Stuck In My Mind Podcast

EP 263 What's GOOD About TODAY? Lessons on Strength & Purpose

In this heartwarming and emotionally powerful episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," host Wize El Jefe sits down with Chris Cochran, an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, to discuss a deeply personal journey that transcends business and leadership. The episode, titled "What's GOOD About TODAY: Lessons on Strength & Purpose," delves into the profound life changes and lessons that emerged from the tragic yet inspiring story of Chris's son, Christian.
Chris Cochran, the founder and CEO of Blue Chip Solutions and board director of Coeptis Therapeutics Holdings Inc, opens up about the pivotal moment when his son Christian received a terminal diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 and the constraints of hospital visitations, Chris recounts the heart-wrenching experience of receiving the devastating news alongside his son. Despite this life-shattering development, Christian's response was nothing short of extraordinary. Instead of yielding to despair, Christian embodied resilience and courage, offering comfort to his father with the profound reassurance that he would be just fine.
Throughout the conversation, Chris and Wize explore the myriad ways Christian's perspective and unwavering spirit impacted their family, shaping the way they approached life, gratitude, and love in the face of inevitable loss. Chris reflects on the inspiration behind his book, "What's Good About Today," which aims to share Christian's message of hope, kindness, and living with purpose with the world. He underscores the significance of Christian's to-love list—a concept that calls for intentionally spreading love to others each day—as a transformative practice in appreciating life's moments.
Given the immense weight of losing a child, Chris candidly shares the emotional challenges of maintaining his roles as a father, husband, and business leader while navigating the depths of grief. He emphasizes the importance of faith, spirituality, and community in his healing journey, recognizing that genuine connection and kindness can illuminate even the darkest paths.
Listeners are offered a poignant reminder of the universal experiences of grief and love, interwoven with moments of levity and laughter, as Chris and Wize recount personal anecdotes about their own losses. This episode serves as an invitation to all who listen to embrace the lesson embodied by Christian and exemplified by Chris's advocacy: cherish each day, acknowledge the beauty around you, and live with intentional purpose, even amidst the challenges life presents.
Tune in for an inspiring and deeply moving dialogue that celebrates the legacy of a remarkable young man and affirms the enduring power of love and resilience.

EP 262 Unlocking Talent and Purpose: Jeremy Haselwood's Inspirational Journey

n this compelling episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," host Wize El Jefe welcomes esteemed guest Jeremy Haselwood, a two-time best-selling author, digital marketing expert, entrepreneur, and speaker. The episode titled "Unlocking Talent and Purpose: Jeremy Haselwood's Inspirational Journey" is a thought-provoking journey into the realms of self-discovery, purpose realization, and digital marketing insights.
Wize kicks off the conversation by enthusiastically re-entering the podcast scene post-surgery, expressing his passion for podcasting and connecting with thought leaders like Jeremy. This sets the tone for an engaging dialogue centered around pursuing dreams and personal growth.
Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from Oklahoma to Atlanta, motivated by a passion for music that eventually shaped his career in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. This move, driven by a triumphant experience performing in an Apollo-style show in Atlanta, became a pivotal moment in Jeremy’s life, anchoring him in a city buzzing with opportunities.
Drawing on his rich experiences in both the music industry and corporate America, Jeremy elaborates on the transferable skills and lessons he’s gained. He emphasizes the importance of structure, training, and adaptability which corporate settings instill—skills that have been invaluable in his entrepreneurial ventures.
The conversation naturally flows into a discussion about Jeremy's book, "Finding Your Edge," which took a decade to culminate. The book is a blueprint for individuals seeking to break free from stagnation and find purpose and passion in their lives. Jeremy candidly shares his personal struggles and the transformative processes that led to the creation of his book, offering listeners pathways to discover and harness their potential.
Wize and Jeremy find common ground in their shared experiences of overcoming self-doubt and breaking through mental barriers. Jeremy’s "EDGE" framework—Eliminate distractions, Discover yourself, Generate goals, and Enact discipline—provides a structured roadmap that listeners can apply to their own lives.
A significant portion of the discussion delves into the intricacies of digital marketing. Jeremy identifies common pitfalls, such as chasing trends without honing a unique brand, and advocates for a long-term strategy that aligns with personal and brand authenticity. This resonates with Wize, who appreciates the importance of staying true to oneself and impacting lives genuinely rather than superficially.
The episode also touches upon the vital aspects of the spiritual and holistic approach to life, encouraging listeners to maintain a balanced focus across different life facets, including personal, professional, familial, health, and spiritual domains.
As the episode concludes, Wize and Jeremy reflect on the profound insights shared and the empowering nature of following one’s passion. Wize extends gratitude to Jeremy for his contributions and hints at future collaborations to delve deeper into fascinating topics.
This episode is not just an exchange of ideas but a motivational dialogue packed with actionable insights to inspire listeners to embark on their own journey of finding purpose and achieving personal and professional excellence.

