Beyond the story

Beyond the story show

Every person has a story, but there is always more beyond what we see. Beyond the Story, hosted by Blessing Nwabueze, explores the real experiences, struggles, lessons and turning points that shape people's lives. From business and entrepreneurship to education and career, healing and personal growth, family and children, resilience and triumph, we have honest conversations with people who have built, overcome, learned and transformed. Behind every achievement is a journey, and sometimes the most powerful part of someone's story is the part the world never saw.

  1. 2d ago

    Campfire Tales, Cryptids & Outdoor Adventures: A Lifetime Of Stories | Robert O. Bowers

    Some of the best stories come from unexpected adventures, unusual encounters, and moments that stay with us long after they've happened. In this episode of Beyond the Story, we meet Robert O. Bowers, storyteller, outdoorsman, and self-published author whose lifelong love of storytelling has grown into a collection of books inspired by real-life experiences, outdoor adventures, and unexplained mysteries. After spending 43 years working with ODOT, Rob turned his experiences into writing, encouraged by his nieces and nephews. This eventually led to four volumes of Campfire Tales From Uncle Rob. His fictional works include Red Eyes at Black Mesa and the Have Dog Will Travel series. In this conversation, we explore: - How Rob went from enjoying stories to becoming a published author. - Memorable experiences from his hunting and fishing adventures. - His fascination with Bigfoot, cryptids, UFOs, ghosts, and unexplained phenomena. - Funny and unusual moments from 43 years at ODOT. - The difference between writing true stories and creating fiction. - Finding inspiration in ordinary moments. - Building a creative life after retirement. - The realities of self-publishing and growing as an author. Rob's journey is a reminder that our experiences are worth sharing and that it's never too late to turn a lifelong passion into something meaningful. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, campfire stories, mystery, or the unexplained, this episode has something to spark your curiosity. Explore Robert O. Bowers' books and stories and join us for another conversation that reminds us there's always more to the story. Remember to FOLLOW Beyond the Story and share this episode with someone who loves a good story.

  2. 2d ago

    You're Not Broken, You're Running Someone Else's Code | Eric A. Williams, Phd

    What if the struggles you're experiencing in your relationship aren't signs that you're broken, but the result of beliefs and patterns you learned long before you ever fell in love? In this episode of Beyond the Story, we speak with Eric A. Williams, PhD, relationship coach, author, and creator of Origin Code, a framework designed to help people understand the hidden beliefs shaping their relationships. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, Eric explores how family backgrounds, cultural expectations, and childhood experiences influence the way we communicate, handle conflict, express emotions, and understand our own worth. An Army veteran, husband of 20 years, and father, Eric also brings personal insight into the importance of patience, emotional support, and genuine connection. In this conversation, we explore: - The meaning behind Origin Code and the idea that we're running someone else's code. - Why people sometimes feel lonely even when they're in relationships. - How inherited beliefs influence adult relationships. - Why asking for emotional support can be difficult, particularly for men. - The difference between professional success and emotional connection at home. - How to move beyond expectations and rediscover your authentic self. - Lessons from marriage and fatherhood. - Practical steps towards healthier communication and stronger relationships. Eric also shares a free interactive quiz to help listeners identify hidden patterns behind relationship conflict and discover a practical starting point for change. Take the free Origin Code quiz: https://whywefight.coastalfamilymedia.com/quiz Sometimes, changing your relationships begins with questioning the beliefs you've always assumed were true. Follow Beyond the Story for more honest conversations about relationships, personal growth, leadership, and the experiences that shape who we become.

  3. 2d ago

    The Game Of Ten: How To Overcome Self-doubt And Find Success Without Losing Yourself | Steve Barton

    Why do people who achieve great success still struggle with fear, self-doubt, anxiety, and the feeling that they are never enough? In this episode of Beyond the Story, we sit down with Steve Barton, executive coach, author, and creator of The Game of Ten®, to explore how our internal thoughts and emotional patterns influence our decisions, relationships, leadership, and overall sense of fulfilment. With more than 47 years of business experience, Steve shares how helping grow his family's floral business from $200,000 to $2 million in annual revenue taught him that financial success alone does not guarantee happiness or peace of mind. He introduces two contrasting approaches to life: The Game OFTEN Played©, driven by fear, self-doubt, guilt, and shame, and The Game of Ten®, which encourages awareness, intuition, confidence, and intentional action. In this conversation, we explore: - Steve's journey from business success to personal development. - What The Game of Ten® means and how it works. - Why high achievers still struggle with self-doubt and anxiety. - How fear, guilt, and shame influence our decisions. - The difference between reacting automatically and acting intentionally. - The importance of awareness in leadership and personal growth. - How to trust intuition without abandoning logic. - Pursuing excellence without constantly feeling the need to prove yourself. - Practical steps for becoming more confident and intentional. Steve's message challenges us to rethink success. It's not just about what we achieve, but also about how we feel, think, and live along the way. Follow Beyond the Story for more conversations about personal growth, leadership, business, and the experiences that shape who we become.

