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Vulnerability becomes a superpower in this raw, emotional conversation with author Terrell Latchinson, who transforms personal tragedy into purpose through writing and advocacy. After losing his brother to PTSD-related complications a decade ago, Latchinson found himself turning to writing as a therapeutic outlet – eventually launching a career crafting fiction that tackles mental health issues within minority communities.

The power of Latchinson's story lies in its authenticity. He doesn't claim expertise as a mental health professional but rather speaks from lived experience, creating fictional narratives that spark essential conversations about conditions like narcissism, depression, and PTSD. His debut novel, "Nehemiah the Narcissist," subtly explores how environmental factors might shape narcissistic tendencies without explicitly pathologizing its characters. This approach makes difficult mental health concepts accessible while honoring the cultural nuances often overlooked in mainstream mental health discussions.

What makes this conversation truly remarkable is Latchinson's courageous transparency about his own current battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite his success as an author, supportive family, and growing platform, he reminds us that mental illness doesn't discriminate based on achievements, education, or social status. This powerful testimony shatters stigmas that prevent many, especially within communities of color, from seeking help. Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, Latchinson's message is clear: show up authentically, listen without judgment, and recognize that healing often begins with honest conversation. Subscribe now to join our community of dreamers committed to mental wellness, authentic connection, and living life without limitations.

Breaking the Silence: Terrell Latchinson on Writing, Trauma, and Healing

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What would compel a successful executive to walk away from his career to build beds for children? For Luke Mickelson, it was the shocking discovery that kids in his community were sleeping on the floor. That realization sparked a mission that has since transformed into Sleep in Heavenly Peace, now the world's largest bed-building charity with 400+ chapters across four countries.

Luke's journey began in 2012 when he learned about a family whose children had no beds. What started as a simple project with his Boy Scout troop quickly revealed a widespread, silent epidemic. More than 7 million American children don't have proper beds, affecting their health, education, and self-esteem. "I tell people it's kind of shocking that child bedlessness is even a thing," Luke shares, "but it represents greater than 3% of the total population."

The emotional heart of Luke's mission crystallized when he delivered a bed to a little girl named Haley, who had been sleeping on a pile of clothes in an empty house. "She started hugging us and hugging the bed and kissing the bed," Luke recalls. Watching her mother's tears of relief cemented his determination: "No kid's gonna sleep on the floor in my town if I have anything to do with it."

What makes Sleep in Heavenly Peace remarkable isn't just the number of beds they've built—over 300,000 since 2018—but their community-based approach. Each chapter operates locally, with 90% of donations staying in the community where they're received. Volunteers experience profound satisfaction from both building beds (what Luke calls "the happiest volunteer is the sweatiest and dustiest") and delivering them to children whose lives are transformed by this simple necessity.

The ripple effects extend beyond better sleep. Children gain confidence, improve academically, and feel worthy of friendship and connection. "These kids don't have blankets sometimes to put over their heads to hide from the monster in the closet," Luke explains, highlighting how a bed represents security that many take for granted.

Ready to make a difference? Visit shpbeds.org to find your local chapter, volunteer, donate, or even start a chapter in your community. As Luke learned firsthand, "True joy is found in serving others. When you stop looking at yourself and start seeing how you can help other people, your problems don't go away, but they just don't seem as heavy."

No Child on the Floor: Luke Mickelson's Mission to End Bedlessness

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Few people have witnessed global security challenges from as many perspectives as Chris Brewer. In this riveting conversation, the veteran Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces Officer pulls back the curtain on covert operations and international security work spanning decades and continents.

Brewer's extraordinary career trajectory took him from the elite Ranger Battalion formed in 1974 to the Department of State's Office of Security Assistance, then into the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan, the UAE, and Nigeria. With remarkable candor, he shares experiences that shaped modern security practices while revealing the human side of high-stakes operations.

The heart of this episode lies in Brewer's previously classified stories, now cleared for public discussion through his books. His encounter with Pablo Escobar's forces while protecting a radar installation in Colombia reads like a thriller but happened in real life. Equally compelling is his account of Operation Promote Liberty in Panama, where his team served as a "tripwire" against Noriega loyalists planning a coup—a mission that never made headlines.

