you don't show emotions... you just kind of buried it."------------------------------------------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/zdN08_SnBcQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stanConnect with Chris KiblinLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kiblin-616b4bbbWebsite: www.suitedwarrior.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/suitedwarriorFacebook: www.facebook.com/christopher.kiblinIf this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Chris’s.Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

Join Jamie and Stan as they welcome Ron Frost—author, speaker, and adventurer—who proves that life doesn't have to be a straight line. Ron shares his journey from a stifling engineering job to finding his groove in sales, only to hit a "quarter-life crisis" where he lost his business, house, and relationship. He opens up about how the passing of his brother inspired him to stop waiting and start living, leading to a solo 67-day bicycle trip across the US on a vintage Schwinn. From "Internal Intelligence" to the power of gratitude, this episode is a guide to getting unstuck and moving forward.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Shift: Moving from a serious, analytical engineering role to the connection of sales and the outdoors.Rock Bottom: Losing everything in his late 20s and how it became a moment of mental clarity and rebuilding.The Catalyst: How the passing of his adventurous brother shifted Ron's perspective on life and time.The Big Ride: Cycling solo from D.C. to Santa Monica without a support team or extensive training.Internal Intelligence (I-I): Tapping into your intuition and the "claires" (clairvoyance, clairsentience) to navigate life.Grounding: The importance of disconnecting from the "Wi-Fi soup" and reconnecting with nature.Upcoming Adventures: Ron's invitation to ride the path of Gandhi’s Salt March in India.MEMORABLE QUOTES"I would say I learned probably more from failure than from success.""You don't know what you don't know until you move... Life is still moving forward. Why not move forward with it?" -----------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/XJJpoTURgIEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan Connect with Ron Frost:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronfrost/Website: http://www.ronaldfrost.com/Ron’s Books: https://ronaldfrost.com/books/Free copy of the 21-Day Gratitude Experiment - https://ronaldfrost.com/gratitude/If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Ron’s. Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

In this heartfelt and energizing episode, Jaime and Stan sit down with Keith Greiveldinger — a footwear executive, father of three, and creator of the Win It Minute. Keith shares how growing up in a tight-knit Wisconsin family shaped his values, how career pivots took him from small-town life to national brands, and how a life-altering moment with his newborn son redefined everything. This conversation is about mindset, resilience, family, and the intentional work required to stay positive in a noisy world. KEY TOPICS COVEREDGrowing up in a small Wisconsin town with family all on one blockThe power of family values and communityLeaving home for the first time and navigating early career movesWorking in footwear and relocating across the U.S.Earning an MBA alongside NASA engineers and discovering personal strengthsHow long commutes sparked a love for learning through audiobooksBecoming a husband and father of threeHis son’s open-heart surgery and the mindset shift that followedThe origin of Win It Minute and daily intentional positivityTeaching by learning — and learning by teachingManaging stress, noise, and frustration through focus and gratitude MEMORABLE QUOTES“Ignorance is bliss. I just took the next step forward and figured it out.”“There’s a role for everybody in this life.”“What you focus on longest becomes strongest.”“I don’t have to go — I get to go.”“Adversity creates things in us that we wouldn’t get any other way.”-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/zjHccr0_RFAApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan Connect with Keith GreiveldingerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-greiveldinger-mba/Website: https://winitminute.com/ If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Keith’s.Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

