What if belonging didn’t end when life does? In this deeply moving episode, host Dea Irby welcomes Holly Lux-Sullivan, founder of Heartwood Death Doula and Bereavement Care and former hospice chaplain, to explore how compassion and presence transform the way we face death—and live life. Holly’s journey from journalism to chaplaincy to death care reveals how courage, humor, and heart can soften fear and strengthen faith in humanity. Discover how being seen, heard, and held in our full humanity—right up to our last breath—reminds us that we all belong.

#HearWhereYouBelong, #HollyLuxSullivan, #DeathDoula, #HospiceCare, #EndOfLifeCare, #GriefSupport, #FaithAndBelonging, #LifeAndDeath, #CommunityOfCare, #BelongingPodcast, #DeaIrby, #HeartwoodDeathDoula, #SpiritualCare, #CompassionInAction, #PodcastCommunity

 What happens when faith meets obedience—and doubt gives way to divine direction? In this episode of Hear Where You Belong, Dea Irby welcomes Dan Parr, publisher of the Easy to Understand Read Bible and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. From his miraculous birth to his mission to simplify Scripture, Dan shares how surrendering to Christ transformed his life. Hear how a calling to record the Bible became a four-year journey of trust, perseverance, and purpose. Dan’s story is a reminder that belonging begins when we surrender—and faith grows when we obey.

#HearWhereYouBelong, #FaithAndBelonging, #RedBible, #ChristianPodcast, #BibleInspiration, #PurposeThroughFaith, #GodsPlan, #ObedienceAndFaith, #ChristianCommunity, #SpiritualGrowth, #SimplifyingScripture, #FaithJourney, #PodcastForBelievers, #DeaIrbyPodcast, #BelongingThroughChrist

At 72, retired attorney and Vietnam combat veteran Rand Timmerman hiked the Appalachian Trail—nearly 1,500 miles of reflection, resilience, and rediscovery. In this episode, he shares his journey through war trauma, sobriety, and the healing power of nature, faith, and service.

What does it mean to belong when your story begins in an orphanage? In this powerful episode of Hear Where You Belong, Pat Welsh shares his extraordinary journey—from being abandoned at three days old in Dublin, Ireland, to adoption, faith, and a 40+ year career as a lawyer, police executive, and criminal justice trainer. Pat opens up about resilience in the face of tragedy, the faith that carried him through losing a son, and the love that has sustained a 45-year marriage. His story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—reminding us that belonging isn’t just about where you start, but the legacy you choose to build.

 From corporate accounting to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Sherrika Sanders shares how faith guided her leap into business, the lessons she learned transforming the “GAAP,” and what belonging means when you’re walking in your calling. Join host Dea Irby for a powerful conversation about courage, identity, and trusting God’s plan—one step of obedience at a time.

#FaithDriven, #Entrepreneurship, #ChristianBusiness, #PurposeDriven, #Belonging, #LeapOfFaith, #WomenInBusiness, #TransformTheGAAP, #PodcastInterview, #FaithAndWork 

In this uplifting episode of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea welcomes author, podcaster, and lifelong entrepreneur Jessica Danel—a woman whose life proves that faith and grit can turn even the hardest chapters into triumph. From her small-town beginnings and personal trauma to reinvention and healing, Jessica’s memoir Bucket List from a Redneck Girl and her Jess Saying with Jessica Danel podcast celebrate courage, motherhood, and the freedom of living your own story. Laugh, reflect, and discover why you already belong—exactly as you are.

From long-haul truckers to lipstick and leadership, Jean MacDonald has built a life of daring reinvention. A communication and business strategist, corporate sales trainer, and author of Be Wild, Be Crazy, Be You, Jean shares how she left a thriving insurance agency to chase joy—and wound up earning ten Mary Kay career cars, including five iconic Pink Cadillacs. In this conversation, Jean reveals how persistence, mentoring, and fearless follow-up create lasting connections, empower women, and turn hidden opportunities into extraordinary legacies.

What does it mean to belong when life takes you across continents, through the military, and into unexpected adventures?

In this episode of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea Irby sits down with Andy Dietrich, first-generation immigrant, U.S. veteran, and author of Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes. Andy shares his journey from Berlin to Alaska, the Marine Corps to Las Vegas, and the lessons learned along the way.

Through humor, mishaps, and heartfelt reflections, Andy explores how belonging is less about where you are and more about how you show up — in friendships, communities, and even in the middle of mistakes. From military service to fraternity life, from blackjack tables to unexpected wisdom from his mom, Andy reminds us that life’s detours can still lead us home.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adventures (and misadventures) into belonging, this episode will make you laugh, think, and see connection in new ways.

