Good Life Stories

Tracy Crowley
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Good Life Stories

Over the past few years, we have all had to take a closer look at a lot of things. For me I started to think of all the people in my life I hadn’t been able to see. As I started making a list of all the people I wanted to see, I realized some of the people I know are utterly amazing. The list was full of scientists, authors, artists, soldiers, entrepreneurs, the list goes on. My goal became to give something back to them. I wanted to shine a light on their stories to create something special. That is what Good Life Stories is all about. Whether our guests have had a good life or have a good life story, I’m excited to share them all with you. Host, Tracy Crowley

  1. 12/13/2024

    George Nowik Pt 2: Navigating Life with Tourette's, From Misunderstanding to Acceptance

    "We have medical technology that is available to us now, both in the physical and mental arena that didn't exist 20 years ago. So kids like me are going to have a much better chance of getting through it." In this enlightening episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley explores George Nowik's experience living with Tourette's syndrome. Diagnosed in sixth grade, George shares his journey from early childhood "bad habits" through challenging school years and into adulthood. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding Tourette's, particularly the common myth that all people with the condition curse uncontrollably. The conversation delves into the historical context of neurodiversity in the 1980s and how societal understanding and acceptance have evolved. George provides intimate details about his experiences in the education system, including his dramatic shift from being identified as gifted to being labeled "severely mentally damaged" - a stark example of how misunderstood neurological conditions were at the time. Throughout the episode, George and Tracy explore the positive changes in how society now approaches neurodiversity, particularly in educational settings. They discuss the impact of better awareness, vocabulary, and support systems that exist today compared to previous decades. The conversation culminates with hopeful observations about current attitudes toward neurodivergent individuals, illustrated through touching personal anecdotes that demonstrate how far we've come in accepting and embracing differences. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    26 min

  2. 11/13/2024

    George Nowik Pt 1: From Near Death to New Perspectives, a Story of Survival

    "Every landing you can walk away from is a good landing." In this gripping episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley interviews George Nowik, who recounts his harrowing brush with death during his sophomore year of high school. What began as a seemingly minor foot infection from wearing non-breathable boots turned into a life-threatening situation when blood poisoning set in. George shares the fortunate timing of his mother's early return from a business trip, which likely saved his life when she recognized the dangerous symptoms and rushed him to the hospital. The conversation delves into how this near-death experience shaped George's perspective, particularly poignant as it occurred during a period when he lost several classmates to various tragic circumstances. As an audio professional, George brings both technical expertise and storytelling ability to this deeply personal narrative, reflecting on mortality, gratitude, and the fragile nature of life. Through his story, George touches on themes of teenage invincibility, the impact of loss on young people, and the lasting effects of surviving a close call with death. He shares how this experience affected various aspects of his life, including having to step away from his cherished role in the school orchestra's pit band during his recovery. His story serves as a powerful reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of appreciating each day. For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    11 min

  3. 10/11/2024

    Dr. Darin Detwiler Pt 2: A Father's Legacy of Love and Advocacy

    In this poignant episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley continues her conversation with Dr. Darin Detwiler, exploring the profound impact of losing his son and his ongoing journey as a father and advocate. Dr. Detwiler shares intimate reflections on grief, discussing how he navigates the complex emotions of success in his advocacy work while honoring his son's memory. "I am still acting as a father to my son. And I think often about what I do. And I'll never get my son back. No matter how many audiences I speak to, no matter how many words I write, no matter how many podcasts or videos, whatever it is, I'll never get my son back. But I will never want to have that moment where I realize that I gave up." The episode delves into Dr. Detwiler's philosophy of "still being a father" to his late son through his tireless work in food safety. He discusses the guilt often associated with finding fulfillment in this work and how he's learned to reconcile these feelings over time. Dr. Detwiler also shares his thoughts on responsibility, drawing parallels between his experiences as a teacher and his current role in food safety advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of taking ownership and action, whether in a classroom or a corporate boardroom. The conversation touches on Dr. Detwiler's future plans, including his upcoming book "The Cost of Doing Nothing" and his goal to become a global authority on food safety. He also discusses his personal growth journey and the impact it's had on his resilience and outlook. Throughout the episode, Dr. Detwiler's passion for his work and his commitment to making a difference shine through, offering listeners a powerful example of how tragedy can be transformed into a force for positive change. UPDATE: The Netflix documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food” has won an Emmy for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary! For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    44 min
  4. Dr. Darin Detwiler Pt 1: From Classroom to Food Safety Crusader

    10/04/2024

    Dr. Darin Detwiler Pt 1: From Classroom to Food Safety Crusader

    In this compelling episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley interviews Dr. Darin Detwiler, a former middle school teacher turned food safety advocate. Dr. Detwiler recounts his transformation from educator to crusader, sparked by a personal tragedy and a thought-provoking question from a student. He discusses the impact of the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak on his life and career, and how it led to his involvement in food safety advocacy. Dr. Detwiler shares insights into his innovative teaching methods, including the concept of "smartology" and his emphasis on responsibility over grades. He explains how these principles have carried over into his current work in food safety, where he stresses the importance of corporate responsibility and proactive measures. The conversation touches on the making of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food," in which Dr. Detwiler is featured. He reflects on the emotional process of sharing his story and the impact it has had on other families affected by foodborne illnesses. Throughout the episode, Dr. Detwiler emphasizes the ongoing challenges in food safety, the need for continued vigilance, and the importance of viewing food safety as a journey without a destination. His passion for education and advocacy shines through, demonstrating how personal tragedy can be transformed into a powerful force for positive change. UPDATE: The Netflix documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food” has won an Emmy for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary! Dr. Darin Detwiler’s website: www.darindetwiler.com For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    37 min
  5. Bruce Pflaumer Pt 3: Transforming Lives Through Authentic Image

