What happens when you finally stop resisting — and start listening to the signs?

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this emotional and courageous episode, poet and author Armen Kaymakcian shares part one of his powerful personal story — a journey of hardship, recovery, and purpose.

Growing up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Armen lived through life-altering events that shaped his path in unimaginable ways. His memoir, He Calls Me Redeemed, was written in rooms instead of chapters as his family owned a hotel in Asbury Park, NJ - those rooms were filled with stories of both struggle and strength.

At just 12 years old he was sexually molested by a trusted male friend of the family. That went on for some time and the trauma from that experience began to shape Armen in a way that was hard for him to come back from.

In his early adult years, Armen faced challenges that led him down a dark path. That path included selling drugs, drug addiction, stealing, and trouble with the law. But at one of the lowest moments of his life, he began listening — to his inner voice, to the signs around him, and to something greater. A spiritual shift and a reconnection to faith sparked a transformation that helped him begin again.

Today, Armen is a husband, a father of three, and an advocate for healing and redemption through storytelling. Armen's book is a must-read for anyone anywhere who is dealing with overcoming hurdles or has over-come them already. It is a story of strength, resiliency, and courage. There is so much to be learned from him sharing his very private story.

🎙️ This is Part One of his journey.

📅 Part Two airs on June 11

Hosted by Jodi Grinwald, certified professional coach, consultant, and founder of the Today is the Day movement. Jodi works with entrepreneurs, leaders, nonprofits, and organizations to deepen authentic connection, drive growth, and align purpose with impact — helping people and teams thrive both personally and professionally. Learn more on our website: Today Is The Day

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @todaysdayliveit

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Today is the Day is more than a podcast — it’s a global movement that amplifies real stories of resilience, connection, and purpose to inspire change worldwide.

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Today is the Day Changemakers, Jodi Grinwald speaks with Melanie Paticoff Grossman—founder, author, and editor of Hearing Our Way magazine.

Melanie’s changemaker journey began with a deeply personal story: her cousin, who she was incredibly close to, started to experience hearing loss at a very young age. When her cousin moved away, it felt like a profound loss—one that shaped Melanie’s early understanding of distance, connection, and identity. But when her cousin returned years later, that relationship—and the awareness it sparked—set Melanie on a mission: to help other kids with hearing loss feel seen, understood, and empowered.

She began by writing Sophie’s Tales, a children’s book that uses storytelling to bridge understanding. But she didn’t stop there. Wanting to create something sustainable and ongoing, Melanie founded Hearing Our Way—a vibrant national magazine now in its 10th year, reaching schools, doctors’ offices, and homes across the country. The publication gives kids with hearing loss (and their peers) a place to belong and a way to connect.

In this episode, Melanie opens up about her passion for representation, the power of personal stories, the surprising role ADHD plays in professional life, and why she believes “finding your people” brings freedom and joy.

This is more than a story about hearing loss—it’s a story about purpose, resilience, and what happens when one person decides to turn personal loss into collective impact.

Listen on the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel or on all major podcast platforms.

Please subscribe and follow:

Instagram + Facebook: @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt

Website: TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.com

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Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast featuring Adam Glinn, CEO, JCC of Middlesex County.

In this powerful episode, Adam Glinn shares his unique journey from practicing law to discovering his true calling—nonprofit leadership. Although the legal profession shaped part of his path, it was never where his heart truly lived. Raised by parents who modeled service and community commitment—serving on boards and giving back in meaningful ways—Adam developed an early understanding of what it meant to be of service to others.

Now, as the CEO of the JCC of Middlesex County, Adam leads with purpose, compassion, and a clear focus on meeting the ever-evolving needs of the community. Under his leadership, the JCC has launched a transformative capital campaign and pivoted from simply referring mental health needs to becoming a first-line provider of mental health services. They’ve also expanded their programming to include occupational and physical therapy, a move many would not have expected from a traditional JCC—but one that speaks to their commitment to supporting the whole person and entire family.

Adam also reveals a surprising reality: Of the approximately 170 Jewish Community Centers across North America, more than 70% have memberships where over half the members are not Jewish. At the JCC in Edison, NJ, the reach is just as broad. Members speak 37 different languages, and of the 150 preschoolers they serve, 90% are not Jewish. The center has become a place for all people—welcoming, supportive, and mission-driven.

With a heart for his team, a vision for the future, and a deep desire to serve, Adam Glinn is redefining what it means to lead a community organization in today’s world.

Subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel or stream all episodes on all major platforms Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayistheDayLiveIt.

To learn more about upcoming Changemakers Connective events, workshops, keynote speaking, 1:1 coaching, team leadership development, and transformational consulting, visit TodayistheDayLiveIt.com.

Jodi Grinwald is a sought-after speaker, award-winning transformational architect, and certified professional coach who works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking to connect to their “why” and create greater impact.

