Welcome to THE CONNECTION

Episodes

Dec. 12, 2025

You can't do it ALONE!

Jay Miralles interviews Marty Gray, a veteran who transitioned from a 20-year military career to entrepreneurship in real estate. They discuss the importance of networking, vulnerability in business, and the creation of OBO (...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 8, 2025

OPINIONS VS ADVICE

Summary In this conversation, Jay Miralles explores the critical distinction between advice and opinion, emphasizing how opinions can often hinder personal growth and the pursuit of dreams. He discusses the dangers of unsolic...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 4, 2025

GOAL PLANNING, PART 4 of 4

In this conversation, Jay Miralles discusses the importance of identity and self-belief in achieving long-term success. He emphasizes that while goals can change actions, it is one's identity that ultimately transforms life. ...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 3, 2025

GOAL PLANNING, PART 3 OF 4

Title: Mastering the Art of Execution: Turning Plans into Power Introduction: In today’s fast-paced world, having a plan is just the first step; executing that plan is where true success lies. In a recent podcast, Jay Miralle...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 2, 2025

GOAL PLANNING, PART 2 OF 4

Summary In this conversation, Jay Miralles emphasizes the importance of designing a clear blueprint for personal and professional success by 2026. He discusses the necessity of clarity, the three-piece blueprint for achieving...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 1, 2025

GOAL PLANNING, PART 1 of 4

4 PART SERIES PART 1 OF 4 In this conversation, Jay Miralles discusses the importance of having a concrete plan for achieving personal breakthroughs in 2026. He emphasizes the need for honesty in assessing one's goals and t...

Listen to the Episode

Nov. 26, 2025

The SAFE Little Voice In Your Head: HOW TO BEAT IT

The SAFE Little Voice In Your Head: HOW TO BEAT IT This episode delves into the concept of the inner voice, exploring how it acts as a barrier to personal growth and success. Jay Miralles discusses the survival wiring of the...

Listen to the Episode

Nov. 23, 2025

DO YOU WORRY TOO MUCH?

In this conversation, Jay Miralles explores the pervasive nature of worry, stress, and anxiety, emphasizing how these feelings often stem from our brain's survival instincts. He discusses the common triggers of worry, such as...

Listen to the Episode

Nov. 17, 2025

The Power of Belief w/ Jay Miralles

In this episode, Jay Miralles explores the profound impact of mindset and belief on personal growth and relationships. He emphasizes that belief is the foundation of success, and mindset shapes our actions and interactions. T...

Listen to the Episode

Oct. 27, 2025

Disconnected in a Connected World...

"Text now! I'll Respond" What if the most “connected” era is quietly starving our need for belonging? Jay takes a hard, honest look at how screens reshape attention, how comments replaced conversations, and why hearts can feel empty even when feeds look full. This isn’t tech-bashing; it’s a practical, human blueprint for getting your presence back. We unpack sobering screen-time habits, the anxiety that flares when devices are out of reach, and the subtle ways “busy” becomes a…

Listen to the Episode

Oct. 11, 2025

From Bullying to Breakthrough: A Family’s Fight for Their Son and the Hard Truths About Teen Mental Health PART 3 of 3

"Text now! I'll Respond" A teenager’s world narrowed to taunts, pressure, and a painful injury—then one snap nearly ended everything. We sit with Lisa and Will Cummings to trace the full story: an outgoing kid who wanted everyone’s friendship, the slow drip of bullying from kindergarten to high school, and the unseen weight of online gaming harassment that followed him into his room. What follows is unfiltered and human: the scramble to find a therapist who takes your insuranc…

Listen to the Episode

Oct. 10, 2025

She found her brother clinging on to life, prayed, and chose hope over fear! Part 2 of 3

"Text now! I'll Respond" We sit with Makenzie, a 15-year-old sister who helped save her brother after a suicide attempt, and trace how faith, therapy, and practical habits rebuilt trust and hope. Now 15, she sits down with us to share what happened before and after that moment—how small warning signs added up, why she kept checking on her brother even when he didn’t answer, and what it took to rebuild connection, faith, and daily life after a suicide attempt. We talk through t…

Listen to the Episode

Oct. 8, 2025

Silent Pain to Second Chances: a teen’s journey through bullying, suicide survival, and faith-Part 1 of 3 Part Series

"Text now! I'll Respond" 🎧 Content Warning: This episode contains open and honest discussions about suicide, self-harm, and mental health struggles. The conversation may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You are not alone—help is available 24/7. PART 1 OF 3 PART SERIES A boy we once called “Little Will” returns as a 17-yea.…

Listen to the Episode

Oct. 2, 2025

“Rooted in the Community, for the Community.”