#HearWhereYouBelong #BelongingMatters #AndyDietrich #PlayStupidGames #LifeLessons #HumorAndHeart #VeteranVoices #StorytellingPodcast #PersonalGrowthJourney #CommunityAndConnection

In this episode of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea Irby sits down with Christine Sadry—award-winning author, speaker, and fierce advocate for resilience.

Born behind the Iron Curtain in Poland, Christine endured 13 years of silence and hardship before making her way to America at just nine years old. She faced abuse, isolation, and the devastating loss of her family connection—yet through determination, education, and courage, Christine built a life of meaning and service.

Her story spans from her early struggles as a young immigrant, to a career with the United Nations, to her deeply moving memoir, 13 Years Lost, honored with the Literary Titan Gold Award. Today, Christine reminds us all that while pain may shape us, it does not define us.

In this episode of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea Irby sits down with Christine Sadry—award-winning author, speaker, and fierce advocate for resilience.

Born behind the Iron Curtain in Poland, Christine endured 13 years of silence and hardship before making her way to America at just nine years old. She faced abuse, isolation, and the devastating loss of her family connection—yet through determination, education, and courage, Christine built a life of meaning and service.

Her story spans from her early struggles as a young immigrant, to a career with the United Nations, to her deeply moving memoir, 13 Years Lost, honored with the Literary Titan Gold Award. Today, Christine reminds us all that while pain may shape us, it does not define us.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation on resilience, healing, and the power of belonging.

#Resilience, #HealingJourney, #OvercomingTrauma, #FaithAndHope, #FromSilenceToStrength, #FindingBelonging, #GlobalPeace, #CourageToHeal

What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy of impact? In this inspiring episode of Hear Where You Belong, I sit down with Dennis Szymanski, a leader, mentor, and visionary who has dedicated his life to building communities that thrive.

Dennis shares his journey of leadership—both the triumphs and the challenges—and reveals how intentionality, compassion, and belonging have shaped his path. From lessons learned in personal growth to the influence he’s had on countless lives, Dennis invites us to think deeply about how each of us can make a difference.

Whether you’re a leader, mentor, or simply someone who wants to live with greater purpose, Dennis’s story will encourage you to lean into your calling, invest in others, and create ripples of lasting change.

🎧 Tune in and discover how you, too, can live a life of impact.

#Leadership, #Mentorship, #Community, #Belonging, #HearWhereYouBelong, #Podcast, #PersonalGrowth, #Legacy

At 67 years old, Diane Gansauer laced up her boots and finished walking 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. But this wasn’t just a hike—it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining what it means to belong.

In this deeply moving Hear Where You Belong episode, host Dea Irby sits down with Diane, a Master Life-Cycle Celebrant and interfaith minister who has honored over 400 lives through storytelling and ceremony. Diane shares how she transitioned from a high-powered conservation career—where she no longer felt she belonged—to guiding families through grief and celebrating life’s milestones with authenticity and heart.

From letting go of emotional burdens to traveling lightly (both on the trail and in life), Diane’s story will inspire you to face fears, embrace your unique path, and discover belonging in nature, community, and yourself. Whether you’re drawn to the wild beauty of the outdoors, the sacred art of ceremony, or the courage to start over at any age—this episode will leave you in awe.

 #HearWhereYouBelong, #DianeGansauer, #LongDistanceHiking, #ContinentalDivideTrail, #LifeCycleCelebrant, #InterfaithMinister, #StorytellingMatters, #CelebratingLife, #GriefHealing, #TravelLightly, #SelfDiscoveryJourney, #FindYourBelonging, #WildernessHealing, #WomenWhoHike, #Over60AndThriving, #NatureConne

In this riveting episode of Hear Where You Belong, Dea sits down with visionary entrepreneur and technologist Eric McHugh, whose career spans from Snap Inc. to founding mission-driven startups aimed at rehumanizing the digital experience.

Eric’s latest venture, Dataing, isn’t just another dating app—it’s a revolution in how we form meaningful connections through technology. Leveraging AI, Dataing dives beneath the surface of online profiles to match people based on authenticity, intention, and shared values. But this conversation goes far beyond tech…

Eric shares deeply personal insights from his 10-day silent meditation retreat, explores the sacred link between parenting, energy, and emotional health, and explains how "as within, so without" isn't just a quote—it's a blueprint for living, loving, and leading.

Together, Eric and Dea tackle big questions:

• Can algorithms foster real human connection?

• How does authenticity affect our relationships—and our sense of belonging?