Brewer's perspective on the Afghanistan withdrawal provides powerful insights into the personal impact on veterans who worked closely with Afghan partners. His description of frantically helping colleagues escape Taliban forces reveals the ongoing commitment many veterans feel toward those left behind.

For anyone interested in military history, international affairs, or security operations, Brewer's books "Old Scroll Ranger" and "In the Shadows Between Wars" offer rare firsthand accounts of operations that shaped global security. These aren't just war stories—they're lessons in adaptability, quick thinking, and cross-cultural understanding from places few Americans will ever see.

Have you read accounts from operators who worked in the shadows between major conflicts? Share your thoughts on how these untold stories shape our understanding of global security challenges.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

The Special Forces Stories That Never Made Headlines

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Pete Price's musical journey began in a church choir where elderly parishioners would compliment his singing after service. That early encouragement sparked a lifetime devoted to music that's taken him from singing an octave too high in his first band at age 12 to performing with the Fry's Band for crowds of 5,000 people thirty years later.

As Pete reveals in this intimate conversation, his path wasn't always straightforward. Recognizing his shyer temperament didn't suit the frontman role, he taught himself guitar and found his true calling in harmonies and instrumental work. The Fry's Band evolved from an acoustic trio specializing in vocal harmonies during the "unplugged era" of the 90s to a versatile five-piece electric outfit that maintains those signature harmonic elements while expanding their sonic palette.

A turning point came when Pete sent a song to a friend who had Nashville connections. Watching professional musicians transform his composition in a Nashville studio "lit a fire" under him, resulting in an explosion of creativity that produced two acclaimed albums: "Department of the Interior" and "Pictures in Time." Pete's thoughtful approach to songwriting—crafting lyrics that offer genuine insights from his life experiences—demonstrates his belief that music should create meaningful connections. His newest single "Better Angels" tells an unresolved story of post-breakup courage that showcases his storytelling abilities.

Drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan ("you don't have to have the greatest voice but you need something to say"), Jackson Browne, and the Allman Brothers, Pete has crafted an Americana sound that moves fluidly between folk, rock, blues and light jazz. Whether performing with the Fry's Band, his duo 39 North, or in solo appearances featuring his original music, Pete embodies the joy of authentic musical expression. As he puts it: "Music is super important to me... it gets me up every morning to go down and work on my music." Listen to his story and discover the hidden treasures in his songs at petepricemusic.com.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

From Church Choir to Nashville Sessions: Pete Price's Musical Journey

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Ever wondered how scribbling in a journal could transform your mental health? In this captivating conversation, Susan Hensley shares her remarkable journey from bullied TV journalist to transformational coach and author of "Art for Your Sanity: How to Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy."

Susan's story begins with anonymous notes left on her desk criticizing her on-air performance—a painful experience that could have derailed her dream career but instead taught her profound lessons about resilience. Through subsequent pivots including corporate HR leadership, living abroad in Hong Kong, and eventually discovering art journaling, Susan developed unique insights into navigating life's transitions with creativity and joy.

The heart of our discussion centers on how art journaling provides powerful mental health benefits without requiring artistic talent. "It's not about creating art to show anyone," Susan explains, "it's about using art to process our lives." When we engage in creative play—even for just minutes a day—our brains shift from analytical left-brain thinking to intuitive right-brain flow, increasing dopamine and serotonin while providing a safe space to process complex emotions.

What makes Susan's approach particularly valuable is its accessibility. Using inexpensive supplies and just 10 minutes daily, anyone can tap into this powerful practice. She explains how art helps us embrace duality—holding contradictory emotions simultaneously—and breaks down the brain science explaining why creative expression significantly reduces stress and anxiety.

Whether you're facing a major life transition, struggling with perfectionism, or simply seeking more joy in your daily routine, Susan's insights offer a refreshing perspective on using creativity as a path to wellness. Her challenge to listeners? Spend just three minutes today doing something playful—dance, sing off-key, scribble, or collect leaves—and notice how it changes your emotional state.

Ready to unleash your creativity and transform your mental wellbeing? Listen now and discover how art journaling might be the unexpected solution you've been seeking.

www.susan-hensley.com

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

From TV Anchor to Art Journaling Guru: Susan Hensley's Journey

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Extraordinary talent meets unwavering determination in this captivating conversation with Miss Freddye, Pittsburgh's Lady of the Blues. From her roots singing in church to becoming a celebrated blues vocalist with two bands, Miss Freddye shares her remarkable journey with the authenticity that defines both her music and her approach to life.

