Join host Zach Tidwell for an inspiring conversation with Wendy S. Huffman, Executive Director and Founder of Let's Make the Difference, as she shares her remarkable journey from interior designer to global changemaker. After losing her partner Bill in Africa, Wendy transformed grief into purpose by creating sustainable enterprises in refugee camps across 11 African countries. Wendy's approach rather than just feeding them is revolutionizing how we think about humanitarian aid. From bakeries producing 1,000 loaves daily to peace ambassadors spreading throughout war zones, this episode reveals how small investments create massive ripple effects. What You'll Discover: How a $14,000 fundraising miracle launched a movement empowering 1,900+ refugees The innovative Peace and Conflict Resolution Campaign addressing violence in refugee camps Groundbreaking bakery enterprises creating jobs and feeding communities in Kakuma Refugee Settlement Why teaching leadership skills beats traditional aid in creating lasting change The untapped potential of half a million refugees as the world's largest workforce Strategies for combating toxic politics and division through curiosity-based dialogue You can find Wendy at letsmakethedifference.org. Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Isabella Young shares her harrowing journey from joining a messianic cult to escaping after losing her son to an alleged murder. As the wife of the cult leader who claimed to be the Second Coming, Isabella reveals the manipulation, abuse, and tragic consequences of cult life, while offering insights on cult dynamics, manipulation tactics, narcissism, abuse, healing, and prevention. You can find Isabella and her books at: feelingbetternaturally.love Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Laszlo Suhayda escaped communist, Soviet-occupied Hungary in 1956. He shares his story to remind the public that freedom doesn’t come free, and to warn of the dangers of socialism. He shared his story here, examined state-controlled media, power struggles, propaganda, and the dynamic states of Venezuela, China, Cuba, Russia, Iran, the Ukraine War, and the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip, in addition to the recent New York City election of Zohran Mamdani. Laszlo is also a successful entrepreneur and author, and you can find his work here: Book(Twelve Bells to Freedom): https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Bells-Freedom-Suhajda-Story/dp/B0CP2VGD58 Website: laszlokomodo.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: @ZachCTidwell #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Aaron Turnage officially served as a police officer and homicide/child abuse detective for 21 years, but his entry into the field began at 8 when he took his first ride along, then again 13 when he entered his local cadet program and logged over 4,000 hours of work by the time he graduated high school. When he finally joined the force, the man who took him on that very first ride along became his partner, and was eventually murdered in the line of duty. This, combined with two decades of avoidance, almost killed him. You can find Aaron’s podcast by searching for “Murders to Music” wherever you get your podcasts. Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Riana Milne is an author, entrepreneur, Licensed Mental Health Counselor(LMHC), and trauma recovery coach, and she came on the show to break down the top 10 childhood traumas that impact adult relationships. From abandonment issues to verbal abuse, discover how early experiences shape our love lives and learn practical tools for healing. Key Topics Covered: The 10 most common childhood traumas and their relationship impacts How trauma manifests in jealousy, people-pleasing, and communication issues The difference between therapy and coaching approaches Addressing modern relationship challenges: porn addiction, AI relationships, and hookup culture Red flags in relationships and when to seek help Breaking generational trauma cycles Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Guest Background 04:32 Riana's Journey from Tragedy to Healing 14:35 The Top 10 Childhood Traumas Checklist 25:14 Military Families & "No-Fault" Abandonment 39:42 How Childhood Trauma Shows Up in Relationships 52:31 Therapy vs Coaching: Why Riana Made the Switch 01:13:21 Communication: The Root of Relationship Issues 01:18:18 Modern Challenges: Porn Addiction & AI Relationships 01:30:54 Long-Term Relationships & Infidelity Patterns 01:36:13 Where to Find Help & Resources You can find Riana on her website: rianamilne.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Tragedy coupled with Jennifer Hawkins’ unmatched drive in her corporate career ever so perfectly so as to set her up for one wild, unexpected opportunity to arise that would ultimately save her teen son’s life. In this episode, you can expect to hear how nearly losing her brother—and the resulting disabilities of his accident—impacted Jennifer as a young woman and led her to find a mission in her life. In seeing her brother struggle so greatly, she wanted to have an impact, and that came in the form of acquiring a failing Sylvan Learning Center franchise when she was 29—which she purchased with a credit card when she couldn’t raise the required capital through traditional means. Not only did she turn the failing business around, but she became one of the top franchisees in the country, and it ultimately led to miraculously finding that her son had Leukemia after family doctors failed to diagnose him time and time again. Listen to hear how it all went down., what it was like for the Hawkins family, and how it led Jennifer to founding Launched Performance in early 2024. Follow Jennifer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhawkins/ Website: launchedperformance.