#EricMcHugh, #DeaIrby, #HearWhereYouBelong, #BelongingPodcast, #TechForGood, #AuthenticityMatters, #AIandRelationships, #PurposeDrivenTech, #HumanConnection, #SpiritualEntrepreneur, #MeditationRetreat, #DataingApp, #EmotionalIntelligence, #AsWithinSoWithout, #ChristianPodcaster, #FaithAndTechnology, #MeaningfulConnections, #BuildBelonging, #ValuesInTech, #DigitalWellness

What does it mean to belong when your roots stretch across continents and centuries? In this episode of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea Irby sits down with Joseph Bolton—author, adventurer, and creator of the enchanting Old Grandmother’s Tree series. From parachuting out of planes to leading troops overseas, Joseph’s life has been a tapestry of daring adventure and deep introspection. But it’s his ancestral journey—uncovering the remarkable story of Miteouamigoukoue, a courageous 17th-century Algonquin woman—that reshaped his purpose.

Discover how Joseph’s books blend French-Canadian history, Native American mythology, and magical folktales to preserve a legacy nearly forgotten. Hear how a shawl that changes the colors of the Northern Lights, a talking turtle named Uncle McKeish, and intergenerational love bring powerful lessons about identity, resilience, and the universal longing to belong.

With every story, Joseph shows that belonging isn’t just about bloodlines—it’s about the courage to honor where we come from and share those stories with the world.

✨ Whether you’re a lover of folklore, family history, or stories that stir the soul, this episode will remind you that even the deepest wounds can give rise to the most beautiful branches.

🎧 Tune in, and let Joseph Bolton’s journey inspire you to find where you belong.

#JosephBolton, #OldGrandmothersTree, #FrenchCanadianFolktales, #NativeAmericanHistory, #PodcastInterview, #StorytellingPodcast, #LegacyAndBelonging, #FamilyHistory, #FolkloreAndMyth, #HearWhereYouBelong, #BelongingStories, #DeaIrbyPodcast, #AncestralStories, #CourageAndHeritage

What if the one thing keeping you from vibrant health, meaningful relationships, and a life aligned with your deepest purpose… was a belief you didn’t even know you had?

In this powerful episode of Hear Where You Belong, I sit down with Dr. Alain Salas—#1 bestselling author, Chiropractic Physician, and founder of the Mind Clearing System—to uncover the hidden roadblocks that keep us stuck. Dr. Salas has helped over 4,200 people around the globe reclaim their health and destiny by transforming their limiting beliefs into empowering truths.

We talk about his journey from high-speed boats in the South of France to high-impact healing work in the U.S., his battle with burnout, and how adversity launched him into the work of helping others find balance, purpose, and belonging. His story is a deep reminder that the body remembers, the mind protects, and healing is always possible—once we learn how to clear the clutter.

Whether you’re a leader, a coach, a healer, or simply someone ready for change—this episode will stir your soul, stretch your thinking, and maybe even change your life.

In Episode 54 of Hear Where You Belong, I sit down with Larry Onan—father, grandfather, author, and trusted voice in faith-based fund development—for a profound conversation on belonging, legacy, and living a life of purpose. With over 30 years of global experience coaching ministries and a record of helping raise over $150 million for the Kingdom, Larry’s not just a man of generosity—he’s a man of intention.

Larry’s newest book, Intentional Living and Giving, invites us to consider how our time, money, and relationships are tools entrusted to us by God. In our conversation, Larry opens up about the early days of his faith, the moment he first felt true belonging at a church in 1972, and how simple gestures—like being truly seen and welcomed—changed the trajectory of his life.

We talk about stewardship far beyond financial giving: building communities, mentoring the next generation, honoring our strengths, and maximizing impact through relational capital. Whether he’s taking his grandkids to the theater or texting a friend to check in, Larry shows us how generosity isn't always about dollars—it’s about showing up.

If you’ve ever felt like life is too busy, too complicated, or too fractured to make a real difference, this episode is for you. Larry reminds us that purpose is not found in the extraordinary—it’s found in the intentional.

🔗 Watch and listen now: Hear Where You Belong Podcast Episodes

#IntentionalLiving, #FaithAndPurpose, #ChristianPodcast, #HearWhereYouBelong, #LegacyLeadership, #LarryOnan, #BiblicalStewardship, #KingdomImpact, #AuthorizedWealthDistributor, #BelongingMatters, #LiveGenerously, #DeaIrbyPodcast

What does it mean to belong when life has handed you trials that would shake even the strongest foundation?

In Episode 53 of Hear Where You Belong, I sit down with Rev. Cheryl Kincaid—Presbyterian minister, author of five books, and lifelong advocate for God’s redemptive grace. From supporting survivors of violence to writing children’s books that touch the soul, Cheryl’s ministry is steeped in healing, storytelling, and a deeply rooted faith.

We talk about the power of community, what it means to feel like an outsider, and how faith becomes the compass pointing us back to ourselves—and each other. Cheryl shares from her own story of abuse, her journey to ministry, and why she believes churches must choose love over scandal and action over apathy.

