The FocalFlip Podcast

The FocalFlip Podcast

by Michael Kannady

Mental Health Society & Culture

Season 3

Episode 91 - From WCW & TNA to Sobriety: The Real Chris Harris

What happens when the dream you've chased your entire life finally becomes reality — and then everything changes? On the first episode of Season 3 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with Northern Kentucky wrestling legend Wildcat Chris Harris for one of the most personal conversations yet. Chris takes us all the way back to the kid who fell in love with professional wrestling after watching Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III. What started as a childhood fascination eventually became a 30-plus-year journey through independent wrestling, WCW, TNA, and America's Most Wanted alongside James Storm. But getting there wasn't easy. Chris shares the unbelievable sacrifices he made early in his career — including working a full-time job for 7-Up, driving three and a half hours to wrestling training, getting trained for hours, driving three and a half hours home, and doing it all again the next day. His journey eventually led to WCW, where he signed a contract in 2000, only to watch the company disappear months later. Then came TNA. Chris and James Storm became America's Most Wanted, capturing six world tag team championships and establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in TNA's history. But behind the success, the character, the crowds and the championships was a human being still trying to figure out who he was. Mike and Chris dive into the difference between Wildcat Chris Harris and Chris Harris the person, the role of ego in professional wrestling, the importance of humility, and what happens when the crowd stops cheering. Then the conversation takes a much deeper turn. Chris opens up about sobriety, recovery, faith, control, anxiety and perspective — explaining why he considers sobriety the biggest FocalFlip of his life. Recovery taught Chris that the lessons of sobriety extend far beyond alcohol. It changed the way he approaches problems, relationships, wrestling, disappointment and life itself. Instead of trying to control every outcome, Chris has learned to take a breath, turn to God, and trust that things will work out even when they don't happen according to his plan. Today, Chris remains deeply involved in professional wrestling through the Northern Wrestling Federation, training and mentoring the next generation while helping take some of the pressure off the people around him. This isn't just a wrestling story. It's a story about dreams, sacrifice, identity, failure, redemption, faith, recovery and learning to let go of control. Because sometimes the biggest championship isn't the one you win in the ring. Sometimes it's the life you build after you leave it. Mental health does not discriminate. Neither do we. Welcome to Season 3 of The FocalFlip Podcast.

Season 2

Episode 90 - Ken Chevalier - More than a Mentor

Some people enter your life for a season. Others show up at exactly the moment you need them most—and their impact lasts a lifetime. In Episode 90 of The FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Ken Chevalier for a conversation about purpose, perseverance, mentorship, grief, community, and what it truly means to show up for another human being. Ken takes us through his upbringing and the journey that led him to basketball officiating. At the age of 25, Ken made the decision to go to college to pursue his goal of becoming an official. But that same chapter of his life was also marked by tremendous loss when his father passed away. Ken opens up about the grief, mental health challenges, and personal growth that followed. We also discuss parenting, pursuing education, coaching basketball at Simon Kenton, Dixie Heights High School, and other programs, as well as overcoming surgeries, hospitalizations, and the physical and emotional challenges that life can unexpectedly place in our path. At the center of Ken's story is his belief in training up our youth, rebuilding our communities, and helping young people discover opportunity and purpose. Through his work, his coaching, and the scholarship funds created and supported by Ken and his wife, their commitment to providing for underprivileged youth has created an impact that extends far beyond the basketball court. Then comes a surprise guest. Cy Egger, a 2002 graduate of Dixie Heights High School, joins the conversation to share a story that perfectly illustrates the impact one person can have on another. When Cy was in high school and going through an extremely difficult time, Ken made the decision to take him under his wing. Cy came to live with Ken and his son, Kyle. What may have started as a brief period of guardianship, basketball, and support eventually grew into a lifelong mentor-and-mentee relationship built on trust, guidance, love, and kindness. Cy shares the importance of Ken's presence in his life and even plays a voicemail from 2020, when Ken called simply to check on him following Cy's suicide attempt. In one of the most emotional moments of the episode, Cy credits Ken with helping save his life. This episode is a powerful reminder that you never truly know what someone else is going through—and sometimes the greatest thing you can do is simply be there. No expectation of anything in return. Just love. Just kindness. Just showing up. Because the impact of a phone call, a conversation, an open door, or a simple act of compassion can reach further than you could ever imagine. 🎙️ Episode 90 of The FocalFlip Podcast featuring Ken Chevalier and surprise guest Cy Egger is available now. #FocalFlipPodcast #FocalFlip #MentalHealthMatters #Mentorship #Community #Purpose #Kindness #SuicideAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthAwareness #Basketball #Coaching #YouthMentorship #Grief #Recovery #HumanConnection #BeTheDifference #LoveAndKindness

