The Orphaned Wildlife Center has appeared in news stories and online feeds across the country and around the world. Videos of their bears have gone viral and hundreds of thousands of people regularly stay up to date on the center’s happenings. Yet, one young girl has taken this interest a step further and is now an inspiration not only to the people at the center but to other kids across the country. Listen in to today’s episode to hear how Quinn Medina turned her inspiration into action, and ho...
Oct 18, 2017•31 min•Ep. 19
Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca knows the value of our military better than most people. Raised in a military family, she went on to serve in the Air Force before she became a military spouse. Her extensive and diverse roles within the military and veteran community qualify her as an expert on the highs and lows of that life. Her drive, business experience, entrepreneurial spirit and fierce commitment to continuing to serve have made her a presidentially recognized Champion of Change, and in this ep...
Oct 05, 2017•37 min•Ep. 18
It’s easy to be inspired by our active duty and veteran community. Our military personnel have been engaged in over a decade of war, often with multiple deployments. They sacrifice time with their families and place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us may pursue our own paths, secure in the knowledge that they are on the job. It’s easy to feel upset or angry when we learn of casualties, when we see grieving families, or when we see the visible wounds left by war. What’s harder to do ...
Sep 28, 2017•45 min•Ep. 17
From EMT to SWAT operator, to multi-certification holder in CrossFit, Law Enforcement. Krav Maga, Fight Club and MMA, Eric Basek is a walking lethal weapon with a black belt and an Expert title. Yet he harnesses his skills to pursue his passion, impacting the lives of people all over the country. American Snippets interviewed Eric along with his good friend Mike Gallardo, a combat veteran with his own incredible story of courage and resilience. Mike overcame a series of hard times before enlisti...
Sep 20, 2017•45 min•Ep. 16
Mia Dede doesn’t look like a typical warrior. This beautiful young girl with a huge smile and endearing shyness does not look like she was ever anything but happy. She was just two years old when her mother rushed her to the emergency room. It was Mother’s Day, and Cynthia Diaz should have been simply enjoying the day, but Mia “could barely stand still without falling” and Cynthia knew there was something seriously wrong with her daughter. Mia was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma a Brain tumor. Sh...
Sep 14, 2017•20 min•Ep. 15
The Battle of Iwo Jima is most well known for the iconic image of brave Marines raising the flag after a hard-fought victory. Thousands of men lost their lives in that battle. We'll never know all the stories of heroism that day, but we do know one. Herschel "Woody" Williams is the last living Medal of Honor recipient from that famous battle. Decades later he is still passionate about his patriotism, and now he focuses his fight on supporting and honoring the families of fallen service members. ...
Aug 31, 2017•27 min•Ep. 14
After losing his brother to suicide and seeing a close friend struggle with the aftermath of combat, David Lionheart was determined to do his part to break the cycle of suicide before anyone else suffered its devastation. So David took matters into his own hands and now he has his own army of supporters, volunteers, and grateful military families invested in Play For Your Freedom. Listen in to today's episode to hear how David is helping veterans and their families across the country in an innov...
Aug 17, 2017•22 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, we are left nearly speechless by the story Carmen Tarleton so gracefully shares with us. She was asleep in her own home when she was violently awakened by her ex-husband. She was beaten and assaulted in front of her two daughters before her assailant took it to unimaginable levels by dousing her with industrial strength lye. Carmen clung to life for months in a medically induced coma while her doctors and her body valiantly fought for her survival. When she awoke, it was to a ne...
Aug 09, 2017•45 min•Ep. 12
True talent matched with pure passion, steadfast commitment, upstanding values, and downright good looks seems like too many qualities for one person to possess, but Matt Snook has got them all. His love for his family, his country, and his music pours forth in every note he sings. Matt's determination to reach his goals landed him a coveted spot on The Voice when Blake Shelton turned around for him. He has travelled overseas to perform for our deployed troops. He's sung for families of our fall...
Jul 28, 2017•14 min•Ep. 11
It was love at first sight on the blind date that changed Greg Herlean’s life, but not in the usual way. As the son of an Air Force officer, Greg moved ten times in 14 years. He was raised to embrace change and opportunity wherever he went, so he was fearless in following the path that opened up to him on that date. Today he is a highly sought after speaker on topics of estate planning, capital development and investment through use of self directed IRA vehicles. He is the author of two books on...
