Kevin Polky - The Journey
Self-Improvement
About
These podcasts are intended to capture ordinary conversations with special individuals about personal transformation, ideas and observations. I will be bringing you a variety of guests, that will be sharing their own personal stories of setbacks, transformation and reflection.
Episodes
- Ep. #356 - From School Counselor to Clinical Counselor with Noelle Rizzio
Noelle shares about her 20 years of experience working as a school counselor and her transition into clinical counseling. She has a passion for helping young people, as well as supporting other counselors. She also shares exciting news abo…
- Ep. #355 - Reflection: Confidence Comes From Action
During this reflection, I reflect on the different teaching points from the month and include a new one regarding confidence. Most people think, I need confidence to do something new and scary before taking an action step. In reality, you…
- Ep. #354 - Creating Space for Renewal with Madeline Mayze
Madalyn shares her story of 10 years in the child services industry and how that led to her new business Reorganize and Renew. She has taken her passion for helping people into their homes to help them renew and organize their living space…
- Ep. #353 - Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding Mental Health, and Mental Illness
It’s May and May is mental Health awareness month. During the reflection, I talk about difference between mental illness and mental health. Shared about how we can use this month as a reminder of what we can do for developing our own growt…
- Ep. #352 - Moving from Fear Mode to Growth Mode: Grounding, Journaling, Movement, and Reframing
During this reflection, I share about utilizing the techniques that I teach to clients on grounding, journaling, movement, reframing to move from fear mode to growth mode and external locus of control to internal. Enjoy!
- Ep. #351 - Reflection: Hands Full of Shells
In this episode of The Journey, I share a simple moment from Fort Myers Beach that turned into a powerful reminder about growth, change, and the opportunities we miss when we keep our hands full of the past. As I watched a young boy strugg…
- Ep. #350 - Reflection: Conscious Contact
During this reflection, I continue the conversation about the importance of developing a morning and evening routine. I suggest about being intentional of utilizing activities to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. E…
- Ep. #349 - Kevin Reflects on Creating a Mindful Spring
During this reflection, I share about a new fitness goal of walking to increase my stamina and endurance through walking has led me to being intentional about how many steps, miles I am walking each day. I have noticed the increase in stre…
- Ep. #348 - Learn How Safe Families of Rockford Is Serving The Community with Ben Shaw
Ben has committed his life to helping others. He primarily gives back to others what has helped in his own journey. He has been with Safe Families for the past four years. Safe Families is an essential resource for our community and our mo…
- Ep. #347 - Kelli Ritschel Boehle Shares Nik’s Wish
I welcomed Kelli Ritschel Boehle to The Journey. Kelli shared her moving story of her youngest son, Nik’s battle with cancer. During his treatment Nik met another young adult, Nate who had cancer but was ineligible for Make-a-Wish because…
- Ep. #346 - Reflection on The Myth of Greatness
During this reflection, I share some thoughts about pursuing greatness. What it takes? What are the trade-offs? And what are the distractions? What we learn on the journey is what we transfer to the next chapter of our journey. Greatness i…
- Episode #345 - Reflection: Waiting on Direction
I wonder if this ever happened, I believe the prompting is not an accident and I know what direction to go in. But it does seem to be the right time. So, I must just wait and be patient. Not comfortable but necessary. So, what to do. A quo…
- Ep. #344 - Clark Kelly Found His Direction in Music
Clark Kelly joins me on The Journey to share how music shaped his life. What started at 10 years old with an inexpensive guitar eventually led him to Nashville, where he was performing and signed with Sony. Like most meaningful paths, his…
- Ep. #343 - Reflection: What I can Control
Continuing the series on replacing habits and establishing routines. This reflection focuses on what can I control: my actions, response to my thought and emotions. Choose to focus on gratitude and happiness versus hatred and disappointmen…
- Ep. #342 - Reflection: Mindful Walking
In this episode, I talk about what it really takes to set and maintain personal goals when life gets hard. I walk through my own daily wellness routine—physical exercise, spiritual practices, and moments of mindfulness—and explain how cons…
- Ep. #341 - Reflection: Be Aware and Choose Kindness
Continue to reflect on goal setting and desiring to be the best version of myself this year for the ultimate goal to be able to help someone who is struggling. To be able show through kindness some hope and Light in their darkness.
