• #25 - Jill - Plant Your Flag: A Story of Grit and Grace
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, I sit down with Jill—a woman whose life reads like a tapestry woven from grit, grace, and bold conviction. From growing up on a pecan farm near the U.S.-Mexico border to finding her voice through music, photography, and political engagement, Jill’s story is as rich as it is real.

    We talk about family dynamics, the creative spark that comes from cooking with love, and the way rebellion can be the beginning of clarity—not chaos. Jill reflects on the tension between legacy and identity, faith and frustration, safety and risk—and how growing up on the border shaped her awareness of both humanity and injustice.

    This conversation moves through every season of her growth: her music career and time on the road, her transition into photography and design, and her deep dive into community and civic life. We talk about what it means to present yourself well—not for ego, but as a form of respect—and how seeing potential in others can be an act of love.

    The back half of this episode gets real about rights, responsibility, and what it takes to stand up when it would be easier to stay quiet. Jill’s political awakening during the pandemic lit a fire in her, and her journey into local activism is a reminder that boldness isn’t just an attitude—it’s a duty.

    If you’ve ever wrestled with who you are, what you believe, and how to live it out loud—Jill’s story will hit home. This is a call to know your roots, speak the truth, and plant your flag.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Main Character Podcast

    06:34 Family Dynamics and Relationships

    14:53 The Joy of Cooking and Baking

    20:41 Faith and Upbringing

    30:08 Reflections on Education and Growth

    35:17 Rebellion and Identity: The Black Sheep Experience

    40:44 Dangerous Encounters: Life on the Border

    51:22 Musical Journey: From Farm to Studio

    01:00:00 Grace and Empathy: Navigating Life's Challenges

    01:12:47 The Importance of Presentation

    01:21:14 The Art of Listening and Connection

    01:27:37 Recognizing Potential in Others

    01:33:02 Experiences on the Road: Touring Life

    01:46:10 Transitioning to Photography

    01:51:34 Legacy and Family Connections

    01:56:59 The Impact of Community and Relationships

    02:14:09 Political Engagement and Personal Growth

    02:24:08 Awakening to Rights and Responsibilities

    02:30:49 Engaging in Political Discourse

    02:35:52 The Role of Faith in Politics

    02:43:22 From Activism to Campaigning

    02:51:19 The Journey of Political Involvement

    03:00:09 The Spread of Policies and Personal Experiences

    03:06:53 Navigating Political Campaigns and Personal Growth

    03:12:01 The Role of the Washington Policy Center

    03:18:00 Finding Joy and Balance in Life

    03:29:56 A Call to Boldness and Action

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    3 Std. und 33 Min.
  • #24 - Lindsey - Make It Your Bitch: A Healing Story
    May 25 2025

    In this episode of The Main Character Podcast, I sit down with Lindsey to explore her courageous and deeply personal journey through breast cancer. Lindsey walks us through the choices she made—especially her decision to explore alternative treatments like cryoablation—and the empowerment that came from trusting her intuition over pressure from the traditional medical system.

    We talk about the emotional complexity of family dynamics in the middle of a health crisis, and what it means to hold your own when the people around you don’t always understand your decisions. Lindsey shares how nutrition, fasting, and lifestyle changes played a major role in her healing journey—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.

    From parenting and dating after cancer to business, boundaries, and faith, this conversation is about agency, resilience, and choosing to live fully in the face of uncertainty. Lindsey’s story is proof that healing isn’t just about fighting—it’s about reclaiming your power, redefining what wellness means for you, and building a life that aligns with who you really are.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Main Character Podcast

    06:39 Health Journey and Weight Loss Transformation

    11:57 Facing Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    20:01 Navigating Family Dynamics During Health Crisis

    31:15 Navigating Medical Recommendations

    38:39 Questioning Conventional Treatments

    44:49 The Role of Support Systems

    50:11 Dietary Changes and Health Awareness

    01:01:28 The Journey of Healing: Tumor Shrinkage and Metabolic Health

    01:09:44 Rejecting Conventional Treatments: A Stand Against Fear

    01:16:58 Exploring Alternatives: Cryoablation vs. Surgery

    01:24:40 The Decision to Cancel Surgery: Trusting Intuition

    01:32:38 Celebrating a New Path: The Cryoablation Experience

    01:40:19 The Importance of Mental and Spiritual Resilience

    01:50:27 Dating and New Beginnings After Health Struggles

    01:59:31 Parenting Challenges and Family Dynamics

    02:06:14 Navigating Single Parenthood Challenges

    02:12:00 Reflections on Education and Personal Growth

    02:26:31 Birth Stories and Medical Experiences

    02:33:17 Navigating Parenting Challenges

    02:38:46 Defining Boundaries and Personal Growth

    02:46:08 Family Dynamics and Expectations

    02:53:26 Faith and Personal Beliefs

    03:06:40 Empowerment and Taking Control of Life

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    3 Std. und 8 Min.
  • #23 - Adrian - The Philosopher
    May 20 2025

