Kyle Lewis is a man of many talents, multi-media producer, baseball coach, and yes, even my bowling teammate. In this episode, we kick things off with some fun banter around the first week of college football before diving into Kyle’s unique journey.Kyle originally went to college to study business, but somewhere along the way he discovered a new passion. Getting involved with media production and editing opened a creative lane he couldn’t ignore. What started as a curiosity quickly became a calling, and today Kyle runs his own multi-media company, balancing the challenges of entrepreneurship with the rewards of storytelling through different forms of media.Beyond his career in production, Kyle’s lifelong love for baseball keeps him on the field, this time as a coach. He shares why the game still means so much to him, how coaching gives him a chance to give back, and what lessons sports continue to teach him about leadership and life.This episode blends sports, career pivots, and real talk — from football hype to building a creative business to finding joy in coaching and, of course, a little bowling squad energy. If you’re into stories about chasing passion, balancing multiple hats, and finding your lane in life, this one’s for you.How to get in touch:Instagram: howdyyallproductionsEmail: Klewis3496@gmail.com#PodcastInterview #KyleLewis #SportsPodcast #CollegeFootball2025 #BaseballLife #BaseballCoach #MultiMedia #MediaProduction #EntrepreneurLife #ChasingPassion #LifeStories #CareerPivot #SportsTalk #CreativeJourney #MotivationPodcast #LetsTalkAboutThisWay #PodcastHighlights #InspiringStories #ContentCreator #BowlingLife
Chris Widell had a solid career as a pharmacist — but a love for Pokémon eventually led him down an unexpected new path. After nearly a decade in pharmacy, Chris found himself reconnecting with the joy of collecting Pokémon cards, which quickly became more than just a hobby.Inspired by the fun and community around the trading card world, Chris began selling cards online, streaming live breaks, and eventually built what’s now known as Weedle’s Warehouse — a clever nod to his last name and of the notorious Bug-type Pokémon.While 2020 brought long hours and challenges in the pharmacy, it also reignited his passion for Pokémon. What started as a way to unwind after work turned into a thriving online business. Today, Chris runs a successful eBay store and has become a trusted figure in the Pokémon retail space, known for his authentic streams and welcoming community vibe.In this episode, we dive into how Chris made the leap from pharmacy to full-time card seller, why creating a positive space matters, and how following your passion can lead to the most rewarding chapters of your life.Whether you’re a collector, a fan of entrepreneurial journeys, or just need a reminder to bet on yourself, this one's for you.Be sure to check out Weedles Warehouse on Youtube and Ebay!How to Connect:Instagram: @weedles_warehouse Youtube: @weedles_warehouse Ebay: https://ebay.us/m/AdgvLa
What happens when someone who had every reason to give up… chooses to rise instead?
In this episode, I sit down with Kim, a political influencer with a story you probably didn’t know. Raised in the shadows of abandonment, bouncing through the system without much support, Kim didn’t just survive, she led. Excelling in school and always the team captain on the field, she became a natural leader long before she had a platform. Her grit, drive, and sharp sense of self turned pain into power.
But Kim isn’t just political takes and online debates — she’s also a huge sports fanatic, an animal lover with a soft spot for both dogs and cats, and someone who can talk true crime for hours. She's as passionate about the world around her as she is curious about the stories that shape it.
This episode is more than politics. It’s about perseverance. It's about challenging assumptions. And it's about seeing the full, complicated, powerful human behind the screen. When you hear Kim’s story — her why, her battles, and her purpose — you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the human behind the headlines.
Let Kim’s story be a reminder that behind every opinion is a past and behind every voice is a journey worth hearing.