  4. Oct 30

    Forty Nights In The Redwoods: Faith, Identity & A Personal Journey Through Revelation | Meta Titus

    What happens when a deeply personal experience changes the way you understand faith, identity, and the world around you? In this thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Story, we speak with Meta Titus, whose journey includes forty nights in the California Redwoods, three and a half years of living off the grid, and a distinctive personal interpretation of the biblical Book of Revelation. Meta shares how these experiences shaped their understanding of spirituality and identity, including their interpretations of Revelation chapters 2, 12, and 13. We explore the connections Meta draws between personal photographs, life experiences, gender transition, and biblical symbolism. We also discuss the decision to live privately, the challenges of isolation, concerns about digital privacy, and the importance of finding stability when navigating experiences that are difficult to explain. In this conversation, we explore: - The forty nights in the California Redwoods and their significance - Living off the grid for three and a half years - Faith, religious upbringing, and personal spiritual experiences - Gender identity and Meta's interpretation of Revelation - Understanding biblical prophecy and symbolism - Personal conviction and alternative interpretations of scripture - Privacy, digital security, and choosing a quieter life - Finding balance and stability through challenging experiences This conversation invites listeners to consider how personal experiences shape belief, why people interpret spiritual texts differently, and how curiosity, reflection, and respectful dialogue can help us approach complex questions. Connect with Meta Titus: Explore Meta's books and work through the links and resources shared by the guest. If you enjoy conversations about faith, identity, spirituality, and personal experiences, share this episode with someone who would find it interesting. Remember to FOLLOW Beyond the Story for more meaningful conversations and stories that encourage us to look beyond the surface.

  5. Oct 30

    Remembering Corinne: Fatherhood, Grief, Gratitude & Finding Joy After Loss | Mark Stackpole

    How do you learn to live with the loss of a child while still finding reasons to be grateful for the time you shared? In this deeply moving episode of Beyond the Story, we sit down with Mark Stackpole, who shares his family's experience of losing their 22-year-old daughter, Corinne, to leukemia. Mark takes us beyond the diagnosis and the heartbreak to remember the young woman Corinne was, the memories she left behind, and the love that continues to shape her family's lives. He shares a powerful perspective on grief: choosing gratitude does not mean the pain disappears. It means refusing to let the loss become the only story worth telling. He describes Corinne's life as a brilliant short story, one without a wasted word or moment. We also discuss how families navigate grief together, how to support someone who has lost a loved one, finding joy without feeling guilty, and the importance of raising awareness about leukemia and stem cell donation. In this conversation, we explore: - Remembering Corinne beyond her leukemia diagnosis - The unexpected journey from diagnosis to loss - The reality of grieving the death of a child - Choosing gratitude while making room for heartbreak - Supporting a family when everyone grieves differently - Preserving a loved one's memory and legacy - Finding happiness without feeling that you're leaving someone behind - How stem cell donor registration can help people affected by blood cancers Mark's message is a reminder that grief and gratitude can exist together, and that losing someone does not erase the love, memories, and meaning they brought into our lives. Learn more about stem cell donation and donor registration: https://nmdp.org If this conversation touches you, share it with someone who may need to hear it. Remember to FOLLOW Beyond the Story for more honest conversations and meaningful stories about life, love, loss, and growth.

  6. Oct 30

    Fighting To Come Home: Trauma, Motherhood, Accountability & Healing | Angel Willard

