Today's story takes us to the other side of the planet from Austin and back again as we sit down with Aparna Balasundaram. A childhood prodigy who's life took an unexpected turn at the hands of an abusive relationship... Aparna's story is one of survival, resilience, and inspiration. Rather than a story ruined by bitterness, her's is one of hope and healing as she has dedicated her life to supporting others through counseling, authoring books, and public speaking (including her own TED Talk). Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 1:15 - Childhood Prodigy 11:00 - Career Change 16:45 - Is Your Life in Danger? 33:30 - Rescue 41:00 - Overcoming 50:00 - What Inspires You Today? #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #Mentalhealth #Author #Speaker #Resilience

Bill Bayless, entrepreneur and retired Co-Founder and CEO of American Campus Communities, shares his incredible story of hard work, family, culture, believing in a dream and creating an industry. Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 1:55 - Hometown & Family 4:06 - Life Lessons from Sports 8:06 - Tough Love 9:06 - The One 12:58 - What Lead to Career 17:41 - The Disney Way 29:55 - Only in America 35:10 - Culture is Everything 39:09 - Inspiration Today #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #Entrepreneur #Innovator #Studenthousing #BillBayless

Michelle Washington is the first television style expert in Austin. From janitor to international designer, she has been featured on every major media news outlet. Her goal is to share stories through fashion. Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 1:30 - Austin and Barbies 10:25 - Lessons From a Janitor 19:30 - Summa Cum Laude 21:10 - September 11 in NYC 27:30 - Traveling the World 30:40 - Favorite Projects 40:05 - Fashion Versus Style 44:15 - Inspiration Today #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #Fashion #Style #Television #MichelleWashington #Design

By age 15, Mike Thompson had battled four separate bouts of cancer, enduring over 70 surgeries. From there, his battle with addiction and recovery was only just beginning. The polar opposite of the bitter person you might expect, Mike is a walking inspiration for the rest of us... full of hope, joy and gratitude that is infectious for everyone around him. Despite the fact that he should not be alive, he is living life to the FULL and showing others how to do the same. Be sure to check out his new book "Finding Good" when it releases soon! Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 1:24 - Childhood in Austin 3:50 - First Diagnosis 9:20 - Source of Hope 13:22 - Cancer Returns 20:10 - Round Four 26:15 - Enduring Dark Times 33:25 - Addiction and Recovery 44:30 - Living Life Fully 47:45 - What if I'm in Pain? 49:30 - Advice When Life is Ok 51:30 - Inspiration Today #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #CancerSurvivor #Cancer #Addiction #Recovery #Author #Speaker

Ricky Williams is among the greatest athletes to ever walk the earth, and one of the most misunderstood. He was committed to being himself before it was encouraged to do so. Today's conversation will not only introduce us to the incredible human off the field, but will challenge us to reflect on ourselves as well. We cover Ricky's formative years and journey to football, why he chose Texas and his journey through the NFL... but we also get real about Ricky's vast amount of personal learnings and observations about the human experience. DON'T MISS Ricky's mystery year away starting at 34:35! Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 2:50 - Formative Years 14:05 - Why Texas? 17:25 - Mack Brown 20:00 - Heisman Year 26:10 - Internal Struggles 34:35 - Mystery Year Away 57:20 - Death, Rebirth (Back to NFL) 1:06:20 - Nick Saban 1:08:50 - Baltimore Ravens 1:12:40 - Bigger Than Football #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #RickyWilliams #Heisman #Longhorns #Football #NFL

THIRTEEN Emmys!? Most people see images of the world and feel discontent. Chet traveled to Europe and came back feeling grateful for all that is just a day trip away from our own backyard. From pre-med to law to a 13 time (and counting) Emmy Award winning show, Chet shares his incredible journey and lessons learned along the way! Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 2:30 - Chet Garner Introduction 3:13 - The Daytripper 5:10 - Chet's Background 9:05 - Cultivating Curiosity 12:00 - College Years 15:45 - Origin of the Daytripper 24:10 - Family 28:20 - Turning The Corner 34:30 - Everything Gone Wrong 39:00 - Chet's Recommendations 42:40 - Misconceptions of Texas 45:05 - Why Chet Loves Texas 47:00 - Chet's Final Advice #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #Daytripper #ChetGarner #Emmys #Travel

Our goal is to tell stories that inspire and connect. Sally Hernandez has been doing that at KXAN for over 20 years! Her's is an incredible story of what can happen when you set your mind on a goal and work at it relentlessly. Not only that, be she's a true inspiration of what it means to lead out of your authentic self. Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring you more stories like these! Segments: 0:00 - On This Episode 2:30 - Sally Hernandez Introduction 3:10 - Most memorable stories 7:10 - Childhood in El Paso 12:30 - Interest in News Anchoring 15:45 - Don't Let People Know... 24:35 - Career at KXAN 32:45 - Self Leadership 36:00 - Uvalde 39:10 - Using Platform 42:40 - What Inspires Sally #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #KXAN #News

Jonathan Horstmann is the lead vocalist of Urban Heat, the winner of the AMA Single of the Year for their hit single "Have You Ever?". Jonathan is multi-talented, and gets real about his journey, struggles, recovery, and wisdom gained along the way. #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #Urbanheat #JonathanHorstmann

