Guest Name: Tom LeNoble

www.tomlenoble.com

www.linkedin.com/in/tomlenoble

https://www.facebook.com/tomlenoble

https://www.instagram.com/lenoble.tom

📝 Summary:

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, award‑winning author and philanthropist Tom LeNoble shares the remarkable story behind his memoir My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels. From growing up in a shack in Jacksonville Beach to performing in drag pageants, from leading operations at Facebook as one of its first 75 employees to surviving two life-threatening illness, Tom’s life is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

He opens up about living through three “six‑months‑to‑live” diagnoses, building a high‑level corporate career while battling life‑threatening illness, and ultimately dedicating his life to philanthropy, coaching, and helping others live fully. Tom also reveals what’s next: a one‑person stage production that brings all three of his life personas to the spotlight, and two upcoming books that continue his extraordinary story. This episode is inspiring, raw, funny, and unforgettable.

🎙️ Topics explored in this episode:

1. Your beginnings don’t define your destiny. Tom grew up in a one‑bedroom shack with no hot water, yet built a global career.

2. Identity is layered. His life includes business suits, hospital gowns, and high heels — all equally real and formative.

3. Performing helped him. It gave him a community, confidence, and a belonging during some difficult times.

4. He survived the AIDS crisis firsthand. Diagnosed with full‑blown AIDS in 1989 with only nine T‑cells.

5. Purpose fuels survival. Returning to work after disability dramatically improved his health and outlook.

6. He helped create the early Facebook culture. As one of the first 75 employees, he built customer operations and worked directly with Mark Zuckerberg.

7. Philanthropy is his life’s mission. He supports underserved communities, youth in the arts, first‑gen students, and more.

8. Manifestation works — when you release control. Tom shares powerful stories about letting go of expectations and allowing life to unfold.

9. We are the sum of all our parts. Every chapter — even the hidden ones — shapes who we become.

10. Living fully is a choice. Tom teaches that we are all “living while dying,” and gratitude is the foundation of a meaningful life.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Tom LeNoble

03:51 Growing Up in a Shack: Early Life and Family

07:00 Transitioning from Childhood to Adulthood

09:38 The High Heels Era: Embracing Performance and Identity

12:24 Career Journey: From Bartending to Corporate Success

15:23 Life Threatening Illnesses: Overcoming Adversity

18:20 Philanthropy and Coaching: Giving Back to the Community

25:24 A Journey of Resilience and Reflection

30:39 Living Fully While Dying

36:39 The Power of Gratitude and Service

40:15 Manifestation and Expectations

49:24 The Sum of Our Parts: Embracing Life's Journey

Keywords:

#aidssurvivor #authorinterview #cancerwarrior #cksimsshow #dragstory #empowermentjourney #facebookhistory #healingjourney #hivaidsawareness #inspirationdaily #interviewpodcast #lifelessons #lgbtqstories #memoirwriter #mindsetshift #motivationtalk #overcomingadversity #personaltransformation #philanthropywork #podcastconversation #podcastguest #podmatch #resilience #selfgrowth #selfhelpstories #survivorstories #tomlenoble #transformationjourney #wellnessmindset #womenandallies

Want to be a guest on The C.K. Simms Show? SendC.K. a message on PodMatch at ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Dr. Melanie Gray

https://www.drmelaniegraytheconfidencecoach.com/

Instagram: drmelaniewellnesscoach

Facebook: melanie.gray.550422

LinkedIn: drmelaniegray

📝Summary:

In this powerful Black History Month episode, C.K. Simms sits down with Dr. Melanie Gray — a 2017 Black Excellence Award recipient — to explore her extraordinary 41‑year journey in nursing, higher education, trauma‑informed care, and leadership. From growing up in a family shaped by Jim Crow to becoming the first in her family to earn a college and terminal degree, Dr. Gray shares how she navigated discrimination, embraced pivotal career shifts, and built a life rooted in purpose and faith.

She also introduces her upcoming book Stop It, a transformational guide to overcoming burnout and reclaiming personal agency. This conversation is rich with wisdom, empowerment, and a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot into your calling.

🎙️Top 10 Takeaways:

1. Pivots are powerful. Dr. Gray’s career includes multiple reinventions — from ICU nurse to educator to trauma‑informed care expert — each driven by purpose and self‑preservation.

2. Black excellence is lived, not claimed. Her 2017 Black Excellence Award reflects decades of service, leadership, and resilience.

