Finding Your Inspiration

Jill Van Balen
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  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED 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. 5D AGO

    #113 | Army Veteran, Operating Room Nurse, and Sports Reporter: Amanda's Journey

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "9f3555b7-0336-419f-8298-2f8bc04c7348" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Amanda — Army veteran, operating room nurse, and sports reporter — to talk about service, purpose, and the unexpected paths life can take. Amanda's journey began in the United States Army, where she developed the discipline and resilience that would shape every chapter that followed. After her time in uniform, she stepped into the medical field as an operating room nurse, dedicating herself to caring for others during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Eventually, another door opened when Amanda found herself covering sports and sharing the stories behind the athletes and communities in the Major Arena Soccer League. This conversation is about purpose — and how sometimes the path you never planned becomes the one that defines your story. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Meeting Amanda 04:20 – The Decision to Join the Army 07:50 – Lessons From Military Service 11:40 – Transitioning to Civilian Life 14:20 – Becoming an Operating Room Nurse 18:00 – Life Inside the Operating Room 21:30 – Discovering Sports Media 24:10 – Covering the MASL 27:30 – Finding Purpose Through Every Chapter If you want, Jack, I can also quickly generate the 500-character tag block you prefer for YouTube SEO and it'll help this episode rank for things like: army veteran stories nurse inspiration women in sports media career reinvention stories.   *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "f5a0e571-7182-404b-b2fb-64810cc0d1e9" data-testid= "conversation-turn-23" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> its 48 minutes long so adjust the chaphters and you need to have it simialr to the one i uploaded with erin with the appropaote spaces for links   *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "55ce3f4d-ec39-446e-846f-59f83881cc55" data-testid= "conversation-turn-24" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> Got it, Jack. I'll mirror the exact formatting style of the Erin Runnion upload — including the spacing, separators, and link sections — and adjust the chapters for a ~48-minute episode. Episode Description (YouTube) In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Amanda — Army veteran, operating room nurse, and sports reporter — to talk about service, purpose, and how life can take you down paths you never expected. Amanda's journey began with a commitment to serve her country in the United States Army. After her time in the military, she continued that mission of helping others by becoming an operating room nurse, working on the frontlines of patient care during some of life's most critical moments. Eventually, another chapter opened when Amanda stepped into the world of sports media, covering professional soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League and sharing the stories behind the athletes and communities that make the game special. This conversation is about purpose — and how every chapter of life, even the unexpected ones, can lead you exactly where you're meant to be. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch Episode 1 here: • [Insert Episode 1 Link] ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:05 – Reconnecting With Amanda 05:10 – Growing Up & Early Influences 08:30 – The Decision to Join the Army 12:40 – Lessons From Military Service 17:10 – Transitioning Back to Civilian Life 21:00 – Becoming an Operating Room Nurse 26:15 – Life Inside the Operating Room 31:20 – Finding an Opportunity in Sports Media 35:10 – Covering the MASL 39:30 – The Tailgating Competition Story 43:10 – Reflecting on Purpose & Life's Journey ====================================================== Amanda's Links 📸 Instagram: (1) Instagram 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandabrooke32 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 / hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 / nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: / fyi.findingyourinspiration 🎵 TikTok: / fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    48 min

  2. MAR 4

    #112 | When Tragedy Sparks a Movement: Erin Runnion's Mission to Protect Children