After an eight year professional career working to earn his spot, Brad Stuver found a home in Austin FC. Not only is he a fan favorite whose name is roared in the stadium at every save, and a hero of Austin's historic first ever playoff run... but off the field Brad is the only soccer player in the world to be nominated for the Humanitarian of the Year ESPY. Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring more stories to you just like this! Additional media included from ESPN and Austin FC Media. #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #ForAustin #BradStuver #AustinFC #MLS #Soccer #ListosVerde #Q2stadium

It is difficult to go almost anywhere in Austin without seeing the thumbprint, quite literally actually, of today’s guest. For many of you, he needs no introduction, but Will Bryant is an artist, illustrator and designer who’s paintings, drawings, products and installations are instantly recognizable. While Austin is lucky to have him, his work has been featured in what is essentially all 25 of the world’s top 25 most recognizable brands… including Google, Facebook, Nike, Target, the NYTs, Ray Ban, the White House… just to name a few. As talented as Will is, his greatest skill may be being an awesome human being. He cares deeply for people, and his desire to have people be included inspires most everything he does. Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring more stories to you just like this! #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #RealConversations #ForAustin #WillBryant #Art #Design #Paintings

What started with one meal delivered to one man in need has turned into 500,000 people served since. We sat down with an incredible human being, Brian Tolbert, who is the leader of Operation Turkey where all 30,000 workers including the board are volunteers. Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so we can bring more stories to you just like this! #Story512 #Story #Austin #Texas #Connection #Interview #RealConversations #ForAustin #NonProfit #Homeless #Volunteer #OperationTurkey

Ironwoman. NATO Journalist. Ivy League Grad. Activist. Nonprofit and business owner. What can't Jackie Faye do? Today's guest has not only pulled off historic feats of her own (completing six Ironmans across six continents in one year, for example) but has empowered other women to accomplish historic feats of their own.

Today's inspiring conversation takes us around the world... and into the story behind the woman who seems to approach everything in life with a bigger purpose in mind.

Be sure to like and SUBSCRIBE so that we can bring more stories to you like these!

Our Ep. 013 guests are the owners of Red Horn, a coffee house in North Austin who products are increasingly being sold throughout Texas. The two talk about their journey from stable careers to launching their own business, including what it looks like to make the move from one dream job to another.

These guys are real, hardworking, humble and are making a significant impact on the community they serve.

Be sure to like and subscribe so that we can continue to bring more stories like these!

It seems like no matter what news outlet you tune into, today's media is full of anger, fear and division. John Garrett had a different vision. The belief that everyone—not just the insiders—should know what is happening in their own backyard prompted him to leave news company giants and start his own news organization. John and his wife Jennifer launched the first edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 serving as Co-CEOs.

Community Impact has changed the way we connect, hear and share stories locally in Austin and beyond. In his own words, the company strives to "be a light" in times that are frequently dark. His story is full of vision, wisdom and community connection.

A degree in Philosophy from Duke University. An MBA from USC. Released 6 Studio Albums. A successful career at Accenture. Just one person?

We're so excited for you to meet Austin musician Patrick Phelan (Luego), as he shares stories from his ventures all over the country and how he's continued to reinvent himself along the way. Be sure to check out his latest releases on your favorite streaming service!

Two very different upbringings, one common dream. Raj and Toral Balakrishnan exhibit grit at the highest level leaving successful stable careers in the medical field to pursue what was most meaningful. 

#story #austin #texas #interview #conversation #connection #inspiration #Story512 #hilton #hotel #hardwork #austintexas #family

First on the ice at 4 years old, Max Fortunus spent 18 years playing professional hockey. His career spans across 3 different countries, more than 1,110 regular season games in the NHL, AHL, DEL, and ECHL and a Calder Cup championship in the building where our conversation takes place.

Now as an Assistant Coach for the Texas Stars, Max shares with us life lessons learned along the way and what it takes to accomplish big goals and dreams by taking the small step in front of you. His story is one of extreme ownership, a consistently positive mindset, unmatched drive and discipline and an unwavering respect for every person he encounters.  

#story #austin #texas #hockey #proplayer #prohockey #internationalhockey #NHL #AHL #DEL #ECHL #professionalhockey #texasstsars #dallasstars #interview #conversation #connection #inspiration #mindset #respect #extremeownership #MaximeFortunus #MaxFortunus #Story512

From one of the top D1 basketball recruits in the nation to delivering FedEx packages for a living, it seemed like Carmelo Antrone Lee’s basketball journey was over. Instead, he played 15 years professionally around the world and won three championships. He is currently the director of one of the largest basketball associations in Austin with 34 teams.  In this episode, you’ll hear about hard times, defining moments and life lessons learned.

Jack and James Dumoulin are two Longhorn brothers who, among others things have attended elementary school in South Korea, competed in two Little League World Series, won a global Microsoft Excel Competition (yes, that's a thing that 2 million people compete in), and have started a business amassing nearly 1 million followers on social media in less than a year.

Be sure to tune into Ep. 007 to hear more about their story, what makes them so successful and what it is that they're dreaming about in the future.

We are living in a culture that is as divided as any in our lifetime. So what happens when you belong to multiple different groups that are portrayed to us as being at odds with one another.

With decades in law enforcement, Zena Bryant has a collection of unique experiences that have brought her in front of the best and worst of humanity. With humor, wit and wisdom she shares these experiences with us in Episode 006 in a way that is sure to challenge all of us to be human, and to listen to the human on the other side of us.