Who's On My Mind Podcast

Serafin Farias
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

🎧 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. 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 on Your Favorite Platform YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcastSpotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 ⏱️ 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
  2. 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 on Your Favorite Platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 Keywords / Hashtags #Holocaust #JewishSurvivor #SurvivorStories #MoralCourage #WWIIHistory #podcast

    2h 8m
  3. 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 survivalThe psychological challenges people face in the wildThe role of ego, fear, and discomfort in transformationWhat survival really depends on (hint: it’s not gear)Lessons from Christopher McCandless and modern wilderness mythsWhy tracking and deep observation change how you see the worldThe philosophy behind Life Song Wilderness AdventuresThis episode is for anyone interested in:The meaning of lifePersonal growth through challengeWilderness survival and self-relianceResilience, purpose, and human natureWhether 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 InformationMark WienertFounder – Life Song Wilderness Adventures🌐 Website: https://lifesongadventures.com/🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcastSpotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcastChapters00:00 Introduction02:54 The Philosophy Behind Life Song Wilderness Adventures05:51 Experiences That Shaped a Love for the Outdoors08:21 The Impact of Nature on Personal Growth09:48 Teaching Wilderness Skills and Building Confidence10:33 Cultural Perspectives on Fire and Nature11:06 Transformative Experiences in Wilderness Training23:43 The Protective Nature of Community26:37 Survival Skills and Gender Dynamics32:17 Understanding Wilderness Survival Principles37:39 Psychological Challenges in Survival Training39:10 The Importance of Knowledge Over Tools43:16 Lessons from Christopher McCandless's Journey47:27 Nutritional Insights from Nature49:22 Survival Strategies in Extreme Conditions54:19 The Importance of Pemmican and Food Storage56:02 Community Resilience in Crisis57:00 Teaching Respect for Nature01:00:38 Getting Started in Wilderness Survival01:04:53 Ethics of Nature and Survival01:05:54 Reflections on a Lifelong Journey in Wilderness Education#WildernessSurvival #MeaningOfLife #PersonalGrowth #SelfReliance #HumanNature #Podcast

    1h 18m
  4. 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 on Your Favorite Platform YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2tixBVnGPx8h72oOyjQNqC Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 🔑 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 failImmigration brought hope—but not closureSome questions are never asked, yet shape generations #WorldWarII #HolocaustSurvivor #JewishHistory #SurvivalStory #WWIIHistory

    1h 49m
  5. 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 to the show on Your Favorite Platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 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
  6. Paralyzed at 20, But Never Broken: A Masterclass in Human Resilience | The Ken Kunken Story

    09/22/2025

    Paralyzed at 20, But Never Broken: A Masterclass in Human Resilience | The Ken Kunken Story

    In this inspiring interview, Ken Kunken shares his powerful journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to becoming a respected attorney, advocate, and devoted family man. At just 20 years old, Ken faced paralysis after a football tackle — but he refused to let it define him. Ken opens up about: Facing the reality of spinal cord injury and overcoming adversity Finding strength through resilience, faith, and family supportHis relentless pursuit of education and a law career Breaking barriers in employment and advocating for disability awareness How adversity shaped his personal growth, values, and legacy This conversation is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration, motivation, and proof that resilience can turn tragedy into triumph. 🌐 Connect with Ken, and buy his book: Website: www.kenkunken.com 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 ⏱ Chapters: 03:39 The Day of the Accident 07:18 Initial Reactions and Hospital Experience11:10 Realization of Permanent Paralysis 13:04 Support from Family and Friends 16:43 Returning to Education and Overcoming Challenges 20:24 Career Path and Advocacy for Disabilities 24:21 Becoming a Lawyer and Breaking Barriers 28:16 Reflections on Career and Impact 32:06 Personal Life and Family 33:54 Finding Positivity in Adversity 36:21 The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 37:52 Inspiration Through Adversity: The Ken Kunken Story 41:28 Lessons in Resilience and Perspective for the Next Generation 44:50 The Importance of Family and Community Support 45:21 Legacy and Life Lessons: What to Remember 47:43 Finding Inspiration in Challenges #Resilience #SpinalCordInjury #MotivationalStory #DisabilityAwareness #PersonalGrowth

    51 min
  7. 18 World Records, 5 Years, 1 Man: How He Survived the Impossible | Erden Eruc’s Journey

