In this poignant episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley continues her conversation with Dr. Darin Detwiler, exploring the profound impact of losing his son and his ongoing journey as a father and advocate. Dr. Detwiler shares intimate reflections on grief, discussing how he navigates the complex emotions of success in his advocacy work while honoring his son's memory."I am still acting as a father to my son. And I think often about what I do. And I'll never get my son back. No matter how many audiences I speak to, no matter how many words I write, no matter how many podcasts or videos, whatever it is, I'll never get my son back. But I will never want to have that moment where I realize that I gave up."The episode delves into Dr. Detwiler's philosophy of "still being a father" to his late son through his tireless work in food safety. He discusses the guilt often associated with finding fulfillment in this work and how he's learned to reconcile these feelings over time.Dr. Detwiler also shares his thoughts on responsibility, drawing parallels between his experiences as a teacher and his current role in food safety advocacy. He emphasizes the importance of taking ownership and action, whether in a classroom or a corporate boardroom.The conversation touches on Dr. Detwiler's future plans, including his upcoming book "The Cost of Doing Nothing" and his goal to become a global authority on food safety. He also discusses his personal growth journey and the impact it's had on his resilience and outlook.Throughout the episode, Dr. Detwiler's passion for his work and his commitment to making a difference shine through, offering listeners a powerful example of how tragedy can be transformed into a force for positive change.For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

In this compelling episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley interviews Dr. Darin Detwiler, a former middle school teacher turned food safety advocate. Dr. Detwiler recounts his transformation from educator to crusader, sparked by a personal tragedy and a thought-provoking question from a student. He discusses the impact of the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak on his life and career, and how it led to his involvement in food safety advocacy.Dr. Detwiler shares insights into his innovative teaching methods, including the concept of "smartology" and his emphasis on responsibility over grades. He explains how these principles have carried over into his current work in food safety, where he stresses the importance of corporate responsibility and proactive measures.The conversation touches on the making of the Emmy-nominated documentary "Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food," in which Dr. Detwiler is featured. He reflects on the emotional process of sharing his story and the impact it has had on other families affected by foodborne illnesses.Throughout the episode, Dr. Detwiler emphasizes the ongoing challenges in food safety, the need for continued vigilance, and the importance of viewing food safety as a journey without a destination. His passion for education and advocacy shines through, demonstrating how personal tragedy can be transformed into a powerful force for positive change.Dr. Darin Detwiler’s website: www.darindetwiler.comFor more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

"This is about helping you to be your true, authentic self that's in there. Michelangelo used to always talk about how it's in the rock. Our job is to chisel it out." The Power of Personal Image - In this episode of Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley wraps up her conversation with Bruce Pflaumer, an image consultant with Michael Bruce Image Consulting. They delve into the profound impact of personal image and how it transcends the superficial. Bruce shares heartwarming and transformative stories of how helping clients with their image has changed their lives. "We tell clients. We always tell people, we're your biggest fan. Everyone needs a fan, but we're your biggest fan. We want you to do well in this process. We're going to help you through it, but you have to be willing to trust and to do the hard work, because it is hard work." From the common misconception that focusing on personal style is shallow, to the deep, authentic communication that true personal style can convey, Bruce provides insights that will make you rethink the power of your own image. He also discusses his unique ability to remember every item in his clients' wardrobes and how he uses his empathetic nature to understand what clients are truly seeking to express. "Image is not about size. It's not about age. It's not about anything like that. It's all about you. And we take care of all of it. Doesn't matter what size you are, doesn't matter how old you are, it's just what your goals are." Tracy and Bruce also touch on the importance of showing up as your true self, whether that's in a professional setting or a casual one. They explore the challenges and rewards of image consulting, including the emotional and psychological aspects that make this work so meaningful. Bruce also shares his favorite quote from Nelson Mandela, "I never lose. I either win or learn," and how this philosophy shapes his approach to both life and work. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the essence of personal style, the importance of authentic self-expression, and the transformative power of a well-considered image. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

In this episode of Good Life Stories, join me as I sit down with Bruce Pflaumer, a professional stylist with a fascinating journey. Bruce recounts his 17-year tenure at Nordstrom, highlighting the moment he realized it was time for a change. From accumulating 100,000 travel miles in just four months to making life-changing decisions on his birthday, Bruce’s story is filled with pivotal moments and introspection. After leaving Nordstrom, Bruce took an unexpected turn into radio, working as an account manager for a smooth jazz station, where he also lent his voice to commercials. Eventually, Bruce found his way back to his true passion—styling. He shares the story of his first major style transformation and the impact it had on his client’s life, including a heartwarming tale of helping her choose her wedding dress. Bruce’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion and the profound effect it can have on others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, the importance of personal fulfillment, and the magic of transformation. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

In this episode of Good Life Stories, I sit down with longtime friend Bruce Pflaumer, a professional stylist with a rich history in the fashion industry. Bruce shares his journey from childhood, where his love for style began, to his high school days of being stylish on a budget, and his eventual career at Nordstrom. He also recounts humorous and insightful experiences from his modeling days and the challenges of opening a massive retail store. Join us for a fascinating conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and valuable lessons in style and perseverance. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

