The Storied Human (What is your Story?)

Hosted by Lynne Thompson

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108

Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Humans have been telling each other stories since before writing. Around fires, looking up at the stars, human beings found comfort and connection through imagination and stories. I'm Lynne Thompson -- Tech Writer, Creative Writer and now podcaster! I have always loved hearing people's stories, especially when they have overcome something, and then share it with the rest of us! So far the podcast has included stories on Overcoming Addiction, the Entrepreneur journey, Dealing with Mental Illness, Understanding Grief (and a few fairy tales thrown in there!). There are plenty of spiritual moments humorous moments, and more. I have learned so much from my guests! Join me as I talk to real people with extraordinary stories! What is your story? I would love to hear it! Reach out to me at thestoriedhuman@gmail.com, or join our Facebook group!

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60 recent

March 19, 202649 min

Season 2026 Episode 3. Lawrence Harris: Motivational Speaker tells us: Heal Yourself, Help Others

Go ahead and text me! Lawrence C. Harris is a youth speaker who helps teens and young adults believe in themselves, think differently about their future, and make better choices.Growing up, Lawrence faced serious challenges. Those experiences led him to start speaking so other young people would know they are not alone and that their past does not have to decide where their life goes.He has spoken to thousands of students through school assemblies, workshops, books, podcasts, and online events. In his talks, Lawrence shares real stories from his life and simple ideas that students can use in their own lives.Students connect with Lawrence because he is honest and easy to relate to. His goal is to help young people believe they are capable of more than they think and take responsibility for the direction their life is going.Lawrence is an extraordinary young man. He suffered abuse at home and worked hard to help his younger siblings. Along the way, he worked on himself, learned to love himself, and ended up being a motivational speaker when he was still a teenager.Lawrence explains the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD and teaches us that if you start with the simple things (making your bed, brushing your teeth) and build slowly on those concrete things, real progress is possible.Teens and others can learn so much from Lawrence's positive approach to healing yourself. How to Build Self-Love in a World That Profits from Your InsecuritiesFrom Pain to Purpose: How to turn your struggles into success. Keeping hope alive during hardshipsCheck out his website for more information:https://www.lawrencecharris.com/You can get his e-books there or on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lawrence+C.+Harris&i=stripbooks&crid=14TQ77Q0DDH6N&sprefix=lawrence+c.+harris+%2Cstripbooks%2C122&ref=nb_sb_nossTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

March 2, 2026Episode 239 min

Season 2026. Episode 2 Melissa Pruitt on Consistency and Having Fun Growing your Business

Go ahead and text me! Melissa Pruitt is a Marketing & Sales Coach, Author, and Speaker who’s dedicated to helping online entrepreneurs take their knowledge and skills to market and sell their courses, memberships, and coaching programs. Her background in psychology and NLP as a clinical therapist and coach bridges human behavior with marketing strategy, and this is how she teaches her clients to create deeper connections with their audiences. Her Psychology background combined with her expertise as a two time published author and copywriter allows her to help her clients connect deeper with their audiences.Melissa is also TEDx speaker, been featured on multiple publications and platforms, including Huffington Post, various podcasts, summits, and events and loves to share her message of creating a fulfilling business on in person stages, Zoom stages, and mastermind events. She is the co-owner of Adaptive Marketing Program which helps online entrepreneurs market and sell their offers and the co-host of the Online Marketing Podcast with her husband and business partner Paul.I loved speaking with Melissa and learning about the importance of consistency in growing your business, building trust with your customers, and having fun!You can reach Melissa at:Instagram: @realmelissapruittwebsite: https://adaptivemarketingprogram.com/Get her book "Influenced: From Social to List to Launch" here: https://www.amazon.com/Influenced-Social-Launch-Melissa-Pruitt/dp/B0DH83QSY9#:~:text=Influenced%3A%20From%20Social%20to%20List%20to%20Launch%20is%20the%20ultimate,a%20successful%20business%20or%20project.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

January 24, 2026Episode 130 min

Season 2026 -- Episode 1. Karen Salmansohn wants us to face our death and learn to live more fully