    09/09/2025

    18 World Records, 5 Years, 1 Man: How He Survived the Impossible | Erden Eruc’s Journey

    18 World Records: The Toughest Man You’ve Never Heard Of | Erden Eruc Interview What drives someone to row across oceans, bike across continents, and circle the entire globe by human power? For Erden Eruc, tragedy became the turning point that led to a life of purpose, resilience, and record-breaking adventure. In this powerful conversation, Erden shares how the loss of a climbing partner sparked his pursuit of 18 Guinness World Records, including the first human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth. We talk about his childhood influences, the sacrifices behind the records, the lessons learned from solitude, and the wisdom he carries into his next great challenge: the Golden Globe Race. This is more than a story of endurance — it’s about resilience, faith, and the courage to honor your dreams. 🌐 Connect with Erden: Website: https://www.erdeneruc.com/ 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erden Eruc's Journey 04:43 The Motivation Behind Human-Powered Exploration 11:24 The Turning Point: A Tragic Loss 17:15 Reflections on Life and Adventure 25:18 Childhood Influences and Early Adventures 33:15 Transitioning from Engineering to Adventure 34:05 Transitioning from IT to Adventure 34:38 The Journey Begins: Six Summits Project 40:17 Navigating the Pacific: Challenges and Triumphs 45:50 Crossing Oceans: Logistics and Perseverance 50:50 The Emotional Toll: Relationships and Expectations 01:00:39 Finding Purpose: The Why Behind the Journey 01:07:06 The Journey Over the Destination 01:10:03 Trusting the Process 01:11:02 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic 01:14:52 The Golden Globe Race and Future Aspirations 01:20:12 The Drive to Challenge Oneself 01:26:20 Overcoming Personal Struggles 01:32:40 Legacy and Life Lessons ⚠️ Disclaimer This conversation includes discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, please visit: https://findahelpline.com. You are not alone. #Inspiration #Adventure #Resilience #Motivation #LifeLessons #Podcast

    1h 39m
  8. Living Among Sharks: The Reality of Marine Biology and Research | Melissa Cristina Márquez

    08/25/2025

    Living Among Sharks: The Reality of Marine Biology and Research | Melissa Cristina Márquez

    From watching a breaching shark as a child to becoming a global voice for ocean conservation, Melissa Cristina Márquez has lived a life shaped by curiosity, courage, and resilience. In this conversation, Melissa shares her journey as a marine biologist: from moving across continents to pursue her dream, to founding The Fins United Initiative, to writing books that inspire the next generation of ocean explorers. She opens up about representation in science, surviving a crocodile bite, and why sharks deserve respect—not fear. Melissa’s story is one of inspiration, perseverance, and passion for the ocean. For young scientists and wildlife lovers everywhere, her message is clear: you belong in science, and your story matters. 📌 Key Takeaways - How a childhood love of the ocean turned into a career in marine biology - The moment Shark Week inspired her to study sharks - Why cultural perceptions of sharks vary around the world - The crocodile encounter that changed how she views wildlife - The importance of representation and role models for women in STEM - Why she founded the Fins United Initiative to make wildlife education free & bilingual - Lessons from exploring all 7 continents, tagging sharks, and working with media outlets like BBC, National Geographic, and Disney+ 🌐 Connect with Melissa Cristina Márquez - Website: https://melissacmarquez.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissacristinamarquez/ - X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/mcmsharksxx 🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhosOnMyMindPodcast 🔗 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/WhosOnMyMindPodcast 🔗 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-on-my-mind/id1783427441 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in Puerto Rico & Love for the Ocean 02:00 Inspired by Shark Week: Choosing Sharks 04:00 Path Through Florida, New Zealand & Australia 09:55 The Impact of the Pandemic on Shark Research 12:00 Cultural Perceptions of Sharks Around the World 14:30 The Mystery & Diversity of 500+ Shark Species 16:48 Exploring All 7 Continents & Curiosity as a Driving Force 18:44 Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments in Marine Exploration 19:46 Tiger Sharks: A Favorite Species 20:12 The Fins United Initiative: Making Education Accessible 22:23 Crocodile Encounter During Shark Week Filming 25:35 Representation, Role Models & Female Scientists in STEM 28:30 Melissa’s Vision for Inspiring the Next Generation #FemaleScientists #MarineBiology #SharkConservation #WildlifeEducation #OceanStories #Sharks

    30 min
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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
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Serafin Farias
  • Show Website
    Who's On My Mind Podcast