In this high-energy and insight-packed episode, we sit down with Caitlin Gardner—PR powerhouse, storyteller, speaker, and founder of Blooming Communications. From reading morning announcements as a third grader in Miami to leading national brands, teaching at the University of Florida, and launching her own business, Caitlin’s story is a masterclass in curiosity, courage, and intentional growth. Along the way, she opens up about motherhood, career pivots, crisis communication, failing forward, and why success today looks like calm confidence, not just titles. If you’ve ever wondered how to build credibility, trust your voice, and say yes with zest, this one’s for you.KEY TOPICS COVEREDGrowing up in Miami and discovering a love for storytelling early Becoming a teen journalist and studying PR at the University of Florida Transitioning from journalism dreams to behind-the-scenes storytelling Early career lessons in crisis communications and brand reputation Navigating career pivots through hospitality, travel, and corporate leadership Moving across the country for career growth—and Midwest winters Working with National Geographic Expeditions and traveling the world Launching Blooming Communications and becoming an entrepreneur Motherhood, mental health, and asking for help Building a “reputation bank account” and preparing for crises Teaching kids calm confidence and communication skills Defining success as peace, presence, and purpose Living by the mantra: Say yes with zestMEMORABLE QUOTES“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”“I’m swimming in the same sea—but I’ve taken a lot of twists and turns.”“Build your reputation bank account before you need to make a withdrawal.”“If it’s not a yes with zest, it’s a no thank you.”“Failure just means you’re one step closer to your yes.” Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZX6bfiFqanMApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan Connect with Caitlin Gardner:Personal Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlingardnerpr/Blooming Communications Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blooming-communications/Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caitlingardnerpr/Blooming Communications Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bloomingcomms/Blooming Communications Website - https://bloomingcomm.com/If this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Caitlin's. Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

In this reflective and refreshingly real episode, Jaime Marco and her dad Stan Brown kick off 2026 with humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of perspective. From why New Year’s resolutions rarely stick, to the power of daily micro-intentions, this father-daughter duo explores how showing up just slightly better each day can lead to massive change. With stories of travel, books, bad days, goldfish memories, and a few laugh-out-loud moments, this episode is a reminder that life isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, presence, and being real (not reel).KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhy New Year’s resolutions don’t work (and what to do instead)Setting daily intentions instead of massive goalsThe power of micro-moves: raising your “number” by just 0.25Social media, comparison, and protecting mental healthBeing real vs. living life on a reelGratitude, resilience, and allowing space for bad daysTravel plans, book launches, and unfunking the worldWhy everyone has a story worth sharingThe goldfish mindset: letting go and moving forwardMEMORABLE QUOTES“Just take one day at a time. We don’t need huge, massive goals.”“I want to be real — R-E-A-L — not reel.”“Without the bad days, you wouldn’t have the good days.”“Be a goldfish. Don’t carry it forward.”“Everybody has their own story and their own path.” --------------------------------------------------------------Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/GjoJzCm6jxMApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGet your copy of Unfunkt™: https://www.amazon.com/UnFunkt-Quiet-Noise-Ignite-Light/dp/B0G44QV32NGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]

In this candid, curious, and laugh-filled episode, we sit down with Heidi Schild — longtime caregiver, accidental entrepreneur, and passionate plant-based home cook. Heidi shares her journey from growing up in Ohio, navigating early careers in fashion retail and banking, supporting her husband’s medical practice, and eventually reinventing her relationship with food and health.What begins as a conversation about tofu quickly becomes a powerful story about intentional living, family, curiosity, and choosing progress over perfection. From Veganuary experiments to teaching cooking classes in her home, Heidi reminds us that transformation doesn’t require extremes — just awareness, consistency, and a sense of humor. KEY TOPICS COVEREDGrowing up in Ohio and forging an independent pathEarly careers in retail, banking, and nonprofit workMarriage, motherhood, and supporting a medical careerDiscovering plant-based living through VeganuaryThe difference between vegan and whole-food plant-based eatingHealth, family history, and lifestyle-driven preventionBuilding confidence in the kitchen (hello, tofu!)Teaching others through Heidi Cooks and home cooking classesFood allergies, flexibility, and feeding a family with careProgress over perfection — in food and in lifeMEMORABLE QUOTES“Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.”“Instead of saying you can’t give something up, try adding better things in.”“Progress, not perfection.”“What you eat becomes you.” Where to listen & watch:YouTube: https://youtu.be/4TIhW2ejo0UApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story/id1768048076Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tYAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan Connect with Heidi Schild:Instagram: heidicooksplantsIf this episode helped you rethink what success looks like, subscribe, rate, and review our podcast! Your support helps us share more powerful stories like Heidi’s. Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarcoWebsite: https://www.jaimemarco.comGot feedback or a guest recommendation? Email us at [email protected]