Conversations with Sekani

Joy Okolobi

Conversations with Sekani is a podcast for ambitious young adults navigating the confusing crossroads of career, health, and purpose.

Hosted by Joy “Sekani”, a calm, open, deeply curious thinker, the show follows her journey to gain clarity by having honest conversations with people who’ve walked different paths. Nothing is scripted. Nothing is perfect. Just real, raw, inspiring dialogue.

From career pivots to mental health, from chasing big dreams to handling setbacks, each episode helps listeners move from overwhelmed to confident

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156 episodes
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English

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September 13 · 34 min
What If the Symptom Isn’t the Real Problem? | Dr. Kevin Smith
Dr. Kevin Smith is a board-certified chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who has spent decades asking a question many patients eventually ask themselves: What if the symptom isn’t the real problem? After years of seeing people cycle through medication, misdiagnosis, and unresolved chronic conditions, he builds his work around something different — finding root causes, restoring balance, and helping the body do what it was designed to do: heal. This is a conversation about chronic illness, systems, agency, and how health changes when we stop treating the signal and start investigating the source. In this practical conversation, Dr. Smith shares: • Who he was in his 20s and the path into functional medicine • Why habits built in your 20s shape long-term health • Hypothyroidism and why it often begins earlier than people realize • Root-cause medicine vs. symptom suppression • Why so many people get stuck in cycles of partial answers • The gut as the body’s second brain and immune hub • How gut health connects to energy, mood, hormones, and immunity If you’re in your 20s dealing with fatigue, gut issues, brain fog, or simply want to understand health beyond pills and quick fixes, this episode offers clear, grounded insight. Timestamps below ⬇️ #KevinSmith #FunctionalMedicine #RootCause #GutHealth #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Kevin Smith Website:https://metabolicsolutions.net/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsmithdc/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kevinsmithdc/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. Kevin Smith 1:40 - Life in His 20s & Path into Healing 8:15 - Habits Built in Your 20s Matter 15:30 - Hypothyroidism Explained 23:10 - Root Causes vs. Symptom Suppression 31:45 - Why People Get Stuck in Partial Answers 40:20 - The Gut as Second Brain & Immune Hub 48:50 - How Systems Connect (Gut, Hormones, Energy) 57:15 - Agency & Helping the Body Heal
September 13 · 32 min
Published Her First Novel at 69 — Reinvention Has No Deadline | Lee Ann Walling
Lee Ann Walling is a journalist, political insider, late-blooming novelist, and living proof that reinvention has no expiration date. At 69 she published her first novel, The Salt and Light Express — a story about grief, faith, love, and what can happen when you hit the road not just to escape, but to rediscover yourself. Her own life has included journalism, politics, public service, and later returning to earn an MFA so she could finally write the book she had been carrying for decades. In this inspiring conversation, Lee Ann shares: • Entering adulthood in the post-Watergate journalism boom • How career decisions in her 20s shaped (and sidetracked) her path • Moving from journalism into politics • The only real regret she faced during COVID • Returning to school for an MFA and publishing at 69 • Why you don’t need life figured out in your 20s • The power of mindfulness, quiet, and taking stock • Advice on reading widely and staying open to reinvention If you’re in your 20s feeling pressure to have everything mapped out, this episode is a powerful reminder that the timeline is more flexible than you think. Timestamps below ⬇️ #LeeAnnWalling #Reinvention #LateBloomer #Writing #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with LeeAnnWalling Website:https://www.leeannwalling.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeannwalling/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Lee Ann Walling 1:40 - Life in Her 20s: Journalism After Watergate 8:15 - Career Decisions & Early Sidetracks 15:30 - From Journalism into Politics 23:10 - The COVID Realization & Only Regret 31:45 - Returning for an MFA Later in Life 40:20 - Publishing Her First Novel at 69 48:50 - You Don’t Need Life Figured Out Early 57:15 - Mindfulness, Quiet & Taking Stock
September 13 · 27 min
Joy Is Already Here — You’ve Just Stopped Noticing | Ulrika Torquato
