Your Daily Chocolate

Patty Deutsche

Tired of all the negativity and bad news in the world? This brief weekly podcast will boost your mood. With funny stories, clean jokes and interviews with people who will inspire you — it’s like a bite of chocolate… feels good and it's good for you!

  1. Milk and Honey Ranch: From Tech Exec to Texas Luxury Farm Retreat

    5D AGO

    Milk and Honey Ranch: From Tech Exec to Texas Luxury Farm Retreat

    Looking for a little lavish getaway? Today Patty interviews Brent and Daniela Phillips about Milk and Honey Ranch, a luxury farm resort between Houston and Austin near Brenham, Round Top, and Blue Bell Ice Cream. Brent left a tech career after COVID, selling his company, and a Texas freeze exposed how unprepared he felt without power. He bought the land unexpectedly, first for family life and learning practical skills.  After a financial hit, they listed their garage on Airbnb and it grew fast. Daniela survived a severe hydroplaning crash; while she was hospitalized, bookings surged 1300% as millions followed and prayed online. Guests come for animal experiences, especially mini Highland “cuddle cows,” plus alpacas, kangaroos, pigs, and goats. Next: a pond water park, golf simulator, and Promised Land Village for up to 40. Find out more and connect with Brent, Daniela, and Milk and Honey: Website: https://milkandhoneyranch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkandhoneyranchtx IG: https://www.instagram.com/MilkandHoneyRanch/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3IjbNw1kMIYHYl81hJxNQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milk-honey-ranch/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milkandhoneyranch Episode Highlights: 00:00 Meet Brent & Daniela + the viral rooster sculpture story 01:15 What is Milk & Honey Ranch? Luxury farm resort vibes 03:00 Why they left tech life: COVID, family time, and the Texas freeze wake-up call 04:38 Buying the land (without telling Daniela) + the original family-farm plan 06:10 From “just our home” to Airbnb: the financial hit and Round Top’s surprise boost 08:28 Scaling up to 35 stays: reinvesting, risk, and the ‘if you build it’ reality check 10:10 Faith, closed doors, and grinding through doubt to keep the ranch alive 13:30 Cuddle cows & the animal experiences: the $7K risk that paid off 16:39 The real work behind the magic: hospitality + farm life (and doing it all at first) 17:35 How the Kids Pitch In at the Ranch (Guests, Animals & Coffee Bar) 18:47 No Regrets: What Ranch Life Has Taught the Whole Family 19:40 Daniella’s Car Accident: Injuries, Recovery & the 2-Year Anniversary 20:46 Viral Prayer Chain: Social Media Support & 1300% Booking Surge 23:42 “Established by Creation, Inspired for Connection” + The Goat Birth Story 26:10 What’s Next: Water Park, Golf Simulator & Promised Land Village Expansion 28:09 Rapid-Fire Q&A: 2026 Goals, Dream Jobs, Favorite Animals & Chocolate 30:10 Wrap-Up: Visit the Ranch, Share the Episode & Teaser for Next Guest

    32 min
  2. The Journey to Earned Freedom: Les Suhayda's Harrowing Tale

    FEB 2

    The Journey to Earned Freedom: Les Suhayda's Harrowing Tale

    In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, Patty welcomes Les Suhayda, author of '12 Bells to Freedom.' He recounts his childhood memories of escaping communist Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Les explains how his family navigated through forests and evaded Russian troops to reach Austria. He discusses the historical context of post-World War II Hungary, his family's experiences, and the profound impact of these events on his life. Beyond his book, Les shares his ventures as an inventor, including the creation of a wine slushie and fire retardant products. This episode is a compelling mix of personal history, resilience, and innovation. Learn More about and Les and check out his book! Website 1: http://www.laszlochem.comWebsite 2: http://www.menrathwines.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lessuhaydaLink for Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=twelve+bells+to+freedom&crid=2SA3OG5LU498G&sprefix=Twelve+bells+to+Freedom%2Caps%2C106&ref=nb_sb_ss_ab-ac-rank-f5_1_23 Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:20 Les Suhayda's Early Memories and Family's Escape 02:39 Historical Context: Hungarian Revolution and Soviet Occupation 06:19 Family's Struggles Under Communism 08:16 The Escape Journey to Austria 11:32 Role of Religion and Cardinal Centi 14:33 Les Suhayda's Book: 12 Bells to Freedom 18:38 Family Stories and Name Changes 19:36 Fitting In Through Sports 20:12 College and Navy Achievements 21:06 Mother's Perspective and Family Challenges 22:16 Becoming an Author and Inventor 24:08 The Wine Slushie Business 26:22 Innovative Fire Protection Product 29:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

