Crafting A Meaningful Life With Mary Crafts-homer

In this engaging episode of "Crafting Your Meaningful Life," hosted by Mary Crafts, the spotlight is on Deonne Johnson, an expert in instructional design and personal transformation. The conversation delves into Deonne's new book, "From Tired to Inspired," which takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing. With themes ranging from vulnerability to self-alignment, this episode is packed with insights for listeners on how to live truly inspired and fulfilling lives. The episode kicks off with a warm introduction to Deonne's unique approach towards personal growth, highlighting her book that intertwines her personal stories with practical guidance. As the episode unfolds, listeners will learn how Deonne’s background in instructional design has influenced her ability to create a roadmap for personal development that resonates with a broad audience. The discussion covers how aligning personal values with life actions is a cornerstone of living with authenticity and purpose. Mary and Deonne also explor

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts is joined by Lauren Hale, a dynamic social media influencer who has championed the beauty needs of women over 40. Lauren, with her extensive following and striking authenticity, shares her journey from teaching to becoming a beauty influencer. This episode explores the underrepresented space of mature beauty influencers and the authentic narratives that create meaningful connections between creators and their audiences. Mary and Lauren delve into how makeup can be both a form of self-expression and self-care, reflecting inner joy rather than covering up perceived flaws. Throughout the conversation, the importance of embracing personal authenticity and the empowerment derived from overcoming challenges are central themes. Lauren shares the pivotal moments that led her to shift careers and the significant impact of vulnerability and storytelling in connecting with her audience. Her journey underscores how personal struggles can be repurposed

In this engaging episode of “Crafting a Meaningful Life,” host Mary Crafts welcomes RHIAH Krista Kujat to explore the intricacies of human emotions captured in her latest work, "Life’s Poetic Glossary." Through an insightful discussion, the two delve into the significance of living authentically, overcoming duty-bound mindsets, and embracing the power of self-forgiveness. They talk about the universality of the emotions Krista articulates poetically in her book, urging listeners to resonate with their vulnerabilities and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout the episode, Mary and Krista discuss the profound impact of courage, the ensnaring nature of duty, the essence of forgiveness, and the contrasting mindsets of scarcity and abundance. Krista reveals her inspirations and personal insights with each theme, providing the audience with relatable and actionable wisdom. The conversation highlights the book as a resource for personal growth, emphasizing how it guides readers to interpret the wisdom on

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts invites the inspiring Daren Watts to share his extraordinary journey from a successful OB GYN to a candidate for mayor, following a life-changing accident. Daren recounts his experience of breaking his neck during a family vacation, which resulted in temporary paralysis. Despite facing grave uncertainties, he harnessed the power of hope, persistence, and community support to regain his mobility and reclaim his life. Throughout the conversation, Mary and Daren explore themes of resilience, healing, and service. Daren highlights the importance of repetition in rehabilitation and details how adopting a mindset of gratitude and faith enabled his recovery. Now focused on serving his community, Darren has announced his candidacy for mayor of Holladay, motivated by an enduring passion for giving back. He also discusses his podcast, "Not Your Doc Anymore," which offers a platform for medical professionals to share transformative personal and profession

In this eye-opening episode of Crafting A Meaningful Life, host Mary Crafts invites her dear friend Lacey Byrd to discuss the journey from a challenging upbringing to an inspiring life of entrepreneurship and motivational speaking. Lacey candidly shares her experiences growing up in foster care, coping with trauma, and ultimately overcoming these obstacles to become a beacon of light for others. Despite the hardships she faced, Lacey embodies resilience through her artistic endeavors and her significant contributions to the entrepreneurial community, like the Breakfast Palooza event. During the conversation, Lacey delves deep into her marriage, personal breakdown and the breakthrough that led her and her husband Nate to co-found businesses that help others. Central to the discussion is Lacey’s exploration of core human emotions like fear, love, and acceptance, themes that define the human experience and are crucial for personal growth. Through her story, listeners are encouraged to identify and break free fro

In a world that often sweeps trauma under the rug and expects survivors to simply “move on,” Lindsay Jepperson’s story is a clarion call for honesty, healing, and hope. On a recent episode of Crafting a Meaningful Life, Lindsay sat down with the host to share her journey from a childhood marked by abuse and addiction to a life anchored in faith, service, and purpose. Her message is clear: no matter the storm, you can adjust your sails and chart a new course. She gives Mary the most powerful lessons from her story, offering actionable advice and in-depth insights for anyone seeking to overcome adversity, support others, or simply live more meaningfully.  Key Lessons and Ideas: The Power of Resilience:    Lindsay’s early life was marked by significant challenges, including being a NICU baby, experiencing childhood sexual abuse, and navigating the foster care system. Despite these hardships, she emerged stronger, showing us that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them head-on and grow

