Starting With A Story

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Have you ever had a time when you wanted to do something, something that would make you really happy, but chose not to pursue it out of fear, embarrassment, failure or judgement? I've had countless occasions, even today, where I've done just that. This week, I had an insightful chat with my good friend, Nick Della Vecchia, about the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur. He gives us a glimpse of his entrepreneurial journey of leaving everything; stability, certainty, benefits, etc., in his pursuit to open up a restaurant with his brother. After facing all obstacles, Nick is here today to tell us that the blood, sweat, and tears, are all absolutely necessary and unimaginably worth every second! I hope you enjoy! See the full interview post with Nick on our website: Episode 029 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/029) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/1-Eh_j2gAyc) If you want to connect with Nick and follow his story; here are the best spots: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tonybeef/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tony.beef/) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Do you love to travel? Do you love satiating your sweet tooth? Do you love experiencing new adventures and meeting new people? If you responded "yes" to any of these, I guarantee that you will love this episode! This week, I had a delicious discussion with Brittany Kulick who left her successful career in marketing to follow her passion. It just so happened that her passion involved following her sweet tooth as well. With a smile on her face, an open mind, and a thirst for adventure, Brittany travels the globe in search of the most delectable desserts while encouraging her readers to indulge in the beautiful things in life. We talk about the behind-the-scenes experiences that Brittany battled with when leaving everything behind, the incredible amount of similarities between people, and the importance of allowing yourself to enjoy what this world has to offer. I hope you enjoy! See the full interview post with Brittany on our website: Episode 028 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/028) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/d1wBFRSe3Jo) If you want to connect with Brittany and follow her adventures; here are the best spots: Website (https://thesweetwanderlust.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thesweetwanderlust), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thesweetwanderlust), Twitter (https://twitter.com/brittany_kulick) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. There was a point in my life where I thought I would drop everything and become a musician. Unfortunately, that dream came to a very quick end when I realized I had crippling stage fright in my younger years. Thankfully it got better, but by then my passions were elsewhere. This week, I got to interview an incredible individual who never thought he would be where he is today. His name is Conner Cherland, and with the support of his loving wife, family, and friends, he has now released his 3rd album! Conner's story is about growth, perseverance, and the sheer enjoyment of doing what you love! We talk about Conner's struggles, his inspiration behind his music, and the raw thoughts of an individual who just loves being a musician. I hope you enjoy! See the full interview post with Conner on our website: Episode 027 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/027) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/ej0rcTO1ngo) If you want to connect with Conner and hear more of his journey; here are the best spots: Website (http://connercherland.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/connercherland), SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/connercherland) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Creative passions have always been an extension of my person. I am able to express myself through them, and better yet, connect with others as well. It's so important to me that I continue to pursue creative habits and when I am able to sit down with someone who feels the same, it reinvigorates me to continue on! This week, I was able to have a fruitful conversation with an established chef, photographer, and product designer, Gianna Ciaramello! From a very young age, she had a passion for creation and grew up in an environment that nurtured and encouraged that habit. With her plant based recipes, eye for capturing beauty, and passion to spread wellness and love to others, Gianna is able to connect with the hearts of others. We talk about Gianna's new book, food, physical health, mental health, and so much more today as we dive into Gianna's story. I hope you enjoy! See the full interview post with Gianna on our website: Episode 026 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/026) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/VOFtZ9Z8XvM) If you want to connect with Gianna and hear more of his journey; here are the best spots: Website (https://www.giannaciaramello.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gianna_ciaramello/), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_QtblmwT6-oS4n2o8FjWw) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Now, you can probably tell what today's interview is about, BUT, if you couldn't let me elaborate. Today I am interviewing an individual who landed his absolute DREAM JOB working at DISNEY! His name is Zach Morrissey, and from a very young age, he knew that he wanted to end up at Disney to create magic and spread joy. Like many stories, the road didn't come easy, and you will hear from Zach first hand, the struggles he faced prior and even during his time at Disney. If you are a Disney fan or one day hope to work there, this one will be a blast! Get ready to enter, "The Happiest Place on Earth," through the eyes of Zach! Enjoy! See the full interview post with Zach on our website: Episode 025 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/025) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/zpu9TSiotvI). If you want to connect with Zach and see more of his magical adventures, check him out