THE MAKING OF ME

Aro Benaiah Kehinde

“THE MAKING OF ME” is a podcast that explores the real experiences that shape who we become; the struggles, the lessons, the turning points, and the moments we usually keep to ourselves. You’ll love this show if you enjoy honest storytelling, personal growth, and conversations that help you reflect on your own journey. Each episode breaks down simple but powerful truths about life, identity, and becoming better, one step at a time. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s made for anyone who’s growing, evolving, or finding their way.

  1. 18h ago

    How Surviving Back-to-Back Storms Transformed My Life: Resilience Through Recession and Cancer with Bill Derrick | The Making of Me

    What do you do when life doesn't just hand you one devastating storm — but two, back to back, with no time to recover in between? In this deeply moving episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Bill Derrick — president of Derry Company and author of Restored by the Storm — shares how leading his family business through the Great Recession and then facing an incurable cancer diagnosis completely redefined his understanding of control, faith, resilience, and what it means to truly live with purpose. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: What it was really like to steer a family business through the Great Recession — and what that demanded of Bill as a leaderHow receiving an incurable cancer diagnosis on top of financial devastation tested everything he believedWhy letting go of control became the most powerful leadership and life lesson he ever learnedThe critical role that family, faith, and community played in carrying him through both stormsWhy choosing gratitude and purpose in the middle of uncertainty is not just possible — but transformativeThe powerful story behind Restored by the Storm and the message Bill wants every reader to carry with themIf you've ever felt like you were being hit from every direction at once and wondered how you could possibly keep going — Bill's story will remind you that the storms that threaten to break us are often the very ones that restore us. 🔗 Get Bill's book, explore more & connect with him: https://www.billderrick.com/🔗 Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billderrick/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it gave you strength🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one storm in your life that ended up restoring or rebuilding you in ways you never expected? #MakingOfMePodcast #BillDerrick #Resilience #Inspiration #OvercomingAdversity #RestoredByTheStorm #Podcast #Faith #Cancer #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Healing #Mindset #Courage #Motivation

  2. 1d ago

    Turning Stoic Philosophy Into Action After Arrest: Justin Cale II's Story | The Making of Me

    What happens when everything you believe is put to the ultimate test — and the only way through is to actually live what you've been studying? In this raw and compelling episode of The Making of Me Podcast, leather worker, activist, and founder of House of Cale Justin Cale II shares his powerful journey from being arrested as a teenager and surviving government custody to transforming stoic philosophy from abstract theory into a daily, purposeful way of life. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: How Justin's arrest as a teenager became the crucible that tested and ultimately forged his characterWhat it was really like to navigate government custody — and how stoic philosophy became his survival toolkitHow he turned anger, frustration, and pain into fuel for activism, artistry, and resilienceThe powerful journey of facing bureaucracy and systemic obstacles head-on without losing his sense of selfHow Justin built House of Cale — a life and brand rooted in purposeful action rather than abstract idealsHis honest thoughts on the impact of AI and technology on youth, education, and creativity todayIf you've ever felt like the system was working against you, or wondered how to turn your philosophy into something you actually live — Justin's story will challenge you, inspire you, and show you what stoicism looks like when it's tested by real life. 🔗 Connect with Justin Cale II & explore his work: https://houseofcale.com/🔗 Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_cale_ii/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it moved you🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one philosophy or belief that has been tested by real life — and how did you hold up? #MakingOfMePodcast #JustinCaleII #Stoicism #OvercomingAdversity #PhilosophyInAction #Podcast #HouseOfCale #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Activism #Motivation

  3. 2d ago

    How Martial Arts Helped Me Overcome a Chaotic Childhood: The Power of Self-Discipline with Chris Natzke | The Making of Me

    What happens when a child finds no structure, safety, or belief at home — and then discovers all three on a martial arts mat? In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, former US national taekwondo champion and Black Belt Leadership coach Chris Natzke shares his remarkable journey from growing up with an alcoholic father to becoming a champion in both martial arts and life — and how the discipline, structure, and self-belief he found in taekwondo became the foundation for everything that followed. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: How martial arts provided the structure and safety that Chris never found at home as a childThe powerful role of self-discipline and consistent practice in building unshakeable confidence and resilienceHow Chris went from a chaotic, unstable childhood to becoming a US national taekwondo championWhy self-imposed ceilings are the biggest obstacles most people face — and how to break through themThe lessons from martial arts that apply directly to leadership, business, and everyday lifeHow Chris's Black Belt Leadership coaching is helping others transform adversity into lasting strength and purposeIf you grew up in chaos and wondered whether structure and success were even possible for someone like you — Chris's story will prove that the discipline you build within yourself is always more powerful than the circumstances you were born into. 🔗 Download Chris's free "6 Ms of Morning Mastery" eBook & explore his programs: http://www.chrisnatzke.com/🔗 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnatzke/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it inspired you🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one discipline or practice that helped you find structure and confidence during a difficult season of life? #MakingOfMePodcast #ChrisNatzke #MartialArts #SelfDiscipline #Taekwondo #Podcast #OvercomingAdversity #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Motivation