Go ahead and text me! What an uplifting conversation with Karen Salmansohn! Her unique perspective on death and how facing it can motivate us to truly live is refreshing and much needed!KAREN SALMANSOHN, bestselling author and behavioral change expert, whose books and courses have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. With 1.5 million social media followers, Karen has built a dedicated following by blending humor, research-backed insights, and practical strategies for creating a more meaningful life. In her upcoming book, YOUR TO-DIE-FOR LIFE: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out [BenBella Books | July 22, 2025], she challenges readers to rethink their relationship with mortality—not as something to fear, but as the ultimate motivator for living boldly and authentically.Her book is available on Amazon.You can reach Karen at:NotSalmon.comInstagramXFacebookYouTubeTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

December 20, 20251 hr 2 min

Season 2025: Episode 15 -- Joan K. Peters teaches us how psychoanalyses can help us find more peace

Go ahead and text me! Joan had a rough beginning when her father died young (Joan was only 2) leaving her mother destitute with two young children. She examined this early life in her late 20s during psychoanalysis and uncovered all kinds of connections and meaning about some of her issues and patterns. She contrasts these psychoanalytic sessions with later ones in her life in her new memoir -- "Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis"Through her personal sharing, she illuminates how psychoanalysis can help us understand our own stories and feelings.Available on Amazon: Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

December 6, 2025Episode 1453 min

Season 2025 Episode 14: Ken Miller Beat his Own Demons and Now Mentors Men in the Black Community to Find their Way

Go ahead and text me! Ken Miller is one of the good guys -- after he straightened out his own life, he knew he had to pass it on. He now mentors Black men and gives presentations all over the country. His journey included going to an Ivy League college, then to jail, being homeless for several years and then to overcoming addiction and growing his businesses and becoming successful (he is a millionaire today). Bio: Ken Miller is an author, speaker, and the founder of Denali FSP, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable funding. His book, Becoming Ken: One Black Man’s Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again, chronicles his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and authenticity. Through his keynotes and programs like “From Rock Bottom to Resilience,” Ken inspires audiences to embrace truth, face adversity, and make meaningful life choices.His work has him doing a lot of speeches and podcasts for free. He has published one book and he has three more on the way! Ken is definitely inspired by the men he helps and the connection he feels to his Creator. He has mentored men all over the world. Some he has mentored for 10-15 years."I give you permission to dream" is what he tells them during his mentoring sessions. Even grown men have had their dreams crushed over their lifetime.Talk about a rewarding life based on his own story!His website is: www.kenmillerspeaks.comKen is on LinkedIn: KenMiller84AIVAlution LLC | | Denali FSPPurchase Ken’s Book: Becoming KenTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

December 4, 202521 min

Season 2025 Episode 13. Diane Christiansen tells what it was really like to be a Showgirl in the 1970s

Go ahead and text me! If you have seen recent movies or shows about being a showgirl, it could seem pretty depressing. Diane Christiansen is here to tell you that it was exciting and uplifting and a way for a young woman in the 1970s who could dance and perform well to see the world! Showgirls were powerful women in charge of their own careers — and well-paid, valued players in the flashy world of sequins, feathers, step-kicks, and lavish productions. Most were classically trained dancers who traveled the globe and planned their post-showgirl futures well in advance. They were nothing like the forlorn characters in recent movies. Diane tells us what it was really like to be a showgirl and how she pivoted after "retiring" in her early thirties. She captured it all in a book "The Last Real Showgirl--My Sequined Life Onstage" available on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Showgirl+Diane+Christiansen&i=stripbooks&crid=3S1YE2W0LIK1B&sprefix=showgirl+diane+christiansen%2Cstripbooks%2C189&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 or at McFarland:https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/The-Last-Real-Showgirl/THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

November 11, 2025Episode 1230 min

Season 2025-- Episode 12: Broken and Brave: (with Tiffany L. Smith) One R.N.'s search for meaning in our current healthcare environment

