Good Life Stories

What's the difference between "I'm not good at that" and "I'm not good at that yet"? In this final episode with Sheryl Tullis, host Tracy Crowley explores how one small word can fundamentally reshape our mindset and open possibilities we never imagined. Sheryl reveals her philosophy of being a "multiplier"—someone who helps others accomplish meaningful goals and rides along on their journey of growth.The conversation takes a powerful turn as Sheryl shares her ongoing work with Combat Flip Flops founder Matt Griffin, helping Afghan allies escape Taliban persecution. After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Sheryl joined a team working tirelessly to protect translators, teachers, university professors, and other vulnerable allies. Despite facing investigations, Western Union shutdowns, and countless obstacles, they've successfully helped dozens of families reach safety—including one family that just arrived in Canada after two years of hiding."For me, not doing anything just worsens the helpless feeling," Sheryl explains. "So if I can take some kind of action, no matter how small, it helps alleviate that." Her story demonstrates how individual action, no matter how small, can create ripples of hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Through her favorite quote—"When is the last time you did something for the first time?"—and her commitment to continuous learning, Sheryl embodies the transformative power of growth mindset and purposeful action.For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"When somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around."In this inspiring episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley sits down with Sheryl Tullis to explore her remarkable journey from West Point rejection to acceptance and beyond. Sheryl shares the powerful story of how a childhood lawnmower accident that severed three fingers initially seemed to close doors but ultimately opened them in unexpected ways.When West Point initially rejected Sheryl for medical reasons due to missing finger joints, she refused to accept "no" as the final answer. Her childhood piano teacher, who had witnessed her determination to play piano again after doctors said she'd never have the dexterity, wrote a compelling letter to West Point that secured her medical waiver. This pivotal moment taught her that "when somebody tells you no, that doesn't have to be the end of it. There's always an appeal. There's always another way around."The conversation then moves to Sheryl's extraordinary experience as an intern speechwriter for General Colin Powell, where she learned invaluable lessons about leadership and culture creation. From breaking the silence in a military van with a humorous observation about a billboard to receiving personal mentorship from one of America's most respected generals, Sheryl's stories illustrate how small moments can have profound impacts on our lives and careers.For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"People come to train out of self-love, not out of fear. They come to train because they recognize their value as a human being."In this compelling second episode with Dr. Tammy Yard-McCracken, host Tracy Crowley explores the origins and evolution of 500 Rising, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through self-defense. Dr. Yard-McCracken shares how the initiative emerged from a passionate "rant" during the height of the MeToo movement, fueled by her belief that awareness alone isn't enough to create lasting change in preventing violence against women.The conversation traces 500 Rising's remarkable growth from a grassroots effort to an international organization with training programs across the United States and Europe. Dr. Yard-McCracken details their three-level training system, which transforms participants into instructors who can spread these vital skills throughout their communities. Despite having no marketing budget, the organization has trained nearly 80 instructors and continues to expand through word-of-mouth and strategic partnerships.As the episode progresses, Dr. Yard-McCracken shares personal insights about watching her adult sons thrive in their respective life stages and navigating the delicate balance of remaining connected while respecting their independence. She also reflects on the privilege of being invited to share her expertise internationally, including training law enforcement officers in Minnesota and working with self-defense communities in the Czech Republic and United Kingdom.Throughout the conversation, listeners gain insight into how passion-driven initiatives can grow beyond initial expectations and the importance of teaching self-defense from a place of self-love and personal agency rather than fear.For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"Life is what happens while you're planning something else."In this heartwarming final episode with George Nowik, host Tracy Crowley explores the intersection of personal challenges and family legacy. George shares his adult diagnosis with ADD and how what society views as a deficit has become his superpower, enabling intense focus and creativity in his chosen fields.The conversation takes a powerful turn as George discusses his mother Dorothy's remarkable journey as a businesswoman in the 1970s. Known as "the Ice Queen" for maintaining professional boundaries in an era when harassment was commonplace, Dorothy built a successful medical equipment company through determination and exceptional customer service.Through personal anecdotes and touching memories, George reveals how his mother's legacy of perseverance, generosity, and authentic care for others has shaped both his personal approach and their family business. The episode culminates with heartwarming stories about Dorothy's special connections with her grandchildren, including her talent for creating personalized songs for each child - a tradition that George has continued with his own children. Their story exemplifies how challenges can become strengths and how authentic care for others can build lasting business success.For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"We have medical technology that is available to us now, both in the physical and mental arena that didn't exist 20 years ago. So kids like me are going to have a much better chance of getting through it."In this enlightening episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley explores George Nowik's experience living with Tourette's syndrome. Diagnosed in sixth grade, George shares his journey from early childhood "bad habits" through challenging school years and into adulthood. