All Things Good

Dylan was diagnosed as deaf aged three, as autistic aged seven and as having MDP (Mandibular Dysplasia with Deafness and Progeroid features ), an extremely rare syndrome (only 15 known cases in the world) aged 10. He loves photography, dancing and football. Dylan volunteers in his local community and enjoys raising money for charity and is passionate about disability awareness education. Dylan's Website: https://dylanlombardphotography.co.uk/ Dylan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_yourself_dylan/?hl=en

Jono was born with a rare genetic condition known as Treacher Collins syndrome, which affects the development of facial bones and tissues. His new book, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes", details his experiences in life living with his condition.

Laura Carney is a magazine copy editor, writer and illustrator. She has also worked to raise awareness as an advocate with the National Safety Council, End Distracted Driving, the Safe Roads Alliance, Family for Safe Streets NJ, Act to End Deadly Distractions, NCSR Road Safety Advocacy and the Road to Zero Coalition. These days she raises awareness via her book, My Father's List, a memoir about her father, who was killed by a distracted driver, and as a marathon runner.  You can learn more about Laura and find her book on her website, http://www.bylauracarney.com/

Leslie is the co-founder of Hindi Libraries, a nonprofit that ships children's books all over the world for children in need. Since 2018, they've collected and shipped out over 385,000 books and partnered with more than 700 organizations worldwide. You can learn more about them at https://www.hindislibraries.org/ 

Christian details his struggles growing up in the foster care system and how he persevered to become a first generation high school and college graduate. He now has an apartment of his own and is chasing his dreams. 

After a series of truly life-altering events, Candace found herself on a rooftop and made the decision to attempt to take her own life. Since surviving the attempt, she's gone on to face her mental health battles head-on and has found immense satisfaction through the power of motherhood. This is a story of great resilience and mental health awareness. 

Harper was born with a very rare skin condition which causes her skin to be extremely dry and flake off constantly. Harlequin Ichthyosis can be deadly at birth, but Harper survived and is thriving as a loving, energetic young girl. You can follow Harper's journey on instagram, @harper.incredible. 

Dion is the founder of Dion's Chicago Dream, a non-profit based out of Englewood that focuses on fighting food insecurity within the community. The non-profit delivers fresh vegetables and fruits to households in need and also stocks a community fridge with fresh produce throughout the week. Prior to helping over a thousand families in Chicago, Dawson was a U.S Navy Communications Specialist and journalist for over five years. You can learn more at https://dionschicagodream.com

Jacob is the founder of the global non-profit mental health promotion movement, NoStigmas, and the creator of the 5 Bridges to Wellness. He has been internationally recognized for his speaking, writing, and advocacy work in mental health and suicide prevention.  You can learn more about Jacob and his work at https://www.jacobmoore.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/jacobmoore/?hl=en

Wilbur is the founder and CEO of the marketing and development company, YouTech. After launching a business in 2012 with an initial investment of just $600, his company was valued eight years later at $25 million, earning him a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 list. You can learn more about Wilbur at https://www.wilburyou.com/.

Alison is an American mountain climber, sportswoman, explorer, and leadership consultant. She has ascended the highest peaks on every continent and also skied to both the North and South Poles. In 2010, she completed the Adventure Grand Slam by reaching the summit of Mount Everest. She is the author of On the Edge and the executive producer of a documentary, The Glass Ceiling. She serves as an adjunct instructor at the U.S. Military Academy.  You can learn more about Alison at https://alisonlevine.com

Doug is the writer and director for the Oscar-nominated short film, Feeling Through, a coming of age film about the unlikely connection between a teen in need and a DeafBlind man. It is the first film ever to feature a DeafBlind actor in a lead role. Doug worked alongside members of Helen Keller Services in order to make this film come to fruition.  You can view the film at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CqzntEZZ8 To learn more about the film and cast, visit https://www.feelingthrough.com/