Go ahead and text me! Tiffany L. Smith, RN has spent nearly 15 years on the frontlines of American healthcare, working in ERs, ICUs, hospice, wound care, and more. A nurse, wife, and mother, she has witnessed both the triumphs and the failures of a system pushed beyond its limits.Her debut book, Broken and Brave: The Fight to Heal American Healthcare, blends memoir and manifesto, capturing the raw intensity of a single 12-hour COVID shift while exposing the deeper flaws harming both patients and providers.Tiffany is the founder of Broken and Brave Health, a movement to empower patients, support burned-out providers, and spark change in American healthcare.You can get her book on Amazon.com:https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Brave-Fight-American-Healthcare/dp/B0FDG35NPG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZKAURV9RKV6D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Eq6EYUV09qenX3xOlhb6J-oYwV85dTurdK8EwgQVyVhGLM-MZTVa1f5k5EIjq4v7UmGvfSkHDrdJCmJFv3DYPrvhWgz7OkMzcaU_bKovijgB_bHTDS6hcKAuNXKOwpP_zP4C8r2Ebdaf9I7HG4WtyGAjXBENLZ18T_UNerSh5niRhNTtZ57_zKVe488XARlKWeUzkl3KHzZeUOSAFA-EInm0qTWwrpJo7thYLmQLHQg.lJ4dfBAoVfQ9ofdwbGerZSHQz2mbwz7ceDVJthGUgeY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Broken+and+Brave&qid=1762816709&s=books&sprefix=broken+and+brave%2Cstripbooks%2C174&sr=1-1It's a great read and a moving account both of what RNs go through (esp during Covid) and what the system needs to improve.Tiffany's website is:https://brokennbrave.com/Her Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/brokennbravehealthTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

September 2, 202558 min

Season 2025: Episode 11. Jonathan Kemp shares his lifelong mental health journey

Go ahead and text me! For years he struggled with his undiagnosed BiPolar disease. He had several careers and tried several healing modalities. Oddly, he found focusing on his work and working hard did help and when he went back to school as an adult, he ended up developing a note-taking method that he grew into a business.When he finally found a good psychiatrist, and was put on the proper medications, he said it was like a miracle -- he could function normally and he has felt better ever since.To keep his health balanced, he follows 14 Foundations, which he outlines in his book "Finding Peacce of Mind." Some of Jonathan’s 14 Foundations are:1. Get good regular sleep, go to bed at the same time, get up at the same time.2. Be part of a community.3. Being present and in the moment.4. Meditation5. Having structure to your day (having breakfast at the same time, dinner at the same time, etc.)6. Have a written plan for the day (write it the night before).7. Not letting your slip-ups define the whole rest of the day {“You can start your day again at any time.”)Jonathan’s new book is called "Finding Peace of Mind" (and all of his profits will go to mental health nonprofits). About the book:Finding Peace of Mind: An Inspirational Journey Through Bipolar, Depression, Addiction And... Dyslexia is a memoir by Jonathan Kemp that details his experiences living with bipolar disorder, depression, addiction, and dyslexia. The book chronicles his path from a difficult past to a place of healing and resilience, offering insights into managing mental health and neurodiversity. It serves as a resource for those seeking understanding and hope, providing practical strategies for emotional resilience and self-awareness. Jonathan Kemp was born a future Viscount, but wealth and privilege did not protect him from his own brain malfunctioning. He is also planning on doing a 7-month walk through the UK to support mental health efforts and raise awareness (he will give talks and interviews along the way and donate those proceeds to mental health nonprofits as well).PLUS, if you buy the book, you get a code for free access to his note-taking training called “Smart Wisdom.”!! It’s the complete high-quality online course you would get from him in person.Find him on social media:He is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankemplondon/and Facebook: Jonathan Kemp (add “London” to your search)Website will be available soon – Jonathan Kemp.comPLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW FOR ME IF YOU FEEL INCLINED, on SPOTIFY OR APPLE, or wherever you listen to podcasts (or on my podcast website: it helps keep The Storied Human high up in the ratings! And recommend this episode to a friend who may need to hear it!THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

July 5, 202550 min

Season 2025 Episode 10. Michael McAdams shares the fascinating story of spirit communication that runs in his family