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Dr. John David Graham has worn many hats, the latest of which include being an award-winning author and founder of Good Samaritan Home. At 53, John and his wife purchased a home to create a shelter that has since served over 2,500 people transitioning from prison back into society. John shares his journey from a childhood marked by "quiet desperation" through decades of professional detours—from truck driver to construction worker to minister—before finding his calling in prison rehabilitation. His novel "Running As Fast As I Can" has won 48 literary awards and sold 22,000 copies, using fiction to advocate for second chances. This episode explores growing up without guidance in post-Depression America, the intersection of faith and criminal justice reform, Why 60-80% of incarcerated individuals struggle with addiction, how Good Samaritan Home provides "a hand up, not a hand out”, the challenges and successes of reentry programs, the power of community transformation. Connect with John: Good Samaritan Home: https://goodsamaritanhome.org/staff/ John’s website: https://johndavidgraham.com/ Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Dr. Baruch “B” Halevi is a former rabbi turned pastoral counselor who holds two doctoral degrees - one in divinity and another in pastoral counseling. Dr. HaLevi practices logotherapy and runs men's peer groups through his nonprofit organization. The conversation explores his unique journey from rabbinical studies in Israel to developing innovative approaches to men's mental health and meaning-making through adversity. We discussed cultural and spiritual realities for many American Jews, the crossover and disconnects between the race, culture, and religion, and explored how he became a rabbi and lived in Israel three different times. We delved deep into how Baruch’s grandmother’s suicide affected his father, and the guilt that often haunts those left behind after a suicide. And B opened up about what set the stage for his father’s eventual suicide, and how the aftermath led him to his work today. This episode, though different as always, touched on several foundational topics that typically arise in the discussions on this show: purpose, meaning, perspective, and identity. You can find “Double Doctor B in the following places Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.BHaLevi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baruch_halevi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-halevi/ Website: www.menspeergroups.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Tae Yeon Lee’s family ties to the Rooftop Koreans of the 1992 LA Riots led him to direct his creative efforts into revisiting the story from a modern day lens. And it made for a different kind of episode. We delved into growing up as the child of Korean immigrants and the stories Lee’s own family shared from living in LA during the riots. But we spent most of our time digging deep into the events that set the stage for the riots to kick off, from Rodney King, to the interracial tensions in minority communities, to the provocative narratives the media was portraying, and the commonly touted assignment of blame placed on Ice Cube in reference to his hit song, Black Korea. Later on, we covered what it was like creating his graphic novel, Return of the Rooftop Koreans, from the perspectives of research, writing, and collaborating with his illustrators and bringing it to print. And to round things off, T.Y. had a few sentiments to share on the legacy of the Rooftop Koreans and their impact on Korean American culture. You can find T.Y. in the following places: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antiwokebooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antiwokebooks Website: www.antiwokebooks.com Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.
Julie Barth has navigated an incredible amount of pain. Her daughter, Tayte, was born with Primordial Dwarfism, and her vocal cords were paralyzed from the lifesaving care she received when she was born weighing just three pounds. Then, Julie’s husband, Colin, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer at the age of 33. He passed 16 months later, when Taytem was just five. Julie eventually remarried into a cartoonishly abusive relationship, and Taytem was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer that required the removal of a part of her torso to save her life. But the hardships Julie and her family faced in the medical and divorce arenas led her to founding the Colin James Barth Outreach organization in 2024. Through the foundation, Julie is helping connect other women to services during times of crisis. But she’s also an author, and sells some of Taytem’s artwork to support the nonprofit’s efforts. You can find Julie, Taytem, and all of their work at juliebarthauthor.com. Zach’s book is on the way it’s officially in the hands of an editor, and on the final path to publishing! If your new to the show and haven’t heard his incredible story, go back and listen to the show’s trailer, or visit Zach’s website at zachtidwell.com. To get the big news when it’s going to print, join his email list on the website. Follow And Support The Show Follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. And if that happens to be on YouTube, like this video too before sharing the episode with family and friends. Website: https://zachtidwell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388 Instagram: @ZachCTidwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/ X: @ZachCTidwell Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod #GIB #GoingInBlind Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.