In this episode of Forever Forward, I sit down with Deke Copenhaver - author of The Changemaker, former mayor of Augusta, Georgia, and a passionate advocate for purpose-driven leadership. We explore the core ideas from his book, including how to lead with authenticity, create positive change, and build stronger communities in a divided world.
Deke shares candid insights on:
- The principles of changemaking
- How to build genuine connection in an age of isolation
- The power of servant leadership in business, politics, and daily life
n this episode of Forever Forward, I sit down with Kevin Fagundes - founder of Red Waves Media and co-founder of studio2U - to explore what it takes to craft powerful stories at major conferences, tech events, and beyond. Kevin shares insights on building a creative business, working with global brands, and how great storytelling connects audiences in an age of AI and noise.We cover his journey from college dropout to entrepreneur, the lessons he’s learned working with clients like Anheuser-Busch, Tyreek Hill’s Soul Runner, Google, and CrewAI, and his philosophy on creating content that actually resonates.
In this episode of Forever Forward, I sit down with life coach and former lawyer Tara Simkins to explore how life coaching can help you navigate personal growth, career transitions, and emotional roadblocks. We dive into the difference between therapy and coaching, and why having someone who believes in your potential — like a quarterback coach for your life — can change everything.Tara shares insights on overcoming burnout, dealing with high-achiever pressure, and finding fulfillment beyond external success. We discuss the Hero’s Journey, the evolution of purpose and identity, and themes from Arthur Brooks’ Strength to Strength. Whether you're navigating change, feeling stuck, or searching for deeper meaning, this conversation will hopefully offer clarity and encouragement.
Author and advocate Turner Simkins shares his family’s journey through his son Brennan’s battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as chronicled in his memoir Possibilities. Turner discusses faith, hope, resilience, and the founding of the Press On Fund, which has raised millions for pediatric cancer research.
Why do Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z see the world so differently? In this episode, Lynn Barger Elliott dives into generational theory — exploring how cycles of history shape attitudes, values, and behaviors across time. From culture wars to economic outlooks, Lynn unpacks the hidden patterns that explain generational clashes, social change, and what might be coming next.
Jack Tomlinson joins Forever Forward to discuss his excitement for Love on the Spectrum Season 3, which just released on Netflix. Jack also discusses the future plans for his brand, Unify, which is linked below: https://unifyclo.com/
Al Danza shares his experience suffering a spinal cord injury as an adult. Al also shares tips for building relationships in business, as well as stories from his recovery journey.
NYPD Veteran Vin Scotto shares stories from his career in the New York City Police Department. Vin also reflects on his journey with mental health, how to become resilient, and what makes a good leader.
Craig Wishart shares his experiences providing disaster and humanitarian relief to affected people in conflict zones around the globe.
Millionaire entrepreneur Joe Potenza shares the never-before-told story of how he went from $200k in debt to becoming a millionaire by the age of 27. Joe shares his best mindset frames, his thoughts on succeeding in business, his religious convictions, and more on this episode of Forever Forward.
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Daniel Ebert, Financial Advisor, shares how you can financially optimize your life with simple saving and investing tips.
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Andrew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrewholmesfit/
Andrew Holmes, Personal Trainer, shares how fitness can transform everything about your life. Andrew shares workout guidance, nutrition tips, mental frameworks, and more.
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Ryan's Coaching Business: https://fortitude.coach/
Ryan Ford, Certified Mental Performance Consultant, shares ways that we can de-stress, dive into the present moment, and ultimately perform at our best by leveraging mental fitness exercises.
Betsy Hicks-Russ shares her journey raising her son Joey, who is autistic and non-verbal. Joey began communicating with a spell board as an adult, which has allowed him and his mom to have full conversations for the first time ever.
