Finding Your Inspiration

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 about the craft of storytelling, what it feels like to see characters from your imagination brought to life by legendary actors, and the reality of working in film and television. From writing scripts to navigating writers' rooms, taking notes, managing ego, and understanding that talent alone is not always enough, Michael shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to build a creative career. The most powerful part of his story is the reminder that nothing is wasted. Your background, your struggles, your community, your conversations, and your lived experiences can all become part of the story you are meant to tell. This episode is for anyone with a dream, a passion, or an idea they have been keeping inside their head. Sometimes the first step is simply putting it into the world and allowing it to become real. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ====================================================== 🔗 Michael C. Martin's Links: 🌐 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2130654/ 📸 / new_money_mike 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ / hopethroughhousing 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 / nationalcore 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 / fyi_podcast_ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

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 reality that life can change in an instant. Those moments didn't break him — they gave him clarity. Clarity on what actually matters, who matters, and why waiting to go after your purpose is a risk none of us can afford. This conversation goes beyond career. It's about believing in yourself, asking for help when you need it, checking in on the people around you, and having the courage to pursue a life that feels true to you. Because at the end of the day, the biggest regret isn't failure… it's waiting too long to try. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation ====================================================== 🔗 Mike's Links: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sellwithmikeramirez/ 🌐 https://mike247realtor.com/ 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/hopethroughhousing 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://www.facebook.com/nationalcore 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 https://www.instagram.com/fyi_podcast/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090492857123 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 keep those notifications on so you never miss out on the inspiration

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 — even if just for 20 minutes — he developed the discipline, identity, and mindset that would later become his foundation. When everything was taken from him, that foundation didn't disappear — it became the thing that carried him through. Step by step, rep by rep, Jack leaned on the same habits that built him to begin rebuilding himself again. This conversation is for anyone who's ever been knocked down, forced to start over, or felt like the version of themselves they once knew was slipping away — and needs a reminder that what you build today can carry you through tomorrow. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation 🔗 Jack's Links: 📸 Instagram: / streetpanna 🎥 YouTube: / @streetpanna 💙 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 / hopethroughhousing 🏢 National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 / nationalcore 🎙 FYI's Socials 📸 / fyi_podcast 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

