Gut Checks Paul Weigel

Welcome to Gut Checks! In this special Father's Day episode, we feature Howard Brown, a devoted father, cancer survivor, and relentless advocate. Known as "Mr. Shining Brightly," Howard shares his journey as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, best-selling author, international speaker, and two-time stage-4 cancer survivor. We'll explore his concept of being a "cancer whisperer" and discuss his outlook on life, fatherhood, resilience, community, and advocacy. Howard's heartwarming stories and lessons in navigating the challenges of raising his daughter while battling cancer offers inspiration and practical advice. Tune in for a celebration of fatherhood and a dose of hope.
Happy Father's Day to all!
Key Topics:
Fatherhood forms a priceless bond, reinforcing the importance of family during the fight against cancer. Sharing cancer details with kids requires balance; children need support too.Don't isolate. Seek help when needed; resilience requires a strong support system.Emotional, physical, financial, and relational resilience are vital and need nurturing like muscles.Engage in activities that divert your mind from cancer, whether it's sports, hobbies, or nature. Physical activity is essential.Despite dark times, focus on inspiring others through positive actions, fighting against hate with kindness and joy.
Bonus Gifts:
Shining Brightly Mentorship – Discussion Guide
About Howard Brown:
Howard Brown is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, best-selling author of Shining Brightly, award-winning international speaker, inspirational podcaster, survivorship coach, health technology consultant and two-time stage IV cancer patient and survivor 30 years apart. He shares the keys to leading a resilient life with hope that drives successful community leaders, business innovators and healthcare advocates. Be prepared to be inspired! 
Links
Website - https://www.shiningbrightly.com/Podcast - https://shining-brightly.captivate.fm/ (75,000 downloads and growing – amazing show topics)LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardsbrownFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/howard.brown.36Amazon Book - Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle eBookhttps://tinyurl.com/BuyShiningBrightlyAmazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BBSJMJ7X/about?ingress=0&visitId=238bcb98-6406-47c7-b01b-fb97d4d5b1b7&ref_=ap_rdr
About Paul:
To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.
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Today I want to share something truly personal and inspiring with you. As we count down to the release of my book, "Iron Dad," I've been reflecting on this incredible journey over the past six months—meeting amazing people and having transformative experiences. Recently, I was fortunate to compile a video on the five essential things you need to beat cancer for Authority Magazine and I'm excited to share these insights with you. I'll talk about harnessing the power of imagination and inner strength, embracing new opportunities in life, cultivating deep love, and persevering through the toughest days. These strategies have guided me through my battle with cancer, and I hope they'll inspire and support you, no matter what challenges you're facing.
About Paul:
To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
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In this riveting conversation, Paul welcomes the CEO of USA Triathlon Victoria Brumfield. Victoria shares how she became the organization’s first female CEO in its 40-plus-year history by following her gut instincts. Her journey in transforming the sport through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. From supporting youth programs to empowering women of color in triathlon, she epitomizes leadership in action. Together they delve into the essence of triathlon, the power of philanthropy in creating Olympians, and the transformative impact of the sport on individuals. Get ready to dive into an engaging discussion filled with insights, personal journeys, and a shared passion for the sport of triathlons, pushing boundaries, the importance of gut instincts, and the endless possibilities in the world of triathlon.
Key Topics:
USA Triathlon emphasizes youth programs, building infrastructure, and scalable models for wider community participation.Shorter races lower barriers to entry, offering a sense of accomplishment without major time commitments.Coaches struggle to identify talent in a less visible sport with limited race opportunities.Victoria trusted her instincts to pursue something she believed in, despite lacking data or coaching.
About Victoria Brumfield:
Victoria Brumfield was appointed USA Triathlon CEO in November 2022, becoming the organization’s first female CEO in its 40-plus-year history. Her vision and leadership led the development and implementation of USA Triathlon’s most recent strategic plan – Elevate 2028 – that sets the path for the organization through the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 
Brumfield’s leadership has elevated and empowered female leaders within the organization at every level of the organization. She has been a staunch proponent of diversity, equality, inclusion and access (DEIA) during her time at USA Triathlon and worked to make DEIA a focal point of the organization’s long-term strategic plan. She has helped transform USA Triathlon’s approach to service and the constituents it serves, with a focus on building meaningful relationships with community members across the United States and emphasized the need for both resource development and initiatives and programs that drive value at the grassroots level.
Prior to USA Triathlon, Brumfield worked in the endurance sports industry for nearly 20 years across many roles that gave her both a broad understanding of the business of the sport. She is an amateur short and long-distance triathlete, competitive amateur bike racer, avid runner, and spin instructor. She studied finance and earned a Masters of Business Administration from the NYU Stern School Of Business. She currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colo., with her dog Betti, two cats, Dolly and Cher, and her never large enough collection of bikes.
About Paul:
To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
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We are thrilled to have Lisa De Paulo, a former golf champion turned colorectal cancer awareness advocate, join the discussion. Listen as Lisa shares heartfelt and powerful anecdotes, including her mother's battle with stage 4 colon cancer and the vital lessons learned about listening to one's body and getting screened. Paul and Lisa also touch on the misconceptions about colon cancer, especially among women, and the importance of open conversations about health. Plus, they take a nostalgic walk through Lisa's illustrious golf career and her current involvement in the senior LPGA tour. Tune in for an enlightening and empowering conversation and the sentiment behind “Why Not?”.