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding Tourette's, particularly the common myth that all people with the condition curse uncontrollably.The conversation delves into the historical context of neurodiversity in the 1980s and how societal understanding and acceptance have evolved. George provides intimate details about his experiences in the education system, including his dramatic shift from being identified as gifted to being labeled "severely mentally damaged" - a stark example of how misunderstood neurological conditions were at the time.Throughout the episode, George and Tracy explore the positive changes in how society now approaches neurodiversity, particularly in educational settings. They discuss the impact of better awareness, vocabulary, and support systems that exist today compared to previous decades. The conversation culminates with hopeful observations about current attitudes toward neurodivergent individuals, illustrated through touching personal anecdotes that demonstrate how far we've come in accepting and embracing differences.For more episode info and additional inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

In this poignant episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley continues her conversation with Dr. Darin Detwiler, exploring the profound impact of losing his son and his ongoing journey as a father and advocate. Dr. Detwiler shares intimate reflections on grief, discussing how he navigates the complex emotions of success in his advocacy work while honoring his son's memory."I am still acting as a father to my son. And I think often about what I do. And I'll never get my son back. No matter how many audiences I speak to, no matter how many words I write, no matter how many podcasts or videos, whatever it is, I'll never get my son back. But I will never want to have that moment where I realize that I gave up."The episode delves into Dr. Detwiler's philosophy of "still being a father" to his late son through his tireless work in food safety. He discusses the guilt often associated with finding fulfillment in this work and how he's learned to reconcile these feelings over time.Dr. Detwiler also shares his thoughts on responsibility, drawing parallels between his experiences as a teacher and his current role in food safety advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of taking ownership and action, whether in a classroom or a corporate boardroom.The conversation touches on Dr. Detwiler's future plans, including his upcoming book "The Cost of Doing Nothing" and his goal to become a global authority on food safety. He also discusses his personal growth journey and the impact it's had on his resilience and outlook.Throughout the episode, Dr. Detwiler's passion for his work and his commitment to making a difference shine through, offering listeners a powerful example of how tragedy can be transformed into a force for positive change.UPDATE: The Netflix documentary “Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food” has won an Emmy for Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary!For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"This is about helping you to be your true, authentic self that's in there. Michelangelo used to always talk about how it's in the rock. Our job is to chisel it out." The Power of Personal Image - In this episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley wraps up her conversation with Bruce Pflaumer, an image consultant with Michael Bruce Image Consulting. They delve into the profound impact of personal image and how it transcends the superficial. Bruce shares heartwarming and transformative stories of how helping clients with their image has changed their lives. "We tell clients. We always tell people, we're your biggest fan. Everyone needs a fan, but we're your biggest fan. We want you to do well in this process. We're going to help you through it, but you have to be willing to trust and to do the hard work, because it is hard work." From the common misconception that focusing on personal style is shallow, to the deep, authentic communication that true personal style can convey, Bruce provides insights that will make you rethink the power of your own image. He also discusses his unique ability to remember every item in his clients' wardrobes and how he uses his empathetic nature to understand what clients are truly seeking to express. "Image is not about size. It's not about age. It's not about anything like that. It's all about you. And we take care of all of it. Doesn't matter what size you are, doesn't matter how old you are, it's just what your goals are." Tracy and Bruce also touch on the importance of showing up as your true self, whether that's in a professional setting or a casual one. They explore the challenges and rewards of image consulting, including the emotional and psychological aspects that make this work so meaningful. Bruce also shares his favorite quote from Nelson Mandela, "I never lose. I either win or learn," and how this philosophy shapes his approach to both life and work. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the essence of personal style, the importance of authentic self-expression, and the transformative power of a well-considered image. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.