Jimmy was convicted in 1991-92 for robbing and murdering a 17-year-old girl at a bus stop in North Philadelphia the previous year. He was sentenced to death at 21. In 2013 a federal judge overturned Dennis' conviction, calling it a "grave miscarriage of justice," and that he was "wrongly convicted for a murder and sentenced to die for a crime in all probability he did not commit." Prior to his initial conviction, Jimmy was a striving R&B musician. His love of music was one of his motivations to stay strong during his wrongly convicted time in prison. Fortunately for Jimmy, justice was served and he has another chance to work towards the career in music he's always desired. You can find Jimmy on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimmydennismusic/?hl=en and check out his music at https://song.link/i/1540738601

Yuri is the founder of the non-profit organization, A Future Superhero And Friends. One of the main things Yuri does with the organization is dress up as a well known superhero and visit children in the hospital. Yuri and the organization also contribute towards providing blood drives, toy drives, movie nights, and feeding the homeless in many different parts of the country.  You can learn more about the organization at: https://www.afuturesuperhero.com/about_us You can follow Yuri at: https://www.instagram.com/afuturesuperhero/?hl=en

Hunter is a re-covering drug addict who is using his new outlook on life to help other addicts find the help they need. After some turbulent times through his teens and twenties, now sober, he is living his best life as a father and soon-to-be husband. Hunter is looking to help find treatment for any current addicts who need it.  If you or someone you know is looking for addiction treatment, or is just interested in following the continued success of Hunter's journey, you can find Hunter at https://www.facebook.com/people/Hunter-Michael-Shepard/100011979363887 or https://www.instagram.com/hunter.michael.shepard/

Natalya is a licensed general contractor and the owner of Curato Design/Build, a California construction company specializing in both commercial and residential projects. Natalya is also another co-host of Startup to Storefront,  the podcast touched on in our previous episode which focuses on the untold challenges of launching a business.  You can follow Natalya's ventures at https://www.instagram.com/natalya_curato/?hl=en and check out the Startup to Storefront podcast at https://www.startuptostorefront.com/

After several years in the tech industry, Diego shifted his focus to real estate development, and is redefining what it means to be a developer in today's market. His main focus is on community enrichment and inclusion as opposed to cultural disruption and displacement. Diego is also the co-host of the successful podcast Startup to Storefront, which is centered around the success stories of business founders, while focusing on the often untold challenges of launching a business. You can learn more about Diego's business ventures at http://diegotorres-palma.com/ and listen to his podcast at https://www.startuptostorefront.com/

Travis is a retired United States Army Staff Sergeant of the 82nd Airborne, a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author and an advocate for veterans and amputees. He was critically injured by an explosive device on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, causing him to lose portions of both his legs and arms. He is one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries. Travis and his wife Kelsey founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization, formed to benefit and assist post 9/11 veterans who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation. He is also a successful business owner and speaks nationwide about overcoming adversity.  You can learn more about Travis at https://www.travismills.org/ and more about the Travis Mills Foundation at https://travismillsfoundation.org/ You can follow the foundation on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travismillsfoundation

Jehlad is a member of the Voices of our City community choir that recently made waves on America's Got Talent. The 200+ member choir focuses on giving back to the community and changing the perception of homelessness. Jehlad also creates music on his own and is excited to resume performing live shows again once the pandemic has lifted.  You can check out Jehlad's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2SABrha0Gs1eqY6CgVDX24?si=b_20F-gGQZi32hLXTQZ8mQ Jehlad's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jehladakin/?hl=en

Drake is a country music singer and songwriter from Alabama. His songs, "Making Me Look Good Again", "Livin' The Dream", and "It Feels Good" have all been chart-topping hits. In August of 2019, Drake collapsed on stage during a show and was later diagnosed with the brain condition, arteriovenous malformation (AVM). He has since been working through rehabilitation for his condition while expressing the healing properties that music and positivity have had on his health.  You can learn more about Drake and find his music at https://www.drakewhite.com/