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Erin Runnion — mother, advocate, and founder of The Joyful Child Foundation — to talk about loss, legacy, and how one life can spark a movement that protects millions. After her daughter Samanta was kidnapped and murdered, Erin faced a grief no parent should ever endure. But instead of allowing tragedy to define the end of her daughter's story, she chose to build something in her honor. What began as unimaginable heartbreak became a mission. Erin shares what it was like navigating the immediate aftermath, the long road of grief, and the decision to channel her pain into advocacy and prevention. Through The Joyful Child Foundation, she has dedicated her life to empowering children, educating families, and helping prevent crimes before they happen. Samanta's legacy also helped catalyze the development and expansion of AMBER ALERT — a system that has since saved countless children across the country. This conversation is about resilience — about what happens when grief becomes purpose, and when one mother refuses to let her daughter's story end in tragedy. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/J4C_xuwh23E?si=JsT3XdbDILXHZhJ8 ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Reconnecting With Erin 05:00 – Remembering Samanta 08:40 – The Day Everything Changed 12:30 – Navigating Grief as a Mother 16:40 – Choosing Advocacy Over Anger 19:50 – The Birth of The Joyful Child Foundation 23:20 – Educating & Empowering Children 26:50 – Helping Shape AMBER ALERT 30:10 – Samanta's Lasting Legacy ====================================================== The Joyful Child Foundation 🌐 [https://www.thejoyfulchild.org/] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyfulchild/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulChild Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 / hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 / nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: / fyi.findingyourinspiration 🎵 TikTok: / fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    33 min

  3. FEB 23

    #111 | Graffiti, Survival & Second Chances: How Efrain Turned It Around

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Efrain Aguiar — former graffiti tagger, street kid, and survivor — to talk about identity, survival mode, and the moment that forced him to choose a different path. Growing up, tagging wasn't just about spray paint and walls. It was about belonging. It was about recognition. It was about navigating an environment where survival came first and consequences felt distant. But street life doesn't stay small. Efrain shares what it was like living in that world, the pressure that comes with it, and the reality check that made him realize he had two choices: continue down a path that could cost him everything… or completely rewrite his future. This conversation is about transformation — about what happens when survival turns into self-awareness, and when identity shifts from who you were to who you decide to become. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're interested in redemption stories, overcoming street life, youth transformation, second chances, or what it truly means to change direction.  ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Growing Up in Survival Mode 08:45 – Finding Identity Through Graffiti 14:30 – Tagging, Territory & Street Culture 20:15 – The Risks, Pressure & Close Calls 26:40 – Living With Consequences 31:10 – "I Had Two Choices" 35:30 – The Turning Point 40:10 – Changing Environment & Mindset 45:00 – Accountability & Rebuilding 49:30 – Redefining Identity 53:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 56:00 – Final Reflections Efrain's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empire_arts_76/ Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    58 min

  4. FEB 11

    #110 | When Life Gets Heavy, You Keep Going: Ralph Bracco's Story

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, host Paul Tully sits down with longtime friend Ralph Bracco for a real, honest conversation about family, loss, and what it means to keep going when life gets heavy. As two old friends catching up, Ralph opens up about caring for his parents, losing them, and how that experience reshaped his perspective on success, gratitude, and purpose. He also reflects on life as a working actor — staying consistent, grounded, and committed to the dream while never losing sight of what matters most. This episode is about perseverance in its truest form. Choosing family. Carrying lessons forward. And showing up — even when the weight feels heavy. 🎧 New episodes of Finding Your Inspiration drop every Monday. 📺 Subscribe for more stories about resilience, purpose, and real life. Ralph's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralphbracco/  🌐Portfolio: https://www.ralphbracco.com/ Finding Your Inspiration Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast  Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/  📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing  National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org  📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore

    23 min

  5. FEB 5

    #109 | She Turned Life's Challenges into Strength: Theresa Farrell

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Theresa Farrell to talk about resilience, self-belief, and what it really means to keep going—especially when life doesn't unfold the way you expected. Theresa's story is one of growth shaped by challenge. From navigating difficult moments early on to learning how to stand confidently in who she is today, her journey is a powerful reminder that strength isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about how you respond to it. But this conversation goes deeper than the past. This episode is about strength, perspective, and progress—about being still standing, and still smiling, no matter what season of life you're in. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're interested in stories that remind you, you're capable of more than you think Theresa's Links T Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llonuCeA8_M&list=PLKQ2cCvRFXN3bnjksGNaMIOZ2KtbjHExZ  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.c.farrell?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==  Finding Your Inspiration Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/  🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast  Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/  📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing  National CORE  🌐 https://nationalcore.org  📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore  🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    25 min