    In this episode of The Main Character Podcast, Adrian steps into the spotlight with a rich, wide-ranging conversation that explores what it means to be curious, thoughtful, and alive in this strange world. From gigs paid in beer to diving headfirst into the ocean, Adrian shares stories of adventure, music, and the unexpected magic found along the way—including literal sleight of hand.

    We dig deep into the structure of education, from struggling with credit transfers to wrestling with the value of degrees in a world that seems increasingly skeptical of formal learning. Adrian opens up about living with aphantasia, the nature of imagination, and how theory—when taught right—can unlock something real.

    Together, we explore the philosophical threads that weave through Adrian’s story: the rise and fall of civilizations, the purpose of education, building identity, confronting imposter syndrome, and the sober clarity that comes from rewriting your own narrative. From Nietzsche to nihilism, from octopuses to extraterrestrials, this episode is a deep dive into meaning, morality, and the power of perspective.

    And of course, we laugh—because in the face of all this existential weight, humor might be the most honest philosophy of all.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Main Character Podcast

    06:07 Adventures in Florida and Ocean Experiences

    15:57 Exploring Philosophy and Education

    22:02 The Journey of Learning and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    39:27 Navigating Education and Credit Transfer

    44:58 The Impact of Online Learning

    51:49 The Specialization of Knowledge

    01:00:08 Understanding Aphantasia and Its Implications

    01:14:40 The Intersection of Imagination and Reality

    01:19:40 Societal Structures and Bees

    01:26:52 Understanding Decline and Progress

    01:31:56 The Philosophy of Education

    01:49:08 Sobriety and Social Dynamics

    01:55:38 Ideal Weekend Activities and Information Consumption

    02:01:13 Philosophical Influences: Nietzsche and Ethics

    02:06:36 Exploring Personal Background and Religious Influences

    02:14:48 Understanding Faith and Its Role in Life

    02:22:50 Existentialism and the Nature of Existence

    02:30:08 The Concept of Nihilism and Its Implications

    02:36:44 The Role of Education in Understanding Meaning

    02:49:54 The Importance of Clear Communication in Philosophy

    03:05:24 Theatrical Philosophy and System Building

    03:11:20 The Human Conversation: Philosophy's Roots

    03:27:31 Free Will vs Determinism: A Philosophical Debate

    03:34:59 Exploring Choices and Media Consumption

    03:41:50 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

    03:48:20 The Interconnectedness of Life and Energy

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    3 Std. und 58 Min.
  • #22 - Renee - This Is God's Thing: An Artists Calling to Heal
    May 14 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, I sit down with powerhouse nurse practitioner Renee who’s walked the winding road of healthcare—from cardiac units to hospice care, from nursing school struggles to building a practice rooted in holistic healing. We talk about what it means to serve others in a broken medical system while still staying rooted in faith, family, and personal truth.

    She opens up about the impact of nutrition, herbalism, and alternative medicine in her journey—and why supplements, stress, and spirituality might be more connected than we think. We explore how faith guided her through burnout, doctoral research, and the chaos of the pandemic, and how her work now centers on integrating body, mind, and spirit in real, practical ways.

    But this episode isn’t just about medicine. It’s about marriage. About strength and softness. About women holding space for men, and what it takes to love and lead well—at home and in the world. We talk about the Holy Spirit’s whispers, the weight of caregiving, the need for vulnerability, and the kind of deep rest and communication that real relationships require.

    If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying too much, questioning your calling, or craving healing that touches more than just the physical—you’ll feel seen here.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Main Character Podcast