EP 261 Activate Your Potential: Rick Tamlyn on Living Your Best Life

In this engaging episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast titled "Activate Your Potential: Rick Tamlyn on Living Your Best Life," host Wize El Jefe welcomes Dr. Rick Tamlyn, an internationally renowned speaker, coach, and creator of the Bigger Game. Tamlyn's mission revolves around helping people design and live meaningful and impactful lives, a theme that resonates throughout the conversation.
The episode begins with an intriguing discussion about the origin of the Bigger Game, a philosophy, and framework that Tamlyn developed over his 38-year career in personal growth and coaching. He describes it as an evolving concept, manifesting in various forms such as a book, workshop, a talk, and possibly a movie in the future. Rooted in the idea that the happiest people are those who are up to something bigger than they know how to create, the Bigger Game encourages individuals to view life as a game filled with opportunities.
Tamlyn opens up about a pivotal moment in his life, sharing his personal journey of coming out as a gay man in the 1970s, navigating the AIDS crisis in New York City, and overcoming societal judgment and challenges. This personal struggle propelled him into coaching, leading him to become an advocate for helping others live authentically. Tamlyn emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with one's values and shares insights on how to define and pursue what constitutes a great life.
The episode delves deep into the elements of the Bigger Game, highlighting how people can push past fear and comfort zones to pursue their dreams and live out their potential. Tamlyn presents the nine-square Bigger Game board, which acts as a tool for assessing where individuals stand in their journey and what actions they need to take for growth. He articulates several foundational squares such as Hunger, Compelling Purpose, Gulp, Investment, Allies, and more, explaining how each plays a critical role in the game of life.
Throughout the conversation, Wize El Jefe and Rick Tamlyn bond over shared philosophies and experiences. Wize reflects on his personal journey, opening up about his fears, losses, and eventually finding purpose and joy through podcasting. His story exemplifies the principles of the Bigger Game—embracing discomfort, confronting fear, and taking bold actions to make a meaningful impact.
As the episode continues, Wize and Rick explore the concepts of living boldly, the importance of self-reflection, and ways to maintain motivation and inspiration when helping others achieve their dreams. Rick, drawing from his extensive experience, offers valuable insights into how people can uncover their life’s compelling purpose through experimentation and reflection, advocating for trying different things to discover what truly resonates.
The episode concludes with Rick emphasizing the importance of not worrying too much about what others think and embracing one's unique journey. His parting advice encourages listeners to play their own bigger games, live authentically, and continually strive for a more meaningful existence. Throughout the discussion, both Rick and Wize convey a shared commitment to impacting the lives of others, offering encouragement to anyone seeking to unlock their potential.
Listeners of this episode are treated to an inspiring and heartfelt dialogue filled with practical wisdom from Rick Tamlyn’s personal experiences and professional expertise. The conversation serves not only as a guide to living a fuller life but also as a testament to the power of personal transformation and intentional living.

EP 260 Podcast Success Blueprint: Award-Winning Producer Isabella Sanchez Castañeda