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 operating room nurse, dedicating herself to caring for others during some of the most critical moments of their lives. Eventually, another door opened when Amanda found herself covering sports and sharing the stories behind the athletes and communities in the Major Arena Soccer League. This conversation is about purpose — and how sometimes the path you never planned becomes the one that defines your story. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:45 – Meeting Amanda 04:20 – The Decision to Join the Army 07:50 – Lessons From Military Service 11:40 – Transitioning to Civilian Life 14:20 – Becoming an Operating Room Nurse 18:00 – Life Inside the Operating Room 21:30 – Discovering Sports Media 24:10 – Covering the MASL 27:30 – Finding Purpose Through Every Chapter If you want, Jack, I can also quickly generate the 500-character tag block you prefer for YouTube SEO and it'll help this episode rank for things like: army veteran stories nurse inspiration women in sports media career reinvention stories. its 48 minutes long so adjust the chaphters and you need to have it simialr to the one i uploaded with erin with the appropaote spaces for links Got it, Jack. I'll mirror the exact formatting style of the Erin Runnion upload — including the spacing, separators, and link sections — and adjust the chapters for a ~48-minute episode. Episode Description (YouTube) 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 how life can take you down paths you never expected. Amanda's journey began with a commitment to serve her country in the United States Army. After her time in the military, she continued that mission of helping others by becoming an operating room nurse, working on the frontlines of patient care during some of life's most critical moments. Eventually, another chapter opened when Amanda stepped into the world of sports media, covering professional soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League and sharing the stories behind the athletes and communities that make the game special. This conversation is about purpose — and how every chapter of life, even the unexpected ones, can lead you exactly where you're meant to be. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch Episode 1 here: • [Insert Episode 1 Link] ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:05 – Reconnecting With Amanda 05:10 – Growing Up & Early Influences 08:30 – The Decision to Join the Army 12:40 – Lessons From Military Service 17:10 – Transitioning Back to Civilian Life 21:00 – Becoming an Operating Room Nurse 26:15 – Life Inside the Operating Room 31:20 – Finding an Opportunity in Sports Media 35:10 – Covering the MASL 39:30 – The Tailgating Competition Story 43:10 – Reflecting on Purpose & Life's Journey ====================================================== Amanda's Links 📸 Instagram: (1) Instagram 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandabrooke32 Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 / hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 / nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: / fyi.findingyourinspiration 🎵 TikTok: / fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Efrain Aguiar — former graffiti tagger, street kid, and survivor — to talk about identity, survival mode, and the moment that forced him to choose a different path. Growing up, tagging wasn't just about spray paint and walls. It was about belonging. It was about recognition. It was about navigating an environment where survival came first and consequences felt distant. But street life doesn't stay small. Efrain shares what it was like living in that world, the pressure that comes with it, and the reality check that made him realize he had two choices: continue down a path that could cost him everything… or completely rewrite his future. This conversation is about transformation — about what happens when survival turns into self-awareness, and when identity shifts from who you were to who you decide to become. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're interested in redemption stories, overcoming street life, youth transformation, second chances, or what it truly means to change direction. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:20 – Growing Up in Survival Mode 08:45 – Finding Identity Through Graffiti 14:30 – Tagging, Territory & Street Culture 20:15 – The Risks, Pressure & Close Calls 26:40 – Living With Consequences 31:10 – "I Had Two Choices" 35:30 – The Turning Point 40:10 – Changing Environment & Mindset 45:00 – Accountability & Rebuilding 49:30 – Redefining Identity 53:30 – Advice for the Next Generation 56:00 – Final Reflections Efrain's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empire_arts_76/ Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore FYI's Socials 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Friday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Theresa Farrell to talk about resilience, self-belief, and what it really means to keep going—especially when life doesn't unfold the way you expected. Theresa's story is one of growth shaped by challenge. From navigating difficult moments early on to learning how to stand confidently in who she is today, her journey is a powerful reminder that strength isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about how you respond to it. But this conversation goes deeper than the past. This episode is about strength, perspective, and progress—about being still standing, and still smiling, no matter what season of life you're in. 🎬 Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're interested in stories that remind you, you're capable of more than you think Theresa's Links T Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llonuCeA8_M&list=PLKQ2cCvRFXN3bnjksGNaMIOZ2KtbjHExZ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresa.c.farrell?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Finding Your Inspiration Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast Hope Through Housing Foundation 🌐 https://hthf.org/ 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing National CORE 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, we sit down with Aram Ramirez to talk about navigating uncertainty, staying grounded when life feels heavy, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when the next step isn't clear. Aram shares how seasons of doubt, responsibility, and internal pressure shaped his outlook — and how learning to trust himself became the turning point. Through reflection and honesty, he opens up about choosing growth over comfort and showing up even when progress feels slow or unseen. His story is a reminder that transformation doesn't happen overnight. It happens through small decisions, quiet resilience, and the courage to keep going — even when fear is loud and certainty feels far away. This conversation is about perseverance, self-belief, and choosing to show up for your future self — especially when the road ahead feels uncertain. 🎬Produced by National CORE Productions 💙 In support of Hope Through Housing Foundation Watch if you're in a season of change, doubt, or personal growth. ====================================================== Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – Aram's early challenges 08:50 – Carrying responsibility through uncertainty 14:30 – When doubt started to creep in 20:10 – Choosing growth over comfort 26:45 – Learning to trust yourself 32:30 – Small decisions that changed everything 38:20 – Staying resilient when progress feels slow 44:30 – Final reflections & inspiration Aram's Links 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/super7productions/ 🌐 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storyshortsyt/shorts National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

In this episode of *Finding Your Inspiration*, Ronnie Marmo opens up about the realities behind the craft — the struggle, the discipline, the honesty, and the purpose that drives an artist forward. Ronnie, known for his powerful one-man show on Lenny Bruce, talks about: * What inspired him to bring Lenny's story to life * Why authenticity is everything for an actor * His own battles, setbacks, and breakthroughs * The discipline and resilience required to stay in the game * How storytelling becomes healing — for both the artist and the audience Ronnie's Links 🕒 CHAPTERS 00:00 – Opening & Introduction 02:00 – Why Lenny Bruce? 06:00 – Writing the One-Man Show 10:00 – The Struggle, Addiction & Purpose 15:00 – The Power of Honest Storytelling 20:00 – The Reality of Being a Working Actor 25:00 – Discipline, Craft & Staying the Course 30:00 – What Success Actually Looks Like 35:00 – Final Reflections & Inspiration ––––– The FYI Podcast is dedicated to storytelling that uplifts communities and preserves the history that shapes us. Produced by National CORE and Hope Through Housing. National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing 🌐 https://dellenawinery.com/ 📸 https://www.instagram.com/dellenawinery/ FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