  6. JAN 27

    #108 | NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson: Legacy Beyond the Game

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Eric Dickerson — NFL Hall of Famer, Rams legend, philanthropist, and entrepreneur — to talk about legacy, purpose, and what it means to make an impact far beyond the game of football. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1983, Eric didn't just enter the NFL — he changed it. With 13,259 career rushing yards (8th all-time) and the NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, a mark set in 1984 that still stands today, his on-field dominance is undeniable. But this conversation goes deeper than stats and highlights. Eric opens up about life after the NFL, the responsibility that comes with influence, and why giving back has become just as important as winning ever was. Through the ED29 Foundation, Eric is focused on creating access, opportunity, and education for underserved youth — including the opening of the Eric Dickerson Learning Center in Texas through a partnership with Hope Through Housing. This episode is about legacy — not just what you accomplish, but what you leave behind.   🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're interested in leadership, life after success, athlete impact, or building something meaningful that lasts. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Growing up & early influences 06:45 – Being drafted by the Rams in 1983 10:30 – Breaking records & the historic 1984 season 15:40 – Pressure, expectations & performing at the highest level 20:50 – Life after football & redefining success 25:10 – Giving back through the ED29 Foundation 29:30 – Education, mentorship & the Learning Center 32:45 – Final reflections & legacy   Eric Dickerson's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdickerson29/ 🏌️ Eric Dickerson Charity Golf Tournament (Hope Through Housing): https://hthf.org/news-and-events/eric-dickerson-golf-tournament/   Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing   National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore   FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast   🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    33 min

  7. JAN 26

    #106 | Transformation Doesn't Happen Overnight: Aram Ramirez on Film Directing & Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Aram Ramirez to talk about navigating uncertainty, staying grounded when life feels heavy, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the next step isn't clear. Aram shares how seasons of doubt, responsibility, and internal pressure shaped his outlook — and how learning to trust himself became the turning point. Through reflection and honesty, he opens up about choosing growth over comfort and showing up even when progress feels slow or unseen. His story is a reminder that transformation doesn't happen overnight. It happens through small decisions, quiet resilience, and the courage to keep going — even when fear is loud and certainty feels far away. This conversation is about perseverance, self-belief, and choosing to show up for your future self — especially when the road ahead feels uncertain. 🎬Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're in a season of change, doubt, or personal growth. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – Aram's early challenges 08:50 – Carrying responsibility through uncertainty 14:30 – When doubt started to creep in 20:10 – Choosing growth over comfort 26:45 – Learning to trust yourself 32:30 – Small decisions that changed everything 38:20 – Staying resilient when progress feels slow 44:30 – Final reflections & inspiration Aram's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/super7productions/ 🌐 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storyshortsyt/shorts National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    55 min

  8. JAN 5

    #105 | What Happens When You Stop Playing It Safe W/ Kandice Gonzalez

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Kandice Gonzalez to talk about navigating uncertainty, trusting yourself when the path isn't clear, and what it really takes to keep going when things feel heavy.   As an actor chasing her dreams while also caring for her brother who has Down syndrome, Kandice shares how responsibility, love, and resilience have shaped her perspective — and how stepping into a new year became an opportunity to choose growth over comfort.   Her story is a reminder that transformation doesn't happen overnight. It happens through small decisions, quiet strength, and the courage to keep moving forward even when fear is loud.   This conversation is about new beginnings, self-belief, and choosing to show up for your future self — especially when the next chapter feels uncertain. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're entering a new year in a season of change, doubt, or growth. ====================================================== Kandice's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandicefabulous/ 🌐https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13911873/ National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing 🌐 https://dellenawinery.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/dellenawinery/ FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

    44 min
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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
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Inspiration