Behind the powerful voice that graces stages across Pennsylvania lies an equally powerful story of resilience. Miss Freddye wears many hats with grace—full-time oncology nurse, two-time breast cancer survivor, mother, grandmother, bandleader, and soon-to-be barber. Her musical origin story captivates as she recounts her first band audition, performed from a bathroom with running water to mask her nervousness after her bass-player boyfriend discovered her singing talent.

The conversation delves into the evolution of her musical career, from winning a West Virginia Blues competition to her current projects including a Blues and Roots album titled "The Know How," a country single dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and an upcoming gospel album featuring her first self-written song. Listeners are treated to a stunning acapella performance of "Wade in the Water" that showcases the soulful voice that has earned her recognition as Pittsburgh's premier blues vocalist.

What resonates most throughout this episode is Miss Freddye's philosophy on authenticity and perseverance. "Be true to yourself. Don't sell your soul, because it really ain't worth it in the long run," she advises, emphasizing the importance of having multiple plans when facing life's inevitable obstacles. Her wisdom, drawn from real-life experiences balancing multiple careers and overcoming health challenges, offers inspiration for anyone pursuing their passions.

Whether you're a blues enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or someone seeking motivation to follow your dreams at any age, Miss Freddye's story will move you. Follow her journey on social media and discover her music on all major streaming platforms. As she says, "Keep it moving forward. Don't never take no two steps back, just go three steps forward and you'll be all right."

www.missfreddye.com

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

From Nursing to Music: Miss Freddye's Harmonious Journey

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What happens when life suddenly changes course and everything you know disappears? Laura Bratton's world transformed between second and third grade when a routine eye appointment revealed she would lose her sight due to a degenerative eye disease. While the full impact didn't hit immediately, by age fourteen, Laura found herself staring at indecipherable black blobs on her classroom board instead of letters—a moment that launched her into a profound journey through grief, anxiety, and ultimately, transformation.

The path from "I can't" to "I can" wasn't straightforward or quick. Laura shares how the steadfast support of her family, especially her brother who refused to treat her differently, created a foundation of grit that eventually became her own. Meanwhile, a mentor's challenge to write down three things she was grateful for each day—initially met with skepticism—gradually revealed the power of noticing what helps us navigate difficult transitions rather than fixating on what we've lost.

These twin principles of grit and gratitude now form the core of Laura's work through UB Global, where she helps others facing major life transitions. Her book "Harnessing Courage" (named after both the physical harness she uses with her guide dog and the emotional process of gathering strength) offers these same strategies to readers worldwide. Laura's most powerful insight? The importance of balancing grief with forward movement—giving yourself permission to acknowledge difficulty while taking life one moment at a time rather than trying to solve everything at once. For anyone facing change, challenge, or unexpected loss, Laura's message offers both compassion and a practical roadmap toward resilience.

Looking to transform your own approach to life's curveballs? Visit LauraBratton.com to explore her speaking, coaching, and writing—and discover how you might harness your own courage to move forward through whatever changes you face.



 https://www.laurabratton.com/ [https://www.laurabratton.com/]

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

From Darkness to Light: Laura Bratton's Journey of Grit and Gratitude

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Ever wonder what happens when theatrical magic collides with punk rock energy? Sasha Mereu embodies this fascinating intersection as the self-styled "punk rock Willy Wonka" - and he's on a mission to transform how musicians earn a living.

Sasha takes us on a captivating journey through his remarkable career spanning over 1,000 stages worldwide, including a Broadway run in 2016 with "The Illusionists: Turn of the Century" - which became Broadway's highest-grossing magic show. His performances blend theatrical elements with musical prowess, creating an electric, unpredictable energy that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Rather than avoiding eye contact like many musicians, Sasha dives into crowds, creating personal connections and sometimes conjuring balloon animals out of thin air.

Beyond his performances, Sasha delivers a compelling analysis of how the music industry fundamentally changed with Napster and subsequent streaming platforms. The traditional model of recording albums, touring, and selling physical copies has collapsed, leaving most musicians struggling to earn living wages. His response? Co-founding Fairvu, a benefit corporation building a digital platform that enables musicians to livestream concerts with virtual ticket sales, store media on-demand, and sell merchandise - all while keeping 90% of their earnings.

