THE OPEN CHAIR

Stephanie
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

The Open Chair is a podcast where real people share real stories. From personal struggles and life lessons to growth, healing, and empowerment, every conversation is honest, relatable, and judgment-free. Pull up a chair your story matters.

  1. Oct 30

    Choice and Consequence — Truth, Responsibility, and Relationships

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Branch Isole, author of 22 books, poet, storyteller, podcast host, and Oxford theology graduate. Branch explores the connection between choices and consequences, why taking responsibility can be difficult, and how honesty can help repair relationships. They also discuss his seven steps to relationship repair, biblical prophecy, and the importance of separating thoughtful interpretation from speculation. It’s a reflective conversation about personal growth, accountability, faith, and making choices that help us move forward. Explore Branch’s work: - Website: https://branchisole.com - Podcasts: Omega Way: Prophecy: Real? Myth? Conspiracy? and Spiritual Christianity

  2. Oct 30

    Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand — A Life of Adventure

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Bill Mullen, also known as “Bangkok Bill,” author of Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand, host of Thailand Adventure Secrets, and founder of Thailand Adventure Network. After leaving a corporate career behind, Bill built a new life exploring Thailand by land and sea. He shares insights on affordable travel, hidden destinations, solo adventures, and how to experience more without overspending. They also discuss taking risks, stepping outside your comfort zone, and turning travel dreams into real plans. It’s an inspiring conversation about embracing change, staying curious, and discovering the magic of a different way of life. Explore Bill’s work and travel resources: - Website: https://thailandadventurenetwork.com - Book: Getting Lost in the Magic of Thailand - Podcast: Thailand Adventure Secrets Visit Bill’s website for the book details and complimentary full-color eBook offer with a print-edition pre-order.

  3. Oct 29

    From Guest to Host — The Reality of the Creator Journey

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Victor Jones, host of Liquor Talk Podcast, about building a platform, staying consistent, and navigating the realities of content creation. Victor shares lessons from interviewing hundreds of guests, overcoming setbacks, and staying authentic while growing an audience. They discuss the challenges facing creators, the evolving Black content creation space, and how to turn a creative idea into something meaningful. It’s an honest conversation about persistence, authenticity, and building something you believe in without losing yourself along the way. Connect with Victor Jones: - Website and podcast: https://liquortalkpodcast.com

  4. Oct 28

    Perfect Glory — Finding a Deeper Relationship with God

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Marcia McFarland, award-winning author of Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century. Marcia shares the mountaintop experience that transformed her spiritual journey and explores what it means to build a genuine relationship with Jesus beyond religious rules and traditions. They discuss God's glory, recognizing meaningful spiritual moments, staying grounded in a distracted world, and applying faith to everyday life. It’s a thoughtful conversation about spiritual growth, personal faith, and discovering a deeper connection with God. Explore Marcia’s work: - Website: https://authormarciamcfarland.com - Book: Perfect Glory: 21 Spiritual Insights for the 21st Century — available through her website and Amazon.

  5. Oct 27

    Life Is the Greatest Adventure — From Alligator Wrestling to Fantasy

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Tom Cladis, award-winning fantasy author, financial planner, adventurer, and former flight attendant. From exploring different careers to wrestling alligators and performing handstands at iconic locations, Tom shares how curiosity and courage have shaped his life. They discuss stepping outside your comfort zone, finding meaning through new experiences, and how fantasy storytelling can reveal real truths about human nature. It’s an inspiring conversation about embracing change, taking thoughtful risks, and creating a life full of purpose, adventure, and possibility. Explore Tom’s books, blog, and events: https://TomCladisWrites.com

  6. Oct 27

    When You’re the Headline — Turning Pain Into Perseverance

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Noah May, an Auburn University journalism graduate and host of Lethal Venom, Southern Reads, and Music Talks. Noah opens up about his experiences with depression, anxiety, rejection, and self-doubt, and how he found his voice through journalism and podcasting. They discuss mental health, perseverance, self-worth, and the importance of seeking support when life feels overwhelming. It’s an honest conversation about surviving difficult seasons, finding purpose, and remembering that your hardest years don’t define your whole story. Connect with Noah May: - Website: https://noahspodcasts.com/ - Lethal Venom: https://noahspodcasts.com/lethal-venom - Southern Reads: https://noahspodcasts.com/southern-reads - Music Talks: https://noahspodcasts.com/music-talks - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lethalvenompodcast - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-c-may - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/noahspodcasts - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lethalvenompodcast - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/noahspodcast

  7. Oct 26

    I Write Because I Listen — A Life of Service and Storytelling

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Nancy Jasin Ensley, author, legal nurse, hospice specialist, and teacher, about a life shaped by service, family, faith, and storytelling. Nancy shares how her work with people through life’s most difficult moments has influenced her writing across memoir, fiction, mystery, science fiction, and children’s literature. They explore how personal experiences become stories, the lessons found in everyday moments, and why paying attention to the people around us matters. It’s a thoughtful conversation about listening, remembering, and discovering that every life holds stories worth telling. Learn more about Nancy’s work: https://nancyjasinensley.com

  8. Oct 26

    Inside USAID — 27 Years of Foreign Aid and Global Impact

    In this episode of The Open Chair, Stephanie speaks with Clifford H. Brown, a former USAID Mission Director and Legal Advisor who spent 27 years working in international development across six countries. Drawing on his experiences, Clifford discusses the realities of foreign aid, the challenges of government bureaucracy, political instability, corruption, and the role international development plays in supporting communities and advancing national interests. He also reflects on the dismantling of USAID in 2025, the potential consequences for communities that depend on development assistance, and the questions this raises about America's role in the world. It's a thoughtful conversation about public service, international cooperation, and the complex realities behind foreign aid. Guest: Clifford H. Brown Explore Clifford's work: - Website: https://cliffordhbrown.com - Substack: https://cliffordbrown.substack.com

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About

The Open Chair is a podcast where real people share real stories. From personal struggles and life lessons to growth, healing, and empowerment, every conversation is honest, relatable, and judgment-free. Pull up a chair your story matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephanie
  • Show Website
    THE OPEN CHAIR