Finding Your Inspiration

Jill Van Balen
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Non-Profit
  • Weekly

Ignite a spark of inspiration, unlock your boundless potential, and pursue your passion with the Finding Your Inspiration podcast! Join host Paul Tully as he delves into captivating stories of individuals who have defied odds, conquered challenges, and pursued their dreams with unwavering courage. Each story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, celebrating the resilience and triumphs of individuals from all walks of life. Co-created by National CORE Founder Jeff Burum, FYI Host Paul Tully, and National CORE SVP of Marketing/Communications Jill Van Balen, Finding Your Inspiration is a National CORE Production benefiting the Hope through Housing Foundation. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and transformed as we unearth the power of inspiration and the life-altering paths that led our guests to accomplish amazing feats. This is Finding Your Inspiration.

  1. Oct 22

    #129 | What Happens When Two People Refuse to Give Up on Their Dreams: Zaha & Iliana

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Zaha and Iliana, a couple whose journeys from Ukraine and Mexico to building a life together are a powerful story of resilience, love, and never giving up on your dreams. For Zaha, soccer has always been more than just a game. Leaving behind his home in Ukraine, he pursued his dream of playing professional soccer, eventually finding an opportunity with the Empire Strykers. His journey is one of sacrifice, determination, and the courage to chase a dream despite life's uncertainties. Iliana's journey has been a different kind of battle. Growing up in Mexico and facing serious health challenges, she found herself searching for a path toward healing. Through perseverance, personal growth, and her passion for yoga and wellness, she began rebuilding her health and discovering a deeper sense of purpose. Together, Zaha and Iliana share how their different experiences have shaped their relationship, the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges, and why love, resilience, and believing in yourself can change everything. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation   ❤️ Connect With Zaha & Iliana 📸 Iliana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ile_yazmin/  📸 Zaha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaha_30/  💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: @fyi_podcast  🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story.

  2. Oct 22

    #128 | How Mario Aguilar Turned One Idea Into a Creative Community

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Mario Aguilar, photographer and founder of Creative Sundays, whose journey from growing up in Los Angeles to building a community around creativity is a story of resilience, faith, and finding purpose. Growing up in Pico-Union, Mario was surrounded by gang violence and pressure to follow the path he saw around him. Instead, he found an outlet through art, photography, graffiti, and a local community center that gave young people a safe place to explore their creativity. Years later, Mario found himself successfully hosting events and making money—but something was missing. After navigating a difficult period of illness and stepping away from social media for nearly two years, he began searching for something that felt bigger than himself. Mario shares why Creative Sundays has become his purpose, the power of creating spaces where people feel like they belong, and why inspiring the next generation means so much to him. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🎨 Creative Sundays 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cre8tive.sundays/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mario.aguilar1983/ 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: @fyi_podcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story.

  3. Oct 6

    #127 | They Left 30-Year Careers to Open an Ice Cream Shop | Kelly & Daniel Decker

    In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Kelly and Daniel Decker, the husband-and-wife team behind Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Rancho Cucamonga, whose decision to leave more than 30 years of corporate careers began during the uncertainty of the pandemic.  Kelly and Daniel share how a simple conversation during a walk turned a childhood dream into reality. Despite having no experience in the food industry, they took a leap of faith, invested in a franchise, and navigated financial risk, construction setbacks, and the fear of starting over. But this conversation is about more than opening an ice cream shop. It is about building a life around joy, creating a gathering place for the community, and developing young employees into confident leaders. Their Rancho Cucamonga location eventually became the number-one Bruster's store in the country without a drive-through. Kelly and Daniel also discuss the strength of their partnership, the role faith played in their journey, and why waiting for the "right time" can prevent us from pursuing the life we truly want. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ================================================ 🍦 Bruster's Rancho Cucamonga 📸 https://www.instagram.com/brusters_ranchocucamonga/ 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/ 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story.

  4. Oct 6

    #126 | Why Art Is More Important Than Ever in 2026 | Gabriel Enamorado's Journey

    In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Gabriel Enamorado, a artist, designer, photographer, and executive director of Stay Arts whose lifelong relationship with creativity began during a difficult childhood. Gabriel shares how drawing Dragon Ball Z characters, discovering graffiti, and earning two dollars for one of his childhood drawings helped him recognize the value of his creativity. That passion eventually led him to organize community exhibitions, co-found Stay Arts, and build an organization that now employs more than 35 artists and brings arts education to schools, families, and underserved communities throughout Southeast Los Angeles. But this conversation is about more than building an arts organization. It is about transforming pain into purpose, finding the courage to follow your creativity, and protecting the authentic human experience of making art in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Gabriel also discusses the boundaries between AI and human creativity, the importance of making art accessible to everyone, and why creating space for the next generation of artists may be his most meaningful work yet. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation   ================================================ 🎨 Stay Arts 📸 https://www.instagram.com/stayartsorg/ 🖌️ Stay Studio 📸 https://www.instagram.com/staystudio/ 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/ 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story.