on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/zachattack94/) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. For a large part of my life, I've found myself at a loss for words or timid when it comes to discussing "touchy" subjects like politics, racism, equality, etc. Thankfully, I've been able to find more confidence in my beliefs and how to express them to those who may not have the same perspective. It's such a crucial skill to have, in order to create a fruitful discussion as opposed to an argument when it comes to these conversations. This week, I got the chance to interview Sam White, better known as Sam WhiteOut! With over 200,000 followers across his social media platforms, Sam is pursuing his passion of being a voice, and giving a voice to others all over the country. He talks about activism, allyship, how to be comfortable when discussing uncomfortable topics, and so much more in today’s interview. Enjoy! See the full interview post with Sam on our website: Episode 024 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/024) Watch the entire interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/paTKcs8p3u8) If you want to connect with Sam and hear more of his journey; here are the best spots: Website (http://samwhiteout.com/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/samwhiteout), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/samwhiteout/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/samwhiteout/), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIwP7f7iW7-pR7_Slx0c6g) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You =]

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Have you ever thought that you wanted to become a musician? The next big hip hop artist? A music producer? Well I can tell you that I definitely have dreamed of it, but I honestly never believed that I could make it. Which is why I am so honored to bring you guys an old friend of mine, Armando Mejia! I met him all the way back in grade school and I can't express how passionate this guy was, and still is about music. From day one, he dreamed of producing music, and now, HE PRODUCES MUSIC! Sit back, relax, and listen to Armando's journey and how his absolute belief in himself, led him to becoming a Platinum Music Producer!!! See the full interview post with Armando on our website: Episode 023 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/023) If you want to connect with Armando and hear more of his sick beats; here are the best spots: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mando_fresh/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/mandoxfresh) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Today marks the start of SEASON 3! This season revolves around the theme of passion where every week, I will be interviewing an individual that has chosen to follow their passions! Too many times have I heard the phrases, "it's not worth it," "what if I fail," or even "it's too late." Through these interviews, I hope to mitigate these phrases and share with you a new story, a new life, and a new opportunity. Push the doubt away and pursue what you love! For the first episode of Season 3, I sit down and talk with Azariah the Great. He was recently featured in a viral video by Jubilee on their hit series, Bottom Line. You can find it here: Bottom Line S1 E1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZwPsYu8_1I). He recently started following his passion of becoming a YouTuber and he works to spread love and positive vibes to as many people as he can! Hearing more about Azariah's story was absolutely inspiring and I hope you enjoy. See the full interview post with Azariah on our website: Episode 022 (https://startingwithastory.com/episode/022) If you want to connect with Azariah; here are the best spots: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/azariahthegreat/), YouTube (https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCeMuuxNfeblcwEbO_CCcw4g), Twitter (https://mobile.twitter.com/Azariahthegreat) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com and don't forget to check out the new website, startingwithastory.com (https://startingwithastory.com/) Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. I am especially excited to share this next episode to you because it relates to my other hobby. If you didn’t know, I took up photography about 4 years ago during my sophomore year in college. I fell in love with composite photography and the work of one individual truly inspired me to invest in a camera and begin to turn my imagination into a reality. Today, I am absolutely humbled and overwhelmed with joy to bring you THE Josh Rossi! He spent years perfecting his style and craft in composite photography and has produced countless viral photos while working with iconic figures like Daymond John, Laura Pausini, Devin Graham, and phenomenal organizations such as Adobe, LG, The Make A Wish Foundation and so many more.   His recent work involved turning his own daughter into Wonder Woman, children who were battling life threatening illnesses into the Justice League, and kids who were being bullied into the Avengers. I don’t know if you can tell, but I am super pumped about this and could talk about him all day, but I guess the best way is to let you all meet him for yourself. Here is Josh Rossi! If you want to learn more about Josh and see  his amazing photography, visit him at joshrossi.com (joshrossi.com). Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Today, you will be hearing from another musician, and one with quite the story. His name is Jermaine Tolbert, but you might know him by the name of Nate Calloway! He is a singer, songwriter, and author based out of Austin, TX. In his younger years, he spent endless hours in basements and restaurants with his buddies performing for their dream. Several connections and one performance later, they found themselves in the midst of signing a record deal with THE Pharrell Williams! Unfortunately, Jermaine was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression and made the toughest decision of his life…to walk away. Today we dive into his journey ever since and how he has transformed his negative circumstances into a beautiful mission to spread knowledge to the world about mental health illnesses, music, and taking care of oneself.  