    34 min
  3. JAN 19

    Shaping Lives, Against All Odds with John David Graham

    In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' John David Graham discusses his extraordinary life. After founding Good Samaritan Home, a program for helping former inmates reintegrate into society, John reflects on his diverse career history and life challenges. He shares how his upbringing in the 50s and 60s and various job experiences, from truck driver to firefighter, shaped him. At 53, he pivoted to nonprofit work, and later at 75, published his debut novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' which won 48 literary awards. John highlights the importance of second chances and community support in overcoming life's obstacles. Find out more and connect with John David Graham: https://johndavidgraham.com/ https://goodsamaritanhome.org/ https://facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor https://johndavidgraham.substack.com/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to John David Graham 01:22 John's Early Life and Career Detours 02:28 Meeting His Wife and Early Struggles 06:18 Founding Good Samaritan Home 07:29 Challenges and Success Stories 09:50 The Importance of Second Chances 15:14 John's Novel and Its Inspiration 16:09 Lifeboat Safety and Second Chances 16:51 Overcoming Rejections and Finding the Right Audience 18:42 The Sequel: Requiem and Its Themes 19:07 Reflections on Race and Society 20:59 Advice for Overcoming Hardships 22:18 The Importance of Community Support 24:01 Future Plans and Personal Reflections 26:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 29:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

    31 min
  4. Unlocking the Power of 10 with Jeramy Gordon

    JAN 5

    Unlocking the Power of 10 with Jeramy Gordon

    In this uplifting episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate, Patty talks to Jeramy Gordon, author of 'The Power of 10.' Gordon shares his insights on how dedicating just 10 minutes a day can lead to significant transformations in faith, family, finances, and fitness. He discusses his method's practicality and its balance between setting achievable goals and maintaining consistency. The conversation delves into Gordon's personal experiences, including overcoming a business failure and heavy debt through faith and small consistent actions. He also touches on the importance of prioritizing relationships and maintaining balance in life. Perfect for those looking to make lasting changes as they embark on a new year. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeramygordon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenTalksWithJeramy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweroftenbook/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeramy-David-Gordon/author/B0BTWFKK17 Website: https://poweroftenbook.com/  Episode Highlights: 00:00 Happy New Year and Podcast Introduction 00:26 Meet Jeramy Gordon: Author of The Power of 10 01:26 The Power of 10: Concept and Application 03:16 Faith, Family, Finances, and Fitness: The Four Fs 06:49 Jeramy's Entrepreneurial Journey 11:46 Hitting Rock Bottom and Bouncing Back 15:05 Defining a Life That Matters 15:49 Overcoming Financial Struggles with Faith 16:15 Building a Life That Matters: Faith and Family 17:09 Transitioning to Digital Marketing 18:03 Starting Small: Making Life Changes 19:14 The Power of 10: Transforming Your Life 20:01 Opinionated, Not Judgeful: A Personal Journey 22:25 Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Insights 27:56 Final Thoughts and New Year's Resolutions