    08/24/2024

    Bruce Pflaumer Pt 3: Transforming Lives Through Authentic Image

    "This is about helping you to be your true, authentic self that's in there. Michelangelo used to always talk about how it's in the rock. Our job is to chisel it out." The Power of Personal Image - In this episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley wraps up her conversation with Bruce Pflaumer, an image consultant with Michael Bruce Image Consulting. They delve into the profound impact of personal image and how it transcends the superficial. Bruce shares heartwarming and transformative stories of how helping clients with their image has changed their lives. "We tell clients. We always tell people, we're your biggest fan. Everyone needs a fan, but we're your biggest fan. We want you to do well in this process. We're going to help you through it, but you have to be willing to trust and to do the hard work, because it is hard work." From the common misconception that focusing on personal style is shallow, to the deep, authentic communication that true personal style can convey, Bruce provides insights that will make you rethink the power of your own image. He also discusses his unique ability to remember every item in his clients' wardrobes and how he uses his empathetic nature to understand what clients are truly seeking to express. "Image is not about size. It's not about age. It's not about anything like that. It's all about you. And we take care of all of it. Doesn't matter what size you are, doesn't matter how old you are, it's just what your goals are." Tracy and Bruce also touch on the importance of showing up as your true self, whether that's in a professional setting or a casual one. They explore the challenges and rewards of image consulting, including the emotional and psychological aspects that make this work so meaningful. Bruce also shares his favorite quote from Nelson Mandela, "I never lose. I either win or learn," and how this philosophy shapes his approach to both life and work. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the essence of personal style, the importance of authentic self-expression, and the transformative power of a well-considered image. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    20 min
  6. Bruce Pflaumer Pt 2: The Leap from Corporate to Creative

    08/08/2024

    Bruce Pflaumer Pt 2: The Leap from Corporate to Creative

    In this episode of Good Life Stories, join me as I sit down with Bruce Pflaumer, a professional stylist with a fascinating journey. Bruce recounts his 17-year tenure at Nordstrom, highlighting the moment he realized it was time for a change. From accumulating 100,000 travel miles in just four months to making life-changing decisions on his birthday, Bruce’s story is filled with pivotal moments and introspection. After leaving Nordstrom, Bruce took an unexpected turn into radio, working as an account manager for a smooth jazz station, where he also lent his voice to commercials. Eventually, Bruce found his way back to his true passion—styling. He shares the story of his first major style transformation and the impact it had on his client’s life, including a heartwarming tale of helping her choose her wedding dress. Bruce’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion and the profound effect it can have on others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, the importance of personal fulfillment, and the magic of transformation. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    15 min
  7. Bruce Pflaumer Pt 1: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime in Fashion and Style

    07/29/2024

    Bruce Pflaumer Pt 1: Lessons Learned from a Lifetime in Fashion and Style

    In this episode of Good Life Stories, I sit down with longtime friend Bruce Pflaumer, a professional stylist with a rich history in the fashion industry. Bruce shares his journey from childhood, where his love for style began, to his high school days of being stylish on a budget, and his eventual career at Nordstrom. He also recounts humorous and insightful experiences from his modeling days and the challenges of opening a massive retail store. Join us for a fascinating conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and valuable lessons in style and perseverance. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    17 min
  8. Jamila Johnson pt2: The Dobbs Decision and a Journey of Advocacy

    07/18/2024

    Jamila Johnson pt2: The Dobbs Decision and a Journey of Advocacy

    Jamila Johnson returns to Good Life Stories to share her personal perspective on the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. As an attorney focused on reproductive rights and criminal justice reform, Jamila shifted her career to help preserve the right to travel for abortion care. She discusses organizing a train trip for Black advocates from the South to Chicago for abortion services, highlighting the challenges faced by those without means. Jamila reflects on her own teenage pregnancy and the importance of choice. The episode provides a first-hand account of the Dobbs decision's impact, emphasizing the practical and emotional toll on affected individuals. Jamila also shares her unique skill of speed-listening to audiobooks and the influence of Allen Ginsburg's "America" on her work. She concludes by stressing the importance of helpers during stressful times, underlining our interconnectedness and the impact of support. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

    31 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Over the past few years, we have all had to take a closer look at a lot of things. For me I started to think of all the people in my life I hadn’t been able to see. As I started making a list of all the people I wanted to see, I realized some of the people I know are utterly amazing. The list was full of scientists, authors, artists, soldiers, entrepreneurs, the list goes on. My goal became to give something back to them. I wanted to shine a light on their stories to create something special. That is what Good Life Stories is all about. Whether our guests have had a good life or have a good life story, I’m excited to share them all with you. Host, Tracy Crowley

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Crowley
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Tracy Crowley and Good Life Stories
  • Show Website
    Good Life Stories

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