American Snippets

Each day in America, thousands of dedicated animal rescue professionals work tirelessly to find homes for lost, abandoned, abused, and desperate animals. Sometimes the difference between life and death for these animals is a matter of miles. Relocating them from areas in the south, with an enormous overpopulation of shelter animals, or from overcrowded city shelters, to various rescue organizations offering foster homes and new families is their only shot at survival. This is where today's guest, Paul Steklenski, steps in. Paul is an Army veteran who is on a new mission to transport as many dogs and cats as he can from the high kill shelters in the south, to new lives in the north. Since he founded his non-profit, Flying Fur Animal Rescue, in 2015, he's personally flown almost 1,000 animals into new lives, and he's just getting started. If you enjoyed this episode read the full article, watch the video, and more here: https://www.americansnippets.com/039

Since Ori Bengal was a kid, he always loved to draw, but nobody ever told him that he could be an artist. No one ever told him that he could have a future in it, or even a career doing it, so it never crossed his mind. He was creating art his whole life but a heartbreaking experience at an art walk changed everything and Ori gave up on art for 10 years. It was only after a 6-year "couch surfing" adventure and a life-changing trip to Maui that Ori quickly realized Art is what he was put on this planet for. It took him 10 years to figure out what his life's purpose was and since then he's been creating a piece of Art every day for 6 years. Ori's story is a reminder that we should all find and pursue our deepest passions and in that journey, we will discover our purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/038

After leaving Soviet Russia and moving to America at just 7 years old, Dmitriy Kozlov was stuck in the middle ground of greatness and self-destruction. His initial wonder at the enormous blessings this country has were turned to massive disappointment as he endured childhood bullying he resolved by joining a gang. When that escape nearly killed him and the rest of the world seemed to have given up on him, Dmitriy Kozlov turned his rebellious nature toward turning his life around and proving everyone who believed he'd fail, wrong. Today, Dmitriy is a successful entrepreneur who is impacting countless others through his mission to enhance the world around him. On today's episode, Dmitriy Kozlov shares his incredible story of struggle, self-discovery, and triumph, and at 29 years old, he's just getting started. Learn more and check out the featured article and video here

It's Freedom Friday. For most of America, the American Dream simply means freedom - time freedom. Time is the number one thing that people want more of in their lives. We believe in time freedom for everyone in whatever we do and you should too. Embracing freedom means taking control of your life and going after your dreams. And the first step in that is believing that those dreams will happen. Have the attitude that it's not a matter of if it's a matter of when. That's the attitude we must all have. You have to believe in yourself, you must have an unshakeable faith that they are attainable…because they are. Your dreams are not unrealistic, you just have to be willing to put in the work. If you enjoyed this episode, check out more at www.americansnippets.com/podcast

Dee Willard-Ruffin is a living example of what is possible with perseverance, grit, and graciousness. First, she fought her way up the corporate ladder to become the first African American female Postmaster in Bethesda, Maryland. Next, she pushed through the pain of her husband's death to make a comeback in life, starting over and creating a highly successful real estate investment company.  And when we interviewed her, Dee shared another, incredible, and the seldom shared story of survival she faced first. If you've ever doubted in your own ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable setbacks, wondered how you can create the life you want even if you are starting with nothing, or faced with racial or gender barriers, Dee's story has the answers. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/035

If you feel like your patriotism has been held hostage by all the divisiveness and controversy we've seen in the past few years, today's guest has your back. Daniel Alarik is a Drill Sergeant -turned-entrepreneur on a mission to bring patriotism to every home in this country. His company, Grunt Style, is an unapologetically patriotic-packed buffet of products designed to display American pride. But Grunt Style is not just about products and sales. It's about a culture that inspires patriotism and defends the rights of every American. Learn More About Daniel Alarik and Grunt StyleFollow us on Instagram:@americansnippets@barballenspeaks@davebrownliveiTunes Not Your Thing? Listen to us on Simplecast and follow us on Spotify.Don't forget to visit us on YouTube for more inspirational content.

