the ACT OUT podcast

Adam Tomlin

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

  1. 21H AGO

    Navigating Identity, Culture & Resilience: A Powerful Iranian Immigrant Story

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Zolal Habibi for a powerful and insightful conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to navigate life between cultures. Zolal shares her personal story of growing up as an Iranian refugee, offering a raw and honest look at the challenges of displacement, cultural expectations, and finding your place in the world. Adam and Zolal dive into the complexities of balancing tradition with individuality—especially as a woman navigating both personal ambition and cultural norms. Zolal opens up about the pressure to meet expectations, the fear that can come with stepping outside of them, and how she’s learned to define success on her own terms. Together, they explore how identity is shaped not just by where you come from, but by the choices you make along the way. The conversation also highlights the strength that comes from adversity, the importance of storytelling, and how sharing lived experiences can create connection and understanding across cultures. Zolal reflects on the moments that shaped her perspective, the lessons she’s carried forward, and why embracing your voice—no matter how uncomfortable it may feel—is one of the most powerful things you can do. If you’ve ever struggled with identity, felt caught between expectations and authenticity, or want to better understand the immigrant experience and the resilience behind it, this episode offers a meaningful and thought-provoking perspective. Learn more about Zolal Habibi: FB: https://www.facebook.com/IranNCR/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashrafi4ever/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ashrafi4everLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zolalhabibiLinks about the Iranian Resistance: National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI): https://www.ncr-iran.org/Maryam Rajavi – 4 Change: https://maryamrajavi4change.com/Iran Freedom: https://iranfreedom.org/Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC): https://oiac.org/Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    53 min

  2. APR 30

    Live Like You’re Dying: A Hospice Chaplain on Death and the Meaning of Life

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, Adam Tomlin sits down with Lee Atherton, a hospice chaplain and end-of-life grief coach, for a deeply meaningful and eye-opening conversation about death, dying, and what it truly means to live a complete life. What begins as a discussion about Lee’s unique career quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of grief, spirituality, and the human experience at life’s most vulnerable moments. Lee shares how she unexpectedly found her calling in hospice care and what it’s like to walk alongside people as they live the final chapter of their lives. From supporting families through grief to helping individuals find peace, forgiveness, and connection before they pass, she offers insight into the emotional, spiritual, and psychological realities of end-of-life care. Adam and Lee also dive into the common fears people face around death, the importance of saying goodbye, and how unresolved relationships can impact both the dying process and the grieving process. Throughout the conversation, Lee breaks down what grief actually looks like—why it doesn’t follow a linear path, how it can resurface years later, and why it’s different for everyone. Adam shares personal stories of loss, adding a raw and relatable layer to the discussion, while Lee offers perspective on how to navigate grief in a healthy, supported way. They also explore powerful moments from Lee’s career, including helping reconnect families, fulfilling final wishes, and witnessing the unexplainable experiences that often happen at the end of life. If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the end of life, how to cope with grief, or what truly matters when everything else fades away, this episode offers a perspective that is both grounding and deeply impactful. Learn more about Lee Atherton: https://www.coachrev.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    53 min

  3. APR 23

    Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury: Mental Health, Healing & Identity

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nicholas Ruchlewicz, a traumatic brain injury survivor, mental health advocate, and self-proclaimed nerd, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about trauma, healing, and what it means to keep rebuilding yourself after life changes in an instant. What starts as a conversation about Nicholas’s advocacy work quickly becomes a powerful look at survival, vulnerability, and the invisible weight of recovery. Nicholas shares the story of his life-changing motorcycle crash in 2016, including the traumatic brain injury, brain bleed, and long road through physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Adam and Nicholas talk about the emotional toll of recovery, the frightening reality of being alone with your thoughts after trauma, and why men with traumatic brain injuries face such serious mental health risks. Nicholas also opens up about how therapy helped him long before his accident—and why that foundation may have saved his life after it. The conversation also dives into anger as a secondary emotion, the stigma men face around vulnerability, and the ways trauma can intensify underlying struggles like ADHD, emotional regulation, and self-worth. Nicholas explains how he learned to slow down, recognize his triggers, and build new habits through speech therapy, cognitive behavioral work, and daily accountability. Along the way, Adam and Nicholas explore something unexpected but incredibly meaningful: how gaming, music, and community became part of Nicholas’s healing and helped him feel less alone. If you’ve ever wondered what recovery after a traumatic brain injury really looks like, how therapy can reshape the way you handle pain, or why vulnerability is one of the strongest things a person can practice, this episode will stay with you. Learn more about Nicholas Ruchlewicz here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 13m

  4. APR 16

    Mental Health Doesn’t Own You: The Power of Real, Authentic Conversations

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Noah May, host of the Lethal Venom Podcast, for a fun and honest conversation about podcasting, authenticity, and what it looks like to build something meaningful from the ground up. Noah shares how he went from studying journalism at Auburn to becoming a full-time podcaster, even though podcasting was never the original plan. Adam and Noah talk about the reality of running a podcast full-time—the pressure of creating consistently, the reason Noah avoids a rigid posting schedule, and how he’s learned to build Lethal Venom in a way that still feels manageable and real. Noah also explains why his show resonates with so many people: it gives guests permission to be themselves, speak honestly, and show up without having to perform or polish every edge. The conversation also dives into how Noah got started with interviews after joining PodMatch, why that shift changed everything for his show, and how one early episode unexpectedly blew up and helped define the direction of the podcast. Noah reflects on some of the conversations he’s most proud of, including an emotional interview with Adrian Caldwell and a solo episode about his classmates that struck a nerve with listeners. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to grow a podcast, why authenticity matters so much in long-form conversation, or how a passion project can turn into a full-time path, this episode offers a real behind-the-scenes look at building something people genuinely connect with. Learn more about Noah May and the Lethal Venom Podcast here. Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    54 min