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#todayistheday

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast!

What happens when you stop waiting for validation and start giving yourself permission to grow, speak, and lead?

In this powerful episode of Today is the Day Changemakers, I sit down with book coach, author, permission expert, and visionary Kim O’Hara. From confronting the silence around sexual abuse to stepping into her truth as a bestselling author and extraordinary book coach, Kim shares her deeply personal journey of healing, self-actualization, and creative leadership.

We talk about:

• The real story behind writing No Longer Denying Sexual Abuse
• Becoming a single Mom and working at Trader Joe's
• Purchasing a home for the first time and how that changed her life
• How permission became the catalyst for her growth
• Why clarity and organization are non-negotiables for aspiring authors
• What it means to create impact-driven content in today’s world

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a writer, or someone standing at a crossroads, Kim’s insights will help you get honest with your story—and finally give yourself the green light to tell it.

Connect with Kim:

Website: KIM O'HARA | Write a Good Book

Facebook: @Kim O'Hara

Instagram: @kimoharacoach

Weekly Column: Give Yourself Permission | Kim O'Hara | Substack

Take Action:

Subscribe, stream, rate, and share if this conversation resonates with you. You never know who’s waiting for permission to begin.

Subscribe for information on more Today is the Day events and opportunities to network

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @todayisthedayliveit

Today is the Day LLC empowers nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and corporate teams through customized coaching, leadership development, and executive consulting. With a global sphere of influence and a deep commitment to connection, we help clients build stronger teams, grow their impact, and align their work with purpose—locally and worldwide. To book a introductory appointment and learn more email jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com or visit our website.

Have a great week everyone!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast.

This is part two of the conversation with DemocraShe, Executive Director and Founder, Sarah Jakle, as we continue to explore how the organization is transforming leadership opportunities for young women across the country.

In this episode, we’re joined by two powerful new voices—Hanna and Makaela, high school students who are part of the DemocraShe program. They share how being involved has helped them discover their “inner best friend,” build confidence, and begin shaping what it looks like to step into leadership as young women in politics.

Through the program, they are developing key skills like empathy, compassion, and civic engagement, while preparing to use their voices in college and beyond to create meaningful change. Their stories reflect how DemocraShe isn’t just raising awareness—it’s raising the floor for an entire generation.

Available online and across multiple U.S. states, DemocraShe also offers stipends to its participants, removing financial barriers and making civic leadership more accessible than ever.

This conversation is heartfelt, empowering, and exactly what the world needs right now.

Visit www.democracyshe.org to learn more and share this opportunity with a future changemaker.

About Today is the Day:

Today is the Day is more than just a podcast—it’s a global platform that connects, supports, and amplifies changemakers from around the world. Founded and hosted by Jodi Grinwald, an award-winning leadership strategist, speaker, transformational architect, and nonprofit CEO, the platform is rooted in authentic connection and continuous growth.

Through her work, Jodi supports entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, executives, and teams in aligning with their purpose, reaching financial, professional, and personal goals, navigating imposter syndrome, and mastering public speaking, and much more. Her personalized coaching and consulting model helps individuals and organizations reconnect to what matters most—leading with clarity, confidence, and creating real and sustainable impact.

Jodi also provides sales training through a connection-first approach—because we’re not just selling a product, service, or mission. We’re sharing our authentic connection to it. That’s what truly resonates and drives action. Her fundraising strategy is grounded in “friend-raising”—cultivating relationships that lead to meaningful, long-term support.

Coming soon: The Changemakers Connective
A new membership experience designed for changemakers, leaders, nonprofit professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to grow through real connection. The Changemakers Connective will offer expert-led workshops, strategic support sessions, curated business and mission-building tools, visibility opportunities, and a powerful global network focused on collaboration and impact.

To learn more, visit todayisthedayliveit.com and follow us @todayisthedayliveit on Facebook and Instagram.

We’ve now been streamed in 913 cities and 76 countries—thank you for helping us bring these voices and missions to the world.

Have a great week!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Jakle, the visionary founder of DemocraShe, a national non-profit organization on a mission to empower high school girls to see themselves as future political leaders and changemakers.

Sarah shares how DemocraShe actively recruits future leaders from historically underrepresented communities to flood our future with diverse, compassionate & confident women leaders in every sector - who know running for office is their birthright.

DemocraShe is not only a free program, but they also pay their students stipends so that they can give young women the opportunity to receive mental health tools and leadership training regardless of background or income status.

We also explore the transformative concept of finding your inner best friend. In our conversation, Sarah guides us through a powerful exercise designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength and compassion during challenging times.

With her rich background in the political arena, Sarah explains why high school is a pivotal time for cultivating leadership. She reveals how early support not only builds confidence but also sets the stage for girls to thrive as leaders in an era marked by unprecedented political challenges.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Next week, join us for Part 2 when two remarkable young women who have done the DemocraShe training and are now part of a Train-the-Trainer model—share how they’re now mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Takeaways from This Episode:

• Early Leadership: High school is a critical period for fostering the confidence and skills required for future leadership.