Jamila Johnson returns to Good Life Stories to share her personal perspective on the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. As an attorney focused on reproductive rights and criminal justice reform, Jamila shifted her career to help preserve the right to travel for abortion care. She discusses organizing a train trip for Black advocates from the South to Chicago for abortion services, highlighting the challenges faced by those without means. Jamila reflects on her own teenage pregnancy and the importance of choice. The episode provides a first-hand account of the Dobbs decision's impact, emphasizing the practical and emotional toll on affected individuals. Jamila also shares her unique skill of speed-listening to audiobooks and the influence of Allen Ginsburg's "America" on her work. She concludes by stressing the importance of helpers during stressful times, underlining our interconnectedness and the impact of support. For more inspiring stories, visit https://www.goodlifestories.com/.

Tracy Crowley interviews Jamila Johnson, an attorney and advocate dedicated to racial equity and criminal justice reform. After the 2016 election, Jamila moved from Seattle to Louisiana to tackle the state's use of non-unanimous jury verdicts, a tool rooted in Jim Crow-era laws. Jamila discusses Louisiana's 1898 constitutional convention, which aimed to maintain "the supremacy of the white race" through laws like the non-unanimous jury system. Despite a 2018 ballot measure requiring unanimous juries for future cases, over 1,500 individuals remained imprisoned under the unconstitutional law. This episode highlights the ongoing fight for racial justice in America's criminal legal system. Jamila's experiences provide insight into entrenched inequities and her efforts to address historical wrongs. To learn more about Jamila Johnson's work, visit promiseofjustice.org for information on their efforts to address Louisiana's non-unanimous jury law legacy and support those affected.

Jon Acton, an educator and speaker, discusses the power of belief and laughter in overcoming adversity. Jon, a school superintendent in Indiana, inspires others with his positive outlook despite facing health challenges. He emphasizes the importance of making the most of our time and spreading positivity. "If we couldn't laugh, we'd all go insane." - Jimmy Buffett Jon reflects on how illness has taught him to be less judgmental and more forgiving. He's passing this mindset to his children. "You can slow us down, but you can't stop us." - Acton family motto This episode reminds us that belief and laughter can carry us through dark times, highlighting the importance of resilience and surrounding ourselves with supportive people. Learn more about Jon at http://www.brokenshells.net/ For more inspiring stories: https://www.goodlifestories.com/

Jon Acton, a husband, father, author, and motivational speaker who has been on an extraordinary journey. Jon shares his personal story of being diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, along with two of his closest teacher friends, all within a 10-month period. I believe Jon Acton is a true inspiration. After a successful career as an educator and school superintendent, he found himself medically retired in July 2022 due to his cancer diagnosis. However, this setback has not deterred Jon from making the most of his time and having a lasting impact. He is the creator of "Broken Shells," a platform that invites people to reflect on their life stories, their "whys, why nots, and what ifs." "If we tried to pitch this movie to Hollywood, they would laugh us out of any presentation, say, you're making this up. There are times I wish we were, but we're not."

"Be in the room. Even if you don't think you're qualified, you have an opinion. If you feel strong enough to get involved, that gives you an in." In this final episode of my conversation with Krista Kemper, we chat about how to be an effective agent of change by showing up and getting involved, even if you don't feel qualified. Krista Kemper is a mechanical designer and self-proclaimed "bullsh*t meter" who has carved out a unique role for herself on high-stakes engineering committees and industry groups. Despite not having a formal engineering degree, Krista's hands-on experience and willingness to speak up have made her an invaluable voice, helping to improve critical safety standards and policies. During our conversation, Krista shares how she got involved in these spaces and the impact she's been able to have. She explains that her lack of traditional qualifications was actually an asset, allowing her to ask questions and identify issues that the degreed experts had overlooked. Krista encourages listeners to not be deterred by a perceived lack of expertise - if you care about an issue, show up and make your voice heard, even if you think you don't belong in the room. I believe this episode is a great episode for anyone who wants to create positive change in their community or industry but isn't sure how to get started. Krista's stories and insights illustrate that simply being present and persistent can be the key to sparking meaningful transformation. Whether it's getting involved in local government, advocating for policy changes, or volunteering for a cause you believe in, Krista reminds us that the most important qualification is a willingness to show up and speak up. "Dreaming lets you try things in your mind. And it's okay. It's okay to have ridiculous dreams and ridiculous ideas. A dream costs nothing to have." I think listeners will also appreciate Krista's perspective on the value of "dreaming" - allowing yourself to explore creative ideas without immediately trying to turn them into concrete plans. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining flexibility and not getting too attached to a specific vision, as dreams often evolve in unexpected ways. Krista's engineering background has also influenced her approach to life, as she applies concepts like "tolerance stacks" to build in wiggle room and resilience. To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories. More info: https://www.goodlifestories.com/