How Life Shapes Us

Tesla Mitchell
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

How Life Shapes Us is a storytelling podcast where everyday people share the pivotal experiences that shaped who they are today. Hosted by journalist and marketer Tesla Mitchell, each episode uncovers real-life moments of growth, adversity, transformation, and meaning. Perfect for curious minds who crave self-reflection, connection, and life lessons that don’t come from a guru—just honest humans figuring it out.✨ Discover how people find purpose through pain, joy through challenge, and clarity through chaos. 🔍 Tune in for deep conversations, unexpected wisdom, and the moments that change everything. 👉 Subscribe now and join a growing community of listeners uncovering what really matters in life.

Episodes

  1. Samijo McClatchey: Healing, Inspiring, and Growing Community Whether in Fitness or Daycare

    6D AGO

    Samijo McClatchey: Healing, Inspiring, and Growing Community Whether in Fitness or Daycare

    For local business-owner Samijo McClatchey, navigating the pandemic as a gym owner (in an industry built on close human connection) forced her to rethink business, identity, and purpose.  In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, host Tesla Mitchell talks with Samijo about how she got through some of the big life moments -- like shutting down her gym -- that shaped her into the forward-thinking, grounded, and driven person she is today.  Samijo opens up about the lasting impact of abusive relationships, her journey through eating disorders, and the mental, emotional, and spiritual healing that followed. The conversation also explores Samijo’s transition into homeschooling and becoming a daycare provider, highlighting her continued commitment to nurturing, mentoring, and supporting others -- whether they're in the gym or in her daycare.  Tune in to hear tips on: Recognizing eating disorder behaviorsUnderstanding the path of healingThe power of authentic human connection in personal growthThis episode offers an honest, compassionate look at what it means to heal — and to keep showing up for others while doing so.

    1h 8m
  2. Pastor Green: Facing Death & Finding Purpose - A Pastor’s Journey

    12/15/2025

    Pastor Green: Facing Death & Finding Purpose - A Pastor’s Journey

    Told he might never run — and later that he'd die in surgery — Pastor Warren Green refused to surrender to fear and instead chose to live with purpose. Pastor Green shares his story of survival, faith, and resilience in facing mortality head-on, and how he used life's "detours" as opportunities to grow his understanding of purpose and service. Talking about his invitation to Africa, Pastor Green shares how building a church and restaurant in Tanzania and Kenya has impacted local economies, has become a center for connection, and provided hope for their communities. If you’re navigating hardship, searching for meaning, or curious about how one person’s “yes” can change entire communities, this episode offers deep wisdom and inspiration.

    1h 16m
  3. Chris Jacobson: An Unconventional Path From Pro Wrestler to Pro Realtor

    11/17/2025

    Chris Jacobson: An Unconventional Path From Pro Wrestler to Pro Realtor

    From the wrestling ring to the open house, Chris Jacobson learned what confidence, grit, and pursuing an unconventional dream really takes — injuries and all.  A former pro wrestler, ex-teacher, and now successful Winona realtor, Chris shares how pro wrestling taught him resilience, shaped his confidence, and prepared him for the highs and lows of the housing market.  Tune in to hear: How a change in career path doesn't mean a loss in time and talent.Practical tips Chris uses with buyers and sellers in today’s market (what to watch for, mistakes to avoid).The effort and grit it really takes to step into the ring Whether you love unconventional career paths or you’re house hunting this year, Chris’s story is an inspiring reminder that grit + willingness to try new things can create unexpected success.

    1h 7m
  4. Tom Sawyer: The Playbook for Building Successful Teams On and Off the Field

    10/27/2025

    Tom Sawyer: The Playbook for Building Successful Teams On and Off the Field

    Tom Sawyer, a renowned retired football coach from Winona State University, shares insights he's learned from 25 years as head coach, including how to build a strong team, the value of creating a goal-oriented culture, and strategies to handle both success and failure. Tom emphasizes the importance of giving team members ownership, fostering trust, and maintaining high standards. He also touches on how those principles can apply to other areas of life and work. Tom’s dedication to nurturing leadership and accountability in his team shines through, offering valuable advice for building successful teams both on and off the field.