3. Discrimination persists — but so does strength. She recounts being mistaken for an aide, ignored by physicians, and questioned about her credentials.

4. Education was a generational breakthrough. As the first in her family to earn both a college degree and a PhD, she fulfilled dreams her parents could not access.

5. Burnout is a signal, not a sentence. Her upcoming book Stop It teaches people to recognize burnout, tell themselves the truth, and prioritize healing.

6. Social media amplifies dissatisfaction. Dr. Gray warns that constant comparison erodes self‑worth and fuels division.

7. Leadership is not about titles. Anyone guiding others — parents, volunteers, community members — is a leader.

8. Preparation creates freedom. She intentionally built financial stability before pivoting into consulting and semi‑retirement.

9. Faith is her foundation. Dr. Gray speaks openly about her relationship with God and how it sustains her purpose.

10. You are a gift. Her message to all generations — especially Black listeners — is to step away from negativity, forgive yourself, and embrace your inherent worth.

⏱️Chapters:

00:00 Celebrating Black History and Excellence

04:54 Journey into Nursing: A Personal Story

07:40 Facing Discrimination in Healthcare

10:24 The Impact of Social Media on Perception

12:58 Navigating Career Changes and Education

15:31 The State of Society and Future Generations

22:47 Navigating Career Pivots

26:23 Embracing Change and Transformation

31:58 The Journey to Writing 'Stop It'

37:19 Faith, Resilience, and Personal Growth

42:45 Empowering Generations to Overcome Challenges

#affirmation #authenticity #blackexcellence #blackhistorymonth #blackleaders #burnoutrecovery #careerpivot #cksimsshow #confidencecoach #drmelaniegray #empowerment #faithjourney #healingjourney #inspiration #leadershipdevelopment #lifepurpose #mentalhealthmatters #motivationdaily #nursingjourney #onlineeducation #personalgrowth #podcastinterview #podmatch #resilience #selfcaretips #selfworth #traumainformedcare #wellbeing #womeninleadership #wisdom

🎬 About The Show:

Season Three of Poddin’ My Noggin has evolved into The C.K. Simms Show, expanding beyond the limits of a traditional podcast into a web-based talk show experience.

The show continues to explore the psychology of adversity and personal definitions of success while introducing exciting new segments:

Small business conversations

Independent artist spotlights

Fresh faces and inspiring stories

Public figures, actors, comedians, and thought leaders

Community giveaways and contests

Want to be a guest on The C.K. Simms Show? Send C.K. a message on PodMatch at ⁠https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Summary

In this deeply personal season finale of Poddin’ My Noggin, C.K. Simms reflects on two transformative years of podcasting, healing, creativity, and connection. Filmed on New Year’s Eve, this episode explores gratitude, anger, grief, faith, global uncertainty, and the courage it takes to remain hopeful in turbulent times. C.K. shares how books, guests, creativity, and vulnerability became a form of currency and announces the rebrand to The C.K. Simms Show, a bold new chapter rooted in authenticity, kindness, and purpose. This episode is a meditation on resilience, manifestation, and choosing compassion while stepping fully into one’s voice.

This episode serves as a powerful manifestation to reach one million listeners worldwide, including musicians, comedians, actors, public figures, and cultural icons such as Brené Brown and Oprah. It also introduces future plans for interactive audience engagement through games, prizes, and exclusive giveaways.

Takeaways

• Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is the gateway to authenticity and meaningful connection.

• Creative work, even when unpaid, still holds real value and impact.

• Gratitude is a grounding force, especially during periods of global and personal uncertainty.

• Anger often masks unresolved grief, helplessness, or unprocessed trauma.

• Choosing kindness requires first being kind to yourself.

• Faith, spirituality and questioning can coexist without contradiction.

• Stories, books, conversations, lived experiences have the power to heal and awaken empathy.

• Growth sometimes requires shedding old identities to step into truer ones.

• Hope is not toxic positivity; it is an act of resistance.