What makes Fairview unique isn't just its artist-friendly economics but its structure as a benefit corporation balancing profit with community benefits and complete transparency. Rather than seeking large investors, they're taking a grassroots approach by asking musicians to contribute just $5 each to build the platform together.

Whether you're a musician feeling the squeeze of streaming economics, a fan wanting to better support artists you love, or simply fascinated by creative entrepreneurs tackling industry-wide challenges - Sasha's insights offer a refreshing perspective on creating sustainable artistic careers in the digital age. Check out fairvu.net to support their mission and help reshape the music industry's future.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

From Broadway to Fairvu: How Sasha mereu Is Revolutionizing Music Industry Revenue Streams

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Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the world without sight? Meet Jean Marckley, a 79-year-old blind comedian who's turning stereotypes upside down one punchline at a time.

"What's it like to be blind?" people often ask Jean. Her response? "Well, everybody close your eyes. Yep, that's it." With disarming wit and wisdom gained from nearly seven decades of blindness, Jean takes us on an enlightening journey through her experiences—from strangers yelling at her (because apparently blindness affects hearing?) to well-meaning friends who insist on opening car doors (inadvertently making it harder for her to navigate).

Through her production company "Three Comics and a Dog," Jean performs at venues across Florida, using humor to educate audiences about visual impairment while proving that blind people are just as capable, independent, and funny as anyone else. "I'm hoping when people walk away from my comedy shows, they'll start to see blind people in a different light," she explains. Beyond the comedy clubs, Jean is developing her speaking career for corporate events, where she can reach decision-makers and influence workplace inclusivity.

Perhaps most fascinating is Jean's insight into the healing power of laughter itself. As a certified laughter yoga leader, she explains how hearty laughter stimulates our lymphatic system, effectively boosting immunity and improving sleep quality. So next time you're feeling down, Jean's prescription is simple: find something that makes you laugh—it might be the best medicine you take all day.

Want to experience Jean's unique blend of humor and education? Reach out to her at jmarckleyhaha@gmail.com and discover how laughter can change perspectives about blindness while healing both body and spirit.

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

Blind Comedy: Breaking Barriers Through Laughter

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What happens when you blend country, rock, Americana, folk, blues, and pop into one distinctive sound? You get what fans call "Pam Music" – the signature style of singer-songwriter Pam Ross.

On this episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we're joined by the genre-defying Pam Ross, whose musical journey has taken her from Pittsburgh to Houston and now to North Carolina, with frequent creative pilgrimages to her favorite performance destination: Nashville. When asked to categorize her sound, Pam offers perhaps the most authentic answer possible: "Depends on what song you're listening to." This refreshing resistance to genre constraints is at the heart of her artistic identity.

Pam shares insights into her diverse musical influences, citing everyone from Elton John and Dolly Parton to Nirvana and Metallica as formative inspirations. We dive into her current project – the aptly named second album "Outside the Box," which she's releasing one single at a time throughout the year. Her current song "Tonight" leans country, while her upcoming May release "Have a Good Time" ventures into pop-rock territory. We also explore her collaborative process with talented professionals like Canadian guitarist Ivan Pettit and Nashville mixing engineer Mark Frigo, who has worked with legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

Whether you're a fan of thoughtful lyrics, genre-bending melodies, or authentic artistry, Pam Ross delivers something special that transcends traditional musical boundaries. Check out PamRossMusic.com to discover her work across all streaming platforms and social media, and keep an eye out for her performances across the Carolinas and Nashville as festival season kicks into high gear. New music is coming all year long – don't miss it!

www.pamrossmusic.com

Want to be a guest on Living the Dream with Curveball? Send Curtis Jackson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1628631536976x919760049303001600

Musical Chameleon: Pam Ross on Creating Outside the Box

On the living the dream with curveball podcast I interview guests that teach,
motivate, and inspire others. On every episode I interview ordinary people
telling extordinary stories about how they contribute to the world to try and
make life better for others. I interview a wide range of indivisuals such as
authors, singers, actors, athletes, coaches, Etc. When you listen to living the
dream with curveball prepare to be motivated and inspired to stop at nothing to
achieve your dreams.

curtis jackson

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