This conversation is filled with heart, hope, and the quiet courage it takes to walk through the darkness and into the light.

✨ Favorite moments:

• How storytelling heals across generations

• Why shared suffering can lead to deeper connection

• The surprising lesson in forgiveness churches often miss

• Her motto: “I can’t do everything, but I can do something.”
  

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in—or wanted to understand how faith helps us find our place—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pBmnz8qGw4hNXYIQmuVtj Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hear-where-you-belong/id1757892353 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hear-where-you-belong-196962492/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpjl2Niq170Xt_xdJ5TJYMWRFVKCjWfgH

Ever feel like you don’t belong—even in a room full of people? Dr. Albert Bramante, talent agent, professor, performance psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script, joins Dea Irby in Episode 52 of Hear Where You Belong to dismantle self-doubt and sabotage and show how mindset, language, and community can become your greatest assets.

From childhood memories of feeling out of place in a sports-driven family to earning his PhD and building an empowering community for performers, Albert’s story is as real as it is inspiring. Learn how to rewrite the limiting beliefs etched deep in your subconscious, how language can create or destroy belonging, and how small shifts in words and mindset can lead to seismic breakthroughs.

With powerful insight into NLP, hypnosis, and the importance of creating family-like atmospheres even in the most competitive industries, Dr. Bramante shares not only how we connect—but how we thrive.

If you've ever struggled with self-worth, identity, or the inner voice that says you’re not enough—this conversation is for you.

#RiseAboveTheScript, #AlbertBramante, #PerformancePsychology, #HearWhereYouBelong, #DeaIrbyPodcast, #BelongingMatters, #MindsetShift, #NLP, #HypnosisHealing, #RewriteYourStory, #SelfSabotageNoMore, #CreatingCommunity, #TransformYourThinking

In Episode 51 of Hear Where You Belong, host Dea Irby welcomes Jeff Fisher, a man on a mission to make everyone feel seen, heard, and connected. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Ride the Wave Foundation, Jeff is no stranger to service. From leading mentorship programs and community initiatives to running NCK Equipment and hosting the Ride the Wave Podcast, his life is a living testimony of intentional impact.

But this conversation isn’t just about leadership and service—it’s about the soul behind the work. Jeff opens up about his childhood fascination with the ocean, how unexpected twists in life led him to create lasting change, and why his guiding principle, “The path is to the person,” has reshaped how he interacts with others.

We discuss loneliness, even among those who seem to “have it all,” and how authentic curiosity—asking meaningful questions—can break down walls and create waves of belonging. His story, his faith, and his focus on building up others remind us all that we’re made for connection.

🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt, high-impact conversation that will inspire you to reach out, lift up, and ride the wave of purpose, passion, and people.

Hashtags: #HearWhereYouBelong, #PodcastEpisode, #JeffFisher, #RideTheWave, #WaveMaker, #CommunityLeadership, #BelongingMatters, #FaithInAction, #InspiringConnections, #PodcastLife, #PurposeDriven, #PositiveImpact, #ThePathIsToThePerson, #MakingADifference

Hello awesome belongers… Welcome home to the Hear Where You Belong podcast! I’m Dea, your host, and today we celebrate Episode 50 with a guest whose life work proves stories are not just entertainment — they’re the blueprint for becoming who we are meant to be.

Wendy Folsom is a national award-winning playwright, senior producer at BYUradio, and a storytelling powerhouse who has spent more than 20 years weaving tales that uplift families, educate students, and transform communities. With deep experience as a teaching artist, dramaturg, and curriculum creator, Wendy brings a rare mix of performance, pedagogy, and purpose.

In this special milestone episode, we dive deep into:

• The magic of memory and how stories shift depending on the teller.
  

• Brain coupling—yes, your brain actually syncs up with others when you share stories!
  

• The power of journaling and dreams as meaning-making tools.
  

• Why children still quote stories she told them decades ago—and how it can happen for your family too.
  

• A charming tale of a caterpillar’s transformation, and the beetle who reminded it to “just be the best caterpillar you can be.”
  

Whether you’re a parent, educator, artist, or anyone longing to feel seen and heard, Wendy reminds us that storytelling is the most powerful invitation to belong—to ourselves, to each other, and to our future.

🎧 Listen now and prepare to be inspired by this gentle, wise, and utterly creative voice.

#StorytellingPower, #FamilyConnections, #PodcastLife, #TeachingArtist, #NeuralCoupling, #BYUradio, #TheAppleSeedPodcast, #CaterpillarWisdom, #EducationalPodcast, #StorytellingMatters, #BelongingJourney, #DeaIrbyPodcast, #HearWhereYouBelong, #BrainSync, #CreativeFamilyLife, #InspiringPodcasts