#letstalkaboutthisway #PoliticalInfluencer #ResilienceStory #FromStruggleToSuccess #InspiringJourney #UnderdogStory #WomenInPolitics #PodcastInterview #TrueCrimeLover #OvercomingAdversity #PowerfulVoices #RealTalkPodcast #SystemToSpotlight #MotivationalStories #NeverJudgeABook #VoiceForThePeople #SurvivorToLeader #Politics
What makes someone walk away from a stable career and choose a path filled with uncertainty and danger? After witnessing the events of 9/11, my cousin Van felt something shift inside him. He left behind his job drafting blueprints for buildings and answered a higher calling, one that led him into the U.S. Army, serving as a combat engineer focused on identifying and neutralizing IEDs in some of the most dangerous regions in the Middle East.
In this powerful conversation, Van opens up about his deployments, the violence he faced, the people lost, and the emotional weight he still carries. But beyond the battles, Van also shares the awakening he experienced, questioning the deeper “why” behind military actions and uncovering truths that changed the way he sees the world forever.
Today, Van continues his mission of service as a therapeutic behavior coach for young people, channeling his experience, empathy, and resilience into helping others heal and grow. His story is a profound reminder that some of our greatest heroes are the ones who continue to fight for good long after the war is over.
Thank you, Van, for your service, your strength, and your heart.
Van's T-Shirt Website: sapperzulu.com
How to Connect:
Email: sltu@sapperzulu.com
#VeteranStories #MilitaryLife #ArmyVeteran #Post911 #CombatVeteran #MentalHealthAwareness #TherapeuticCoach #LifeAfterWar #MilitaryPodcast #ServiceAndSacrifice #VeteranVoices #HealingJourney #ThankYouForYourService #TrueStory #PurposeDriven #RealConversations #TransformationStory #FromSoldierToHealer
From starting his career as a logger for the hit tv show, The Real World: Seattle, to being a producer for global TV hits like Extracted on FOX, Reis’s story is one of relentless vision and unstoppable motion. Born into a nomadic lifestyle, he turned constant relocation into a strength, gaining diverse perspectives that would later fuel his creativity across both television and music.
In this episode, Reis shares how he broke into the entertainment industry, what it’s really like working behind the scenes on major productions, and how he stays grounded while traveling the world for work. He opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the mindset that kept him pushing forward, and his growing passion for music production, his next big creative frontier.
With big goals, an even bigger work ethic, and a vision that’s guided him through it all, Reis reminds us that building the life you want—full of passion, purpose, and possibility—isn’t just a fantasy. It’s a choice, made one bold step at a time.
How to Connect:
Instragram: @lovereisandsoul
#letstalkaboutthisway #TVProducerLife #MusicProducerJourney #GlobalGrind #ChasingDreams #CreativeCareer #BehindTheScenes #NomadicLife #VisionDriven #LifeOfAProducer #FromTheGroundUp #PassionToProfession #ReisStory #TravelAndCreate #DreamBigWorkHard #CreativeMindset
From the bright lights of music studios to the cold pavement of rock bottom, Dr. Robb Kelly’s story is one of unbelievable resilience. A talented musician turned high-earning studio player, Robb’s early success was clouded by a growing addiction to alcohol. What started as casual drinking spiraled into a lifestyle that cost him everything, his career, his family, even his home.
But Robb didn’t stay down. In this episode, he opens up about the raw reality of addiction, the brutal years spent homeless, and the moment he decided to change it all. Today, he’s a world-renowned addiction specialist, author, and keynote speaker with a recovery program that’s helped many—including celebrities and athletes—reclaim their lives.
What makes his story so powerful? He’s lived it. Robb brings not only expertise, but deep empathy to the work he does, treating every individual like they matter, because they do. This episode is proof that no matter how far gone you feel, transformation is real, and it starts the moment you decide you’re worth saving.
How to Connect:
Instagram: addiction_doctor
Website: https://robbkelly.com/
What happens when college ends, the future feels like a blank page, and anxiety takes the pen? For Jessie, it meant facing her fears head-on and choosing to speak up rather than stay silent.
In this raw and relatable episode, Jessie opens up about living her best life in college while silently battling anxiety, the emotional crash that followed graduation, and how starting her own podcast became the lifeline she didn’t know she needed. A fierce mental health advocate and future speech-language pathologist, Jessie is still discovering her purpose and that’s exactly the point.