- Ep. #340 - Reflection: Changing Your Life by Changing Your Habits
Recently, I did a 3-hour workshop on changing habits. I initially did this workshop due to the tradition of New Year’s resolutions at the first every year. I wanted to see if there was a way to help individuals be more successful achieving…
- Ep. #339 - From Poverty to Self-Awareness: SaVana McIntyre's Hero’s Journey
A couple of weeks ago, I had Nathan Sills return to The Journey to talk about his film Afterglow. The night of the final public showing a fellow guest speaker was SaVana the older sister of Devon and his two brothers who were in the film.…
- Ep. #338 - Revisiting a Christmas Carol: A story of Transformation
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is more than a holiday classic—it’s a mirror. Through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, we’re reminded that change doesn’t require perfection, only honesty, courage, and a willingness to see ourselv…
- Ep. #337 - When Life Calls: A Reflection on the Hero’s Journey and Sudden Change
In this episode of The Journey, I take time to reflect on the last few weeks and the many conversations I’ve had around the Hero’s Journey. I share how quickly life can change—sometimes in a single moment—and how those moments often arrive…
- Ep. #336 - Community, Resilience, and the Power of Storytelling with Nathan Sill
In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with Nathan Sill to explore the deeper themes behind the documentary film Afterglow. We talk about parkour as a pathway to personal growth, the role of urban exploration in self-discovery, and how…
- Ep. #335 - Reflection: Hero's Journey in Real Time
In this episode, I take some time to reflect on my experience attending the final showing of Afterglow at Beloit College. I was invited to speak about mental health and resilience, and the evening became a powerful reminder of what it mean…
- Ep. #334 - Reflection on the Change of Season: Appreciating Winter's Solitude and Beauty
In this episode of The Journey, I share a reflection sparked by the first meaningful snowfall of the season in central Wisconsin. After Thanksgiving, the world around me slowed under a fresh blanket of snow—a moment of solitude, beauty, an…
- Ep. #333 - A Father’s Journey Through Grief and Transformation with Mike White
In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with my friend Mike White to talk about his life, his work, and the powerful story of his son, Connor. Mike shares how he transformed his pain into action by creating Connor’s Second Chance, an en…
- Ep. #332 - Reflection: Never Know What Others are Experiencing
During this reflection, I talk about recent experience speaking at Rock Valley College regarding International Suicide Survivor Day on November 22nd . We never know what others are experiencing, so it best to choose to be kind and seek opp…
- Ep. #331 - The Gifts of Autumn: Kevin Polky Reflects on The Changing Season
In this reflection episode of The Journey, I take some time to pause and share thoughts on the Gifts of Autumn, the beauty, change, and stillness that this season brings. As the world around us slows down and shifts, we’re reminded to do t…
- Ep. #330 - Living with Endometriosis: Nikki Myers’ Journey of Awareness and Advocacy
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nikki Myers, licensed clinical professional counselor, to discuss her 15-year journey with endometriosis and her mission to raise awareness and support others facing this condition. Nikki shares her…
- Ep. #329 - Understanding Domestic Violence with Ashley Phillips
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Ashley Phillips for an important and deeply honest conversation about domestic violence, what it looks like, how it impacts victims, and what it takes to break free. Ashley shares her personal experi…
- Ep. #328 - Mindfulness, Movement, and Education with Mary Votava
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Mary Votava, educator, yoga instructor, and behavior intervention specialist for Rockford Public Schools. Mary shares her journey from teaching English and ESL to her current work supporting students…
- Ep. #327 - Courage, Awareness, and Healing with Michelle McCabe-Shafer
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Michelle McCabe-Shafer, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Michelle shares her powerful story—from her early career aspirations to her unexpected breast…
- Ep. #326 - The Power of Movement and Community with Nick Votava
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nick Votava, co-founder of Rockford Barbell. Nick and I dive into the story of how Rockford Barbell began and how it has grown into a community space where movement, weightlifting, and yoga help chil…
- Ep. #325 - Learning How to Follow God's Prompting with Vanester Scott
Vanester Scott shared her journey of following God’s prompting and direction for her life. In this episode she shared the story of how she met her husband, started her prayer ministry and upcoming community event for unity. Enjoy!