• Financial Empowerment: Providing stipends to girls removes barriers and reinforces their value and voice.

• Self-Compassion: Discover an exercise to help you reconnect with your inner best friend during tough times.

• Mentorship Impact: Learn how empowering young women through peer-to-peer mentorship creates lasting change.

• Next week’s follow-up episode featuring two inspiring young leaders

Work With Me

Through Today is the Day, I offer coaching and consulting for individuals and organizations ready to grow, lead, and connect with purpose.

Training opportunities and coaching topics include, but are not limited to:

• The Table You’re Meant For: A transformational experience where career clarity, leadership, and fulfillment align—helping you find your place at the right table and build the future you envision.

• Sales Training – Reinventing the Conversation: A powerful, authentic approach that teaches your team to sell with genuine service. By focusing on connection and trust-building, this training not only elevates the customer experience—it drives increased sales and revenue by aligning solutions with real client needs.

• Changemaker Coaching: Based on the “When Your Why is Greater Than Your How” framework to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and teams reconnect with their mission and lead with clarity.

• Podcast Coaching: Personalized guidance to help you plan, launch, and grow a podcast that amplifies your unique voice and mission.

Let’s connect: jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com

Visit: https://todayisthedayliveit.com/

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, like, and share the episode. Your support helps amplify the voices of changemakers around the globe.

Listen now on the Today is the Day YouTube channel or stream on all streaming platforms.

Have a great week!

Jodi

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast.

This week, my guest is Sarah Giberson—changemaker, community builder, and wellness advocate. Sarah wears many impactful hats and serves in roles that beautifully merge professional leadership with personal transformation.

She is the Director of Real Estate Development and Marketing for the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), playing a key role in reshaping a historic military base into a thriving hub for innovation, business, and healing. From future-forward projects like a new hospital specializing in renowned cancer treatment, to major partners like Netflix and local gems like breweries and social spaces—Sarah is helping breathe new life into this iconic space.

But her impact doesn’t stop there.

Sarah is also the owner of two Pink Moon Yoga & Wellness studios - one in Silverton and one in Brielle, New Jersey. She has created welcoming spaces for grounding, healing, and reconnection through yoga—a path she didn’t plan but felt deeply called to after a personal turning point. What started as a moment of reconnection in a yoga class became a mission to help others do the same.

In this episode, we talk about the power of duality—how one person can hold space for both business leadership and emotional wellness. Sarah reminds us that self-care isn’t just personal—it’s a professional imperative.

She also shares her thoughts on the importance of the arts in our communities and reflects on a lesson from one of her favorite books by Jay Shetty, Think Like a Monk.

This is a conversation for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves, align with their purpose, and be reminded that it’s possible to lead with impact while still caring for your soul.

Stay Connected:

Subscribe to the Today’s the Day Changemakers YouTube channel, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@todayisthedayliveit).

We’re also hosting live events with powerful changemakers from around the world—individuals you might never have the chance to meet otherwise. Visit todaysthedayliveit.com to learn more, join the movement, and explore how you can become part of our global community.

Have a great week, everyone—and remember: Today is the day. Live it!

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast!

Whether you are currently facing challenges or have overcome obstacles in your past, this episode is a powerful reminder that moments—both difficult and triumphant—are fleeting. The steps we take, no matter how small, can shape our path forward. Courage and resilience don’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the smallest steps that lead to the greatest change. And when we share our experiences, we don’t just grow ourselves—we inspire and lift others up along the way.

This week on Today’s the Day Changemakers, my special guest cohost Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, and I sit down with the incredible Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder of Beacon of Hope Inc. in New Jersey.

Darlene’s journey is one of resilience and purpose. At just 19 years old, she found herself living in a park for three days with her infant son, unsure of what the future held. In that moment, she made a promise—if she could make it through, she would dedicate her life to helping others facing similar hardships. Today, through Beacon of Hope Inc., she provides food, clothing, and support to families in need, ensuring they have the essentials to stay together and move forward.

She also shares a beautiful story about how a simple treat placed in a child’s goodie bag can bring a moment of joy and a much-needed smile, reminding us that even in the toughest times, kindness makes a difference.

Now a board member of the Food Bank of South Jersey, Darlene once questioned whether she belonged at the table. But as Fred explains, her lived experience—both as someone who once needed these services and now as a leader providing them—is invaluable. Their organizations work in sync, creating real impact for those who need it most.

Darlene has been recognized with numerous awards for her incredible work, and her story will truly inspire you.

Please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @todayisthedayliveit.

Also, go to our website to learn more about upcoming events where you can interact and learn from our changemaker guests who have so much to share.

Have a great week everyone!