Who's On My Mind Podcast

Serafin Farias

🎧 Real stories. Real people. Real insights. On Who’s On My Mind, I dive deep into the lives of people who intrigue me—no script, no agenda, just meaningful conversations about their journeys, ideas, and experiences.

  1. He Won the Kentucky Derby & Built One of Horse Racing's Most Legendary Careers | Patrick Valenzuela

    2D AGO

    He Won the Kentucky Derby & Built One of Horse Racing's Most Legendary Careers | Patrick Valenzuela

    🏇 Go inside the mind of horse racing legend Patrick "P-Val" Valenzuela. Widely considered one of the most naturally gifted jockeys in history, P-Val joins the podcast for an in-depth conversation about his historic career. He shares the incredible stories behind winning the 1989 Kentucky Derby aboard Sunday Silence, riding the iconic Arazi in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, and competing at the highest levels of thoroughbred racing for over six decades. Patrick opens up about race strategy, instinct, understanding horse behavior, the physical and mental demands of being a jockey, and the emotional highs and lows of life in horse racing. He also reflects on family, resilience, faith, redemption, and returning to racing at 63 years old. This episode is a rare deep dive into the mind of an elite jockey and one of horse racing’s most unforgettable personalities. 👤 Guest: Patrick "P-Val" Valenzuela 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ Topics Discussed: • Winning the Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence • The legendary Breeders’ Cup ride on Arazi • How jockeys think during a race • Horse psychology and racing instincts • The physical demands of being a jockey • Race strategy, pacing, and reading horses • Patrick Valenzuela’s comeback to racing at 63 • Family, faith, resilience, and legacy • What it feels like to ride a racehorse at full speed • Inside the world of professional horse racing ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Patrick Valenzuela 00:51 The Journey to Becoming a Jockey 06:44 First Wins and Early Career 12:44 The Thrill of Winning 18:42 Understanding the Horse Racing Industry 23:53 The Importance of Relationships in Racing 25:36 The Athleticism of Jockeys 31:08 What It Feels Like to Ride a Racehorse 34:59 Do Horses Want to Win? 38:28 Understanding Horse Behavior 44:05 The Strategy Behind Winning Races 49:31 Family, Racing, and Emotional Moments 01:04:20 The Art of Jockeying: Strategy and Skill 01:08:23 Winning the Kentucky Derby with Sunday Silence 01:27:14 Returning to Racing at 63 01:31:01 Proud Moments, Family, and Heroism 01:38:58 Legacy, Faith, and Reflection If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in horse racing, jockeys, sports psychology, or elite athletic performance. #PatrickValenzuela #KentuckyDerby #HorseRacing #Jockey #SundaySilence #BreedersCup

    1h 43m
  2. 1 Breath, 216 Feet: Conquering Ego in the Abyss | Maria Bobela

    MAY 5

    1 Breath, 216 Feet: Conquering Ego in the Abyss | Maria Bobela

    🌊 How do you dive the height of the Statue of Liberty on a single breath? World Champion Polish freediver Maria Bobela reveals how she went from failing her first dive to descending 66 meters into the abyss by mastering the art of "letting go."   In this episode, Maria shares her journey from a high-pressure graphic design career to becoming one of the top competitive freedivers in the world. We dive deep into the science of the human body underwater, the "Blue Hole" of Dahab, and why relaxation—not lung capacity—is the ultimate superpower.  About Maria Bobela: Maria Bobela is a Polish freediver and 2024 World Champion in Constant Weight No Fins (CNF). She has reached depths of over 90 meters on a single breath and now teaches others how to stay calm, focused, and in control under pressure. 📱 Follow Maria: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariabobela 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why most people struggle to relax (and how to fix it) The mental shift that unlocks elite performance How the body adapts to extreme depth (mammalian dive reflex) The role of ego in failure and growth Why focusing on the process beats chasing results 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Introduction 2:07 Why Her First Freedive Failed 6:29 Pool vs Ocean: What Changed Everything 10:00 The Blue Hole in Dahab 11:28 Freediving vs Scuba Diving 18:32 How She Ended Up Living in Egypt 32:25 Ego, Stress & Letting Go 37:38 The Physiology of Freediving 43:53 What “Free Fall” Feels Like 49:32 Why the Ascent Is the Hardest Part 1:03:42 Breaking Mental Limits 1:07:55 What Freediving Taught Her About Life 🔑 Keywords (for search) freediving, Maria Bobela, breath hold diving, mental performance, ocean depth, diving physiology, ego and mindset, extreme sports, relaxation techniques, human limits 🔥 Hashtags #Freediving #MariaBobela #MentalPerformance #BreathHold #ExtremeSports #dahab