Key Topics:
The importance of early colon cancer screening and personal experiences with the procedure.Lisa’s mother's battle with Stage 4 colon cancer and her resilience.Advocacy for proactive health management and the need for increased awareness of colorectal cancer, especially among women.Lisa’s golfing career and her efforts to raise awareness, including upcoming events in the senior LPGA.
About Lisa De Paulo:
Lisa De Paulo, is a former University of Texas golfer and the 2007 LPGA Professionals National Champion. She had two wins on the Futures Tour, two wins on the Players West tour, and two wins on the Pacific Golf tour. More recently, she finished tied for 3rd place in the 2021 Sr. LPGA championships and won the Sr Division at the 2023 LPGA Professionals National Championship – winning the 54-hole event by 7 shots. Lisa is also the owner of Tournament Treasures, providing corporate and tournament gifts for golf tournaments. Her mom was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2012 and died on October 17, 2014.
About Paul:
To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Today, Paul is joined by a very special guest, Ryan Switzer, a friend, fellow cancer survivor, and an avid Ironman triathlete. In this episode, Ryan shares his compelling journey from being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in his thirties to conquering multiple Ironman races. We delve into the impact of his diagnosis on his young family, his rigorous battle through treatments, and how the experience fuelled his passion for endurance sports and charity work. Ryan’s story is not just about facing cancer but transforming this fight into a platform to inspire and support others, including his involvement in fundraising for cancer-related causes. So tune in as we draw inspiration from Ryan’s perseverance and learn how turning personal challenges into opportunities can indeed make a profound difference.
Key Topics
Overcoming doctor's reluctance to get colonoscopy and stigma around colonoscopies.Support programs educate and provide emotional help.Cancer impacts everyone, including family and children.Embrace village support during tough times.
About Ryan Switzer:
Ryan Switzer is a kick-ass dad and husband. He is a President of Toll Brothers and is not the former Dallas Cowboy and Oakland Raider. Ryan is a colorectal cancer survivor and an 8-time Ironman triathlete, the former Chairman of the Holt Brothers Foundation, former Chairman of the V Foundation Victory Ride, and former Leukemia Lymphoma Society Student of the Year Board Member. He and his daughter will be taking on Ironman Chattanooga to help make a dent in the fight to cure Parkinson’s disease partnered with the Michael J. Foundation. Ryan and his wife Amy, both graduates of Michigan State University, live in Cary, North Carolina.
About Paul:
To learn more about Paul and the Iron Dad Book, head on over to https://irondadbook.com.
Thanks for listening!
Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.
Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!
Subscribe to the podcast
If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.
Leave us an Apple Podcasts review
Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Today, we're honored to welcome Joe Bullock, Chief Operating Officer of the Man Up to Cancer Organization. Joe shares his compelling journey from being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer to spearheading efforts to support men across the globe facing similar battles. In today's episode, Joe opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of his diagnosis, the crucial support he found in online communities, and how his challenges led him to co-create Man Up to Cancer. This organization not only provides practical support through initiatives like the chemo care backpack program but also fosters a sense of brotherhood and understanding among men dealing with cancer. Joe also touches on significant events like the annual Gathering the Wolves Retreat, which offers a space for men to bond, heal, and find strength. So, stay tuned as we dive into a conversation that is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, illustrating the power of community and resilience in the face of life's toughest challenges.
Key Topics
Excited to talk about MAN UP TO Cancer.       Supporting men facing cancer through social media.   Real Recovery provides cancer retreats and resource packs.Using a backpack for chemo was empowering.Struggles brought joy, happiness and emotional support.
About Joe Bullock:
I was diagnosed in May of 2018 with stage3b Colorectal Cancer after a routine Colonoscopy at age 50. I had symptoms like blood in my stool, irregular bowel movements and excessive fatigue but had ignored them for several months following the deaths of both my parents in 2017 within a six-month period. After a period of grieving, I finally got around to getting a colonoscopy. During the Colonoscopy my GI doctor at Duke Cancer Center found two polyps and a 10 cm tumor in my colon. I had surgery to remove the tumor, reconnect my colon, and had 40 lymph nodes removed. Three of those polyps tested positive for cancer. After surgery I underwent treatment with two forms of chemotherapy, Oxaliplatin infusions and Xeloda pills for 8 cycles or six months. In February 2019 I became known as NED (No Evidence of Disease). I always say for cancer survivors being NED is like a gift you don't know how to unwrap, but you are grateful to have it. Over the last few years, I have been working on finding my voice in the cancer community. I have begun living by the mantra " Cancer might be done with me but I'm not done with cancer." 
The following are my current roles of advocacy in the cancer community.
*** January 2020 I was invited to become the Lead Administrator for a Men's Cancer emotional support group on Facebook called ‘Man Up To Cancer/ The Howling Place' . It's a part of manuptocancer.org that has been created by Trevor Maxwell a Stage IV Colorectal Cancer patient and friend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/manuptocancer/.
*** February 2020 I became a ‘Card Angel' for Chemo Angels
***April 2020 I became a contributor to manuptocancer.com as a blogger for ' Joe's Wolfpack Trailblazers’. A blog about the works of service and the daily lives of the men of The Howling Place. My latest Blog https://www.manuptocancer.com/trailblazers/volume17
***June 2020 I became an Ambassador for Fight CRC as a part of the 2021 class at Fightcolorectalcancer.org
***October 2020 I became an Empowered Patient Leader for Colontown.org
***December 2020 I Created 'Colontown Junior' with the