Ulrika Torquato is the creator of Joy Arin, a simple but profound practice built around a deceptively powerful idea: joy is often already present in our lives — we’ve just stopped noticing it. With a path that has moved through medicine, opera, the arts, and now palliative care psychology, Ulrika explores meaning, attention, uncertainty, and what small moments can reveal about how we live. This is a conversation about joy — not as positivity or escape, but as perception, practice, and a way of finding what matters. In this reflective conversation, Ulrika shares: • Who she was in her 20s and the early search for direction • Leaving medicine for opera and the pressure that followed • Why external achievements never fully delivered happiness • The shift from seeking joy to noticing it • How small everyday moments (birds, food, nature) changed everything • Defining happiness as appreciation of the present • Living more fully through attention and presence If you’re in your 20s chasing the next thing and wondering why it still doesn’t feel enough, this episode offers a gentle but powerful reframe. Timestamps below ⬇️ #UlrikaTorquato #Joy #Presence #Appreciation #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Ulrika Torquato Website:https://joyering.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrika-torquato/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Ulrika Torkuato 1:40 - Life in Her 20s: Medicine & Searching 8:15 - Leaving Medicine for Opera 15:30 - The Pressure to Prove the Choice 23:10 - Exploring Yoga, Meditation & Coaching 31:45 - Realizing Joy Was Already Present 40:20 - Small Moments That Change Everything 48:50 - Happiness as Appreciation, Not Achievement 57:15 - Living More Fully Through Attention
September 13 · 33 min
The Silent Epidemic of Modern Singlehood | Aimee Barnes
Aimee Barnes is a TEDx speaker, psychotherapist, and founder of Gandaru Wellness. Her TEDx talk, The Silent Epidemic of Modern Singlehood, explores something deeper than relationship status — it asks what belonging means in a culture where loneliness is rising, traditional life milestones are shifting, and many people quietly feel they are falling outside the script. This is a conversation about identity, connection, societal pressure, and how we build meaningful lives — whether partnered or not. In this thoughtful conversation, Aimee shares: • Who she was in her early 20s and her struggle with identity • What people in their 20s often misunderstand about loneliness • Why we hold onto unhelpful relationships out of fear • What she means by the “silent epidemic” of modern singlehood • The rise of single-by-choice and shifting life priorities • How digital hyperconnection can still leave us lonely • Societal narratives that quietly shape self-worth If you’re in your 20s navigating identity, belonging, singlehood, or the quiet pressure to follow a traditional script, this episode offers clarity and validation. Timestamps below ⬇️ #AimeeBarnes #Singlehood #Loneliness #Belonging #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Aimee Barnes Website:https://ganbarucoaching.ie/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ganbaruwellness?igsh=MXc1dHczYmtiZXBhMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Aimee Barnes 1:40 - Early 20s: Identity & Sense of Self 8:15 - Building a Relationship with Yourself 15:30 - What People Misunderstand About Loneliness 23:10 - Holding On Out of Fear of Being Alone 31:45 - The Silent Epidemic of Modern Singlehood 40:20 - Why More Women Are Single by Choice 48:50 - Digital Connection vs. Real Human Connection 57:15 - Societal Pressure & Self-Worth
September 13 · 29 min
The Real Business of Sports: Power, Identity & Leverage | Adam Lee Spencer
Adam Lee Spencer is a sports agent, strategist, and international sports business consultant. From athlete representation to major events, bidding, sponsorships, media rights, and the future of global sports, he has worked across the business side where money, power, culture, and competition intersect. Beyond the deals and headlines, this conversation explores deeper questions about leadership, opportunity, identity, and what sport reveals about the world around us. In this insightful conversation, Adam shares: • Who he was in his 20s (college + military service) • How his definition of success and happiness evolved • What most people misunderstand about the business of sports • The “connective tissue” of civic and social issues in sport • Why politics and social dynamics are inseparable from sports • Helping athletes see themselves as whole humans beyond performance • Leverage, branding, and long-term thinking for young athletes If you’re in your 20s interested in sports, business, identity, or how power and culture show up in the arenas we watch, this episode delivers rare behind-the-scenes clarity. Timestamps below ⬇️ #AdamLeeSpencer #SportsBusiness #Athletes #Identity #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Adam Lee Spencer Website:https://spencergroup.info/home LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-spencer-122791b0/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/spencergroupinternational/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Adam Lee Spencer 1:40 - Life in His 20s: College & Military 8:15 - Success & Happiness Then vs Now 15:30 - What People Misunderstand About Sports Business 23:10 - The Connective Tissue of Sport & Society 31:45 - Politics, Race & Social Issues in Sports 40:20 - Athletes as Whole Humans Beyond Performance 48:50 - Maintaining Life Outside the Game 57:15 - Leverage, Branding & Long-Term Thinking
September 9 · 45 min