  5. Aug 27

    3 Minutes of Inspiration That Will Change Your Perspective

    Sometimes, all it takes is one message to shift your perspective. In this special compilation from Finding Your Inspiration, we look back at some of the most powerful words, lessons and moments shared by our guests. From perseverance and purpose to taking chances, overcoming adversity and refusing to give up, these stories are a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere. Featuring in order of appearance Eric Dickerson, Amanda Filimon, Sheila Conlin, ThemeParkCasual, Johnny Cannizzaro, Kandice Gonzales, Jeff Burum, Efrain Ramirez, Aram Ramirez, Jean Paul San Pedro & Stephanie Stevenson, Andrew Grinsfelder, Andrew Morris, Carlyn Ray, Ronnie Marmo and Laura Cifaldi. No matter where you are in your journey, we hope these words encourage you to keep moving forward, believe in yourself and continue finding what inspires you. Subscribe to Finding Your Inspiration for more conversations with people who have overcome challenges, followed their passions and turned their experiences into something meaningful. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 / fyi_podcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

  6. Aug 27

    #125 | Andrew Grinsfelder's Incredible Story of Courage During the Palisades Fire

    In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Andrew Grinsfelder, a UCLA cognitive science student whose life changed overnight during the devastating Palisades Fire. When Andrew's family was forced to evacuate their home, they made the courageous decision to return and do everything they could to protect the place where they had built a lifetime of memories. Together, Andrew and his mother spent days preparing their home, relying on years of planning, teamwork, and the simple Boy Scout principle of "Be Prepared." But this conversation is about much more than surviving a wildfire. It's about family, community, resilience, and discovering what truly matters when everything you own is suddenly at risk. Andrew also shares how growing up in the Palisades shaped who he is, why preparation can make all the difference in moments of crisis, and the lessons he hopes others will take away from his family's incredible experience.  🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation

  7. Jul 30

    #124 | The Mindset That Took Joel Mejia to Ink Master

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Joel Mejia, tattoo artist, creative entrepreneur, and Ink Master competitor, to explore the mindset that helped him turn a lifelong passion into a career. Joel shares how believing in himself long before anyone else did opened doors he once thought were impossible. From discovering his love for art at a young age to pursuing tattooing despite uncertainty, he reflects on the importance of trusting your vision, embracing every opportunity, and staying committed to your craft through every challenge. Together, we discuss the lessons he's learned along the way, what it really takes to build a career as an artist, and why your mindset can become your greatest advantage when chasing a dream. This is a conversation about self-belief, perseverance, and having the courage to bet on yourself. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation

  8. Jul 30

    #123 | From Local Dance Studio to the Super Bowl (Part 2)

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we continue our conversation with JP and Stephanie, founders of Salsa With Stephanie, as they share the next chapter of their incredible journey. In Part 2, they discuss the impact of building a community through dance, Stephanie's inspiring recovery after a drunk driver left doctors believing she would never dance again, and the unforgettable opportunity that led her to perform alongside Bad Bunny on one of the world's biggest stages. JP and Stephanie also reflect on the lessons they've learned as entrepreneurs, the importance of staying true to their mission, and why creating a place where people feel like they belong has always been at the heart of everything they do. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the incredible places passion can take you. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation

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About

Ignite a spark of inspiration, unlock your boundless potential, and pursue your passion with the Finding Your Inspiration podcast! Join host Paul Tully as he delves into captivating stories of individuals who have defied odds, conquered challenges, and pursued their dreams with unwavering courage. Each story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, celebrating the resilience and triumphs of individuals from all walks of life. Co-created by National CORE Founder Jeff Burum, FYI Host Paul Tully, and National CORE SVP of Marketing/Communications Jill Van Balen, Finding Your Inspiration is a National CORE Production benefiting the Hope through Housing Foundation. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and transformed as we unearth the power of inspiration and the life-altering paths that led our guests to accomplish amazing feats. This is Finding Your Inspiration.

Information

  • Creator
    Jill Van Balen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Inspiration