Jul 21, 2017•38 min•Ep. 10
Hundreds of thousands of children across this country are in the foster care system. Whether these children have been removed from abusive homes or lost their only family to tragedy, or any of the other reasons they find themselves dependent upon the state for care, all of these children deserve to find someone to love, care for, and cherish them. The luckiest of these children do, but too many others do not. This can be especially true for children with debilitating or life-limiting, terminal d...
Jul 13, 2017•44 min•Ep. 9
She’s a deceivingly genteel southerner with a sharp wit and a will of steel. Cilla McCain has taken it upon herself to fight alongside families of this nation’s fallen when they are faced with loss that does not fit the conventional manner of death. Pictures of widows, children, and parents receiving folded flags at graveside ceremonies abound as military honors are offered. But not every folded flag is followed up with the same respect. For families of soldiers whose deaths are unconventional –...
Jul 06, 2017•29 min•Ep. 8
If anyone is qualified to speak on the perils of good fortune, it’s Kent Clothier. He was running a multi-million dollar business in high school and a multi-billion dollar business after that. He would have been set for life, had he not fallen prey to the perils of that success. The fall from glory was brutal, and Kent was faced with challenges greater than he’d ever imagined he’d face. With a renewed commitment to himself and those he loves, Kent doubled down on life and business, rebuilding no...
Jun 28, 2017•50 min•Ep. 7
He took a beating on the field and off, but David Vobora fought back every time. First, he attacked his title of “Mr. Irrelevant” by becoming a superstar on the football field. Next, he attacked his addiction to pain medication, healing both from that and the severe injuries he sustained in his career. Then he got started on his true path; helping civilians and combat veterans become battle buddies in their own missions to overcome their injuries. You may have seen him on Ellen, but now you can ...
Jun 21, 2017•29 min•Ep. 6
Have people ever told you your dream is impossible? Have you ever let yourself believe the naysayers? Trevor Mauch has an important lesson for all of us who are tempted to give in to doubt. Listen in to this interview with Trevor Mauch , as one of this country’s leading Entrepreneurs shares his story of dismissing doubt and realizing his own American Dream by helping others realize theirs. Shaken by his friend’s death, Trevor turned his grief into action. He looked deep within himself to determi...
Jun 14, 2017•28 min•Ep. 5
What happens when art meets altruism? You get Dave Santia! He’s not just an artist. He’s an upside down, speed-painting artist who has donated over $600,000 to various charities. It’s hard to say what’s bigger: Dave’s talent or his heart. Join The Great American Syndicate Follow Barb Allen On Instagram Follow Great American Syndicate GET IN TOUCH: If now feels like the right time to transform your ideas into a book, contact me, and let’s make it happen! Email Me with your speaking or podcast req...
Jun 07, 2017•31 min•Ep. 4
He may have left the battlefield, but this Navy Seal has never stopped fighting. Micah Fink first waged his own inner battle to adjust to civilian life after combat, then turned his sights to helping others. Who doesn’t love cowboys? What’s not to love about wild horses? In this interview with Micah Fink , Micah explains how wild mustangs become battle buddies for combat veterans in the vast Montana wilderness. This is Heroes and Horses. Join The Great American Syndicate Follow Barb Allen On Ins...
Jun 01, 2017•44 min•Ep. 3
He’s a Pulitzer nominee who found even greater success after he left his writing career. Paul Von Zielbauer went from writing about movers and shakers to becoming one in a bold move. He’s found the greatest comfort far outside of his comfort zone, and now he’s helping others do the same. Listen in to hear all about his adventure philanthropy company, Roadmonkey, and how it is impacting lives all around the world. Hear about his decision to take that leap, and what it takes to find your own true ...
Jun 01, 2017•34 min•Ep. 2
He’s an entrepreneur who used his setbacks as steps forward, and she’s a military widow whose greatest heartaches have led to her greatest insights. Dave Brown’s true passion is his family. He’s worked hard to find success in business on his own schedule, so he can spend more time with the people he loves. Barb Allen’s tumultuous path has beaten her down a time or two, but introduced her to the very core of all that is good within our country. She is the exhausted but proud mother of four boys s...
Jun 01, 2017•10 min•Ep. 1