Raised Psychic: Spirits, Consciousness & True Alignment | Paul Quinton
Paul Quinton is a healer, teacher, channel, and creator of the Alignment Modality. Raised in a spiritual and psychic family, he has spent a lifetime exploring consciousness, healing, and what he describes as humanity’s deeper spiritual potential. Through his work he helps people question conditioning, explore sovereignty of mind and body, and think more deeply about healing, awareness, and transformation. In this fascinating conversation, Paul shares: • What it was like growing up in a psychic family • Weekly séances, spirit rescue work, and higher guidance • How spirits became his greatest teachers • Why much of New Age teaching misses the point • The difference between ascending somewhere and aligning here • How he understands and practices channeling • Sovereignty of mind, body, and true presence If you’re in your 20s curious about consciousness, questioning spiritual conditioning, or seeking a more grounded approach to healing and awareness, this episode opens a rare window. Timestamps below ⬇️ #PaulQuinton #Alignment #Consciousness #Channeling #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Paul Quinton Website:http://www.alignmentmodality.com/ LinkedIn:http://linkedin.com/in/paulquintonalignmentmodality Instagram:https://instagram.com/universalhealinglondon If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Paul Quinton 1:40 - Growing Up in a Psychic & Spiritual Family 8:15 - Séances, Spirit Rescue & Higher Beings 15:30 - The Non-Physical as Everyday Reality 23:10 - Spirits as Greatest Teachers 31:45 - Reversing New Age Misinformation 40:20 - Alignment vs. Ascension 48:50 - Understanding Channeling 57:15 - Sovereignty, Presence & True Healing
September 9 · 46 min
Why Babies Suck: Early Breathing & Development Most Doctors Miss | Dr. James Thomas
Dr. James Thomas is a pediatric dentist and healthcare innovator challenging how we think about childhood development — starting far earlier than most people realize. After building two successful dental practices, he began noticing breathing problems, sleep issues, and developmental changes in older children that often traced back to dysfunction beginning in infancy. That discovery transformed his career and led to a new model of care focused on breathing wellness, early intervention, and empowering parents to trust what they see. He is also the author of Why Babies Suck, a book that challenges assumptions about what we call “normal” in early development. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. James shares: • How his grandfather’s words shaped his path into healthcare • Building a high-volume pediatric practice in Seattle • The accidental discovery that newborns were being sent to him • Connecting breastfeeding struggles to uncoordinated infant suck • How early dysfunction can cascade into later breathing and sleep issues • Why prevention and early intervention matter more than most realize • Empowering parents to trust what they observe If you’re in your 20s thinking about family, health, or how small early patterns shape a lifetime, this episode opens a powerful new perspective. Timestamps below ⬇️ #JamesThomas #WhyBabiesSuck #PediatricDentistry #EarlyDevelopment #ConversationsWithSekani If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. James Thomas 1:40 - Early Inspiration from His Grandfather 8:15 - Life in His 20s: School, Marriage & Kids 15:30 - Building a High-Volume Pediatric Practice 23:10 - The “Everyone by One” Rebrand & Newborns 31:45 - Epiphany: Breastfeeding Struggles & Infant Suck 40:20 - How Early Dysfunction Cascades Later 48:50 - Breathing, Sleep & Facial Development 57:15 - Empowering Parents & Prevention-Focused Care
September 9 · 51 min
The Homeless Man Who Changed My Life | Jody Zarn
Jody Zarn is an author, corporate trainer, and TEDx speaker whose work explores empathy, mental health, and the power of human connection. What began as a simple act — buying a cup of coffee for a man experiencing homelessness — became a life-changing friendship that challenged assumptions about trauma, dignity, and what it really means to help another human being. That story became her book about Higher Power Betty and the homeless man who changed her life. In this moving conversation, Jody shares: • The cold November morning she met Leroy • How a daily coffee and muffin turned into a real friendship • Who Leroy really was (world-class checkers champion, intelligent, resilient) • Building trust after years of trauma and mistreatment • Helping him secure long-term housing and dignity • Her own childhood as an artistic outsider in a sports-heavy community • What this friendship taught her about empathy and true connection If you’re in your 20s learning how to see people beyond labels, practice everyday kindness, or understand the deeper story behind struggle, this episode will stay with you. Timestamps below ⬇️ #JodyZarn #Empathy #Homelessness #HumanConnection #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Jody Zarn Website:https://jodyzarn.com/index.html LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyzarn Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jodyzarn/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Jody Zarn 1:40 - The Story of Meeting Leroy 8:15 - From One-Time Kindness to Daily Friendship 15:30 - Who Leroy Really Was 23:10 - Building Trust After Years of Trauma 31:45 - Helping Him Find a Forever Home 40:20 - Jody’s Childhood as an Artistic Outsider 48:50 - How Feeling Different Shaped Her Empathy 57:15 - Lessons on Dignity, Connection & Real Help