If you would like to continue talking with Jermaine, be sure to reach out and connect with him on his Facebook Page, facebook.com/JermaineTolbertNews Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Today, I am pleased to bring you a past professor of mine from Villanova University, Kate Szumanski! I had the absolute fortune of taking her Social Networking course where I was able to learn the ins and outs of professional world interactions! Kate is a phenomenal mentor and continues to motivate and inspire her students to strive for greatness. To aim higher. To believe in their own capabilities and surpass their own expectations. I know for a fact that regardless of what stage in life you are in, you will learn so much from her today. Please help me welcome our amazing guest! If you would like to continue this fruitful conversation with Kate, be sure to reach out and connect with her on LinkedIn @Kate Szumanski Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Today, we have a talented musician and performer with us. His name is AY from the Battery Tour! He is a self-made musician that walked away from a Division 1 College Basketball career to pursue his passion for music. In 2012, he appeared on The X Factor and received a whopping 4 YESES from the judges! Since then, he has skyrocketed his career as the head of the Battery Tour opening for some huge artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Shaggy, Aaron Carter, T-Pain, Flo-Rida, Timeflies and many others. But, as you might have guessed, the music industry is a merciless one. Today, AY shares with us his journey in his pursuit of music; all of the ups and all of the downs. I know you guys will love this one so let's get on to the headliner!   Find AY and the Battery Tour to hear his music and his message at batterytour.com (batterytour.com). Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. This week’s guest is the inspiring Maggie Mistal. She is quite special because of two little facts. 1 she is a Villanova alum WOO GO CATS. And 2, this is our first ever guest that also has her own podcast called, the Making A Living podcast! On top of that, she has appeared and spoke on NBC’s Today Show, Fox Business, and CNN. BUT her track record doesn’t end there. She has also been quoted on several articles from The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and so many more. But Maggie is so much more than that. She is a powerful force in the career coaching world and lives to help motivate others and help them find their passions and is still able to find time to being a loving mother. I’m so excited for you all to hear her story today, so let’s get to it!   Maggie's expertise lies within career coaching and steps to follow your dreams! Maggie and I dive into her life, her methods and perspective on HOW to make a change in your life and HOW to start the process of following your dreams regardless of your situation. Learn more about Maggie and her drive to helping you and others achieve their dreams at her website, maggiemistal.com (maggiemistal.com) Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. Good morning good morning friends. I hope you are ready for yet another awesome interview! Today we have an old friend of mine that I met all the way back in high school at Absegami High School in South New Jersey. We ended up meeting up again for this moment and had our first IN PERSON Interview in Melbourne, Florida. His name is Hank Alemany! Today, he owns and runs his own freelance videography company called Hanks Pro Studio! Hank was the guy that helped me film the Starting With A Story Promo video! Hank has an incredible eye for storytelling and wants to share the beauty of this world through his work. When he isn’t behind the lens, you can find him almost every day honing his skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or volunteering.   Today, we discuss the beauty of storytelling, Hank’s journey of experiencing homelessness, and his unique and effective perspective on how to deal with obstacles and pain. Give a warm welcome to Hank! Feel free to connect with Hank by sending him an email at hank@hanksprostudio.com or by visiting his website, hanksprostudio.com (hanksprostudio.com) to see his work! Don't forget that Starting With A Story is partnering up with Cristo Rey High School for Season 2. Learn more at startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey (startingwithastory.com/cristo-rey) For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You

Welcome back to Starting With A Story! Starting With A Story is a podcast that's dedicated to motivating and inspiring you to grow and connect with others each day through storytelling. So I actually met Michael quite recently. When I was volunteering in Kansas City Missouri, my volunteer director, Tim Deveney, recommended that I reach out to you about my creative pursuits and Michael actually organized an article interviewing me with the Catholic Volunteer Network. I had a wonderful time doing that and got to hear a little bit about Michael’s story and thought it would be perfect for you all. In this interview, Michael and I discuss finding your calling, how one can heal from and overcome a deep loss, the beauty of volunteering, and so much more. In the short time that I’ve known Michael, I have learned so much and gained such unique and heartwarming perspectives on a plethora of topics. Join us as Michael opens his heart and his life to us and hopefully you will resonate with his story.   Before we start, I wanted to inform you that there is a special tribute on our website page for this episode that I would be so appreciative of if you visited it after listening. You can view the page at www.startingwithastory.com/tribute You can send some love to Michael or reach out to him if you want to hear more of his story and keep the conversation going by sending him an email at mmccormick4@gmail.com For more information or to connect with John, send an email to john@startingwithastory.com If you have a potential story or person in mind that you would like to be shared in a future episode, send an email to share@startingwithastory.com Go out there and share your story! Stay Safe, Stay You