Go ahead and text me! Michael McAdams was born in the City of the Seven Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. Michael was brought up in a Christian household and was fortunate to have many spiritual and faith-based family members surround him. His uncle, John W. Sullivan, was a fiery Pentecostal preacher who founded churches in Florida, Kentucky, and the largest one in Middletown, Ohio. Wilma Jean Jones, Michael’s mother, would often play piano for the church services. Michael’s grandmother, Mary Culbertson, was called to the ministry when she was thirty years old. She often spoke of how God would speak to her heart. On numerous occasions she received sermons and lyrics to songs dictated to her mind that she would preach and sing in her church services. Mary always acknowledged that these were given from God and felt privileged to receive them. As Michael grew older his foundation of faith served him well, and he continues to be a sincere seeker of truth. Michael remains open to this day to all avenues of information regarding spiritual and psychic material. At the age of twenty Michael enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. He was married at the time, and his wife and daughter were able to be with him in Germany. They had an apartment off-base, and his second daughter was born in Germany. Upon returning from the Army, Michael worked with GM in Cincinnati and also with Sheraton Hotels in Dayton as their sales manager booking commercial events.Even as a young child, Michael remembers having questions regarding church teachings. He always felt there had to be more. With a strong foundation of faith, Michael explored many avenues of spiritual and psychic material. “When the student is ready, a teacher will appear” was most appropriate for Michael as he would meet people who would suggest a book or a speaker that would always take him to the next step on his path. Michael had always felt intuitive and soon discovered his ability to receive information and messages for others by holding objects such as jewelry, keys, or any item that carried a person’s vibration. This technique is known as psychometry. Michael was given a table as a reader at a Cincinnati spiritual event and performed readings at their monthly meetings. Michael believes his mission in this lifetime is to be a bridge between those with a biblical faith-based foundation and those of spiritual faith, offering enlightenment and truth in the sharing of the messages and teachings received by his mother Wilma Jean Jones.Michael’s mother, Wilma Jean Jones attended a number of these spiritual events and having an open mind soon realized her own abilities to tune in to others and receive information from their spirit teachers/angels. Wilma Jean began to teach a series of classes for those interested in developing their own abilities. Wilma Jean Jones spoke publicly to women’s groups, was written about in a number of newspaper articles, and was interviewed on television in Cincinnati regarding her abilities in this work. This eventually led to Wilma Jean sitting down in dedicated sessions to receive the dictated messages and teachings from spirit teachers/angels that now comprise three volumes of the book An Angel Told Me So.View Michael's Own Writings: Spiritual Parchment PrintsSee more about Michael on https://spiritspeaks.com/about-michael/For more about Lily Dale, see HBO's "No one dies in Lily Dale":https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJx8sR-Wb5kMusic Note: NEW for 2025! Original music created for The Storied Human podcast by the band "Rough Year," featuring Julian Calv on trimba (with Dillon Spear Brendan Talian) Thanks Guys!THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)

June 22, 202535 min

Season 2025: Episode 10: How Psychologist Michelle Sherman helps vets and others heal from mental illness

Go ahead and text me! Michelle and DeAnne's collaboration as psychologist and teacher, daughter and mother, brings true synergy to their writing. They draw from their personal and professional life experiences which are the inspiration and foundation for their work. They are fervent in their mission of helping people know they are not alone, arming them with knowledge and resources, and supporting entire families in opening the door to conversations about mental illness and trauma.Michelle's extensive background in teaching and providing mental health services over the years makes her uniquely qualified to share strategies that work for families. For more info about her, her mom and their latest book (I'm Not Alone:A Teen’s Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma), see:https://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/aboutMusic Note: NEW for 2025! Original music created for The Storied Human podcast by the band "Rough Year," featuring Julian Calv on trimba (with Dillon Spear Brendan Talian) Thanks Guys!THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!Check out my Facebook group -- The Storied Human.The Storied Human is on YouTube now-- check it out:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHYKJ0fBDIF7hzWCu7b396GMJU-2qb7hHave a story? DM me on instagram: lthompson_574Drop me an email: thestoriedhuman@gmail.comSee all my links on Linktree:https://linktr.ee/StoriedHuman/Also see all episodes on my new website: https://www.podpage.com/the-storied-human-what-is-your-story/episodes/Keep in touch!Original music "Saturday Sway" by Brendan Talian (for all interviews before 2025)