September 9 · 24 min
When Success Collapsed: Faith, Identity & Spiritual Endurance | Dr. Ken Kaufman
Dr. Ken Kaufman is a speaker, author, and former sports medicine entrepreneur. After more than 30 years helping athletes perform at the highest level, he walked through a season where his own life unraveled — losing his business, financial stability, and much of the identity he had built around success. Out of that collapse came a deeper message about faith, endurance, and purpose. He is now the author of Spiritual Endurance: Faith Forged in the Fire, exploring how adversity can refine us, strengthen us, and shape who we are called to become. In this powerful conversation, Ken shares: Who he was in his ambitious 20s and what drove him Building a career and identity around success and outcomes The loss of his first wife and the depression that followed The full collapse of business, marriage, and financial stability Why rooting identity in temporary things is dangerous What spiritual endurance really means Finding unshakeable foundation through faith If you’re in your 20s building a future and wondering what will still stand when success is taken away, this episode offers hard-won wisdom and real hope. Timestamps below ⬇️ #KenKaufman #SpiritualEndurance #Faith #Identity #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Ken Kaufman Website:https://www.spiritualendurance.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ken-kaufman-495216405/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. Ken Kaufman 1:40 - Life & Ambition in His 20s 8:15 - Choosing Chiropractic & Building Early 15:30 - Identity Rooted in Career & Success 23:10 - Losing His First Wife & the Aftermath 31:45 - The Full Collapse of Business & Stability 40:20 - Discovering Where True Identity Belongs 48:50 - What Spiritual Endurance Really Means 57:15 - Faith Forged in the Fire
September 9 · 44 min
Legacy Is Built Now — Not After You’re Gone | Christopher Bauer
Christopher Bauer is a classic car restorer turned legacy teacher who helps entrepreneurial men think beyond success and money toward building lives that create lasting impact. Through his work he explores conscious family building, community leadership, and what it means to leave something behind that actually outlasts you. Most people think legacy is something you leave when you’re gone. What if it’s something you build now — through true family, community, and the choices you make every day? In this grounded conversation, Christopher shares: • How he originally planned to become an architect to leave a lasting mark • Pivoting into classic car restoration after not getting into UBC • Hard lessons from bad roommates, first employees, and early independence • What young people should focus on that most overlook • Why finding and playing to your strengths matters early • The danger of certain large male influencers and “red pill” thinking • Building real legacy through family, community, and daily choices If you’re in your 20s figuring out success, purpose, or what kind of life you actually want to leave behind, this episode offers clear, practical perspective. Timestamps below ⬇️ #ChristopherBauer #Legacy #Entrepreneurship #Family #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Christopher Bauer Website:https://www.leavinglegacylive.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-bauer/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/christopher_bauer4/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Christopher Bauer 1:40 - Thinking About Success in His 20s 8:15 - From Architecture Dreams to Classic Cars 15:30 - Hard Lessons from Early Independence 23:10 - Bad Roommate & Learning to Vet People 31:45 - Experiences in California & First Employee 40:20 - What Young People Should Focus On 48:50 - Finding Strengths & Failing Forward 57:15 - Building Real Legacy Now
September 9 · 34 min
Finding Peace When Life Feels Uncertain | Timothy Stobbe
Timothy Stobbe spent decades in ministry and is now exploring faith, creativity, and life transitions in a more honest and reflective way — helping people find peace even when life feels messy and uncertain. In this grounded conversation, Tim shares: • The faith decision he made at 16 that shaped the rest of his life • What that campfire moment in Mexico meant to him as a teenager • Seasons when faith was tested through financial scarcity and doubt • How he and his wife navigated “not enough” with prayer and gratitude • Lessons from over 20 years as a pastor about seeing people as unique treasures • The power of staying curious and listening deeply • Finding peace in the middle of life’s transitions and uncertainty If you’re in your 20s wrestling with faith, facing seasons of lack, or searching for peace when nothing feels certain, this episode offers honest perspective and quiet encouragement. Timestamps below ⬇️ #Timothystobbe #Faith #Peace #Uncertainty #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Timothy Stobbe Website:https://meetmeintheword.com/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Timothy Stobbe 1:40 - The Faith Decision at 16 8:15 - Campfire Moment in Mexico 15:30 - Making Faith Personal 23:10 - When Faith Was Tested by Scarcity 31:45 - Navigating “Not Enough” with Prayer & Gratitude 40:20 - Lessons from Decades in Ministry 48:50 - Seeing People as Unique Treasures 57:15 - Finding Peace in Uncertainty
