Real People. Real Stories.

Rena Rico

This show is about real people and the paths that shape who they become. Every episode follows someone’s life journey — the decisions they made, the transitions they went through, and the moments that redirected everything. We talk about education paths, career shifts, moving countries, reinvention, marriage, divorce, personal challenges, and the choices that define a chapter. The focus is simple: real stories, honest conversations, and the many different routes a life can take.

  1. Joshua’s Story: Merchant of Joy

    Apr 25

    Joshua’s Story: Merchant of Joy

    Joshua Routh grew up in North St. Louis County, where creativity wasn’t part of the neighborhood curriculum. At 12, a clown class changed everything—turning a curious kid into someone who could bring laughter and connection to others. From performing in his community to touring across the U.S., Joshua learned how joy can be shared, one act at a time. Along the way, he discovered that creativity isn’t just for the stage—it’s a way to solve problems, connect with people, and leave an impact that lasts. His story is about curiosity, resilience, and finding your place in the world while spreading joy wherever you go. Tune in to hear Joshua’s lessons on creativity, connection, and how to embrace the unexpected turns in life—and discover how anyone can become a merchant of joy. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    24 min
  2. Kenneth’s Story: From Louisville to 45 Countries

    Apr 18

    Kenneth’s Story: From Louisville to 45 Countries

    Kenneth’s Story: From Strict Upbringing to 45 Countries Raised by a single mother in Louisville, one of seven kids, Kenneth learned discipline early—whether he liked it or not. At 18, the military wasn’t a question—it was expected. But instead of following the usual path, he chose the Marine Corps, aiming for the elite. That decision set everything in motion. From college football dreams to a global career spanning 45 countries, Kenneth kept reinventing himself—across industries, cultures, and identities. But behind the success is a deeper story about pressure, masculinity, and questioning the script handed to you. Not everything was planned. Most of it wasn’t. A story about resilience, reinvention, and choosing your own direction—again and again. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    22 min
  3. Lou’s Story: From Dive Instructor to Professor

    Apr 11

    Lou’s Story: From Dive Instructor to Professor

    From teaching underwater to teaching in a classroom, Lou Hirsch took a path that doesn’t fit the usual script—and that’s exactly what makes it work. Before academia, Lou was a dive master, instructor, and boat captain. He talks about the shift from the scuba world into academia, how one opportunity led to another, and how he ended up pursuing a master’s and PhD in plant science without a traditional plan in place. Lou shares why most classrooms lose people along the way, and how his approach flips that—bringing learning back to something active, practical, and actually engaging. This is a story about unconventional paths, adapting without a clear roadmap, and turning life experience into something that shapes others. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    26 min
  4. Luke’s Story: A Life of Service

    Apr 4

    Luke’s Story: A Life of Service

    A small town, a football scholarship, and a choice that didn’t make sense to most. Luke Mickelson grew up in a place where hard work was expected, problems were yours to solve, and showing up for others was just part of life. That mindset followed him into sports, into business, and into the way he sees value and competition. At one point, the path was clear—play at the next level. Instead, he stepped away and chose service. Years later, that same mindset led him to build a community focused on something simple but powerful—making sure children have a bed to sleep in. What comes out of that decision isn’t obvious at first, but it shapes everything that follows. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    27 min
  5. Martin’s Story: Chasing More Than Success

    Mar 29

    Martin’s Story: Chasing More Than Success

    Martin Palethorpe did everything right—career, promotions, success on paper. And still, it wasn’t enough. He shares what happens when achievement stops feeling like fulfillment. From a disciplined childhood shaped by expectations, to rising fast in the corporate world, to hitting a point where none of it made sense anymore. What followed wasn’t a small pivot. It was a complete shift—into coaching, into self-exploration, and into extreme challenges that pushed him far beyond comfort. Deserts. The Magnetic North Pole. Physical limits. Mental breaking points. Not for thrill—but to understand performance, resilience, and what actually drives us. This is a story about chasing success… and then questioning it. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    21 min
  6. Dana’s Story: Overcoming Fear

    Mar 28

    Dana’s Story: Overcoming Fear

    A childhood between Idaho and New Jersey shaped a quiet sense of distance early on—never fully rooted in one place. Then, at twelve, a violent car accident left Dr. Dana Cowles feeling helpless in a world that seemed out of control. Instead of giving in, he learned how to face that helplessness and regain control. Wrestling, emergency response work in Queens, and even flying planes became ways to challenge himself, practice presence, and build resilience. Not to eliminate difficulty, but to understand it—and act despite it. That mindset led him to emergency medicine, where high-pressure situations demand focus, calm, and decisive action. A story about confronting helplessness, taking control in moments that feel uncontrollable, and finding strength through experience. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    27 min
  7. Vanita’s Story: Between Cultures and Continents

    Mar 21

    Vanita’s Story: Between Cultures and Continents

    Born into an Indian family with roots in Vietnam, Vanita Prisha Daryanani grew up in Taiwan—learning Mandarin, celebrating Chinese New Year, and navigating what it meant to look different from everyone around her. Belonging was never simple, but those early years quietly built the adaptability that would shape the rest of her life. At 18, she left for Australia to study physiotherapy, following a path influenced as much by family expectations as by her own ambitions. The move brought independence, questions about identity, and a growing awareness that the choices we make are often a mix of our own dreams and the hopes others have for us. Then, at 22, another leap: marriage and a move to Ghana. A new continent, a new culture, and the beginning of a life she never expected to build so far from where she started. This is a story about identity, expectations, and what it means to find your place in the world. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    24 min
  8. Stacie’s Story: Redefining Success Her Own Way

    Mar 14

    Stacie’s Story: Redefining Success Her Own Way

    A waitress at 16. Running federal tech projects with no formal training. Buying a $50M software company on instinct. Starting over after a 28-year marriage ended. Stacie Shifflett has built and rebuilt her life more than once. She talks about figuring things out without credentials, trusting the ability to learn instead of waiting to feel ready, and making bold decisions others wouldn’t attempt — including acquiring a company she once worked with. But the biggest reinvention didn’t happen in business. It happened after her marriage collapsed, forcing her to rethink who she was beyond career and titles. This is a conversation about resilience, risk, and redefining success on your own terms. Music credit: Intro and outro music: “A Positive Direction” by AylexSource: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Background Music for Videos (Free)

    24 min
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About

This show is about real people and the paths that shape who they become. Every episode follows someone’s life journey — the decisions they made, the transitions they went through, and the moments that redirected everything. We talk about education paths, career shifts, moving countries, reinvention, marriage, divorce, personal challenges, and the choices that define a chapter. The focus is simple: real stories, honest conversations, and the many different routes a life can take.

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