  4. 3d ago

    How to Forgive the Unforgivable: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide with Katharine Giovanni | The Making of Me

    What if the thing you've been unable to forgive is the very thing standing between you and the peace you've been searching for? In this deeply powerful episode of The Making of Me Podcast, award-winning author and forgiveness educator Katharine Giovanni shares the step-by-step forgiveness system she created after navigating childhood trauma, family struggles, decades of sobriety, and surviving stage 3 breast cancer — and why she believes forgiveness is not about the other person at all, but about freeing yourself. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: Why forgiving the unforgivable is possible — and what it actually requires of youThe clear distinction between forgiveness and condoning — why letting go doesn't mean saying the other person was rightWhy forgiveness never requires re-entering toxic relationships — and what it does require insteadKatharine's unique, step-by-step forgiveness method you can begin putting into practice todayHow forgiveness transformed Katharine's own life after decades of pain, trauma, and serious illnessWhy holding onto unforgiveness is costing you peace, energy, and freedom you can't afford to keep losingWhether you're carrying a wound from years ago or something that happened yesterday — Katharine's practical, compassionate guide will show you that forgiveness is always possible, and always worth it. 🔗 Learn more & access Katharine's books and courses: https://www.katharinegiovanni.com/🔗 Connect with Katharine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it gave you hope🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What has forgiveness freed you from — or what are you still working up the courage to let go of? #MakingOfMePodcast #KatharineGiovanni #Forgiveness #Healing #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Peace #Trauma #Sobriety #Motivation

  5. 4d ago

    How Walking Away From Three Engagements Led to Finding True Peace & Purpose with Debbie Engle | The Making of Me

    What does it take to walk away from not one, not two, but three engagements — and trust that choosing yourself over settling is always the right decision? In this courageous and deeply personal episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Debbie Engle shares the remarkable story of how breaking off three engagements — and refusing to settle despite the judgment, loneliness, and pressure that followed — ultimately led her to a life built on conviction, faith, and unshakeable self-worth. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: What it really felt like to walk away from three engagements and choose faith over fear each timeHow Debbie navigated the judgment, loneliness, and social pressure that came with refusing to settleWhy choosing yourself — even when it's painful and misunderstood — is always an act of courageThe role that faith and conviction played in guiding her through some of her most difficult decisionsHow she ultimately built a life rooted in genuine peace, purpose, and self-worthEncouragement for anyone facing tough relationship decisions or feeling lost and unsure of their pathIf you've ever been pressured to settle, felt judged for choosing differently, or simply needed permission to trust your own convictions — Debbie's story will remind you that the path less traveled often leads exactly where you were meant to go. 🔗 Find out more or connect with Debbie Engle: https://www.debbieengle.com/🔗 Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-getty-engle-1896bb8/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it gave you courage🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — Have you ever made a difficult decision that others didn't understand — but that ultimately led you to exactly where you needed to be? #MakingOfMePodcast #DebbieEngle #Faith #Relationships #Courage #Podcast #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Healing #Mindset #Purpose #Resilience #Motivation

  6. 5d ago

    How Your Childhood Shapes Your Relationships: Breaking the Cycle with Eric Williams | The Making of Me

    Why do the same relationship patterns keep showing up in your life — no matter how hard you try to change them? In this eye-opening episode of The Making of Me Podcast, relationship coach and Army veteran Eric Williams shares how his parents' divorce at age 13 set off a chain reaction that quietly shaped the way he related to partners, friends, and even his own children — and how uncovering those hidden patterns became the foundation for everything he now teaches. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: How a pivotal childhood experience can silently program the way you show up in every relationship as an adultThe hidden "codes" we carry from childhood — and how they drive our actions without us even realizing itWhy the same patterns keep repeating in your relationships — and what it actually takes to break the cyclePractical steps for breaking unhealthy relationship cycles in marriage, family, and friendshipsThe story behind Eric's powerful Origin Code methodology and how it's helping couples and individuals create real, lasting changeHow Eric's own personal journey as an Army veteran shaped his unique approach to relationship healingIf you've ever felt trapped in patterns you didn't choose and can't seem to escape — Eric's story and the Origin Code will show you exactly where those patterns came from and how to finally break free. 🔗 Join the Origin Code Project community: https://www.skool.com/the-origin-code-project🔗 Take your free quiz & understand your own relationship patterns: https://whywefight.coastalfamilymedia.com/quiz🔗 Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwilliamscfs/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it resonated with you🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one relationship pattern from your childhood that you've had to consciously work to break? #MakingOfMePodcast #EricWilliams #RelationshipAdvice #OriginCode #Healing #Podcast #PersonalDevelopment #Childhood #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Family #Motivation