In this engaging episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe sits down with the esteemed Isabella Sanchez Castañeda, an award-winning podcast producer, strategist, and the CEO of ISA Media Inc. As they delve into the world of podcasting in 2025, Isabella shares insightful narratives from her own journey transitioning from journalism to podcasting, highlighting how her roots in storytelling have significantly shaped her approach to producing compelling content.
Isabella discusses the founding of ISA Media, revealing how the unexpected changes during the pandemic led her to venture into business after discovering certain aspects of journalism were no longer fulfilling. Encouraged by her entrepreneurial parents, she embraced her natural storytelling skills to create a platform where she could make a greater impact through podcasting.
Throughout the conversation, Isabella shares invaluable advice for aspiring podcasters, reflecting on her own experiences. Notably, she emphasizes the importance of pre-production and planning, stressing how these elements can enhance a podcast's growth and effectiveness. She provides a candid account of her initial challenges—particularly her realization of the need for strategic planning after struggling with early episodes focused solely on spontaneous topics.
Wize and Isabella explore the podcasting process in depth, with Wize sharing his own evolution as a podcaster. They discuss the significance of structure and systems, such as using platforms like PodMatch for scheduling and finding guests, as well as the role of networking and relationship-building within the podcasting community. Both speakers highlight how the supportive nature of the podcasting world has been crucial to their personal and professional growth.
Isabella delves into strategies for differentiating personal brands in what some consider an oversaturated podcast market. She advocates for depth over breadth by capitalizing on unique personal experiences and perspectives. This theme of authenticity is further reinforced as she encourages hosts to incorporate more solo episodes to cultivate a stronger connection with their audience, showcasing what they've learned through their podcasting journey.
The episode also covers practical aspects of podcasting, from dealing with podcast burnout and creative blocks to leveraging listener feedback as a metric of success beyond just download numbers. Isabella's actionable insights are designed to help podcasters refine their craft, stay relevant, and maintain a compelling presence for long-term listenership.
Both Isabella and Wize share success stories from their podcasting careers, illustrating the profound impact storytelling can have on listeners. They encourage potential podcasters to overcome hesitations by identifying and addressing underlying fears, emphasizing that the personal stories they share can have universal resonance and transformative power.
As the episode winds down, the conversation shifts towards future aspirations, with Isabella and Wize discussing goals for the coming year, including Wize's intention to appear on more podcasts to share his story further. Isabella's expert advice serves as a catalyst for Wize, prompting him to revisit solo episodes with renewed intention and focus.
This episode of Stuck In My Mind Podcast is not only a treasure trove of podcasting wisdom but also a testament to the powerful intersection of storytelling, strategic planning, and community support in creating meaningful and impactful content. As always, Wize El Jefe and his guest deliver a rich, insightful discussion that will resonate with both aspiring and seasoned podcasters alike.

EP 259 From Adversity to Empowerment: Neena Perez's Journey of Faith and Resilience

In this empowering episode, I sit down with Neena Perez, a transformational coach, author, and motivational speaker whose story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of purpose. Neena’s journey has been marked by profound challenges, including abuse, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, divorce, and poverty. Yet, she has emerged stronger, using her experiences to inspire and guide women to step boldly into entrepreneurship and create businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven.
Neena’s autobiography, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, shares the raw and inspiring details of her life, providing a glimpse into the strength and determination that now fuel her mission. Through her signature program, Wisdom to Wealth, Neena takes women on a transformative journey that includes inner healing, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and co-creating impactful businesses aligned with their values.
In this conversation, Neena opens up about:
The pivotal moments that shaped her life and career.
How her faith has been a cornerstone in her personal and professional growth.
The importance of healing from past trauma to unlock one’s full potential.
Her proven 3-step process for creating a life and business you love.
Practical advice for women starting from scratch in their entrepreneurial journey.
The power of mindset shifts and personal development in achieving lasting success.
Neena’s candid, no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air, offering both inspiration and actionable steps for anyone looking to transform their life and business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, someone seeking healing from past trauma, or simply looking for motivation to step into your purpose, this episode is for you.