    05:09 Conferences and Networking in Healthcare

    14:51 Family Dynamics and Upbringing

    23:23 Herbal Medicine and Gardening

    28:57 Integrative Medicine and Personal Experiences

    34:35 Holistic Care in Nursing

    39:55 Innovative Treatments: Hyperbaric Chambers and Vitamin Infusions

    45:24 The Role of Trust in Nursing Education

    56:00 Leadership and Advocacy in Nursing

    01:01:08 Navigating Nursing Education and Career Paths

    01:06:08 Challenges and Triumphs During the Pandemic

    01:13:06 The Rewards of Hospice Care

    01:23:07 The Importance of Stress Screening in Healthcare

    01:31:00 The Burden of Stress in Healthcare

    01:37:00 The Role of Mental Health in Holistic Care

    01:42:58 The Journey to Opening a Holistic Clinic

    02:01:33 Foundation of Strength and Power

    02:07:39 The Journey of Healing and Leadership

    02:18:00 Hearing the Holy Spirit

    02:23:06 Overcoming Marriage Challenges and Growth

    02:32:44 The Importance of Communication in Relationships

    02:38:51 The Need for Rest and Intimacy with God

    02:49:11 Finding Joy in Partnership and Shared Experiences

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    2 Std. und 58 Min.
  • #21 - Chelsea - Big Leo Energy
    May 7 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Chelsea for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about belief, identity, and healing. We talk about the energy behind prayer, the role of astrology and numerology, and how personal experiences shape our understanding of the world.

    We explore the balance between masculine and feminine, the tension between patriarchy and feminism, and the work of redefining gender roles—both spiritually and relationally. Chelsea shares her spiritual journey, from Methodist roots to a positive experience with Catholicism, crazy Pentecostal prayer circles to metaphysical practices, guidance by her mentor aunt who helped her unlock intuitive gifts and explore mediumship, and now a relationship with Jesus routed in the Latter Day Saint faith.

    We touch on religious trauma, shared dream spaces, déjà vu, and the search for a spiritual path that actually fits. Through stories of adoption, family, and love, Chelsea reflects on the deep inner work that led her to her husband and a relationship rooted in divine timing.

    This episode is a raw, thoughtful look at what it means to grow spiritually, challenge inherited beliefs, and move toward wholeness with curiosity and compassion.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction

    05:56 Exploring Astrology and Its Significance

    11:54 The Role of Energy and Intention in Prayer

    18:02 The Power of Collective Intention

    23:55 The Nature of Internal Dialogue

    30:02 Finding Balance in Gender Dynamics

    36:57 The Power of Timing and Spirituality

    45:52 Exploring the Beauty of Art and Personal Connection

    52:08 Chelsea's Spiritual Journey and Upbringing

    01:06:03 The Intersection of Faith and Identity

    01:12:15 The Impact of Pentecostalism

    01:17:40 Leaving Christianity Behind

    01:25:12 Deja Vu and Shared Dream Space

    01:36:50 Navigating Spirituality in Adulthood

    01:42:55 Confronting Nightmares and Seeking Guidance

    01:48:52 Discovering Mediumship and Spiritual Gifts

    01:53:55 Transitioning to Massage School and Healing Arts

    02:01:08 Practicing Spiritual Muscles and Empathy

    02:08:40 Yoga: A Path to Connection and Healing

    02:16:05 Reevaluating Spirituality and Christianity

    02:23:35 Exploring Family Dynamics and Beliefs

    02:34:49 Spiritual Awakening and Personal Growth

    02:44:00 Navigating Relationships and Spiritual Guidance

    02:52:02 Meeting My Husband and Spiritual Synchronicities

    03:02:11 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

    03:12:03 Understanding Different Faiths and Beliefs

    03:18:40 Cultural Changes and Acceptance

    03:25:16 The Importance of Kindness and Community

    03:34:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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    3 Std. und 43 Min.
  • #20 - Keaton - Roots, Wings, and the Space Between
    May 5 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, Keaton takes us on a trip back to his roots in Jackson, Wyoming—before the billionaires, before the resort town vibe, back when it was just a wild, rugged place to grow up. We talk through how the town has changed, what gets lost in the process of “development,” and how community identity gets tested as the cost of living climbs and culture shifts. From his college years at Texas A&M to wrestling with AI's role in our future, this one’s about the intersections of place, progress, and personal growth.

    We also dig into his aviation journey—building an airplane from the ground up, navigating airworthiness regulations, and chasing the absolute joy of flight. It’s a story about curiosity, failure, persistence, and freedom. Along the way, we reflect on family dynamics, education reform, the survival skills no one teaches, and the importance of asking big questions about purpose, parenting, and what kind of world we’re building next.