Sean Stephenson was born to die - at least that's what the doctors told his parents immediately after he was born. But decades later, he’s inspired millions of people around the globe as a doctor, best selling author, and international speaker.Sean is living proof that the mind is a powerful weapon against adversity.The Biography Channel even did an hour feature on his life called, the Three Foot Giant. Anyone who has ever struggled with doubt, pain, insecurity, and seemingly insurmountable setbacks will want to hear this extraordinary man's story and follow the example he's set.In Memoriam: Sean Stephenson 1979-2019It’s with a heavy heart to inform you that Dr. Sean Stephenson has passed away. Sean Stephenson was an extraordinary presence in this world today but his legacy will burn brightly in all those who were touched by him.He was an incredible human being who inspired millions an he will leave a lasting impact on us, our friends, community, and everyone he touched with his presence.RIP Sean Stephenson…

There's no doubt that this country has problems. Lots of them. And no one person is going to be able to fix them all. But rather than accept that reality and use it as a reason to give up on trying, Lynda Roemer accepted the challenge. After stepping away from a prosperous corporate career, Lynda threw herself into creating and running a horse rescue organization that has saved the lives of some 200 horses in 22 years. Equine Rescue, Inc, is a 56-acre homestyle sanctuary where people and horses rescue each other. Each horse, donkey, or pony lucky enough to find their way out of near-death situations has a home for life, and each volunteer who helps care for them, finds a therapeutic outlet to escape from their own struggles. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/032

Chad Littlefield was as patriotic as can be. He had a deep gratitude for being an American and a passion for supporting all who serve. Together with his close friend Chris Kyle – known by many as the American Sniper, Chad volunteered his time to help veterans transition from combat to civilian life. Tragically, it was this selflessness that led to his death, when he and Chris were killed by one of the veterans they were helping. While this country lost two great Americans that day, their legacy lives on in those who loved them. Today’s guests are Chad’s brother Jerry Richardson and his mother, Judy Littlefield. Today they carry Chad’s mission with them, doing their own part to ensure his name is not forgotten, and his work continues. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/031

Most of us will never know what it's like to see combat. That's because a small population of Americans steps forward to serve, allowing the rest of us to remain securely behind the front lines. The debt we owe to our military is enormous, but all too often, the men and women who have so selflessly served come home and get lost in their transition back to civilian life. As awareness of the struggles faced by our veterans rises, it is up to us to decide what we are going to do to help those who have done so much for us. Thanks to people like Tim Combs, this country is beginning to address the needs of our returning service members. Tim Combs' non-profit, Americans For Independent Living, is providing homes and resources to veterans, and supporting them as they make that transition- some of them decades after they served. Listen in as Tim talks about his work, and what then-presidential candidate Donald Trump did that changed it all. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more a

He could have decided to hide behind his injuries and scars, but Vietnam Veteran Dave Roever turned his own tragedy into an opportunity to shine hope and light into millions of lives. He should have died from horrific burns that literally melted him down to the bone. In fact, the medics thought he was dead because no one could survive what happened to him in that Vietnam jungle. But each time Dave Roever should have died or could have given up, he found a reason to hang on. He took his own experience and won a war everyone else thought was lost. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more here

So many people believe the American Dream is a thing of the past, but here at American Snippets, we know the opposite is true. In fact, we believe there has never been a better time for Americans to find and achieve that dream. Thanks to the men and women who defend this country, the rest of us are free to fulfill our own goals and lives. Many of our guests share this view and today's guest is no different. Bob Vincent is the son of immigrants. His father fled Hungary to avoid capture by the Russians and he made his way to America where he joined the military. Through his parents stories and his own experiences when visiting Hungary, Bob realized from a young age how fortunate Americans are. When his path crossed with one very special Marine, Bob understood the debt we owe our military and his life changed forever. Today, Bob uses his company Reel Heroes Media to share stories of American Heroes and also helps non-profits that are veteran and military focused. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featur

This is our first installment of Freedom Friday. At American Snippets, we believe the American Dream is alive and well. We believe with certainty that anyone, regardless of where they are born or what they are born into, has the ability to create a life of their own design. The opportunities we have in this Country impose no limits to those committed to the pursuit of their dreams, but what it does demand is that you have to put in the hard work to achieve it. Whatever it is you want will only be achieved through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, not by chance. So stop treating life as something that happens to you and start taking action towards what it is you want. In this episode, you'll discover what it takes to be a true achiever. You'll also learn how you can get access to our free guide that shows you how to get unstuck so you can double down on YOUR American Dream. If you enjoyed this episode, check out more at americansnippets.com/027