She shares how leaning into her faith helped her rebuild a sense of peace, purpose, and direction, even when life felt uncertain. Through it all, she’s found strength in vulnerability, clarity in chaos, and joy in becoming.
This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt like they should have it all figured out but doesn’t. Jessie reminds us that being open, honest, and unapologetically yourself is not only brave it’s necessary.
How to Connect:
Instagram: @themessyypod
Be sure to check out Jessie's Podcast on Spotify!
The Messy Pod
Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HThGRerDVKDhv2j3TCe2g?si=3671496edc1a4444
Not all strength looks the same. For Hannah, it looked like smiling through heartbreak, pushing past invisible pain, and chasing a future she could believe in, even when the past tried to hold her back.
In this powerful episode, Hannah shares how the quiet storm of her parents’ separation during high school sparked a bold decision to leave home, heal on her own terms, and rewrite her story at Boise State. What started as a new beginning became the foundation for a career built on courage, creativity, and renewed inspiration.
From a college brand ambassador for Victoria’s Secret to freelancing in marketing, to now holding a Director of Brand Strategy role, Hannah’s journey is proof that women belong in the room and at the head of the table. She opens up about the grit it took to get there, the importance of mental health, and her passion to lift others as she climbs.
This episode is a letter to every person who’s ever doubted themselves, every individual chasing a dream, and anyone who believes that leadership isn’t just about a title, it’s about purpose.
Let this story remind you: your past doesn’t define you. Your power is in how you rise.
How to Connect:
Instagram: @hansandwichh
#WomenInLeadership #CareerJourney #MentalHealthMatters #BrandStrategy #WomenEmpowerment #GlassCeilingBreaker #InspiringStories #PodcastForWomen #RiseAndLead #WomenWhoLead
Some people are born with a calling, and for Greg, that calling was the military. Growing up in Arizona, he always knew he wanted to serve. Inspired by his grandfather, who was both his hero and father figure, Greg charted a path few follow with such clarity. In this episode, Greg walks us through how he turned a childhood vision into reality — from enrolling in ROTC during college to earning a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army. He breaks down the mindset it takes to serve, the pressure, the pride, and what it truly means to wear the uniform.Within military life, Greg also goes deeper into the often-unspoken truths around mental health, vulnerability, and the emotional battles many veterans and active members may face. An emphasis is placed onto the often-silent mental battle held by military individuals, and the crucial importance of speaking up, checking in, and breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide in the service.This episode is a tribute to purpose, resilience, and the power of opening up. Greg’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about what you carry — it’s also about what you’re willing to share.Resources for Suicide Prevention can be found here: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-preventionHow to Connect:Instagram: @haaabes
Devin’s path wasn’t linear, it was honest. He started out chasing a medical career like his mom, but found passion in wildland firefighting. Then life shifted: a child on the way, long hours in the wild, and no time to be present pushed him toward the corporate world.
The shift brought comfort, safety, and a steady paycheck. But year after year, something inside Devin faded. The work was fine. The money was good. But the fulfillment? Well that was vanishing before his eyes.
Nearly a decade later, Devin took a leap of faith—leaving comfort and money behind to reignite his purpose in firefighting. In this episode, he shares the raw truth about what it means to choose fulfillment over finances and how it may just be the most powerful move you can make in life. Finding passion again can change EVERYTHING.
If you've ever felt stuck in the safety net of a job that pays but doesn't fulfill you, Devin's story is your sign: purpose is worth the risk. Devin's journey is a reminder that real success isn’t measured by what’s in your bank account, but by how alive you feel living it.
What if the career you're thriving in isn't the one you're destined to stay in?
Alex Sandoval has spent nearly a decade building success in the world of sales — but beneath the polished pitch and consistent results is a mind wired for something bigger. Born and raised in Arizona, Alex always knew school wasn’t his thing — but if he sets his sights on something, he’ll figure out how to win.