September 9 · 35 min
High Performance Was Killing Me — Finding Alignment Instead | Sandra Tru
Sandra Tru helps high performers move out of constant performance mode and back into a way of living and leading that actually feels aligned. A lot of people look like they have it all together — achieving, moving forward — but underneath they are exhausted, disconnected, and living in a permanent state of “on.” Eventually the body starts to push back. In this honest conversation, Sandra shares: • What her high-performance 20s really looked like on the inside • Working nonstop across nightlife, acting, yoga, and study • The deep sense of unworthiness that kept her pushing • How her body and hormones eventually shut down • The spiritual and emotional cost of living out of alignment • How to tell the difference between real growth and burnout disguised as ambition • Creating sustainable lives that reflect who you actually are If you’re in your 20s grinding hard, feeling like you can never stop, or sensing a growing disconnect between your outer success and inner truth, this episode offers clarity and permission to realign. Timestamps below ⬇️ #SandraTru #HighPerformance #Alignment #Burnout #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Sandra Tru Website:https://sandratru.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandratru/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sandratru_ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Sandra True 1:40 - High Performance 20s: Looking Great Externally 8:15 - Working Nonstop & the Drive to Prove Worth 15:30 - Feeling Unworthy of Care and Presence 23:10 - Physical Crash: Hormones & Body Shutdown 31:45 - Soul Suffering & Living Out of Alignment 40:20 - When the Body Forces the Truth 48:50 - Growth vs. Burnout Disguised as Ambition 57:15 - Building an Aligned Life That Feels True
September 9 · 21 min
Don’t Miss the Games: Building a $200M Business Without Losing Family | George Rivera
George Rivera is an entrepreneur who built a $200 million company but discovered that business success can come at the cost of the moments that matter most. Weeks before his father passed away, he received advice that changed everything: “Don’t miss Leo’s games. I missed too many of yours.” That conversation became the turning point that led him to rethink leadership, success, and what it means to truly provide for your family. Today George helps founder-dads build businesses that don’t depend on them being involved in everything — creating more time to be present with the people they love most. In this powerful conversation, George shares: • What his 20s looked like as a young entrepreneur • The major setback that taught him the value of diversification • The moment he realized he was becoming his own father • His father’s final advice and how it became a mirror • What “Founder Prison” is and why so many entrepreneurs get trapped • How he rebuilt his role, company, and calendar • Doubling revenue while working under 30 hours a week • Practical steps to move from Founder Prison to Founder Freedom If you’re in your 20s building something (or planning to) and don’t want success to cost you the people who matter most, this episode is essential. Timestamps below ⬇️ #GeorgeRivera #FounderPrison #Entrepreneurship #Family #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with George Rivera Website:https://yourtop25.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-rivera-53b3296/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/georgerivera1977 If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome George Rivera 1:40 - Life & Focus in His 20s 8:15 - Early Business Building & Setbacks 15:30 - The Cost of Over-Concentration 23:10 - Realizing He Was Becoming His Father 31:45 - “Don’t Miss Leo’s Games” — The Turning Point 40:20 - What Founder Prison Really Is 48:50 - The Freedom Audit & $10K/Hour Filter 57:15 - Rebuilding for Presence and Scale
September 9 · 29 min
From Early Marriage & PTSD to Heart-Centered Marketing | Rebecca Bertoldi
