This page contains bonus awakenings from new guests. When we were looking for guests, the number of responses we received from people with inspiring stories was tremendous, so we decided to add a section for Bonus Awakenings.  Unlike the regular podcast episodes which is in interview form, these awakenings are taped by the guest and are shorter in length. 

We will release a number each month, so check back often.

 

January 2026

1) Deric Gilliard

 

Author/Activist/historian Deric Gilliard discusses his awakenings around growing up black in the segregated Jim Crow south, his revelation about his mother's struggle with love and compassion,  the understanding of the relevance of his father's place in history and ultimately, the pain and sense of loss in realizing that his father's battle with Alzheimer's had robbed him of his understanding of who his son was.  Gilliard, author of two books, one of which resulted from his time working as national communications director of Dr. King's organization, and a new book about his time working for political appointees in the last five administrations, also points to the time he discovered what God's professional and missional purpose was in his life. 

Bio 

https://lnk.bio/dericgilliard

 

2) Sally Raymond

Sally Raymond is even at 82 a passionate author, speaker and practicing psychotherapist in Santa Barbara. Here she tells the story of her mom's Alzheimer's battle and awakening. She knows that her mother, despite her "death" in 1979, is still a live, evolving part of herself, life and work--and thus will never be "gone". Learn more about Sally's mission, work, losses, and vital lessons learned at her website, www.sallyaraymond.com. Her unique and powerful true story-driven book, "The Son I Knew Too Late: A Guide to Help You Survive and Thrive", is available at major bookstores and on Amazon.com.

 

3) Tatjana Genys

Ever felt like your world is collapsing on the inside? That Tatjana felt - even though externally, she had many things to show for. But her inner compass was off. In this video she describes how she leapt from a very dark place into fulfillment having an awakening moment of her own. 

THE ART & SCIENCE OF CHOOSING YOU

Her details below 

https://www.tatjanagenys.com/

https://linktr.ee/TatG123

 

4) Alison Artz

Alison Artz had an awakening that opened her heart to the realization that she could do more for others, especially for those in the cancer community. That moment gave her the opportunity to create the first charter salon in Nassau County to offer a program dedicated to providing salon, spa, and wellness services for individuals going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Alongside other compassionate volunteers, they built a space of comfort, dignity, and care—where people can feel supported, uplifted, and seen. This journey has not only allowed her to give back to the community she loved but also make someone's journey a little lighter. Thanks to a very generous donation from Rock and Wrap it up we are also able to give complimentary wigs to those in need.

 

February 2026

5) Sam Mitchell

Awakening to become a high-functioning person on the autism spectrum with a mission. Sam Mitchell runs a successful podcast called Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam has a mission: to show people that he is not broken, does not need to be fixed, there is no normal in this world, and he is successful, with autism. He made it to the top 10 in the People's Choice Podcast Awards, placed second in the state of Indiana for the JAG Entrepreneurship project, and was selected as the best business at the CEO trade show in Indiana. He is in the top 200 podcasts in all of Canada while also being a current Davey Award winner. He has had some big names on his show: Armani Williams, first NASCAR driver open about having autism, and American Idol Rocker James Durbin who has autism and Tourette’s. His biggest guest of all was Dr. Temple Grandin, professor in Animal Science at Colorado State University and autism activist.

Website   autismrocksandrolls.com  

 

6) Denise Michelle

Denise Michelle, known as The SelfLove Alchemist®, shares her personal journey and insights on Self and transformation. As a Certified Transformational Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Trainer with Tony Robbins with over 25 years of experience, Denise has dedicated her career to helping individuals break free from self-limiting beliefs and embrace their authentic selves. She discusses her own "Awakening in Real Life," detailing her struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder and the profound lessons learned through her healing journey. Denise emphasizes that self-love is not just a concept but a daily practice that can lead to significant transformation. She encourages viewers to recognize their inherent worth and empowers them to take intentional steps toward self-discovery and empowerment. Currently, Denise is hosting an international SelfLove Mastery retreat in Bali and leads transformative workshops. She also discussed her new book Embrace Your Worth: The Ultimate Guide to SelfLove Mastery. To learn more about her work and join her in Bali, viewers are invited to explore her website, BridgeTheLove.com. This video is a heartfelt reminder that true transformation begins within, and together, we can create a world where everyone feels empowered to embrace their true selves.

www.BridgetheLove.com 

Embrace Your Worth https://a.co/d/0Az6y7C

Apply for Retreat - https://tr.ee/AXV0p__1wT

Retreat Info ; https://bridgethelove.com/meet-your-self-in-bali-retreat/

 

7) Keith Burton

In this special video for the Awakenings in Real Life podcast, Keith shares the personal journey behind his memoir, Shadows of Sobriety: A Journey of Self Discovery and Healing a Family Legacy—a story of breaking generational patterns, confronting the weight of unheard voices, and rediscovering purpose after growing up in the shadow of a father’s alcoholism. He talks about the moment life shifted from survival to awakening, and why he now spends his time walking alongside men and women in recovery and the families who love them. This message offers hope, honesty, and an invitation to anyone ready to reclaim their story and step into a better chapter.

www.shadowsofsobriety.com. 

 

8) Trent Brock

Trent is a three-time terminal cancer conqueror. In 2019, hip cancer surgery left his left leg four inches shorter than his right, with doctors saying he would never walk again. In 2020, lung cancer and in 2021, pancreatic cancer with less than a 5% chance of survival. Five specialists told him he would not make it with one giving him a year to live, they advised him to return to the US for his final day with his family. Refusing to wait around to die, Trent decided he would not give up or literally die trying. He received life-saving treatment in the US and drastically changed his diet, exercise routine, mental and spiritual mindset. Now, Trent is over three years cancer-free! After nearly five years using a wheelchair and crutches, he was accepted as a patient into Mayo Clinic in 2023, undergoing four major hip surgeries totaling over forty hours. This culminated in the largest, most complex, fully customized hip implant ever done in the world, featuring groundbreaking procedures to be published in medical journals. Trent began walking in the fall of 2024 with the assistance of his “cool cane” and jokes that he is part-bionic with his “hip-of-the-future.” Throughout his treatments and recovery, Trent continued to work remotely on his kettle corn business in New Zealand. He completed the sale of his business in February 2024. With a new lease on life and time to spare, Trent became a certified speaker/coach, and patient advocate. He enjoys sharing his inspirational story on podcasts and stages, coaching people through obstacles, goals, or cancer/health journeys. For those who need assistance with the health system, Trent is a passionate patient advocate. And to top it off, he is a two-time best-selling author.

Trent loves people! Connect for a consultation, the Conqueror's Crew, or join the book project. He’ll meet you where you are.