• Rebranding isn’t starting over, it’s arriving more fully as yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Intentions for the Final Episode

02:35 Reflecting on the Journey of Podcasting

05:18 Gratitude and Acknowledging Influences

07:41 Personal Growth and Overcoming Anger

10:01 Manifesting Future Goals and Aspirations

12:28 Navigating Emotions and World Events

14:44 Celebrating Books and Authors

17:10 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

25:47 Celebrating Literary Contributions

27:53 Exploring Thrilling Reads

36:25 A New Chapter: Rebranding the Show

38:59 Manifesting Future Aspirations

44:00 Gratitude and Community Engagement

Keywords

#authenticity #happynewyear #kindness #manifest #podmatch

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: John Borden

https://www.getpsychedfitness.com/

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, C.K. Simms sits down with author and transformation coach John Borden to unpack the deeply personal journey behind his memoir Your Mindset Is Your Reality. John opens up about addiction, bullying, emotional repression, and the quiet collapse behind outward success. He shares how psychedelics—used intentionally and responsibly—became a tool for healing, emotional integration, and lasting change. This conversation explores masculinity, mental health, trauma, accountability, and the profound truth that inner mindset shapes lived reality. A raw, honest, and hopeful dialogue for anyone navigating recovery, self-discovery, or personal transformation.

Takeaways

• Addiction often hides behind success, productivity, and social acceptance.

• Emotional repression—especially in men—can quietly fuel anxiety, depression, and self-destruction.

• Mindset is not motivational fluff; it actively shapes behavior, perception, and outcomes.

• Psychedelics, when used intentionally, can serve as tools for emotional processing and healing.

• True transformation requires accountability, not blame-shifting.

• Trauma does not disappear when ignored—it compounds.

• Healing begins when suppressed emotions are finally allowed to surface.

• Recovery is nonlinear and deeply personal.

• Strength includes vulnerability, emotional literacy, and self-awareness.

• You cannot outrun yourself—but you can rebuild yourself.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to John Borden and His Memoir

02:26 The Journey of Addiction and Recovery

08:39 Writing Style and Reader Engagement

12:25 The Disconnect Between Appearance and Reality

14:19 Experiences of Bullying and Its Impact

18:26 College Life and Escalating Addictions

22:17 Consequences of Addiction and Job Loss

29:19 Transformation Through Psychedelics

32:38 Exploring Psychedelics: A Personal Journey

39:42 Emotional Unraveling and Healing Through Psychedelics

51:09 Defining Identity and Personal Growth

01:01:12 Future Aspirations and Goals

Keywords

#addictionrecovery #authenticity #bookinterview #healingjourney #mentalhealth #memoir #mindfulness #mindset #mensmentalhealth #personaldevelopment #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #psychedelictherapy #psilocybin #recoveryjourney #selfawareness #selfgrowth #selfhealing #sobriety #spiritualgrowth #storytelling #transformation #traumahealing #vulnerability #wellnessjourney #wholeness #yourmindsetisyourreality #innerwork #emotionalhealing

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Nicholas Ruchlewicz

https://linktr.ee/giftofperspective

We had some technical issues with the video portion of this episode resulting in it being choppy but it was a wonderful episode nonetheless and we recommend giving it a listen.

Summary

In this powerful episode of Poddin’ My Noggin, traumatic brain injury survivor and mental health advocate Nicholas Ruchlewicz shares his life-altering story of survival, recovery, and purpose. After a devastating motorcycle accident left him with a severe brain injury, Nicholas relearned how to see, think, move, and live. Through vulnerability, tabletop gaming, music, and community service, he transformed trauma into connection—now supporting others facing invisible injuries, mental health struggles, and isolation. This conversation explores resilience, identity after trauma, the importance of showing kindness to others, and the profound healing power of belonging.

Takeaways

• Traumatic brain injuries are often invisible, yet profoundly life-altering.

• Recovery is not linear—healing requires patience, compassion, and redefinition of “better.”

• Executive function loss can be more frightening than physical injury.

• Music can have measurable physiological and emotional healing effects after trauma.

• Community is a critical lifeline in recovery and mental health survival.

• Tabletop games provide structure, creativity, and social reconnection for healing minds.

• Trauma survivors often carry unseen pain—kindness should never be optional.

• Identity can be rebuilt after loss, even when the old self feels unreachable.

• Peer support from lived experience creates safety professionals sometimes cannot.

• Turning pain into purpose can help others feel seen, heard, and less alone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Ruchlewicz

00:56 Nicholas's Early Life and Interests

02:35 Transition to Motorcycling and the Accident

05:27 The Accident: A Life-Changing Moment

09:37 The Aftermath: Hospitalization and Recovery

16:26 Rehabilitation: Learning to Live Again

21:34 Reflections on Brain Injury and Recovery

22:38 The Journey of Healing and Rehabilitation

28:53 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

34:43 Finding Purpose Through Connection

41:45 The Role of Tabletop Games in Healing

Keywords

#braininjury #communityhealing #disabilityawareness #healingjourney #invisibleinjury #lifepurpose #mentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #motorcycleaccident #neurorehabilitation #nonlinearhealing #poddinmynoggin #podcastinterview #podmatch #posttraumaticgrowth #ptsdrecovery #resilience #survivorstories #tabletopgaming #tbi #tbiawareness #therapythroughplay #traumarecovery #traumasurvivor #vulnerability #healingthroughmusic #mentalhealthmatters #livedexperience #humanconnection