Rebecca Bertoldi is a heart-centered marketing architect who helps coaching and wellness brands attract clients through deeply aligned, authentic marketing experiences. With over 20 years in marketing and a personal journey that reshaped how she sees growth, healing, and business, she blends psychology, neuroscience, and real-world strategy to build brands that truly connect. Her approach flips traditional marketing on its head — turning it from persuasion into transformation from the very first interaction. In this honest conversation, Rebecca shares: • How she viewed success, work, and marketing in her 20s • Getting married at 21 and the red flags she ignored • How early choices delayed self-discovery and growth • Leaving an abusive relationship and moving across the country • Living in chronic fight-or-flight and severe PTSD symptoms • The coaching event that revealed the power of mind and body • Building heart-centered, authentic marketing that creates real connection If you’re in your 20s navigating early relationships, self-worth, career pressure, or healing from past environments, this episode offers both personal insight and practical perspective on aligned growth. Timestamps below ⬇️ #RebeccaBertoldi #HeartCenteredMarketing #AuthenticMarketing #Healing #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Rebecca Bertoldi Website:https://rebeccabertoldi.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbertoldi/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rbertoldi214/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Rebecca Bertoldi 1:40 - Viewing Success & Marketing in Her 20s 8:15 - Entering a “Man’s World” & Early Career 15:30 - Marrying at 21 & Ignoring Red Flags 23:10 - How Early Choices Delayed Self-Discovery 31:45 - Leaving the Marriage & Moving to California 40:20 - PTSD, Fight-or-Flight & Limited Capacity 48:50 - The Coaching Event That Changed Everything 57:15 - Heart-Centered Marketing & Authentic Connection
September 9 · 19 min
Quit Evading: From Cancer, Addiction & Drift to Discipline | Alexander Osterman
Alexander Osterman is a licensed psychotherapist, private practice owner, and author of Quit Evading: A Therapist’s Field Manual for Men in Drift. After overcoming cancer, addiction, depression, and personal collapse, he rebuilt his life through discipline, responsibility, sobriety, and fatherhood. Today he helps men stop avoiding the lives they are meant to build and become stronger, more emotionally grounded, and intentional. In this grounded conversation, Alexander shares: What his 20s actually felt like (confusion, uncertainty, fear) The cancer diagnosis at 26 that forced a confrontation with mortality The depression and addiction that followed — and the turning point Practical small habits that restart momentum (make the bed, walk, apply) What “Quit Evading” and “drift” look like in everyday life Why so many young men feel lost even when they appear successful The difference between being busy and actually making progress How discipline compounds over years, not days If you’re in your 20s feeling stuck, distracted, or like you’re avoiding the life you’re capable of building, this episode delivers clear, practical direction. Timestamps below ⬇️ #Alexander #QuitEvading #Discipline #Men #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Alexander Osterman Website:https://alexanderosterman.com/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alexanderosterman/ If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Alexander Osterman 1:40 - Life in His 20s: Confusion & Uncertainty 8:15 - Cancer at 26 & Confronting Mortality 15:30 - Depression, Addiction & Rock Bottom 23:10 - Starting Over with Three Small Daily Tasks 31:45 - What “Quit Evading” and Drift Really Mean 40:20 - Why Young Men Feel Lost Despite Success 48:50 - Busy vs. Real Progress 57:15 - Discipline That Compounds Over Years
September 9 · 49 min
What Controls How You Feel Controls You | Dr. Andrea Vitz
Dr. Andrea Vitz has built her work around a simple but confronting idea: what controls how you feel controls you. And if you don’t train that, you stay stuck in the same patterns. Most people think they are in control of their lives. But if your emotions can take over your decisions, reactions, relationships, or direction, then something else is running the show. In this powerful conversation, Andrea shares: • What was really going on beneath the surface of her high-achieving life • Recognizing emotions as intoxicating and addictive • Why external success often hides emotional immaturity • The cost of adult bodies with childish emotional stamina • Breaking down “what controls how you feel controls you” • How negative filters keep us generating the same emotional hits • Becoming the CEO of your own emotional state If you’re in your 20s chasing success while feeling reactive, defensive, or stuck in emotional patterns, this episode offers a clear path toward emotional sobriety and real freedom. Timestamps below ⬇️ #AndreaVitz #EmotionalSobriety #SelfAwareness #Emotions #ConversationsWithSekani Connect with Andrea Vitz Website:http://www.liftedacademy.com/ LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/andreavitz Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/drandreavitz If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani Chapters 0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. Andrea Vitz 1:40 - High Achiever on the Outside, Misaligned Inside 8:15 - Emotions as Intoxicating & Addictive 15:30 - The Turning Point for Change 23:10 - What Young Adults Are Ignoring Emotionally 31:45 - Adult Body, Childish Emotional Stamina 40:20 - “What Controls How You Feel Controls You” 48:50 - Negative Filters & Self-Centered Thinking 57:15 - Becoming the CEO of Your Emotional State

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