    30 min
  5. Breaking Barriers and Leading with Confidence with Toni Will

    12/22/2025

    Breaking Barriers and Leading with Confidence with Toni Will

    In this episode, the host engages with Toni Will, the groundbreaking General Manager and first female governor in ECHL history, overseeing the Kalamazoo Wings. Toni shares her unique path from banking to sports management, emphasizing her commitment to leadership, innovation, and personal reinvention. With a TEDx talk, a podcast, and an upcoming book, Toni discusses her six leadership pillars: consulting experts, innovating, embracing mistakes, seeking forgiveness over permission, macromanaging, and having fun. She also opens up about her journey to alcohol-free living and her dedication to empowering women through her conference, Empower Her. Toni’s bold insights and practical advice make this episode a compelling listen for anyone looking to break new ground in their personal or professional life. Find and Connect with Toni Will: Facebook: Toni Lentini Will  Facebook: toniwillofficial Instagram: @toniwillofficial  Instagram:  @imtoniwill LinkedIn:  Toni Lentini Will  Web: https://www.toniwill.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToniWill Episode Highlights: 00:00 Breaking Barriers: Meet Toni Will 01:52 From Banking to Hockey: Toni's Unlikely Journey 03:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Economic Development 04:26 A New Path: Joining the Kalamazoo Wings 07:04 Leadership Pillars: Toni's Guiding Principles 14:48 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry 17:35 Embracing Alcohol-Free Living 19:57 Journey to Becoming a Certified Coach 20:37 Navigating Social and Business Challenges Without Alcohol 21:35 Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Addiction 24:30 Setting and Achieving Goals for the New Year 29:19 Empower Her Conference and Upcoming Events 31:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 34:21 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

    36 min
  6. Innovation of Traditional Play with Toy Maker David Beker

    12/08/2025

    Innovation of Traditional Play with Toy Maker David Beker

    In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, we chat with David Beker, founder and president of A Better Design Company. As the Christmas season approaches, David shares insights from being a social worker to a successful toy inventor. Known for creating products like the Cornhole Shootout, a finalist for Toy of the Year in 2025, David discusses how his company focuses on reimagining and enhancing traditional toys. He emphasizes the importance of 'active play' and shares stories about his innovative products, including organic whole grain ice cream cones Perfect for parents and toy enthusiasts, this episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved toys and highlights the value of non-digital play. Find more about David and his work below: TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@abetterdesignco Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/abetterdesignco/ Abetter Design Company Website / https://abetterdesigncompany.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeker/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:14 David Beker's Background and Journey to Inventing 02:11 The Ice Cream Cone Business 04:34 Innovating Existing Products 07:10 Entering the Toy Industry 10:34 Cornhole Shootout and Toy of the Year 12:05 Focus on Active Play and Future Projects 16:02 The Process of Bringing a New Product to Market 16:54 The Importance of Research for Inventors 17:50 Navigating the Manufacturing and Royalty Process 19:46 Understanding Patents and Provisional Patent Applications 22:36 Challenges and Resilience in Israel 26:38 Rapid Fire Questions with David 30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

    32 min
  7. Resilient Minds, Unbreakable Spirits with Terry Healey

    11/10/2025

    Resilient Minds, Unbreakable Spirits with Terry Healey

    In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' Patty welcomes Terry Healey, a cancer survivor, author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. Terry shares his compelling story of overcoming life-threatening cancer at a young age, which left him with a permanent facial difference. Despite the challenges, he turned his experiences into gifts, developing his Rebar Resilience Framework to help others build confidence and resilience.  He discusses his seven-part personal survival kit, which includes focusing on gratitude, setting goals, and maintaining life balance. He also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and faith. Terry’s insights provide powerful tools for personal and professional growth, offering a unique perspective on how to turn adversity into strength.  Find more about Terry Healey: www.terryhealey.com X:  https://x.com/terryhealeyus YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@terryhealeyus IG: https://www.instagram.com/terryhealeyus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryhealey/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey 00:40 Meet Terry Healy: A Story of Resilience 01:58 Terry's Cancer Diagnosis and Initial Struggles 04:40 The Gift in Disguise: Gratitude, Perspective, and Empathy 07:22 Connecting with Robert Palor and Other Inspirational Stories 09:20 The Rebar Resilience Framework 11:18 Applying Resilience in the Workplace 15:30 Terry's Personal Survival Kit 21:37 Current Health and New Book: The Resilience Mindset 25:10 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

    30 min
4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Tired of all the negativity and bad news in the world? This brief weekly podcast will boost your mood. With funny stories, clean jokes and interviews with people who will inspire you — it’s like a bite of chocolate… feels good and it's good for you!