In this episode, we unpack Alex’s evolution from sales professional to behind-the-scenes brand strategist — helping a gamer go viral during the pandemic, building a streamer’s identity from scratch, and stepping into the music world as an acting manager for a rising DJ in Arizona. His journey isn’t just about side hustles — it’s about passion, creativity, and showing up for the people he believes in.
Alex is the ultimate hype man for his circle… but now he’s learning how to turn that same energy inward, in pursuit of a career that fires him up every single day. If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for something more, this one’s for you.
What do you do when the dream you've chased your whole life... isn't enough anymore?
Sean lived for baseball — from playing, to working in the heart of a minor league team’s front office. On the surface, it looked like he was living the dream. But behind the scenes, the long hours, low pay, and emotional toll started chipping away at the passion he once had for the game he loved.
Rather than settle, Sean did something most people wouldn’t: he took a swing at something completely new. He left behind the only world he had known and jumped headfirst into real estate — chasing a different kind of dream, and helping others achieve theirs along the way.
In this episode, we talk about believing in yourself when no one else truly understands the risk, the emotions behind helping people find their ideal homes, the lessons and skills Sean learned from the baseball world that translated to him being a successful real estate advisor, and how sometimes walking away from one dream is the first step toward living an even bigger one.
(Also, a little golf talk — and how one of us might have a much better chance at a shot at the pro tour... while the other just prays for a good scramble teammate...)
How to Connect:
Instagram: @seanbozi
Mikey Contreras spent nearly a decade in the corporate world—earning promotions, climbing the ladder, and building a life that many would call a success. But deep down, he knew something was missing. The long hours, the stress, and the lack of fulfillment left him questioning what he truly wanted out of life.
He started college with dreams of becoming an engineer, then shifted toward law enforcement in hopes of helping others. While those paths didn’t pan out, they planted a seed: the desire to make an impact. Years later, inspired by his brother’s work as a wildland firefighter, Mikey finally took a leap of faith.
In this episode, Mikey shares how he walked away from a comfortable life to pursue a calling that aligned with his heart. Now, as a firefighter, he’s found purpose, brotherhood, pride, and a deep sense of fulfillment. This is a story about listening to your inner voice, embracing change, and finding the courage to build a life that truly matters.
How to Connect:
Instagram: @mikeycontreras23
#careerpodcast #podcast #lifepodcast #viralvideo #life #firefighter #firefighters #careerchange #fyp #explore #explorepage #letstalkaboutthisway
This week, we’re switching things up in a major way—and I couldn’t be more excited to bring you along for the ride. As many of you know, this podcast is a journey, and you're witnessing it evolve right before your eyes. For the first time ever, I recorded an episode in a professional studio right here in Arizona—marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership that’s going to take the show to the next level.
In this special episode, it’s all about YOU—the listeners. I sat down and answered the questions you’ve been sending in: from the origins and future of "Let's Talk About This Way," to dream guests, behind-the-scenes effort, and even a few fun personal tidbits (yes, I reveal my favorite sports team, though it should have been obvious from my own personal studio decor). It’s a candid check-in, a heart-to-heart, and a huge thank you to all of you who’ve supported the show from day one.
Whether you're curious about what’s coming next or just want to know more about the person behind the mic, this episode is the perfect place to jump in.
Hit play and let’s keep continue this journey together.