    1h 7m
  3. She Quit Being a CEO then Biked Across Africa...Then an Elephant Charged Her | Alice Morrison

    APR 30

    She Quit Being a CEO then Biked Across Africa...Then an Elephant Charged Her | Alice Morrison

    🐫 I sit down with explorer, author, and adventurer Alice Morrison—often called “The Indiana Jones for Girls.” After leaving her career as a CEO and BBC journalist, Alice completely reinvented her life and went on extraordinary expeditions across Africa and the Middle East. She shares what it was like cycling 8,000 miles from Cairo to Cape Town, being charged by a wild elephant, surviving extreme conditions, walking across Saudi Arabia, living in Morocco, learning Arabic, and why she believes the meaning of life is simply to be. This conversation explores adventure, resilience, fear, purpose, cultural understanding, travel, and what it means to truly feel alive. In this episode we discuss: Why Alice left her CEO career for adventure Cycling from Cairo to Cape Town Being charged by a wild elephant Walking the length of Saudi Arabia Living in Morocco and learning Arabic Adventure, resilience, and fear Why she says the meaning of life is “to be” How to start pursuing your own adventures If you enjoy conversations about adventure, exploration, personal growth, resilience, and extraordinary lives—subscribe for more interviews. Follow Alice Morrison: Website: https://alicemorrison.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliceOutThere1 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliceOutThere1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliceoutthere1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@AliceOutThere1 Books: Search “Alice Morrison books” on Amazon Podcast: Alice in Wanderland 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 Charged by a Wild Elephant 01:05 Meet Alice Morrison 02:57 Why She Left Her CEO Career 06:32 Cycling Across Africa 10:42 The Elephant Attack Story 15:45 Why She Studied Arabic 18:58 Cultural Lessons From Living in Morocco 24:56 Why She Keeps Chasing Adventure 29:35 Future Expeditions 32:32 Traveling With Camel Guides 37:15 Stop Caring What People Think 39:46 Hardest Adventure of Her Life 43:25 Advice to Her Younger Self 46:54 What Makes Life Meaningful? 49:04 Where to Find Alice Subscribe for more interviews with adventurers, entrepreneurs, explorers, athletes, and people who have lived extraordinary lives. #AliceMorrison #AdventurePodcast #TravelPodcast #Explorer #Podcast #AdventureTravel

    51 min
  4. From Ironman to Self-Worth: She Finally Stopped Chasing Approval | Jen Rulon