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Jessica Gunn, an inspiring figure in the world of fitness and wellness. Together, they discuss the multi-faceted dynamics of living a meaningful life, touching on spirituality, physical fitness, emotional health, and the importance of a supportive social network. Mary emphasizes the interconnectedness of these aspects in her personal journey and shines a light on how Jessica's experiences have shaped her approach to building a fulfilling life. This episode serves as an uplifting guide for listeners to reflect on their personal growth and development. Through a heartfelt exchange, Jessica shares her struggles and triumphs, notably her journey through divorce and how it catalyzed a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Her candid reflections on transforming fear into faith and learning to lead by example underscore the episode's central theme: crafting a meaningful and resilient life despite adversities. Jessica articulates ho

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts is joined by Davina Stanley, a communication expert known for her mastery in structured thinking and conveying complex ideas with clarity. The episode explores Davina's fascinating life journey from rural Australia to the bustling world of Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, and finally Seattle, highlighting her resilience and adaptability in varied environments. As they delve into the intricacies of effective communication, listeners are offered insights into improving personal and professional interactions. Davina introduces her expertise in the Pyramid Principle, a method that transforms intricate concepts into clear, hierarchical communication. Her framework empowers individuals to present their ideas persuasively in workplace settings and beyond. Mary and Davina discuss the art of structured communication, emphasizing the increasing importance of relationships and clarity in post-COVID-19 professional environments. Davina's approach invol

Join Mary Crafts and Brenda Betteridge for a lively chat about why lifelong learning is a game-changer, especially after hitting the big 5-0. They dive into how everyday moments can teach us something new, the perks of going back to school as an adult, and how tech, like AI, is shaking up the way we learn. It's all about staying curious, bouncing back from life's curveballs, and chasing knowledge to live a life full of meaning, even when things get tough.   About the Guest: Brenda Betteridge is a dedicated lifelong learner who currently works at Utah Valley University (UVU) in the department of Executive and Professional Education. With a passion for continuous growth and education, Brenda is enrolled in college, pursuing knowledge beyond her initial explorations in speed writing back in 1979. Her commitment to education shines through her involvement in developing programs that foster skill development for professionals, including AI for professionals. Brenda is also an active member of the Women's Business

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts is joined by Karla Olson, a transformative coach and best-selling author focused on helping women navigate the empty nest phase with confidence and joy. Together, they explore the emotional and practical aspects of this life transition, offering listeners valuable insights into how to approach the empty nest phase with intentionality and self-love. Karla shares her journey of self-discovery which began in earnest as she became more aware of the impending empty nest stage. This episode sheds light on the importance of reflecting on one's past while simultaneously designing a vibrant future. Karla breaks down her book's structure into past, present, and future sections, providing actionable steps for women to take charge of their lives and pursue their passions. Authenticity and inner guidance are emphasized as keys to living a fulfilling life during this new stage. The conversation is rich with practical advice, warm wisdom, and heartfelt anecdo

Join Mary Crafts as she welcomes Nate Randle to this week’s episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life." In a heartfelt conversation, Mary and Nate explore the transformative power of personal trials and how overcoming adversity can shape a person’s commitment to serving others. With more than just professional achievements, Nate shares his dedication to supporting single parents and his personal story of loss and resilience. In this compelling discussion, Nate Randle reveals how his life experiences, including the loss of his mother and daughter, have driven him to become a beacon of support for those in need. Sharing his personal journey, Nate uncovers the profound impact that empathy and vulnerability have had on his life and leadership style. This episode captures some extraordinary life lessons and serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. Nate and Mary delve into themes of choice, sacrifice, and legacy, emphasizing the importance of showing up for others and living a lif

In this episode of Crafting a Meaningful Life, host Mary Crafts engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Julia Henning, a life coach and author, about how to invite ease into our lives. The discussion opens with Mary sharing a personal story about realizing how some people might find reward in making life harder than it needs to be. This revelation ties seamlessly into Julia’s expertise and philosophy as captured in her book "It Gets to Be Easy." The dialogue explores how life can be approached with an alignment perspective, allowing individuals to navigate challenges with more grace and less struggle. The episode delves into the core differences between living life easily versus with ease, and how aligning with one’s authentic self can lead to profound life changes. Julia elaborates on how ease isn't about eliminating challenges but reshaping our relationship with life’s circumstances. Through engaging anecdotes and reflective insights, they explore various modalities and strategies like Water Releas

Join Mary Crafts in this thought-provoking episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," featuring Scott Schwab, a trailblazer in the fields of entrepreneurship and agritech. This episode delves into the notion of crafting your own unique path through life, embracing entrepreneurship regardless of perceived limitations, and recognizing the power within to guide one's future. Mary and Scott engage in an inspiring discussion that covers wellness, education, and entrepreneurship, offering listeners insights and practical advice on living a more fulfilling life. In this comprehensive discussion, Scott unfolds how his journey led to the founding of Mett Naturals, a company dedicated to creating high-quality hemp products that address common health issues like inflammation and anxiety. Learn about his mission-driven approach to entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the role of community and collaboration in business success, highlighting his experiences in both the agritech and nonprofit sectors. As Scott articulates the mean