  5. APR 9

    The Joy in Helping Others Through Art: Creativity, Healing & Purpose

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nancy Dillingham Marks, a glass artist whose work and life have been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to craft. What starts as a conversation about glassmaking quickly unfolds into a powerful story about artistic identity, perseverance, and the role creativity plays in shaping a meaningful life. Nancy shares her journey into the world of glass art, explaining what first drew her to the medium and how she developed her skills over time. Adam and Nancy explore the process of glassmaking—from the technical precision it requires to the creative freedom it allows—and how working with such a delicate yet demanding material mirrors the challenges and rewards of personal growth. The conversation also dives into the realities of being a working artist, including the discipline it takes to stay committed, the vulnerability of sharing your work, and the balance between passion and sustainability. Nancy reflects on how creativity evolves over time, why artistic expression is essential at any stage of life, and how pursuing what you love can lead to unexpected opportunities and deeper fulfillment. If you’ve ever been curious about glass art, the creative process, or what it takes to build a life around your passion, this episode offers an inspiring look at how art, resilience, and self-expression come together. Learn more about Nancy and her work at: https://www.glassartscollective.com/ Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    31 min

  6. APR 9

    Upgrade Your Brain: Rewire Fear and Take Back Control

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Arnold Beeks, a brain retraining specialist, coach, and trainer with more than 50 years of experience helping people grow into better leaders—and more importantly, better humans. What starts as a conversation about “upgrading your brain” quickly turns into a deeper and deeply personal discussion about fear, childhood conditioning, healing, and the inner voices that shape how we move through the world. Arnold shares what it was like growing up with a highly controlling father whose military mindset ruled the home, and how that environment wired him for fear, hypervigilance, and constant self-monitoring. Adam and Arnold dig into how those early experiences shaped Arnold’s inner critic, why so many people live from a place of survival without realizing it, and what it actually takes to shift that voice from criticism into something more supportive and life-giving. The conversation also explores Arnold’s idea that we don’t just have one brain—we have three: the head, the heart, and the gut. He explains how most people are taught to trust only the thinking brain while ignoring the wisdom of the heart and the signals of the body, and why real growth comes from creating coherence between all three. Adam and Arnold also talk about trauma, emotional regulation, personal responsibility, leadership, and why coaching—rather than command-and-control authority—creates healthier, more effective people and organizations. If you’ve ever felt ruled by fear, stuck with a harsh inner critic, or curious about how your childhood programming still affects your relationships, confidence, and leadership today, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Learn more about Arnold Beeks at: https://braingym.fitness/masterclass/ or https://www.skool.com/brainupgrade/about Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    42 min

  7. APR 2

    Raising Boys in the Modern World: Let’s Be Honest About What’s Not Working

    Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of the Raising Men podcast, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, healing, and what it really means to navigate life as a modern man. What starts as a discussion around personal struggles quickly opens up into a deeper exploration of self-awareness, emotional growth, and the stories we tell ourselves. Adam and Shaun dig into how men often feel pressure to “have it all figured out,” and how that can lead to disconnection, avoidance, or staying stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They explore the idea that we are not the stories we’ve been telling ourselves—and that real growth begins when we’re willing to question those narratives and take responsibility for how we show up. Listeners will hear an honest breakdown of what healing actually looks like—not as a straight line, but as a personal and often messy process. Adam and Shaun talk about emotional regulation, the importance of community, and why spaces like men’s groups and circles can play a critical role in helping men reconnect with themselves and others. They also dive into shifting from judgment to curiosity, breaking old patterns, and building a more intentional way of living. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own patterns, struggled with identity, or wondered what it really takes to grow as a man in today’s world, this episode offers a grounded and relatable perspective on doing the work—and why it matters. Learn more about Shaun Dawson and the Raising Men podcast: https://raising.men Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    1h 2m

  8. MAR 26

    PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Skydiving through Fear, Freedom & Adrenaline

    In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam heads to Skydive Suffolk to jump out of a plane with tandem instructor David Rosas—and what starts as a high-adrenaline adventure quickly turns into a deeper conversation about fear, freedom, community, and what it really means to pursue happiness. David shares how his own first jump didn’t immediately hook him, but how skydiving slowly opened up into something bigger: a career, a calling, and a way of life. David talks about how he went from a nervous first-time jumper to nearly 9,000 jumps, traveling to different drop zones, packing parachutes, and eventually becoming a tandem instructor. Adam and David also dig into the surprising culture of skydiving—how people from completely different backgrounds find connection in the sport, and why the trust, repetition, and shared experience create such a strong sense of community. 🪂 Want to see Adam jump out of the plane? Check out the full episode video on YouTube and Spotify. The conversation also dives into THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS—why some people find it by pushing themselves beyond fear, why freedom feels different when you’re 13,500 feet in the air, and how skydiving has a way of pulling people fully into the present moment. David reflects on why nobody ever really “arrives” at happiness, why the pursuit matters more than the finish line, and how doing something bold can completely shift the way you see your life. If you’ve ever wondered what skydiving actually feels like, why people keep going back, or what happens when you finally do the thing that scares the hell out of you, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe a little tempted to book a jump of your own. Learn more about Skydive Suffolk: Skydiving & Tandem Jump in Virginia | Skydive Suffolk Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dc Other ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast: Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/ Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcast Follow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcast Credits: Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauce

    20 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience. Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking. Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Tomlin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 the ACT OUT podcast
  • Show Website
    the ACT OUT podcast