    MAR 26

    From Ironman to Self-Worth: She Finally Stopped Chasing Approval | Jen Rulon

    What happens when you stop chasing approval—and start redefining who you are? In this episode of Who’s On My Mind, I sit down with Jen Rulon — 15-time Ironman finisher, former marine animal trainer, TEDx speaker, and now a life coach helping women reinvent themselves in midlife. Jen spent years pushing her limits — completing Ironman races, building a career at SeaWorld, and striving for validation. But it wasn’t until she stepped away from it all in her late 40s that she began to truly understand self-worth, identity, and what it means to start over. Now living in Costa Rica, she helps women navigate change, rebuild confidence, and create a life rooted in purpose. This conversation is about letting go of external validation, finding your voice, and having the courage to reinvent your life — no matter your age. 🎯 What You’ll Learn Why external validation can quietly drive your lifeWhat it takes to complete 15 Ironmans — and why it’s not enoughHow to rebuild your identity after major life transitionsThe mindset behind resilience and reinventionHow to find your voice and stop people-pleasingWhy it’s never too late to start over🌐 Connect with Jen Rulon Website: https://jenrulon.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenrulonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachjenrulon Book: Self-Motivation Strategies for Womenhttps://www.amazon.com/Self-Motivation-Strategies-Women-Transform/dp/1648766234 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Who Is Jen Rulon03:38 The Decision to Pursue Ironman06:18 Where the Drive Came From08:59 Chasing a Father’s Approval11:36 Her First Ironman Experience15:21 Realizing Self-Worth17:05 The Meaning Behind the Butterflies24:51 Struggles with Purpose25:37 Walking Away from Ironman28:29 Marriage and Identity31:48 Lessons from SeaWorld36:45 Trust and Communication with Animals45:04 The Breaking Point52:21 Quitting Alcohol52:22 Moving to Costa Rica53:52 Finding Her Voice55:13 Coaching and Transformation59:15 Daily Life in Costa Rica01:01:53 Family Reflections01:05:17 Courage to Start Over 🔍 Keywords self worth, midlife reinvention, personal growth podcast, finding purpose, identity crisis, life transition, resilience mindset, confidence building, stop people pleasing, women empowerment, life coach, mindset shift 📢 Hashtags #SelfWorth #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeReinvention #Mindset #Resilience #Podcast

    1h 9m
  5. 14 Months in the Sewers: How 1 Jewish Father Saved His Family During the Holocaust | Doron Keren

    MAR 15

    14 Months in the Sewers: How 1 Jewish Father Saved His Family During the Holocaust | Doron Keren

    This is the extraordinary story of Ignacy Chiger, a Holocaust survivor who hid in a complex sewer labyrinth in Lvov for 14 months, with his family, during Nazi occupation. This deeply moving conversation explores resilience, moral courage, and survival strategies in the face of unimaginable evil. Doron Keren, his grandson, highlights his grandfather's story and the heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha and the human choices that defined life and death during the Holocaust. We also discuss related works, including the film In Darkness and the memoir The Girl in the Green Sweater, which provide additional context on survival, heroism, and moral courage. Resources & Guest Links (Connect with Doron) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththelightlesssky/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GGfhrPQbJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Beneath-Lightless-Sky-Surviving-Holocaust/dp/949341857X In Darkness movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Darkness_(2011_film) Girl in the Green Sweater book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Green-Sweater-Holocausts-Shadow/dp/1250018986Key Topics Covered Ignacy Chiger's 14-month survival in Lvov sewers The role of moral courage and resilience in extreme situations Nazi and Soviet occupation impacts on Lvov The heroism of sewer worker Leopold Socha Moral and human choices during the Holocaust Reflection on trauma, survival, and the importance of personal stories Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Doron Keren and his grandfather 05:20 Doron recalls his grandfather's decision to write his memoir 07:51 Life before the war in Lvov and Ignacy's aspirations 10:51 The impact of Soviet occupation on Lvov and Ignacy 25:45 The German invasion and the shift in survival tactics 31:47 Adapting to new threats and building hiding places4 9:25 Meeting Josef Grzimek and his brutality 57:25 The brutal execution of Ignacy by Grzimek 58:43 The psychological torment and resilience of the family 01:01:33 The inhumane treatment of Jews and acts of kindness 01:07:51 Life in the sewer: daily routines and challenges 01:15:00 The relationship with sewer worker Leopold Socha 01:22:30 The death of Ignacy's brother-in-law and other tragedies 01:31:04 The escape from the sewer and liberation 01:40:17 Recognition of Leopold Socha as Righteous Among the Nations 01:49:50 Post-war life and the publication of the memoir 01:56:18 Reflections on survival, luck, and divine intervention 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ Keywords / Hashtags #Holocaust #JewishSurvivor #SurvivorStories #MoralCourage #WWIIHistory #podcast