    1h 2m
  5. Emily Miller: A Candid Look at Transitioning and Breaking Societal Expectation

    10/06/2025

    Emily Miller: A Candid Look at Transitioning and Breaking Societal Expectation

    Emily Miller opens up about her journey as a young transgender woman and how transitioning during high school in a rural community shaped her path. Facing both support and resistance from those around her, Emily reflects on what she’s learned about relationships, societal expectations, and the emotional shifts that came with her transition. Her story is a candid exploration of resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

    1h 8m
  6. Tesla Mitchell: Embracing Death, Finding Closure, and Healing Through Storytelling

    09/15/2025

    Tesla Mitchell: Embracing Death, Finding Closure, and Healing Through Storytelling

    In this unique episode, host Tesla Mitchell is interviewed by former guest Ron Strege as she shares her own life experiences and profound lessons. Tesla talks about her father's tragic murder, the impact it had on her, and how it fueled her desire to document life. Also touching on her stepfather's fireworks accident and her own spiritual reflections, Tesla emphasizes the importance of capturing stories before they're lost and cherishing the moments that make us who we are.

    1h 2m
  7. Ep. 6: Paul Stern: Finding the Sacred -- Whether in a Buddhist Temple or Everyday Life

    08/25/2025

    Ep. 6: Paul Stern: Finding the Sacred -- Whether in a Buddhist Temple or Everyday Life

    Paul Stern talks about his experience studying in Buddhist Temples, his viewpoints on the human existence, and his belief that every moment can be sacred. Paul, a Buddhist priest and and an associate director at Winona State University, shares what he does when anger and other emotions pop up -- and the answer just might surprise you!  Full of deep wisdom and humanity, Paul talks about the importance of community and how we show up in the spaces we live within.

    1h 5m
  8. Jeff Reinardy: From Scrawny Kid to Powerlifter, Lessons from a Life of FItness

    08/04/2025

    Jeff Reinardy: From Scrawny Kid to Powerlifter, Lessons from a Life of FItness

    In this episode, Jeff Reinardy shares how he went from being the scrawny kid in school to a powerlifter and fitness fanatic. Now the Director of Fitness and Wellness at Winona State University, Jeff shares the lessons he's learned about injuries, comparing ourselves to others, and the power of small victories.

    1h 6m
  9. Ep. 4: Rebeccah Rudnik - From Trauma to Triumph: A Firefighter's Awakening

    07/14/2025

    Ep. 4: Rebeccah Rudnik - From Trauma to Triumph: A Firefighter's Awakening

    Hear from Rebeccah Rudnik, who shares how she survived a life-changing car accident that ultimately led her to changing career paths from marketing to becoming a firefighter. From overcoming a severe spinal injury and depression to finding her purpose in firefighting, her story emphasizes the power of the human spirit, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams regardless of age or circumstances.

    1h 14m
  10. Ep. 3: Maria Espadas - Embracing Risk to Follow Your Heart

    06/30/2025

    Ep. 3: Maria Espadas - Embracing Risk to Follow Your Heart

    In Ep. 3 of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Maria Espadas who talks about the risks she took in moving cities and later countries to follow her heart. Whether it included working next to alligators or marrying her husband after 6 months of dating, Maria learned the value in giving each decision her full dedication and effort.

    1h 13m
  11. Episode #2: Angel Miller - Discovering She Was Never Alone

    06/30/2025

    Episode #2: Angel Miller - Discovering She Was Never Alone

    In this episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear from Tesla Mitchell's mom, Angel Miller, about moments that changed her life. Angel shares a spiritual experience she had after preparing a special place for her mother-in-law's ashes and how that deepened her sense of God's presence. By going a bit deeper into feelings of faith and spirituality, Tesla and her mom share a moment of understanding each other's faiths and how they can be different, yet experience a similar thing.

    53 min
  12. Episode #1: Ron Strege - Learning Empathy and Authenticity from Life’s Hardest Moments

    06/29/2025

    Episode #1: Ron Strege - Learning Empathy and Authenticity from Life’s Hardest Moments

    In this inaugural episode of How Life Shapes Us, we hear Tesla Mitchell interview Ron Strege, who among many other things is the Director of the Warrior Success Center at Winona State University. Ron shares how key moments -- like losing his sister early in life -- taught him meaningful lessons in empathy and how needed it is in the world.  Tesla and Ron also unpack his journey with cancer and how it's taught him transparency, living in the present, and the importance of genuine human connection.

    1h 16m
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

How Life Shapes Us is a storytelling podcast where everyday people share the pivotal experiences that shaped who they are today. Hosted by journalist and marketer Tesla Mitchell, each episode uncovers real-life moments of growth, adversity, transformation, and meaning. Perfect for curious minds who crave self-reflection, connection, and life lessons that don’t come from a guru—just honest humans figuring it out.✨ Discover how people find purpose through pain, joy through challenge, and clarity through chaos. 🔍 Tune in for deep conversations, unexpected wisdom, and the moments that change everything. 👉 Subscribe now and join a growing community of listeners uncovering what really matters in life.

Information

  • Creator
    Tesla Mitchell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 How Life Shapes Us
  • Show Website
    How Life Shapes Us