Johnny Canizzaro shares how he pursued his acting dream, the defining moments that shaped his journey, and the incredible opportunity to portray Steven Van Zandt in the new Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. Before stepping into an iconic role, Johnny had to understand who he was becoming — as an artist and as a man. In this episode, he opens up about the moments of doubt, the discipline behind the craft, and the identity work required to transform into someone as legendary as Van Zandt. This conversation is about chasing the dream, staying ready, and stepping into a once-in-a-lifetime role when the moment finally arrives. Johnny's Links 🌐https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0134137/ 📸https://www.instagram.com/johnnycannizzaro/ 📸https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyCannizzaro/ National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast

What do people really come to mediums for? In this episode, we explore grief, closure, "signs" from loved ones, and how readings can bring clarity when you need it most. We also dig into ethics, evidence, and what the afterlife might be like — including pets crossing over and the power of automatic writing. Laura's Socials 🌐https://www.lauracifaldinewjerseymedium.com/ 📸https://www.instagram.com/laura_cifaldi/ 📸 https://www.facebook.com/lauracifaldinewjerseymedium National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast 🎧 New episodes every Monday 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this today 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an inspiring story

What started as a simple chat with past guest and para-athlete David Whelan became a life-changing decision: the Finding Your Inspiration team would run a Half Ironman in Muncie, Indiana — with only six months to train. In this special segment, host Jack Rothman sits down with Paulie, Norma, and Andrew to unpack the decision, the training struggles, and the emotional moments that came with race day. From nutrition battles to mental breakdowns, from last-place finishes to unexpected breakthroughs, the team proves that saying yes to something bigger can change everything. Alongside David Whelan, whose resilience continues to inspire, the FYI team discovered that the real win isn't about time — it's about not quitting. 📍The Team's Socials Jack Rothman (Executive Producer) https://www.instagram.com/jack_rothman/ Paul Tully (Host) https://www.instagram.com/ptullyutm/ Norma Flores (Associate Producer) https://www.instagram.com/normzz12/ Andrew Morris (Technical Engineer, Editor) https://www.instagram.com/the.morris19/

At just 14 years old, singer-songwriter Macie Rae Lewis is already learning what it takes to chase a dream. From her first garage band to performing at the O.C. Fair, auditioning for America's Got Talent and The Voice, and preparing for American Idol, Macie is building her career one step at a time. In this episode of Finding Your Inspiration, Macie shares how she uses merch, social media, and pure determination to promote herself as an artist in today's world. Her story is a reminder that inspiration knows no age—and that success comes from persistence, creativity, and never giving up. 📍 Learn more about Macie Rae Lewis 🌐 https://macierae.com/ 📸https://www.instagram.com/macieraemusic/ 📸 https://www.tiktok.com/@macierae.music 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fGuS8ylFuAizdHJ8WTH1y?si=EtcWtnsFSDGulJ-_BsDvEw National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.

What if the only thing between you and your next chapter is… trying? Liam Fountain wears many hats—actor, USA Masters amateur boxing champ, stunt/fight performer, and president of an Irish Catholic fraternity. His story proves a simple rule: if you don't try, nothing happens. From hotel housekeeping to PA gigs, bar security, Jimmy Kimmel Live! bits, and stepping into the ring over 40—Liam shows how discipline and action beat doubt every time 📍 Learn more about Liam Fountain 📸 https://www.instagram.com/liam_fountain_/ 🌐 https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1446680/ National CORE & Hope Through Housing 🌐 https://nationalcore.org 📘 https://facebook.com/nationalcore 📘 https://facebook.com/hopethroughhousing\ FYI Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyi.findingyourinspiration/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fyipodcast A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the power of purpose, resilience, and service in everyday lives.