Rudy Lechuga shares his experience becoming and serving as a United States Marine. Rudy discusses his motivations for joining the military, the challenges of boot camp, the role of drill instructors, and the importance of camaraderie among service members. Rudy reflects on his experiences in the infantry, the bonds formed during training, and the personal growth he achieved through his military service. This conversation also explores the challenges faced by military veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life, the desire for deployment among service members, and the life lessons learned from military experiences. Please rate the show if you enjoyed, and be sure to follow! Forever Forward highlights subject matter experts and unique life stories every week. Follow on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/3aTuiiqFytLudB4CkQ993j Follow on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-forward/id1746578295 Follow on Instagram! https://instagram.com/foreverforwardpod E-Mail: foreverforwardpod@gmail.com
How do you set worthwhile goals? Are you setting goals for yourself, or on behalf of others? Can you be content with yourself while in pursuit of a lofty goal? In this episode of Forever Forward, Mike and Manny attempt to answer those questions and more. Here's to 2025.
Please consider rating the show if you enjoyed, and be sure to follow! Forever Forward highlights subject matter experts and unique life stories every week.
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E-Mail: foreverforwardpod@gmail.com
One year ago today, I made a decision that changed my life forever.
Starting (and truly committing to building) the Forever Forward Podcast was the hardest, scariest, most challenging thing I've ever done - and it was the best decision I've ever made.
If you've supported me in any way, thank you for believing in me and in this. So much to come in 2025.
Please hit the like button if you enjoyed, and be sure to follow! Forever Forward highlights subject matter experts and unique life stories every week.
Follow on Instagram! https://instagram.com/foreverforwardpod
E-Mail: foreverforwardpod@gmail.com
00:00 - Intro, Origins of Forever Forward
02:02 - What a Year it's Been!
03:53 - The Last Time I Saw Snow
09:08 - Challenging Moments in 2024
12:35 - THANK YOU!
This episode examines the concept of a "miracle mindset" and the role of personal narratives in shaping our experiences. The discussion covers the neuroscience of emotional prediction, the impact of storytelling on mindset, and the significance of reframing challenges as opportunities. Insights include lessons from the experiences of the Sudanese Lost Boys and the principles behind the Miracle Year Project, highlighting trust and community as drivers of transformation. The episode offers practical perspectives on purpose, creativity, and navigating personal growth.
Mark's Website: https://markbargerelliott.com/about/ Miracle Year Project: https://miracleyearproject.org/
Please hit the like button if you enjoyed, and be sure to subscribe! Forever Forward highlights subject matter experts and unique life stories every week.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverforwardpod
E-Mail: foreverforwardpod@gmail.com
00:00 - Intro, Important Stories
05:21 - TWO Blue Lobsters, Daily Miracles, Framing Our Impressions
13:32 - Trust, Intuition and Hope
22:05 - Life as a "Story," Navigating the Maze
29:28 - How to feel "better," and your Brain as a "prediction machine"
40:32 - Award-winning film in Sudan, "Lost Boy Home"
49:48 - Miracle Year Project
57:14 - The Adventure of a Lifetime, Lord of the Rings
1:01:25 - Mark's advice to all of us #podcast #foreverforward #podcasts
Lynn Barger Elliott discusses key topics including the complexities of death, the psychological and social challenges of change, generational theory, and the role of community in fostering connection.
Miracle Year Project: https://miracleyearproject.org/
Please hit the like button if you enjoyed, and be sure to subscribe! Forever Forward highlights subject matter experts and unique life stories every week. Subscribers as of December 12, 2024: 875 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aTuiiqFytLudB4CkQ993j
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-forward/id1746578295
Instagram: https://instagram.com/foreverforwardpod
E-Mail: foreverforwardpod@gmail.com
00:00 - Intro, Interest in End-Of-Life
07:11 - Admitting Defeat
09:45 - Should I Be Scared to Die?
10:51 - Why Change is So Hard
18:02 - Teaching at a Prison
24:50 - Generational Theory
28:41 - Miracle Year Project
35:25 - Loneliness and Community
Kristian Mirabile delves into the history of the church, discussing his upbringing in a religious family and the spiritual experiences that shaped his beliefs. Kristian provides an overview of the evolution of Christianity, the significance of miracles, and the objective versus subjective nature of morality. Kristian also explores profound themes surrounding free will, the pursuit of happiness, the nature of suffering, and the relationship between faith and religion. Kristian also touches on modern crises of meaning and purpose, the spiritual implications of extraterrestrial life, and the enduring relevance of faith in a rapidly changing world.
00:00 - Intro, Military Service
05:10 - Bodybuilding Career
09:18 - History of the Church
