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. 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

  2. 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

  3. Jul 14

    #123 | Everyone Said They Would Fail... They Built It Anyway (Part 1)

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with JP and Stephanie — entrepreneurs, dance instructors, and founders of Salsa With Stephanie, a thriving dance studio that has empowered thousands of people through movement, confidence, and community. But their journey to building a successful business wasn't easy. Before opening the doors to their studio, they faced uncertainty, setbacks, and countless people who questioned whether their dream could ever become a reality. From overcoming personal hardships and life-changing obstacles to taking a leap of faith together, JP and Stephanie share the moments that shaped not only their business, but their lives. In Part 1 of this conversation, they reflect on their individual journeys, how dance brought them together, and the challenges they faced while pursuing a vision that many believed would never succeed. They also share the mindset, resilience, and unwavering belief that kept them moving forward when giving up would have been the easier choice. Their story is a reminder that every successful dream begins long before anyone sees the finished product. This is a conversation about perseverance, partnership, and having the courage to build something bigger than yourself. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Salsa With Stephanie 🌐 https://www.stephaniestevenson.com/ 📸 Stephanie's Instagram    / salsawithstephanie   📸 JP's Instagram    / silverbackyogi   💙 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.

  4. Jul 8

    #122 | From Sleeping in Her Car to Living Her Dream as a Glass Blower Artist: Carlyn Ray

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Carlyn Ray — glassblower, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Carlyn Ray Designs, whose breathtaking glass sculptures and installations have transformed homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout Texas, California and beyond. But Carlyn's journey wasn't always filled with success. Long before becoming an accomplished glass artist, she faced years of uncertainty, sacrifice, and struggle while pursuing a dream that many people told her was unrealistic. At one point, she was sleeping in her car, doing whatever it took to continue creating and building a future through her art. In this conversation, Carlyn shares what first drew her to the world of glassblowing, the challenges of choosing passion over security, and the lessons she learned from refusing to give up. She reflects on the realities of building a career as an artist, the resilience it takes to succeed, and how working with molten glass has shaped not only her craft, but her outlook on life. From sleeping in her car to becoming an award-winning glassblower whose work inspires communities, Carlyn's story is a powerful reminder that success rarely comes overnight—but perseverance has a way of opening doors. T his is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and what can happen when you refuse to quit on your dream. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation

  5. Jul 8

    #121 | The Man Who Put Art on the Moon: A Conversation with Pink Floyd Saxophonist Scott Page

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Scott Page — entrepreneur, innovator, and legendary saxophonist known for performing with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. But Scott's story goes far beyond music. From touring the world with some of the most iconic bands in history to helping send art to the Moon, Scott has spent his life living at the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation. In this conversation, Scott shares the lessons he's learned from decades in the music industry, the importance of embracing change, and why the future belongs to those willing to think differently. He opens up about entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, human creativity, and the power of collaboration in a rapidly evolving world. Whether he's performing on stage in front of thousands or helping pioneer projects that push the boundaries of what's possible, Scott's mission remains the same: inspire people to create, connect, and imagine a bigger future. This is a conversation about curiosity, reinvention, and what happens when you refuse to stay inside the box. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation

  6. Jul 7

    #120 | The Reality of Losing 100 Lbs. (And Keeping It Off)

    In this special episode of Finding Your Inspiration, the tables are turned as FYI Podcast host Paul Tully becomes the guest. Interviewed by Executive Producer Jack Rothman, Paul shares the reality behind his ongoing 100-pound transformation. At the time of this conversation, he's 75 pounds down with 25 pounds left to go. What makes this story different isn't the weight loss—it's what finally made it possible. After years of losing weight, gaining it back, and repeating the cycle, Paul opens up about confronting food addiction, committing to recovery, and learning that lasting change comes from doing the work every single day.  From health scares and personal promises to training for an Ironman and documenting his journey through film, this is an honest conversation about discipline, accountability, and becoming the person you know you're capable of being.   Paul Tully's Socials 📸https://www.instagram.com/ptullyutm/  🌐https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5410704/  💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation  🌐 https://hthf.org/ 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

  7. May 18

    #119 | Michael C. Martin's Journey from Real Life to Writing Brooklyn's Finest

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Michael C. Martin — screenwriter, storyteller, and the writer behind Brooklyn's Finest — to talk about the real-life journey that led him from East New York to Hollywood. Michael's path into screenwriting didn't begin with a perfect plan. After film school, a car accident, and a need to make money, he entered a screenwriting contest with one goal in mind: win $10,000. What came out of that moment was the script that would eventually become Brooklyn's Finest. But this conversation is about more than one film. Michael opens up about the craft of storytelling, what it feels like to see characters from your imagination brought to life by legendary actors, and the reality of working in film and television. From writing scripts to navigating writers' rooms, taking notes, managing ego, and understanding that talent alone is not always enough, Michael shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to build a creative career. The most powerful part of his story is the reminder that nothing is wasted. Your background, your struggles, your community, your conversations, and your lived experiences can all become part of the story you are meant to tell. This episode is for anyone with a dream, a passion, or an idea they have been keeping inside their head. Sometimes the first step is simply putting it into the world and allowing it to become real. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ====================================================== 🔗 Michael C. Martin's Links: 🌐 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2130654/ 📸   / new_money_mike   💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/     / hopethroughhousing   🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘   / nationalcore   🎙 FYI's Socials 📸   / fyi_podcast_   📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

  8. May 5

    #118 | Conversation with a Film Composer: Andrew Morris

    In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Andrew Morris — film composer, creative, and the technical studio engineer and lead editor behind the FYI Podcast at National CORE — to talk about following your instincts and how seemingly unrelated paths can ultimately lead you exactly where you're meant to be. From the outside, Andrew's journey might look random — moving between different creative outlets, exploring multiple interests, and building his skillset across both music and visual storytelling. But beneath it all is something much more intentional — a mindset rooted in curiosity. What started as a passion for creating has evolved into something deeper. Through exploring different paths without forcing a specific outcome, Andrew found himself naturally stepping into the world of film composing. The most powerful part isn't a single breakthrough moment… it's the understanding that every step matters. Every skill, every interest, and every decision contributes to something bigger — even when it doesn't make sense at the time. This conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out. Sometimes the best thing you can do is stay open and trust that the path you're on is leading somewhere meaningful. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🔗 Andrew's Links: 🎧404 NOT FOUND Official Music Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtbL_WOeyag&list=RDPtbL_WOeyag&start_radio=1 🌐 https://www.youtube.com/@UCKZZGdOH5vogTsm8PgB4KyA 📸 https://www.instagram.com/andrewmorrismedia/  🌐 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Fb83pVbMCjIRv0lYEzNYr?si=gql-Lg_-ScmQKh70_fDi-g   💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation  🌐 https://hthf.org/  📘 https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing  🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org  📘 https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast  📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000  🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

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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
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Finding Your Inspiration