The FILL UP Podcast

Richard Haynes

Inspiring you to fall in love with the process every week. Life goes by so fast. Let's get the most out of it! Join me, Richard Haynes, as I interview high performing individuals as they share their spin on life, journey, and how they have fallen in love with this process called 'life'. Tune in weekly to be in the high impact splash zone of empowering insights!

  1. Aug 20

    Forgiveness Is Not a Feeling - It's a Choice You Repeat

    A teenage pregnancy, childhood abuse, and years of shame could have defined Donna Tashjian's life. Instead, she turns those wounds into wisdom and reveals how forgiveness, identity, and hearing God clearly can completely change what comes next.Donna joins Richard Haynes to share the raw story behind her transformation from scared, traumatized teenager to international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister. This conversation goes far beyond inspiration - it's a practical and deeply personal look at what it takes to heal, rebuild self-worth, and live with purpose after life has taken so much from you.You'll discover: Why Donna calls painful experiences "gifts wrapped in sandpaper" How to separate God's voice from fear, shame, and your own inner criticism Why forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice of your will The "onion" process of healing, and why old wounds can resurface in layers How one nonprofit job loss became the turning point that launched Vibrant Living International Donna also shares the simple but powerful practices that carried her through impossible seasons, including staying in the Word, finding the right support, and learning to stop arguing with the identity God speaks over her life. If you've ever felt stuck in your past, unsure of your calling, or tired of carrying what happened to you, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.Perfect for anyone who wants to heal from trauma, grow spiritually, or learn how to hear God with more clarity and confidence. Donna's story is proof that your hardest chapters do not get the final word. Richard Haynes hosts The Fill Up podcast and leads the conversation with thoughtful, pastoral questions that draw out Donna's story and the practical wisdom beneath it. Donna Tashjian is an international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister known for helping people move from pain and shame into identity, healing, and purpose through faith-based coaching.

  2. Aug 13

    I Left a 10,000-Person Cult Because of a Stranger's Kindness

    A child raised in the FLDS cult learns early that kindness from outsiders can be more powerful than fear, and that lesson changes everything. Shane Jessop tells the story of growing up in the Utah-Arizona border community known as Short Creek, the pressure of being taught not to question, and the moment he finally walked away at 23.Born into a world of control, secrecy, and severe consequences for doubt, Shane describes what it was like to grow up as the second oldest of 22 kids, working heavy equipment from an early age while living under the constant warning that asking the wrong question could cost you your family. He shares how simple encounters with "outsiders" cracked open a different view of people, truth, and himself. You'll discover: What life inside the FLDS looked like day to day, from no TV and no internet to the fear of questioning leadership How Shane's work with his dad's excavating company gave him rare exposure to the outside world Why a stranger helping a child at a gas station became a defining memory The painful tension of being told you're "bad" while your own conscience says otherwise The chain of events that led to his final break from the community on April 6, 2011 Shane also shares the unforgettable story of Dorothy, a ranch owner whose unexpected kindness, honesty, and wisdom became a turning point at exactly the right time. What begins as a work trip in Nevada turns into a profound human connection, a tragedy, and the final nudge that confirms Shane can no longer stay where he is.This conversation is about more than escaping a cult. It's about the power of integrity, the cost of control, and how one act of kindness can alter the course of a life. If you're drawn to stories of resilience, faith, freedom, and the quiet moments that change everything, this episode will stay with you.Perfect for anyone who cares about overcoming adversity, cult recovery, faith deconstruction, or the surprising ways compassion can set people free. Guest Credibility: Shane Jessop is an entrepreneur and storyteller from Nashville, known for sharing his powerful firsthand experience growing up in and leaving the FLDS community. He is also working on a book that expands on the experiences he shares in this episode.

  3. 09/29/2025

    Reframing Changes Everything | Dan MacQueen

    Summary In this episode, Dan McQueen shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery after a life-altering brain hemorrhage. He discusses the challenges he faced during his recovery, the importance of mindset, and how shifting perspectives can lead to personal growth. Dan emphasizes the significance of acceptance, gratitude, and intentional living as key components in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. His mantra, 'better than yesterday,' serves as a guiding principle in his life, inspiring others to embrace their challenges and keep moving forward. Takeaways Dan's life changed drastically after a brain hemorrhage at 28. He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in recovery. Incremental improvements can lead to significant progress over time. Shifting perspectives can transform challenges into opportunities. Acceptance is crucial for personal growth and healing. Controlling what you can is essential for mental well-being. Intentional living helps maximize energy and focus. The victim mentality is crippling and should be avoided. Every setback is an opportunity for growth and learning. Dan's mantra, 'better than yesterday,' drives his daily actions. Sound Bites "I get to do this every day." "Better than yesterday is my mantra." "You only fail if you stop trying." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dan McQueen's Journey 02:10 The Sudden Shift: From Health to Crisis 05:29 The Coma and Awakening: A New Reality 09:26 The Road to Recovery: Overcoming Challenges 16:59 Mindset Shift: From Worst to Best 20:27 The Journey of Walking Again 20:55 The Power of Incremental Improvement 22:20 Perspective Shift: From Frustration to Opportunity 24:12 Embracing Acceptance and Gratitude 27:31 Intentional Living: Control the Controllables 30:33 Overcoming the Victim Mindset 34:41 Learning Through Failure and Resilience

About

Inspiring you to fall in love with the process every week. Life goes by so fast. Let's get the most out of it! Join me, Richard Haynes, as I interview high performing individuals as they share their spin on life, journey, and how they have fallen in love with this process called 'life'. Tune in weekly to be in the high impact splash zone of empowering insights!