    What does it take to rebuild your life when trauma, loss, incarceration, and separation from your children have changed everything? In this deeply personal episode of Beyond the Story, we speak with Angel Willard, author of Fighting to Come Home: Coming Home to Myself. Angel opens up about her experiences with trauma, chronic pain, motherhood, incarceration, and the difficult journey of finding herself again. We explore the emotional reality of being separated from your children, the importance of personal accountability, the pain of being misunderstood, and the courage required to confront your past without allowing it to define your future. Angel also shares how writing her memoir became part of her journey towards healing, finding her voice, breaking painful cycles, and rebuilding meaningful relationships. In this conversation, we explore: - The story behind Fighting to Come Home: Coming Home to Myself - Motherhood, family separation, and the determination to keep going - Incarceration, accountability, and personal transformation - Living with trauma and chronic pain - Overcoming judgment, stigma, and shame - Finding healing through writing and sharing your experiences - Breaking old patterns and creating a different future - What it means to finally come home to yourself Angel's story offers an important reminder: your past may be part of your story, but it does not have to determine how your story ends. Connect with Angel Willard: Website: https://angel-willard.angelwillerd9.chatgpt.site/ If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who may need to hear it. And remember to FOLLOW Beyond the Story for more honest conversations and meaningful stories about life, growth, and transformation.

  7. Oct 30

    From Professional Baseball To Financial Freedom: Redefining Wealth, Faith & Family | Matt Morizio

    SPOTIFY EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does it really mean to be wealthy? Is it about how much money you have, or about having the freedom, peace, and confidence to live a life that reflects what truly matters? In this episode of Beyond the Story, Matt Morizio, entrepreneur, licensed financial advisor, and founder of Reconstructing Wealth, shares a remarkable journey from professional baseball to financial entrepreneurship. After spending 20 years pursuing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player and five seasons in the Kansas City Royals minor league system, Matt's career came to an unexpected end in 2011. Newly married and facing homelessness with his wife, he had to rebuild his life from the ground up. Today, as a husband, father of eight, and entrepreneur, Matt helps people rethink their relationship with money and understand how financial decisions connect with emotions, family, faith, and personal purpose. In this conversation, we explore: - Losing a professional sports career and starting over - Rebuilding life after experiencing homelessness - Raising eight children while building a business - Breaking free from financial anxiety and unhealthy money beliefs - Connecting financial decisions with faith and family values - Building wealth without sacrificing what matters most - Lessons athletes and successful entrepreneurs share about discipline and success - Practical principles for budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt Matt challenges us to look beyond financial figures and consider whether our money is helping us build a life we genuinely enjoy. Connect with Matt Morizio: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmorizio/ Send Matt a direct message mentioning Beyond the Story to receive access to his free three-part video course on transforming your relationship with money. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who wants to build a healthier relationship with money and a more meaningful life. FOLLOW Beyond the Story for more honest conversations about ambition, resilience, family, business, and personal growth.

  8. Oct 30

    Why Experts Go Unnoticed Online: Personal Branding And AI Search | Amie Thompson

    Why do some highly accomplished professionals remain invisible online, even when they have the experience, expertise, and results to prove their value? In this episode of Beyond the Story, Amie Thompson, entrepreneur, business strategist, former CEO, and Director of Marketing and Client Success at ExecBrand Authority, explores what she calls the authority gap. With more than 25 years of leadership experience, Amie helps professionals strengthen their visibility, communicate their expertise, and turn their personal brands into meaningful business opportunities. We discuss how executive brand audits uncover hidden weaknesses in professional positioning, why accomplished people struggle to explain what they do, and how artificial intelligence is changing the way potential clients discover and evaluate experts. In this conversation, we explore: - What executive brand audits reveal about professional visibility - Why accomplished professionals struggle to communicate their value - How to identify what you want to be known for - How to become more discoverable through AI search and Google's AI Overviews - Why consistency matters more than posting frequency - Building thought leadership without constant self-promotion - How to improve your visibility in just 30 minutes a week - Turning professional authority into business opportunities Amie's central message is simple: being good at what you do is important, but people also need to recognise your expertise and find you when they need it. Connect with Amie Thompson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amie-thompson/ Website: https://amiethompson.com/ ExecBrand Authority: https://execbrandauthority.com/ Free resources on visibility and thought leadership: https://execbrandauthority.com/resources If you're an entrepreneur, executive, consultant, or business owner looking to strengthen your professional visibility, this conversation is for you. Share this episode with someone whose expertise deserves to be seen. FOLLOW Beyond the Story for more insightful conversations about business, leadership, innovation, and the people shaping how we work, build, and grow.

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Every person has a story, but there is always more beyond what we see. Beyond the Story, hosted by Blessing Nwabueze, explores the real experiences, struggles, lessons and turning points that shape people's lives. From business and entrepreneurship to education and career, healing and personal growth, family and children, resilience and triumph, we have honest conversations with people who have built, overcome, learned and transformed. Behind every achievement is a journey, and sometimes the most powerful part of someone's story is the part the world never saw.