Episode 89 - Jerry & Tracey Yaegel - Faith, Recovery, & Life after Stroke

This episode hits close to home. In 2016, I lost my father after a seven-year battle following a massive stroke — the same type of stroke Tracey Yaegel suffered five years ago. In Episode 89 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Jerry and Tracey to talk about the fight that followed... paralysis, rehabilitation, uncertainty, and Tracey’s determination to get her life back. Through hard work, intense faith, Jerry’s unwavering support, and the help of Adam Magee at Alpha Neuro Fitness, Tracey found the confidence and hope to keep pushing her brain and body toward recovery. But their experience became bigger than their own story. Their heart for other stroke survivors led to Tee It Up for Tracey, now entering its fifth year, and Assisted Adventures KY, their nonprofit dedicated to giving stroke survivors opportunities for connection, support, outings, and a sense of normalcy again. In this episode: • Life and recovery after a massive stroke • Faith when the outcome is uncertain • Marriage, caregiving, and perseverance • Adam Magee & Alpha Neuro Fitness • Hope, neuroplasticity, and rehabilitation • Tee It Up for Tracey • The mission behind Assisted Adventures KY • Turning adversity into purpose For me, this conversation is deeply personal. For Jerry and Tracey, it has become a mission. This isn’t just about surviving a stroke. It’s about finding purpose, hope, and life on the other side of it.

Episode 88 - Emily Kasselmann - Kasselmann Family McDonald's

What does it take to leave a successful corporate career, navigate unimaginable loss, lead multiple businesses, and still put people first? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Emily Kasselmann, owner/operator of eight Kasselmann Family McDonald's restaurants, to discuss leadership, faith, family, grief, and purpose. Emily shares her incredible journey from spending 10 years at Procter & Gamble to walking away from corporate America at just 30 years old to learn the family business under her father—a longtime McDonald's owner/operator who once operated 17 restaurants. After six years of learning every aspect of the business, Emily became an owner/operator herself in 2017. Together, we dive into: - Growing up in a McDonald's family business - Why she fell in love with retail and restaurants at Blockbuster and as an hourly McDonald's crew member - The transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship - Opening and remodeling a restaurant during COVID—only to be forced to shut down - Building a business alongside her husband and balancing marriage with partnership - Learning to delegate by hiring Director of Operations Michael Baker - Why putting people first has always been the Kasselmann family philosophy - How her coming to faith transformed her life in 2017 - Navigating the heartbreaking loss of both of her brothers - Aligning her future with purpose, priorities, and creating opportunities for others Emily's story is a powerful reminder that great leadership isn't measured by the number of restaurants you run.... it's measured by the lives you impact along the way. If this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue flipping perspectives on leadership, business, mental health, and life's biggest challenges. #FocalFlip #EmilyKasselmann #McDonalds #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Faith #BusinessOwner #RestaurantLeadership #PeopleFirst #Purpose #CatholicFaith #SmallBusiness #Grief #FamilyBusiness #PersonalGrowth

Michael Daniels - 2nd Chances with Round 2 Vision

Second Chances, Faith, Fitness, & Mindset Can someone truly change? In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, Michael Kannady sits down with Michael Daniels, founder of Round 2 Vision, for a powerful conversation about redemption, identity, and the perspective shifts that can completely change a life. Michael shares his journey from becoming a father at 16, getting caught up in street life under the alias "Money," and serving eight years in prison, to discovering purpose through faith, fitness, and personal transformation. Together, we explore the lessons he learned while incarcerated, the mentors—including Leon Johnson—who helped him confront his ego, regulate his emotions, and identify his true self through seven life-changing principles. We also discuss his mother's battle with addiction, the unwavering support of his wife, loyalty, the fear of being hurt by those we love most, and why fitness became much more than physical training—it became the foundation for his second chance. In This Episode: How Michael's life changed after serving 8 years in prison Becoming a father at 16 and growing up fast Life in the streets and the identity behind the name "Money" His mother's battle with addiction and its lasting impact The moment he broke down and cried while incarcerated The men—including Leon Johnson—who helped reshape his life 7 principles that transformed his mindset Emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overcoming the ego Why faith became the cornerstone of his transformation The role his wife played in his second chance Loyalty, betrayal, and our greatest fear of being hurt by loved ones Why fitness is about purpose—not just physical appearance Building Round 2 Vision and helping others find their own second chance This isn't just a conversation about prison or fitness. It's about taking ownership of your life, changing your perspective, and proving that your past doesn't have to define your future. If this episode resonates with you, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it with someone who needs the reminder that a second chance is always possible.

Episode 86 - Rob Jent - Pain turned Pro

In Episode 86 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with my friend, mentor, and community leader Rob Jent for a powerful conversation about transformation, discipline, and purpose. Rob is the President of the Independence Business Association, owner of Anytime Fitness in Independence, Kentucky and Amelia, Ohio, owner of Iron Revival Gym in Erlanger, Kentucky, a former professional wrestler, and a man with 26 years of sobriety. His story is one of resilience—growing up in poverty, being bullied as a kid for being overweight, and learning how to turn pain into purpose through fitness, recovery, and leadership. We also talk about the importance of his wife’s support, the power of positivity, and the mindset shift that comes from choosing service over ego. A major theme of this conversation is Zig Ziglar’s principle: you can have everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. On a personal level, Rob has had a major impact on my journey. When I was struggling to stay committed to fitness, he believed in me, gave me eight free personal training sessions, and pushed me not to quit. That support helped me reach 215 lbs, marking 156 pounds lost from my highest weight of 371, and a life-changing shift in my mental health and discipline. We also break down the importance of structure and execution through simple systems like the “Get Shit Done” list, and how small daily actions build long-term success. This episode is a reminder that real leadership isn’t about status—it’s about service, consistency, and showing up for people when it matters most. If this episode resonates with you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. #FocalFlip #RobJent #Leadership #Recovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth #FitnessJourney #Transformation #ZigZiglar #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #AnytimeFitness #IronRevival #Community #Podcast #NorthernKentucky

