Finding Your Inspiration

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Zaha and Iliana, a couple whose journeys from Ukraine and Mexico to building a life together are a powerful story of resilience, love, and never giving up on your dreams. For Zaha, soccer has always been more than just a game. Leaving behind his home in Ukraine, he pursued his dream of playing professional soccer, eventually finding an opportunity with the Empire Strykers. His journey is one of sacrifice, determination, and the courage to chase a dream despite life's uncertainties. Iliana's journey has been a different...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Mario Aguilar, photographer and founder of Creative Sundays, whose journey from growing up in Los Angeles to building a community around creativity is a story of resilience, faith, and finding purpose. Growing up in Pico-Union, Mario was surrounded by gang violence and pressure to follow the path he saw around him. Instead, he found an outlet through art, photography, graffiti, and a local community center that gave young people a safe place to explore their creativity. Years later, Mario found himself successfully hosting events...

In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Kelly and Daniel Decker, the husband-and-wife team behind Bruster's Real Ice Cream in Rancho Cucamonga, whose decision to leave more than 30 years of corporate careers began during the uncertainty of the pandemic.  Kelly and Daniel share how a simple conversation during a walk turned a childhood dream into reality. Despite having no experience in the food industry, they took a leap of faith, invested in a franchise, and navigated financial risk, construction setbacks, and the fear of starting over. But this conversation is about m...

In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Gabriel Enamorado, a artist, designer, photographer, and executive director of Stay Arts whose lifelong relationship with creativity began during a difficult childhood. Gabriel shares how drawing Dragon Ball Z characters, discovering graffiti, and earning two dollars for one of his childhood drawings helped him recognize the value of his creativity. That passion eventually led him to organize community exhibitions, co-found Stay Arts, and build an organization that now employs more than 35 artists and brings arts education to schools, families, and underserved communities throughout Southeast Los Angeles...

Sometimes, all it takes is one message to shift your perspective. In this special compilation from Finding Your Inspiration, we look back at some of the most powerful words, lessons and moments shared by our guests. From perseverance and purpose to taking chances, overcoming adversity and refusing to give up, these stories are a reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere. Featuring in order of appearance Eric Dickerson, Amanda Filimon, Sheila Conlin, ThemeParkCasual, Johnny Cannizzaro, Kandice Gonzales, Jeff Burum, Efrain Ramirez, Aram Ramirez, Jean Paul San Pedro & Stephanie Stevenson, Andrew Grinsfelder, Andrew Morris, Carlyn Ray...

In this episode of Finding Your Invspiration, we sit down with Andrew Grinsfelder, a UCLA cognitive science student whose life changed overnight during the devastating Palisades Fire. When Andrew's family was forced to evacuate their home, they made the courageous decision to return and do everything they could to protect the place where they had built a lifetime of memories. Together, Andrew and his mother spent days preparing their home, relying on years of planning, teamwork, and the simple Boy Scout principle of "Be Prepared." But this conversation is about much more than surviving a wildfire. It's...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Joel Mejia, tattoo artist, creative entrepreneur, and Ink Master competitor, to explore the mindset that helped him turn a lifelong passion into a career. Joel shares how believing in himself long before anyone else did opened doors he once thought were impossible. From discovering his love for art at a young age to pursuing tattooing despite uncertainty, he reflects on the importance of trusting your vision, embracing every opportunity, and staying committed to your craft through every challenge. Together, we discuss the lessons he's learned along...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we continue our conversation with JP and Stephanie, founders of Salsa With Stephanie, as they share the next chapter of their incredible journey. In Part 2, they discuss the impact of building a community through dance, Stephanie's inspiring recovery after a drunk driver left doctors believing she would never dance again, and the unforgettable opportunity that led her to perform alongside Bad Bunny on one of the world's biggest stages. JP and Stephanie also reflect on the lessons they've learned as entrepreneurs, the importance of staying true to their mission, and...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with JP and Stephanie — entrepreneurs, dance instructors, and founders of Salsa With Stephanie, a thriving dance studio that has empowered thousands of people through movement, confidence, and community. But their journey to building a successful business wasn't easy. Before opening the doors to their studio, they faced uncertainty, setbacks, and countless people who questioned whether their dream could ever become a reality. From overcoming personal hardships and life-changing obstacles to taking a leap of faith together, JP and Stephanie share the moments that shaped not only their bu...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Carlyn Ray — glassblower, artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Carlyn Ray Designs, whose breathtaking glass sculptures and installations have transformed homes, businesses, and public spaces throughout Texas, California and beyond. But Carlyn's journey wasn't always filled with success. Long before becoming an accomplished glass artist, she faced years of uncertainty, sacrifice, and struggle while pursuing a dream that many people told her was unrealistic. At one point, she was sleeping in her car, doing whatever it took to continue creating and building a future through her art. In...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Scott Page — entrepreneur, innovator, and legendary saxophonist known for performing with Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Toto. But Scott's story goes far beyond music. From touring the world with some of the most iconic bands in history to helping send art to the Moon, Scott has spent his life living at the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation. In this conversation, Scott shares the lessons he's learned from decades in the music industry, the importance of embracing change, and why the future belongs to those willing to think differently....