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Noah May

https://linktr.ee/noahspodcast

Summary

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, C.K. welcomes podcast host Noah May, who opens up about his journey from a challenging adolescence marked by depression, anxiety, bullying, and family hardship to discovering purpose through storytelling and podcasting. Noah shares how his mental health diagnoses shaped his growth, how long-term recovery transformed his outlook, and how his three shows—Lethal Venom, Music Talks, and Southern Reads—emerged from resilience, creativity, and a desire to speak truth. This episode offers compassion, insight, and inspiration for anyone navigating mental health struggles or searching for their voice.

Takeaways

• Noah’s mental health journey began at age 13, following bullying, family strain, and personal upheaval.

• His grandmother’s rapid decline from Alzheimer’s and dementia became a major emotional turning point.

• He was diagnosed with clinical depression and later severe anxiety, presenting through uncommon physical symptoms.

• Long-term COVID intensified his struggles, causing major weight loss and triggering relapse.

• Proper medication and therapy became life-changing, helping him regain stability and rediscover joy.

• Podcasting began as a college project but evolved into a meaningful creative career.

• Lethal Venom explores raw honesty—reflecting his belief that truth can be painful but transformative.

• Southern Reads and Music Talks stem from his passions, blending books, storytelling, and music appreciation.

• His message: keep fighting, even when life feels overwhelming; healing happens in waves.

• Noah’s story highlights the importance of early intervention, showing how recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and advocating for proper care can prevent years of silent suffering and lead to meaningful recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noah May and His Podcasts

03:45 The Journey of Lethal Venom Podcast

04:51 Struggles with Depression and Anxiety

11:39 Navigating Teenage Challenges and Mental Health

21:19 Education and Career Pathways

23:33 Navigating the Pandemic: A Personal Journey

26:52 The Impact of Long COVID on Mental Health

29:42 Finding the Right Medication: A Turning Point

34:51 Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health and Medication

38:47 The Evolution of a Podcaster: From Hobby to Career

43:37 Embracing Uncertainty: Future Aspirations and Growth

Keywords

#anxietyjourney #anxietysupport #authorinterview #bookpodcast #depressionsurvivor #healingjourney #inspirationdaily #journalismlife #lethalvenom #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthconversation #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthmatters #motivationforall #musicpodcast #noahmay #overcomingstruggles #podcastcommunity #podcastconversation #podcasterlife #podcastguest #podcastinterview #podcastlove #podmatch #poddinmynoggin #selfgrowthjourney #southernreads #storytellingmatters #truthandhealing #youthmentalhealth

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Alan Lazaros

https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/

Instagram: alazaros88

YouTube: NextLevelUniversity

Summary

In this powerful and deeply human episode, C.K. sits down with Next Level University co-founder Alan Lazaros for a transformative conversation about resilience, potential, and the courage to redesign your life from the ground up. From losing his father at age two, to the collapse of his family at 14, to surviving a devastating car accident at 26 that forced him to confront mortality, Alan opens up about the pivotal events that shaped him into the leader he is today.

Together, C.K. and Alan explore childhood trauma, the cost of unhealed pain, ambition, masculinity, ego, burnout, self-leadership, and the triad of humility, courage, and vulnerability. Alan shares the moment he realized he wasn’t living his potential, how he rebuilt his life through discipline and self-awareness, and why fulfillment—not status—is the true measure of success.

This is a conversation about transformation at its rawest level: how to face yourself, how to stop hiding your gifts, and how to design a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Whether you’re healing, growing, or trying to level up, this episode will challenge, uplift, and inspire.

Takeaways

• Childhood trauma shapes identity but does not define your destiny.

• Losing three families by 14 fueled Alan’s drive for stability and belonging.

• The car accident at 26 became his existential wake-up call and catalyst for radical change.

• Humility, courage, and vulnerability form the “Triad of Transformation.”

• Gifted individuals have a responsibility to use their abilities for good.

• Unhealed pain leads to ego-driven living, while healing leads to purpose-driven leadership.

• Transformation starts with truth, often uncomfortable but necessary for growth.