How to get in touch:
Email: letstalkaboutthiswayyy@gmail.com
Instagram: @letstalkaboutthisway
Intro/Outro Music: Hannah
Hannah Youtube: @hannahlabanda
There's no safer investment than believing in your own potential. We explore this concept through the story of Austin Kiel, an entrepreneur who staked everything on his passion and launched his own business. Austin's journey began immediately after college, fulfilling his aspiration to work in the sports industry by diving into ticket sales for a collegiate team. Austin's sales career, spanning collegiate to professional levels (NBA and NHL), led him to a disconcerting realization: his dream job wasn't fulfilling. While many would settle for comfort, Austin sought change. He transitioned to tech sales, aiming to pinpoint whether his dissatisfaction stemmed from the industry or the role itself. This episode delves into Austin's journey as he discovered the traditional 9-to-5 corporate life wasn't his path. He chose to channel his strong work ethic into pursuing a passion that resonated with him. Austin's entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when he launched his trading card business. He embraced the challenges and rewards of being his own boss, offering insights into staying motivated and focused. He recounts his transition from a secure career to the exhilarating uncertainty of entrepreneurship. This episode is a compelling narrative of how passion and ambition can drive a bold leap of faith. For anyone contemplating starting a business, Austin's story is a powerful source of inspiration. We are fortunate to witness the beginning of his remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, we enter the realm of the Casino industry. Quillan is a Casino Auditor for a big casino here in Arizona. It's very true that emotions are a powerful driving force in our lives, capable of both hindering and propelling us towards our goals. We take a look at how emotions can influence our journey faced with adversity. Quillan's story highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of academic success: the impact of emotional well-being. Even with a stellar 4.6 GPA and a full-ride scholarship, personal hardships can significantly erode self-image and confidence, ultimately derailing academic achievements. Having to leave NAU and start fresh again, the power of positive emotions fueled by an amazing support system, reflection of self-worth, and personal ambition, drives Quillan to find his way again. Quillan talks about how his renewed sense of purpose and drive led him to the jobs that he found after NAU and ultimately how it led him to his current job. He covers how his role plays a part in the day to day functions of the casino realm and how you as a listener, if interested, can get your foot in the door should you want to pursue a job in this industry. Meet Quillan Smith: a numbers-driven financial professional working as a Casino Auditor, who also happens to be an amateur dad-jokes comedian, a die-hard hockey enthusiast, and a formidable Pai Gow player. His diverse passions make him truly unique.How to connect: Instagram: fuzzy_tendy
In this episode, we take a dive into the Mental Health field, specifically the substance abuse sector of it. Alaina Bishop is an admissions supporter for an inpatient rehabilitation program for substance abuse. We take take a look into what it means to work in the mental health/substance abuse field and what to be aware of. Carrying 7 years of sobriety herself, Alaina shares her story on how she became sober, what it took to get back on her feet, and how her journey into sobriety played such a key factor in the success she is seeing before her today. Alaina is looking to graduate from Northern Arizona University in May of this year (2025) with honors of Gonfalonier for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. As Alaina continues to thrive and attain her degree, she is looking forward to further her career in the mental health/substance abuse field and give back to the community that once helped her. An amazing story of resiliency, courage and passion for a better life!
How to Connect:
Email: Amb874@nau.edu
Music: Hannah
Band Instagram: @hannahlabandaBand
Youtube: @hannahlabanda
In this episode we follow Herbie Duah's journey into the tech world and he how he established himself as a software engineer. Herbie is an award winning web developer/designer and is the creator of a successful app called OPNRS. Born in Ghana, Herbie's love for all things computer and technology drove him to make the best of his opportunity in the United States and establish a career in something he is fully passionate about. Herbie is also very knowledgable of the AI world, we take a dive into how we should be aware of the impacts of AI and what to look out for!
Music: Hannah
Band Instagram: @hannahlabandaBand
Youtube: @hannahlabanda
How to Connect:
Instagram: @herbieduah
Opnrs App Instagram: opnrs.app
Hello everyone and welcome! This is the first episode of the Let's Talk About This Way Podcast. In this episode, I will be going over how the show came to be, what the show is all about, and share my own path to where I am at today career wise. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology, I started off in the mental health field of work and am now a Senior Account Manager of a tech company. Oh, and I now host my own podcast. I will go into depth on how I started as a case manager for a mental health agency and made my way into a more sales type job in the tech industry as a Senior Account Manager.
Music: Hannah
Band Instagram: @hannahlabandaBand
Youtube: @hannahlabanda
How to Connect:
Instagram: @letstalkaboutthisway
Email: letstabouthiswayyy@gmail.com
The official announcement of the Let's Talk About This Way Podcast!