Joe Metcalfe possesses what the title promises - inner peace. Something we all want. 11 Years ago Joe left a lucrative and steady career to travel the world. During the last 2 years he's visited places like Haiti, Vietnam, India, France, and also spent 30 days living in NYC. Joe's travels are a personal journey of discovery. It's a journey home, a journey through failure, fear and the challenges that come with change. In today's episode, Joe Metcalfe shares how letting go of his past and old, conditioned beliefs allowed him to evolve, follow his bliss and ultimately gain inner peace in his life. He'll also explain how inner peace is something we can all find, and how he's helping people do so. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/026

Max Martini is a Hollywood veteran committed to showing his thanks to military veterans. It was his role in Saving Private Ryan that changed his life both on and off screen, introducing him to the military world. Since then, he’s often cast in the role of military characters, including the movie 13 Hours and the TV show The Unit. But it’s what he does offscreen that caught our attention. His career allows him to meet the real-life men and women who serve in our military, and he now calls several veterans his friend. Max has grown into a staunch supporter and advocate for veterans and is personally involved with three non-profits dedicated to their support. But that was still not enough for him. When he met an Army Ranger who shared his story with him, Max decided it was time to kick it up. For seven years he dedicated himself to creating a film depicting his friend’s experiences, and he is preparing for its release. Listen in as Max shares his personal story of hard work, patriotism, and how his movie Will Ga

Annie Nelson is a survivor in the truest sense of the word. First, she survived a violent workplace assault. Next, she battled two life-threatening brain tumors. The lingering injuries and after effects of her traumas are something Annie has to live with each day. But rather than dwell on her struggles, she uses her experiences as reason to help others. Today Annie is a dynamic force in the world of veteran advocacy, calling upon her own sense of patriotism and the network she built in the entertainment industry to create and implement powerful resources for military families. Listen in to hear about Annie’s incredible personal story, and the work she is doing that could revolutionize veteran advocacy. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/024

There are many ways to serve our country, and today’s guest has done so both in and out of uniform. John Fenech Is a Coast Guard veteran who has never stopped serving fellow citizens. Today he volunteers time with the Patriot Guard, a non-profit dedicated to honoring and serving our veterans. He also donates his time to children with terminal or chronic illnesses and loves every minute of it. Listen in as he shares a message about how volunteering has changed his life and how it can change yours as well. John exemplifies the meaning of patriotism and we are proud to have him on our show. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/023

Jeff Senour is the patriotic pilot whose band is bringing inspiration and patriotism back to our schools. By day his stage is the sky, as he flies Southwest passengers across the country. By night, his stage may be anywhere in the country. Soon, you’ll see him in his reality TV show with his co-star, Jack Scalia. Fueled by a passion to celebrate the freedom we all enjoy and to motivate America’s youth through music, Jeff Senour formed the award-winning rock band, CTS, (Called To Serve) in 2001. From radio charts to letters from Presidents, CTS has received prestigious National acclaim for their positive message and musical contributions. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/022

After surviving unimaginable horror growing up under Saddam Hussein’s regime, Hamody Jasim (Pronounced Jazeem, emphasis on second syllable) leapt at the opportunity to fight back. At 17 years old he joined the Iraqi Army. At 19, his courage and leadership landed him a promotion, and he became the youngest Command Sergeant Major in the history of the Iraqi military. From there he was recruited by US Intelligence and became one of the most valued US Intelligence Assets in Iraq. His work saved numerous lives, including top American officials, earning him the hatred of the terrorists and an order for his execution, should he be captured. Ultimately he left Iraq and is now a proud citizen of the United States. His story is extraordinary and we are honored to share it with you on this episode of American Snippets. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/021

Eddie Pinero is a 29 year old entrepreneur, Speaker, Author and YouTuber from Miami Florida. His YouTube Channel has over 18 Million views and it all started with an idea that grew into a decision. For a year and a half, Eddie quietly went about his corporate work while steadfastly building a foundation for him to leap on to. He blogged. He returned to writing music and he started making videos. Eddie followed through on his plan for a new path and he changed the trajectory of his own life by doing so. A lot of people walk through life picking up a lesson here, and a lesson there, grasping some and forgetting most. But Eddie Pinero collects life lessons and nurtures each one. He pulls them close. He lives them, and he shares them with the world via his videos and his YouTube Channel 'Your World Within'. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the featured article, video, and more at americansnippets.com/020