    2h 8m
  6. What Wilderness Survival Teaches Us About Ego, Fear, and Purpose | Mark Wienert

    JAN 23

    What Wilderness Survival Teaches Us About Ego, Fear, and Purpose | Mark Wienert

    🏕️ I sit down with Mark Wienert, founder of Life Song Wilderness Adventures, to explore what wilderness survival really teaches us about ego, fear, purpose, and what it means to be human. Mark spent years in the logging industry before walking away from that life in his 40s to dedicate himself to teaching wilderness survival skills, nature awareness, and tracking. But this conversation goes far beyond fire-making and shelters. We dive into how the wilderness strips away illusions, confronts fear, and forces a deeper kind of personal growth that most people never experience in modern life. We talk about: Why nature is neutral — and what that means for survival The psychological challenges people face in the wild The role of ego, fear, and discomfort in transformation What survival really depends on (hint: it’s not gear) Lessons from Christopher McCandless and modern wilderness myths Why tracking and deep observation change how you see the world The philosophy behind Life Song Wilderness Adventures This episode is for anyone interested in: The meaning of life Personal growth through challenge Wilderness survival and self-reliance Resilience, purpose, and human nature Whether you’ve ever stepped into the backcountry or not, this is ultimately a conversation about how to live better by understanding what we really need. 👉 If this conversation made you think, leave a comment with the biggest insight you took from it — I read and respond to them. 👍 Like the video if you want more long-form conversations like this. 🔔 Subscribe for deep conversations with people who have lived interesting lives. Guest Information Mark Wienert Founder – Life Song Wilderness Adventures 🌐 Website: https://lifesongadventures.com/ 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:54 The Philosophy Behind Life Song Wilderness Adventures 05:51 Experiences That Shaped a Love for the Outdoors 08:21 The Impact of Nature on Personal Growth 09:48 Teaching Wilderness Skills and Building Confidence 10:33 Cultural Perspectives on Fire and Nature 11:06 Transformative Experiences in Wilderness Training 23:43 The Protective Nature of Community 26:37 Survival Skills and Gender Dynamics 32:17 Understanding Wilderness Survival Principles 37:39 Psychological Challenges in Survival Training 39:10 The Importance of Knowledge Over Tools 43:16 Lessons from Christopher McCandless's Journey 47:27 Nutritional Insights from Nature 49:22 Survival Strategies in Extreme Conditions 54:19 The Importance of Pemmican and Food Storage 56:02 Community Resilience in Crisis 57:00 Teaching Respect for Nature 01:00:38 Getting Started in Wilderness Survival 01:04:53 Ethics of Nature and Survival 01:05:54 Reflections on a Lifelong Journey in Wilderness Education #WildernessSurvival #MeaningOfLife #PersonalGrowth #SelfReliance #HumanNature #Podcast

    1h 18m
  7. 1 Jewish Man, 4 Armies: An Impossible WWII Survival Story | Martin Bodek