In this engaging episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Adriana Shuman, an expert in functional medicine, to dive deep into health and wellness from a root-cause perspective. Together, they explore how the symptoms our bodies exhibit are not merely nuisances but valuable signals guiding us toward better health choices. Adriana discusses her transition from traditional pharmacy to functional medicine as she sought more effective solutions beyond merely treating symptoms with medication. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the human body and delving into natural and functional treatments to achieve true healing. In addition to discussing the intricacies of functional medicine, Adriana highlights the critical role of lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise on our overall well-being. By breaking down her "Live Well" methodology, Adriana outlines the four pillars of health: managing one's inner and outer environments, prioritizing nutritious foods, ensuring restfu

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes her friend and humanitarian leader, Heidi Totten, to discuss the empowering journey of crafting one's life purpose. This insightful conversation covers Heidi's transformative experiences in Kenya and how she has devoted herself to uplifting communities through 100 Humanitarians. Set against the compelling backdrop of personal purpose versus external missions, Heidi shares her belief that purpose comes from within, using Kenya as a vehicle to enrich her own and others' lives. Delve into the nuances of finding and living one's purpose as Heidi narrates her remarkable journey from corporate life to becoming a changemaker in Africa. The episode explores the intertwined themes of self-identity, empowerment, and the profound difference that purposeful endeavors can make. With engaging stories about innovative projects like garden towers and water systems, Heidi illustrates how small acts of service in Kenya resonate with larger global impact

In this episode of "Crafting A Meaningful Life with Mary Crafts," listeners are introduced to the inspiring journey of Carin Crowe, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in the Greater Salt Lake Area. Mary Crafts delves into the personal and professional journey of Carin, exploring how her early life experiences led her to impact lives by providing safe and stable housing through Habitat for Humanity's programs. The episode sheds light on the pivotal role non-profit organizations play in community upliftment and the healing power of creating safe spaces for vulnerable families. Carin Crowe shares her story, detailing how she rose from a challenging childhood to become a powerful voice in the non-profit sector. Her work with Habitat for Humanity focuses on constructing new homes, carrying out critical repairs, and providing supportive programs to help underserved populations. Notably, the conversation includes meaningful anecdotes and success stories that highlight the transformative impact of providing housing and

In this enlightening episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts welcomes Brian Higgins, founder of the nonprofit Mental Healthy F.I.T., to explore the crucial topic of mental health awareness. Brian shares his personal and professional experiences shaped by growing up in conflict-ridden Northern Ireland, later grappling with PTSD, addiction, and homelessness. The discussion delves into how creativity, particularly through film, can serve as an impactful therapeutic medium for mental health awareness. Throughout the conversation, Mary and Brian discuss the stigmas surrounding mental health and how storytelling can bridge the disconnect often found in traditional therapeutic approaches. With a focus on Mental Health Awareness Month, the episode emphasizes the significance of asking for help and understanding the universal nature of emotional experience. By coupling Brian's lived experiences and inventive initiatives through his nonprofit, the podcast highlights how creative outlets can inspire he

In this enriching episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," Mary Crafts engages in an inspiring conversation with Robyn Cohen, a leading figure in women's advocacy and entrepreneurship. Robyn shares her journey from her multicultural roots in Toronto to her international career of dual pathways in business development and women's advocacy. The discussion highlights the importance of women in leadership roles across all industries and addresses the existing disparities that persist. The episode delves into the essence of women's advocacy and why it still matters profoundly in today's world. Robyn Cohen explains her perspective on leadership gaps, empowerment, and the need for more women in influential positions to foster change in areas such as women's health. The pair converse about the scarcity mindset that sometimes impedes women's support for one another and how essential it is to move toward a collective mindset of abundance and authenticity. About the Guest: Robyn Cohen is a dynamic leader in women's advo

Join host Mary Crafts in an inspiring and candid conversation with Vanessa Perez on "Crafting a Meaningful Life." Vanessa, a dynamic figure with a multifaceted career, shares her compelling journey from serving in the Australian Army to becoming a pivotal force in the Utah startup community. The episode explores Vanessa's fearless approach to life, her ability to navigate and embrace change, and her profound dedication to unlocking entrepreneurial potential through MakeUtah. In this episode, Mary and Vanessa dive deep into the power of embracing fearlessness and transformation. Vanessa recounts seminal moments in her life, such as conquering personal fears atop the Sydney Harbor Bridge and shaping a career marked by leadership and innovation in challenging environments. She reflects on her transition to the United States, the joy of motherhood, and her mission to transform the Utah innovation landscape with Make Utah. Vanessa's story is a testament to the potential of living in the present and turning mayhem

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts engages with leadership expert Amy Chambers on topics that delve deeply into personal and professional growth. Amy shares insights from her transformative journey from a financial executive to a sought-after coach and author. Through discussing her writing and training practices, Amy and Mary explore the essential characteristics and habits that define exceptional leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of crafting a detailed life vision and being intentional with goals and daily actions—an approach that Amy has refined in her lifetime of professional and personal experiences. Amy delves into the heart of her books, particularly the "Seven Virtues of Exceptional Leaders," unpacking the acronym that encapsulates her guiding principles for leadership: Vision, Involve, Routines, Talk Terrifically, Understanding, Encourage Energy, and Showcase Swimming. Each virtue represents a fundamental aspect of leadership that Amy has identified