• Belonging vs. significance: people either dial down to fit in or dial up to feel important.

• You can reverse-engineer a magnificent life by aligning daily habits with your long-term vision.

• Next Level University’s mission is to help people reach their potential through daily, actionable self-improvement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:43 The Importance of Transformation

03:42 Childhood and Early Life Challenges

08:59 Pivotal Life Events and Their Impact

16:36 The Car Accident and a New Beginning

23:43 Realizations and Responsibilities of Gifted Individuals

26:45 Redefining Education and Life Design

29:04 Understanding Apathy, Ignorance, and Fatigue

31:14 The Journey of Alan and Kevin

34:41 Transforming Pain into Purpose

38:35 The Triad of Transformation

41:46 Living Authentically in a Social World

44:43 The Importance of Humility, Courage, and Vulnerability

49:53 The Struggle for Belonging and Significance

51:03 Next Level University: A Path to Growth

Keywords

#alanlazaros #courage #healingjourney #humility #inspirationdaily #lifedesign #mentalhealthmatters #mindsetcoach #nextleveluniversity #personaldevelopment #podcastconversation #podcastinterview #podcastlife #podmatch #potential #purpose #resilience #selfawareness #selfbelief #selfconfidence #selfgrowth #selfimprovement #selfleadership #successmindset #transformationjourney #traumahealing #wellbeing #wellnessjourney #youareenough #yourpotential

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc

Guest Name: Ellen Barrett

https://www.ellenbarrett.com/

Instagram: ellenbarrettfit

Summary

In this energizing episode, host C.K. Simms sits down with aerobics instructor, author and online movement studio founder, Ellen Barrett, to explore her lifelong devotion to helping people feel strong, capable, and fully alive. From her technicolor introduction to aerobics as a teenager to teaching at Club Med, shaping millions of home exercisers through her hit DVDs, writing four fitness books, and now leading an empowering digital studio, Ellen shares the wisdom, resilience, and joy that have carried her through decades of transformation.

Together, C.K. and Ellen explore movement as self-care, aging with confidence, the power of saying “yes,” the evolution of at-home fitness, and the emotional shifts that accompany entering your prime years. This is a vibrant, compassionate conversation that reminds listeners that growth never stops—and that movement, done with intention, can open the door to possibility at any age.

Takeaways

• Movement is a lifelong companion, and when practiced with intention, it energizes every area of life.

• Saying “Yes” creates opportunities—each new experience is a breadcrumb leading to deeper clarity.

• Fitness doesn’t require perfection; consistency and curiosity matter more than intensity.

• Women need a different fitness approach, especially as hormones shift—gentle, regulated movement serves them best.

• The fitness industry has changed, evolving from polished DVDs to flexible, accessible digital studios.

• A strong work ethic opens doors, especially in creative or unpredictable industries.

• Home workouts are more empowering than ever, with variety, sustainability, and accessibility at their core.

• Aging can be your prime, especially when strength, self-knowledge, and authenticity grow with you.

• Authenticity wins—people connect to trainers and teachers who feel real, grounded, and approachable.

• Movement creates momentum—once you start moving, you naturally want to move more, creating a snowball effect of well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ellen Barrett and Her Journey

02:20 The Allure of Aerobics: A Personal Connection

10:05 From College to Club Med: Building Experience

14:56 Transitioning to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

21:34 The Work Ethic: East Coast vs. West Coast

26:15 Saying Yes: Embracing Opportunities in Fitness

28:48 The Evolution of Fitness Media

33:01 Consumerism and Attention Span in Fitness

36:55 The Power of Saying Yes

44:13 The Journey of Writing and Publishing Books

46:23 Building an Online Fitness Community

49:06 Embracing Life in Your 50s

53:11 The Importance of Movement and Self-Care

Keywords

#aerobicfitness #agingwell #atpeacewithmovement #bodypositivity #confidencebuilding #ellensbarrett #empoweredliving #femaleentrepreneurs #fitnessjourney #fitnessmotivation #fitnessstories #fitover50 #healthandwellness #homeworkouts #inspirationdaily #mindbodyconnection #mindfulmovement #motivationmonday #onlinefitness #pilatespractice #podcastcommunity #podcastinterviews #podmatch #selfcarematters #strengthtrainingforwomen #wellbeingjourney #wellnesslifestyle #womenshealth #workoutathome #yogainspiration

Want to be a guest on Poddin' My Noggin? Send C.K. Simms a message on PodMatch at https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1715119227867423c07672fbc