EP 258 Embracing Discomfort for Change: JD Mass on Racial Unity and Healing

In this thought-provoking episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe dives deeply into a critical and dynamic conversation with JD Mass, an activist, author, and organizational psychologist whose work centers around racial healing and unity. The episode, titled "Charting a Course Toward Healing: JD Mass Discusses Race for What," unveils JD's insightful perspectives drawn from his own life experiences and professional journey.
JD Mass opens up about his formative years, having grown up as a minority in a predominantly Black community—an intentional choice by his parents aimed at fostering empathy and understanding racial disparities. These early experiences, alongside encounters with systemic racism, particularly in law enforcement and retail, kindled his passion for activism and ignited his commitment to anti-racism work. JD delves into his time at Ohio State University, sharing anecdotes about interacting with diverse groups and navigating the complex reality of code-switching in a racially stratified society.
Central to the discussion is JD's book, "Race for What?" and his philosophy that understanding and empathy are more effective than confrontation in battling racism. He challenges listeners to reconsider ingrained beliefs by bringing discomfort to their own biases, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical contexts like segregation and the obliteration of Black Wall Street. JD argues that the fight for racial unity has faced resistance but notes the promising shift in younger generations forming diverse friendships.
JD expresses optimism about the potential transformative power of blockchain technology and criticizes the conventional financial systems, highlighting how they are often bolstered by military force. He promotes his website, raceforwhat.com, where audiences can explore his book “7 Steps to Healing,” aimed at tackling anti-racism through healing and understanding. Also in development is a course with the Anti-Racism Academy, and plans for a Race For What comedy tour, designed to blend humor with serious conversations about race.
The episode also explores JD's critique of the education system, expressing a dire need for curricula that nurture creativity and holistic life skills rather than merely supporting existing frameworks. Host Wize El Jefe echoes these sentiments, lamenting the removal of arts from schools and emphasizing the importance of diverse cultural perspectives.
A prominent theme in JD’s discourse is the unfortunate societal conditioning into stereotypes and prejudices, likening society’s fascination with prestige and luxury to magic tricks that distract from life’s meaningful experiences. He advocates for societal systems that prioritize love and empathy over material wealth and competition, calling for a shift from competition to genuine curiosity and mutual learning among America's diverse populace.
The episode also ventures into JD’s insights on balancing entrepreneurial endeavors with activism, underscoring the importance of personal joy, natural connections, and the critiques of an artificial scarcity mindset. JD, reflecting on his experiences working with Nelly, highlights lessons around "white saviorism," competition, and creativity—and recognizes privilege and systemic inequalities through personal anecdotes.
With vulnerability, JD acknowledges missteps in addressing racial issues and stresses the importance of accountability and continuous learning, particularly highlighted through his interaction with the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. This community embraced holistic health and humanity-first ideologies, contrasting sharply with colonized cultural norms, and ultimately shaped JD’s understanding of cultural dynamics and his development of 7 reparative steps focused on healing and psychological transformation.
Throughout the episode, JD maintains a hopeful resilience, drawing from historical cycles of change and improvement, much like volcanic soil enriches landscapes after eruption. He gently reminds listeners that moving past fear towards change can yield beautiful unity and societal transformation.
 

EP 257 257 Transformative Healing with Master Shaman and Healer Michelle Hawk

In this captivating episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," host Wize El Jefe delves into the world of transformative healing with the highly respected guest, Michelle Hawk, a master shaman, healer, and spiritual mentor. Michelle takes the audience on a journey through her extensive experience spanning over 15 years, offering deep insights into the powerful realms of shamanism, alchemy, and energy healing. She shares the inception story of her own podcast, "Shaman Sister Sessions," created with her best friend Katherine Byrd. This initiative, which began during the tumultuous period of the 2016 U.S. election, aims to provide listeners with the mystical and spiritual resources Michelle wished she had during her early explorations in spirituality.
Throughout the episode, Michelle and Wize engage in an enlightening discussion about the significance of distinguishing personal energy from the collective. With eloquence, Michelle compares this skill to a farmer recognizing his own sheep among outsiders, highlighting the importance of cultivating a keen sense of one's energy body. She further illustrates how staying grounded is crucial, sharing methods such as spending time in nature to maintain presence and balance. The conversation unfolds with personal anecdotes, including a poignant moment Michelle experienced involving a stag, serving as a reminder of how nature can powerfully ground and connect us.
Adding an interactive dynamic to the episode, Wize shares the vibrancy of live podcasts by addressing a listener's question about discerning personal energy, and recounts his positive experience of reconnecting with nature during a drive. Michelle echoes this sentiment, noting the richness of outdoor experiences in nurturing a grounded state of being. Both speakers advocate the grounding benefits of simple natural engagements like fishing or touching the earth, even as the seasons change.
Michelle introduces the audience to her comprehensive offerings, including her "foundations of energetic mastery," 1-on-1 mentorship, and a 200-hour alchemy certification course set to begin in 2025. Through these avenues, she invites spiritual seekers and practitioners to deepen their understanding and capabilities. Michelle also provides a complimentary alchemy guide on her website, michellehawk.com, to support listeners in their transformative journeys.
The episode dives deeper into Michelle’s journey, recounting her early introduction to shamanism as a teenager and her subsequent academic experiences where she bridged biology with spiritual practices. By acknowledging the challenges of integrating science and spirituality, she beautifully highlights the pursuit of universal truths in both domains. Additionally, she explains her approach to untapped intuitive potential, and the importance of being a clear channel for intuitive work across the visible and invisible realms.
Listeners are offered a candid look at Michelle’s approach to spiritual mentorship, emphasizing the necessity for experienced guidance in navigating complex and unseen terrains. Her analogy of a "spiritual Sherpa" underscores the role of a mentor in safe navigation through spiritual challenges. Throughout, Michelle seamlessly ties her narratives to the empowering potential of alchemy in personal and collective healing, advocating it as a process that elevates consciousness, emotional health, and societal structures.
The episode draws to a close with expressions of gratitude and a shared hope between Michelle and Wize that the discussion will resonate with listeners on their personal paths. Wize's belief in the podcast’s subject matter reaffirms the significance of addressing skeptics' views. The warm exchange ends with mutual appreciation, and the episode concludes with shoutouts, encouraging audience engagement and emphasizing the show's commitment to exploring transformative spiritual topics. As a whole, this episode provides a wealth of insights, offering a deep dive into the potential of shamanic and alchemical practices for transformative healing.