- Ep. #324 - Broadcasting And Building Community with Greg Saunders
Greg has been a staple on the radio as a radio personality for the past 30 years. He has found a love for the outdoors and as well performing arts world. He will be the MC for the second year in a row for the Annual SOS Fundraising Dinner.…
- Ep. #323 - Addressing Mental Health in Schools with Educator Matt Nyberg
Matt has been an educator for 12 years working as teacher and now as administrator. During this episode, we discuss the impact of mental health issues in the school setting. Awesome conversation as we discussed the importance of willingnes…
- Ep. #322 - A Daughter’s Battle, A Father’s Support
This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Olivia Gaumond and her father, Tim. Olivia opens up about her battle with OCD and the path she’s taken toward recovery. Tim shares his perspective as a parent—what it was like to walk alongside his d…
- Ep. #321 - She was the Light in my Darkness
Kirsten Edmunds returns to tell her story of fighting ED (eating disorder) and discovering her true identity. She is accompanied by her best friend, Taylor who fought to be by her side through the darkest time. Amazing story of the power o…
- Ep. #320 - Shatter Our Silence: A Story for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In this episode of The Journey, I open up about how I became involved in suicide prevention and share the origin story of Shatter Our Silence. What began as a response to tragedy has grown into a movement dedicated to education, awareness,…
- Ep. #319 - Bucket Lists and Mindful Travel with Ralph Velasco
This week on The Journey, I’m joined once again by my friend Ralph Velasco — a seasoned travel photographer, tour organizer, and author who has spent the last 17+ years exploring the world and helping others do the same. Ralph has led over…
- Ep. #318 - What does the good life look like for you?
This week on The Journey, I reflect on the idea of the good life. What if you woke up tomorrow and found yourself living it? What would be different? What would you be doing? In this episode, I explore why asking these kinds of questions m…
- Ep. #317 - Completing the Threat Response Cycle
In this episode, I reflect on the work of Emily and Amelia Nagoski and their insights into the threat response cycle. In today’s world, most of our threats aren’t physical — they’re emotional, mental, and psychological. And yet, our bodies…
- Ep. #316 - The Story We Tell Ourselves: The Power of Perspective
In this week's episode of The Journey, I reflect on the power of perspective. When you see a glass with 8 ounces of water, do you see it as half full or half empty? Or is it simply a glass with water, until we assign it meaning? I also exp…
- Ep. #315 - Abandoned, But Not Broken: Lacey’s Journey of Resilience
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lacey, whose story is one of incredible resilience and transformation. Lacey grew up in a home shaped by the challenges of addiction. When she was just 12, her father passed away from cancer. A year…
- Ep. #314 - Strength Through the Struggle, A Reflection on Stoicism
In this episode of The Journey, I reflect on the philosophy of stoicism and the impact it’s had on my life. I share how I was introduced to the writings of Ryan Holiday, and how his modern take on ancient wisdom helped shape the way I appr…
- Ep. #313 - Revisiting the Hero’s Journey
I have been influenced by Joseph Campbell’s work, The Hero’s Journey for over 20 years. During this episode, I share an overview of the hero’s journey and the three main segments of the journey. Enjoy as we begin the process of waking up o…
- Ep. #312 - The Power of Communication with Tom Leu
In today’s episode of The Journey, I’m joined by my good friend Tom Leu, who returns to the podcast after five years. Tom is a speaker, coach, and expert in communication, and our conversation couldn’t be more timely. We explore the import…
- Ep. #311 - Reflections on Men’s Mental Health
In this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin Polky takes a thoughtful and personal look at Men’s Mental Health — why it matters, why it’s often overlooked, and how we can begin to change the conversation. Kevin reflects on his own journ…
- Ep. #310 - Hope in Action: A Conversation with Ann Dittmer
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by Ann Dittmer, a retired attorney with a heart for service and a passion for helping those in crisis. For over 20 years, Ann has volunteered at the Rockford Rescue Mission, where she now ser…
- Ep. #309 - Mark and Jamie Kuney Share the Story of Ryan Masters
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Journey, Kevin sits down with Mark and Jamie Kuney, the parents of Ryan Masters — a gifted athlete, dedicated Marine, and beloved son. Ryan’s journey took him from high school and college a…
- Ep. #308 - Rockford Barbell is Making a Difference in Youth Mental Health
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by Nick Votava and Elliot Ganet of Rockford Barbell, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mindful movement and trauma-informed practices. Nick and Elliot share how their pr…
- Ep. #307 - May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In this reflective episode of The Journey, Kevin shares thoughts in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring what it truly means to care for your personal wellness. He discusses the interconnected nature of our physical, mental, e…