    12/19/2025

    1 Jewish Man, 4 Armies: An Impossible WWII Survival Story | Martin Bodek

    What does it take to survive four different armies in World War II as a Jewish man in Europe? In this powerful, emotional conversation, Martin Bodek shares the extraordinary true story of his grandfather—documented in his book Zaidy’s War. Born in Romania, drafted into multiple armies, captured, starved, and forced to make impossible choices, his grandfather’s journey spans four armies, three continents, and one relentless will to live. This is not just a World War II story. It’s a story about family, endurance, identity, and the weight of choices made under unimaginable circumstances. Martin reflects on: His grandfather’s survival during the Holocaust. Moral decisions made at the edge of humanity. Post-war rebuilding, immigration, and legacy. Why preserving these stories matters now more than ever 🎧 Content Warning: This conversation includes sensitive historical topics related to war, starvation, and survival. Some difficult themes—including cannibalism in extreme wartime conditions—are discussed respectfully and within historical context. 📚 About the Book Zaidy’s War: Four Armies, Three Continents, Two Brothers. One Man’s Impossible Story of Endurance 👉 Buy the book here: https://martinbodekbooks.com/ 👤 Guest Information Martin Bodek Author & Storyteller 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ 🔑 Key Takeaways Survival during WWII required constant moral and strategic decisions Endurance was rooted in mindset as much as circumstance Faith, identity, and belief were deeply challenged during the Holocaust Family storytelling preserves history when official records fail Immigration brought hope—but not closure Some questions are never asked, yet shape generations Hashtags: #WorldWarII #HolocaustSurvivor #JewishHistory #SurvivalStory #WWIIHistory

    1h 49m
  8. 91-Year-Old Navy Vet Brings His Classmates' Untold Stories to Life | Jim Paulk

    10/14/2025

    91-Year-Old Navy Vet Brings His Classmates' Untold Stories to Life | Jim Paulk

    ⚓️ 91-year-old Navy veteran, Jim Paulk, compiler of Shaking Up the World, shares powerful Naval Academy memories, Pearl Harbor recollections, and why preserving veterans’ stories matters for future generations. I sat down with Jim Paulk — a storyteller, Navy veteran, and one of the driving forces behind Shaking Up the World: Stories of the Naval Academy Class of 1957 — to talk about collecting the voices of his classmates, the unexpected turns life took after his Naval academy graduation, and the lessons these personal narratives leave for us all. Jim tells stories that range from funny NFL-related anecdotes to heart-wrenching memories of wartime and Pearl Harbor. We dig into how relationships, humor, and simple acts of kindness shaped lives and created legacies worth preserving. If you care about veterans, memoirs, Naval history, or learning life lessons through personal stories — this conversation is for you. Get Jim's book and audiobook here:https://www.amazon.com/Shaking-Up-World-Stories-Academy-ebook/dp/B0D3VS3GJGhttps://www.audible.com/pd/Shaking-Up-the-World-Audiobook/B0FN6CC9GX?srsltid=AfmBOoqdvUl4ANf5LfcK8Z_QPW5ffrQtZLMDKb1v0DPUM0OksI70415g 🎧 Listen / Watch all episodes: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.whosonmymind.com⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to James D. Paulk 04:34 Inspiration Behind Shaking Up the World 07:27 The Collaborative Process of Storytelling 09:51 The Impact of the Book’s Proceeds 12:25 Unique Stories from the Naval Academy Class of 1957 15:25 Inspirational Story — From Janitor to Admiral 18:20 Capturing Pearl Harbor Memories 20:28 Journey to the Naval Academy 24:39 Life After Graduation & Submarine Service 33:35 Heartbreaking Stories of War 37:29 Survival & Resilience in Adversity 41:54 The Importance of Storytelling 46:20 Lessons from Life & Decisions 55:04 Humor in the Midst of Seriousness 01:00:16 A Journey to Annapolis 01:02:32 Engagement & Marriage 01:03:21 Life After Marriage 01:04:01 Marriage Encounter Experience 01:04:32 Trust, Respect & Love in Relationships 01:06:47 Favorite Stories & Lasting Memories 01:14:41 Reflections on Life & Relationships 01:19:08 The Importance of Relationships 01:22:37 Legacy & Family Connections #storytelling #navalacademy #veterans #oralhistory #pearlharbor #navy

    1h 26m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

🎧 Real stories. Real people. Real insights. On Who’s On My Mind, I dive deep into the lives of people who intrigue me—no script, no agenda, just meaningful conversations about their journeys, ideas, and experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Serafin Farias
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Serafin Farias
  • Show Website
    Who's On My Mind Podcast