"Text now! I'll Respond" What if your tree guy was a tree gal who leads with craft, faith, and community—and channels her business into veteran support? Meet certified arborist and ultra-endurance athlete Amy Nikai, one of Nebraska’s first female-owned, ground-level tree company leaders, as we trace how proper pruning, honest bids, and storm relief can grow into a movement that funds the 50 Mile March and honors military families. We start where roots meet purpose: why trail r…

Listen to the Episode

Sept. 11, 2025

Jesus at the Helm: How One Veteran Steers His Business

"Text now! I'll Respond" From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the forefront of community service, Scott Wood's story is one of transformation, purpose, and unwavering faith. After enlisting in the Navy at just 17 and deploying to Afghanistan as a military canine handler at 19, Scott experienced traumas that continue to shape him today – including the loss of his military dog, Axe, and fellow service members. "I don't think I've coped yet," Scott can…

Listen to the Episode

Aug. 20, 2025

How One Man Turned Tragedy into Purpose and connected with the 50-Mile March

"Text now! I'll Respond" What happens when unimaginable tragedy strikes, and you're left to pick up the pieces? Brett Allen's story is one of profound loss transformed into purpose through connection and courage. Brett's life changed forever when his ex-wife Cari was murdered by her boyfriend—a veteran who fled to Belize before being brought to justice. Despite this traumatic connection to the veteran community, Brett made the remarkable choice to participate in…

Listen to the Episode

July 14, 2025

Find Your Tribe: Find Your Vibe

"Text now! I'll Respond" A tribe isn't just people who like the same stuff – it's made of individuals who believe in your mission, don't flinch when you dream big, and show up when it's inconvenient for them. Success is not a solo sport, and fulfillment doesn't happen in isolation. • Spotting the wrong circle: people who hope you fail, give bad advice, or remain silent when you share goals • When you're around the right people, your standards go u…

Listen to the Episode

July 8, 2025

The Life-Changing Freedom of Sobriety

"Text now! I'll Respond" We explore how giving up alcohol creates unexpected space for bigger, more authentic living through the eyes of six individuals at different stages of their sobriety journey. Each shares candid reflections on what surprised them, what they feared losing, and what they gained by choosing a life without alcohol. • Discovering the unexpected gift of more time—reclaiming "lost" days previously spent recovering from drinking • Sleep quality dramat…

Listen to the Episode

June 28, 2025

Wilson Munsterman, Author- Marked By Adoption: A 19-Year-Old Changing Lives

"Text now! I'll Respond" What are the odds that a healthy baby boy abandoned on a hospital doorstep in China would grow up to become an accomplished author, speaker, and adoption advocate in America? For Wilson Munsterman, this extraordinary journey isn't just a story—it's his life. At just 19 years old, Wilson brings wisdom far beyond his years as he shares his powerful adoption story with raw authenticity. Born during China's one-child policy era and left with…

Listen to the Episode

June 21, 2025

The Unstoppable Nate Peitz: Taking the "Dis" Out of Disability

"Text now! I'll Respond" Ep 36 The Unstoppable Nate Peitz: Taking the "Dis" Out of Disability What does it mean to truly overcome limitations? In this powerful conversation, Nate Peitz redefines what's possible when you refuse to be defined by circumstances beyond your control. Born with spina bifida, Nate shares his remarkable journey of growing up as the only wheelchair user among five siblings in a family that never treated him differently. "Take the dis…

Listen to the Episode

June 18, 2025

DeDee Oliver: Real Estate, Real Life

"Text now! I'll Respond" The power of genuine connection threads through this conversation between longtime friends Jay Miralles and DeDee Oliver, who reconnect after nearly three decades to share insights that span professional wisdom and deeply personal memories. DeDee opens up about her remarkable 27-year journey in real estate, revealing how the industry transformed from three-ring binders with listings and paper maps to today's digital landscape. Her success secret? …

Listen to the Episode

March 13, 2025

Beyond the Vest: The Real Impact of Service Dog Partnerships

"Text now! I'll Respond" Beyond the Vest: The Real Impact of Service Dog Partnerships What does it take to transform a puppy into a life-changing service dog for a veteran? Susan and Brandon pull back the curtain on this rem...

Listen to the Episode

July 12, 2024

Discovering Strength and Motivation Through Gina Rue's 50 MILE MARCH

Gina opens up about her transformative journey over the past year, sharing her aspirations to start her own business and become a motivational speaker. Her story is a testament to the power of personal growth and the importan...

Listen to the Episode

June 13, 2024

Byron Bode, Vietnam Veteran and his Connection to the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Byron Bode, Vietnam Veteran, Helicopter Pilot Medals and Awards: Army Commendation Medal awarded for Valor, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 1 Awarded for Valor ...

Listen to the Episode