In this special episode of Finding Your Inspiration, the tables are turned as FYI Podcast host Paul Tully becomes the guest. Interviewed by Executive Producer Jack Rothman, Paul shares the reality behind his ongoing 100-pound transformation. At the time of this conversation, he's 75 pounds down with 25 pounds left to go. What makes this story different isn't the weight loss—it's what finally made it possible. After years of losing weight, gaining it back, and repeating the cycle, Paul opens up about confronting food addiction, committing to recovery, and learning that lasting change comes from doing the work ev...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Michael C. Martin — screenwriter, storyteller, and the writer behind Brooklyn's Finest — to talk about the real-life journey that led him from East New York to Hollywood. Michael's path into screenwriting didn't begin with a perfect plan. After film school, a car accident, and a need to make money, he entered a screenwriting contest with one goal in mind: win $10,000. What came out of that moment was the script that would eventually become Brooklyn's Finest. But this conversation is about more than one film. Michael opens up abou...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Andrew Morris — film composer, creative, and the technical studio engineer and lead editor behind the FYI Podcast at National CORE — to talk about following your instincts and how seemingly unrelated paths can ultimately lead you exactly where you're meant to be. From the outside, Andrew's journey might look random — moving between different creative outlets, exploring multiple interests, and building his skillset across both music and visual storytelling. But beneath it all is something much more intentional — a mindset rooted in curiosity. What started as a passio...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Mike — real estate advisor and entrepreneur — to talk about life, loss, and why you can't wait to chase the life you truly want. On paper, Mike's journey is one of success — building a career, creating opportunities, and helping others find their place in the world. But behind that path is a much deeper story shaped by family struggles, personal loss, and moments that forced him to see life differently. Through experiences like divorce, losing his brother, and watching his mother's health decline, Mike was faced with the re...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Danny — theme park streamer and content creator — to talk about community, connection, and how something as simple as going live can turn into something much bigger than he ever imagined. From the outside, Danny's content looks like fun, rides, and entertainment. But behind the streams is something deeper — a growing community of people who rely on him not just for content, but for connection, joy, and a sense of belonging. What started as a passion for sharing his experiences at theme parks has evolved into something meanin...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Jack Downer — World Panna Champion, professional footballer, and creator — to talk about resilience, recovery, and what it really takes to rebuild your life after everything changes. From the outside, Jack's journey looks like elite skill, creativity, and success. But behind it is a story of trauma, a near-death experience, and a long road through hospitals, uncertainty, and recovery that tested him mentally, physically, and emotionally. Long before that moment, Jack had already built his life around a simple principle: consistency. By committing to showing up every day...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Christian Filimon — broadcaster, podcaster, and front office executive — to talk about what it really means to bet on yourself. Raised in Queens by immigrant parents who worked tirelessly to build a better life, Christian grew up surrounded by discipline, ambition, and expectation. That foundation led him into the world of finance, but even while checking all the right boxes, he knew something was missing. What followed was a journey of rediscovery — from the security of a traditional career to the uncertainty of chasing a life in sports, broadcasting, and st...

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "9f3555b7-0336-419f-8298-2f8bc04c7348" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Amanda — Army veteran, operating room nurse, and sports reporter — to talk about service, purpose, and the unexpected paths life can take. Amanda's journey began in the United States Army, where she developed the discipline and resilience that would shape every chapter that followed. After her time in uniform, she stepped into the medical field as an oper...

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Erin Runnion — mother, advocate, and founder of The Joyful Child Foundation — to talk about loss, legacy, and how one life can spark a movement that protects millions. After her daughter Samanta was kidnapped and murdered, Erin faced a grief no parent should ever endure. But instead of allowing tragedy to define the end of her daughter's story, she chose to build something in her honor. What began as unimaginable heartbreak became a mission. Erin shares what it was like navigating the immediate aftermath, the long...