    Whether you’re flying high or stuck on the runway, this episode is a reminder to keep learning, stay grounded, and build something worth piloting.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics

    02:02 Summer Activities and Outdoor Adventures

    04:52 Growing Up in Jackson: A Personal Journey

    08:12 The Evolution of Jackson: From Cowboy Town to Billionaire Haven

    11:08 Family Dynamics and Community Connections

    14:00 Cultural Differences: From Jackson to Texas A&M

    16:51 The Impact of Wealth on Community and Society

    19:57 Navigating Change: Development and Affordable Housing

    22:52 College Experience and Career Aspirations

    26:15 The Role of AI in Modern Society

    29:06 Philosophical Implications of AI and Society

    32:11 Future of Work and Human Purpose

    35:01 Survival and Preparedness in a Tech-Dependent World

    38:01 Conclusion and Reflections on Community and Change

    45:55 Navigating Career Choices

    50:03 Reconnecting with Emily

    54:02 The Journey of Building an Airplane

    01:05:46 Understanding Aviation Regulations

    01:17:46 The Flight Testing Process

    01:24:01 The Joy of Flying and Adventure

    01:34:16 The Ideal Family Size

    01:38:06 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting

    01:45:09 Exploring Life's Purpose

    01:54:11 Innovations in Space Exploration

    02:07:31 The Flaws in Education and Financial Literacy

    02:18:43 Megaphone Moment

    02:20:17 Outro


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    2 Std. und 21 Min.
  • #19 - Jen - The Hillyard Girl
    Apr 22 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, I’m joined by my friend Jen—someone whose story is layered with grit, grace, and a fierce kind of resilience. Jen opens up about the health battles that forced her to slow down and see life differently, the family dynamics that shaped her early years, and the intentional way she now approaches motherhood, ethics, and personal growth. This isn’t a highlight reel—it’s the real stuff: fear, faith, healing, humor, and how to keep showing up even when life doesn’t play fair.

    We cover a lot of ground—parenting, mindset, community, forgiveness, even a detour into true crime and doomsday cults. But through it all, Jen holds steady to the deeper thread: how to stay rooted in who you are, even when everything around you is shifting. This one’s a reminder that our stories aren’t linear. They’re layered, messy, meaningful—and worth telling. Jen doesn’t just talk about main character energy. She lives it.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

    07:25 Health Challenges and Resilience

    13:31 Musical Journey and Passion

    18:40 Parenting Philosophy and Values

    26:44 Ethics, Morals, and Religion

    41:37 Community and Personal Impact

    57:22 Navigating Personal Challenges and Relationships

    01:23:35 The Power of Vibration and Mindset

    01:29:00 Navigating Life's Challenges with Positivity

    01:36:49 Finding Strength in Turbulent Times

    01:42:16 The Role of Faith and Forgiveness

    01:52:51 Understanding Human Behavior through True Crime

    02:06:30 The Doomsday Cult and Its Intrigues

    02:15:46 Navigating Personal Safety in Today's World

    02:27:41 Community Changes and Crime Trends

    02:38:13 Future Aspirations and Life Reflections

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    2 Std. und 46 Min.
  • Sherilyn - The Adventurer
    Apr 13 2025

    In this episode of the Main Character Podcast, Sherilyn and Brandon explore everything from growing up as a missionary kid in the Philippines, typhoons, kidnappings, loss, her faith journey, and how her and her husband first bumped into each other. Oh, and there’s a trip to Antarctica in there too!

    Sherilyn emphasizes the significance of embracing change, pursuing dreams, and finding one's unique path in life. Her message resonates with hope, reminding listeners that healing is a birthright and that the end of the story is ultimately good.

    This is one you won’t want to miss. Sit down, strap in, and get ready for an adventure!


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Perspectives

    05:46 Growing Together Through Change

    11:58 Life as a Missionary Kid

    18:13 Cultural Experiences and Trauma

    23:53 Education and Learning Struggles

    30:00 Life in a Compound

    36:00 Reflections on Safety and Normalcy

    48:03 Bartering and Community in the Philippines

    56:46 Navigating Cultural Differences and Financial Struggles

    01:06:50 Smuggling Bibles and Faith in Action

    01:19:18 Reconciliation and Family Bonds

    01:29:27 Celebrity Encounters and Cultural Identity

    01:36:23 Family Health Crises and Emotional Turmoil

    01:44:32 The Impact of Loss and Grief

    02:00:28 Reacclimating to Life in the States

    02:06:19 Caring for a Parent and Facing Loss Again

    02:13:19 Navigating Family Crisis

    02:18:22 The Weight of Responsibility

    02:26:23 The Transition of Life

    02:35:07 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

    02:41:15 Pursuing Dreams and New Beginnings

    02:55:45 Exploring Beliefs and Healing Journeys

    03:01:40 Life Transitions and New Beginnings

    03:08:20 The Impact of Hypnosis on Healing

    03:16:50 Navigating Life's Challenges with Resilience

    03:24:48 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

    03:37:47 A Message of Hope and Healing

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    3 Std. und 39 Min.