Episode 85 - What is Reality? - John McNeely & Mike Kannady

Episode 85 - John McNeely & Mike Kannady - What is Reality & Perception? Our brains are encased in complete darkness, yet we experience a world of vivid color and profound meaning. Everything we can conceive, perceive, imagine or believe regarding everything we experience as real, is within a mind that directly experiences nothing but an interpretation of its own neural signals and chemical impulses. In this episode John McNeely and Mike Kannady discuss our minds experience of reality, and unlock the very nature of the minds own created experiences of the misery and joy we know as life.

Episode 84 - Cy Egger - What's Beyond a Hateful Reputation?

Episode 84 of FocalFlip features Cy Egger. For years, Cy carried a reputation that many in Northern Kentucky knew well. Some called him the funniest guy in the room. Others knew him as the guy who could light it up from three-point range. And many knew him as the man who wasn't afraid to tell people exactly what he thought—earning him the nickname of being one of the most hated men in Northern Kentucky. But what happens when you look beyond the reputation? In this episode, Mike and Cy take a deep dive into Cy's upbringing, the experiences that shaped him, and the reasons behind the personality so many people thought they knew. Cy openly reflects on using humor as both a gift and a weapon, recognizing that while it often made people laugh, it sometimes came at the expense of others. The conversation explores a side of Cy that few ever stopped to ask about—a man driven by kindness, loyalty, and genuine care for people. Cy also courageously opens up about some of his darkest moments, including his struggles with alcohol, depression, and thoughts of suicide. In a powerful and vulnerable discussion, he shares what it felt like to battle those internal demons and what ultimately helped him keep moving forward. Along the way, Mike and Cy swap old-school basketball stories, explore the complexities of the human mind, discuss communication and behavior, and challenge the assumptions we make about others. At its core, this episode is a reminder that every person is fighting battles we may never see, and that sometimes the people we think we know the most are the people we understand the least. This is a conversation about identity, recovery, resilience, accountability, and the power of being seen for who you truly are. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available and that you do not have to face it alone. #FocalFlip #CyEgger #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Recovery #Communication #PersonalGrowth #Basketball #Perspective #Podcast

Courage, A Coma, & A Comeback - Tyianna Trice & Whitney Dixon

In Episode 83 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike Kannady sits down with lifelong friends Tyianna Trice and Whitney Dixon for a powerful conversation about resilience, faith, friendship, and perspective. Friends since their days as student-athletes at Ryle High School in 2008, their bond was tested when Tyianna developed mastitis after childbirth, which led to an abscess, sepsis, and an 11-day coma. Doctors gave her only a 10% chance of survival, and when she woke up, she was faced with the reality of four amputations. Rather than focusing on what she lost, Tyianna chose gratitude for the life she still had. She shares her journey through recovery, the physical and mental challenges of rehabilitation, her faith in Jesus Christ, and the unwavering support of her husband Vince, family, and friends. She also opens up about growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction and how those experiences shaped her strength, resilience, and outlook on life. One of the most fascinating parts of the episode centers around Tyianna's vivid "Coma Dreams." After waking up, her family and Whitney began comparing those dreams to real-life events that occurred while she was unconscious—and the connections were remarkable. Whitney also shares her own journey with fitness, mental health, personal growth, and what it means to support a lifelong friend through unimaginable circumstances. Together, they explore disability awareness, accessibility, overcoming adversity, and the power of flipping your perspective when life doesn't go according to plan. This is a story of survival, gratitude, faith, friendship, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.

Episode 82 - Nate Niemi - 30+ Years of Mental Health in Public Education

Episode #82 – Flipping Perspectives on Mental Health in Youth Education, Leadership, and Coaching with Nate Niemi In Episode #82 of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike Kannady sits down with longtime educator, coach, and St. Henry Assistant Principal Nate Niemi to discuss mental health through the lenses of students, teachers, and school leaders. Drawing from 30 years in education, Nate shares how today's youth face different challenges than students did 15 and 30 years ago, the importance of self-care, faith, accountability, and the realities of leading an entire school community. The conversation includes stories from Nate's coaching days at Ryle, including the strategy of face-guarding Mike during their Simon Kenton vs. Ryle battles, lessons learned from Billy Donovan and Rick Pitino, memories from student teaching at Tates Creek, and a powerful story about drinking and driving as a teenager that came full circle years later in a tragic way. This episode is packed with leadership lessons, life perspective, and practical wisdom for educators, coaches, parents, and students alike.

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