  7. 6d ago

    The Art of Saying Yes to Life: How Embracing Uncertainty Leads to Incredible Journeys with Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis | The Making of Me

    What if the single most transformative thing you could do for your life was simply to say yes — even when you're afraid, unprepared, and unsure of what comes next? In this adventurous and inspiring episode of The Making of Me Podcast, Elisabeth Villiger Toufexis explores the transformative power of embracing uncertainty — through her remarkable story of traveling to over 100 countries without a cell phone and building a career as a global tour guide, author, and life coach by consistently choosing yes over fear. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: The habit of saying yes — and how it unlocks adventures, opportunities, and growth you never could have plannedHow travel and self-discovery became the tools for overcoming deep fear and insecurityWhy happiness is a choice, not a destination — and what that truth changes about how you live every dayPractical, actionable tips for facing fear and doing it anyway — no matter how daunting the first step feelsWhat it's really like to explore 100+ countries without a cell phone — and what that teaches you about trust and presenceHow stepping consistently beyond your comfort zone builds the confidence, growth, and joy you've been searching forIf you've been waiting until you feel ready, until the timing is right, or until the fear goes away — this episode will remind you that the yes always comes before the readiness. And that's exactly the point. ⏱️ Timestamps: 02:11 — The habit of saying yes and how it unlocks unexpected adventures and growth07:32 — Overcoming fear and insecurity through travel and self-discovery16:29 — Why happiness is a choice, not a destination24:03 — Practical tips for facing fear and "doing it anyway"🔗 Learn more about Elisabeth & her work: https://thesoulkit.com/🔗 Connect with Elisabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-villiger-toufexis-602893b/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it inspired you🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one time you said yes to something scary — and what happened on the other side of that decision? #MakingOfMePodcast #ElisabethVilligerToufexis #SayYesToLife #EmbraceUncertainty #Travel #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Adventure #Happiness #Resilience #Motivation

  8. 6d ago

    How One Motorcycle Jump Changed Tom Cladis' Life Forever | The Making of Me

    What if one single moment of courage — one bold leap — set the entire trajectory of the rest of your life? In this exhilarating episode of The Making of Me Podcast, award-winning author and adventurer Tom Cladis shares the remarkable story of how one bold motorcycle jump sparked a lifelong pattern of facing fear head-on — from alligator wrestling to breathtaking handstands atop castle walls — and what that journey taught him about faith, self-doubt, and the power of saying yes to the leap. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: The story of the one motorcycle jump that changed everything and set Tom on a path of bold, fearless livingHow a single act of courage can rewire your relationship with fear for the rest of your lifeWhy eliminating self-doubt is the most important skill any adventurer — or anyone — can developThe role that faith has played in Tom's most daring and defining momentsStories from a life lived boldly — from alligator wrestling to castle wall handstands and everything in betweenHow you can take your own first leap — no matter how small — and why that first step changes everythingIf you've been playing it safe, waiting for the right moment, or letting fear write the story of your life — Tom's journey will ignite something in you and dare you to finally take the leap. 🔗 Check out Tom's books & connect with him: https://www.tomcladiswrites.com/🔗 Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomc_writes/ 📌 Don't forget to:👍 Like this video if it fired you up🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode💬 Comment below — What's one bold leap you've taken in your life that ended up changing everything? #MakingOfMePodcast #TomCladis #OvercomingFear #LiveBoldly #Motivation #Podcast #Adventure #Faith #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #Inspiration #Mindset #Courage #Resilience #Author

5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

“THE MAKING OF ME” is a podcast that explores the real experiences that shape who we become; the struggles, the lessons, the turning points, and the moments we usually keep to ourselves. You’ll love this show if you enjoy honest storytelling, personal growth, and conversations that help you reflect on your own journey. Each episode breaks down simple but powerful truths about life, identity, and becoming better, one step at a time. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s made for anyone who’s growing, evolving, or finding their way.