EP 256 Resilience and Redemption: Jessie Torres on Embracing Limitless Potential

In this transformative episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," host Wize El Jefe invites the resilient and inspiring Jessie Torres to share her extraordinary journey of resilience, redemption, and embracing limitless potential. The episode, titled "Resilience and Redemption: Jessie Torres on Embracing Limitless Potential," delves deep into the intricacies of trauma, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.
From the outset, Jessie captivates listeners with her profound understanding of trauma, explaining how it is a universal experience, subjective in nature, manifesting from various life events that disrupt a sense of safety, particularly in childhood. Through vivid examples, she illustrates the long-lasting emotional challenges that stem from unresolved traumas, like a child's fear of abandonment or an adult's relentless pursuit of achievement rooted in a childhood comment.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Jessie courageously shares her own heart-wrenching experiences, including childhood abuse, an abusive relationship, financial hardships, and the devastating loss of her brothers to murder. Rather than remaining a victim of these circumstances, Jessie interprets these hardships as a "divine choreography" designed for growth and compassion, illustrating her unique perspective on pain as a catalyst for transformation.
Throughout the episode, Jessie provides invaluable advice to those grappling with their emotional scars. She humorously characterizes shame as a "cosmic joke," urging listeners to redefine their identity and consciously decide the individuals they wish to become. This message is underpinned by her personal narratives of confronting fears, initiating a daunting divorce without a concrete plan, and the ultimate realization of her potential through perseverance and inner strength.
A significant theme in Jessie's story is the pivotal role of her children in her healing process. Together, they engage in therapeutic activities, such as sound healing and intentional event coordination, to heal themselves and extend this healing to others. Through her children's innocent courage, Jessie finds strength to face her fears and redefine her life's purpose, a dedication to aiding others in awakening their true essence and rediscovering joy.
Jessie eloquently articulates the power of forgiveness, explaining it as an act of liberation rather than an acceptance of wrongdoings. She underscores the importance of releasing self-judgment and viewing life’s adversities as opportunities for growth and spiritual awakening. This mindset shift is exemplified through her ability to find love, unity, and positive impacts in even the most painful experiences, such as her brother's murder.
The episode further explores the spiritual dimension of healing, a belief in a higher power orchestrating life's journey in a way that fosters personal development. Jessie draws parallels to John Walsh's transformation of personal tragedy into a purposeful mission, inspiring listeners to find their calling amidst chaos.
Host Wize El Jefe contributes to the dialogue with his own experiences of loss and self-development, revealing how his life's challenges spurred the creation of his podcast as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. His admiration for Jessie's unwavering resilience is evident as he reflects on the importance of shifting away from a victim mindset to initiate a positive life transformation.
Jessie discusses her mission to build a supportive community, referred to as an "army of angels," and her openness to guide others on their healing journeys. She shares details about her website, IAmFierceGrace.com, offering diverse programs, coaching, and a free ebook, extending her support even beyond the podcast.
The episode concludes on an uplifting note with Jessie expressing her deepest joy in witnessing others embrace their authentic selves and recognizing the innate magnificence they possess since birth. Wize El Jefe closes the conversation with gratitude for Jessie's inspiring presence and a heartfelt invitation for her to return for future updates on her impactful projects.
With its profound insights and heartfelt conversations, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and redemption are not only possible but within reach for anyone willing to confront their past, forgive, and embrace the limitless potential that lies within.
 
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