In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Julianna Burmesch — former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, and author of the memoir Life With Less of Me (releasing June 23rd).

Julianna shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a home marked by alcoholism, physical abuse, and chronic unpredictability — and how those adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shaped her brain, her body, and her life well into adulthood. From PTSD and anxiety to sepsis, cancer, and necrotizing fasciitis, Julianna connects the science of trauma to real-world health outcomes in a way that is both eye-opening and deeply human.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• · How ACEs and childhood trauma rewire the developing brain
• · The long-term physical and mental health effects of growing up in a traumatic environment
• · Practical grounding techniques for managing trauma triggers
• · What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to protect children's long-term wellbeing
• · Why investing in children — through universal childcare, birth support, and trauma-informed education — is one of society's most important priorities
• · Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, parent, or survivor, this episode offers both science-backed insight and profound human connection.

🎙️ Julianna Bio and Contact Information

Julianna Burmesch is a former school principal, speech pathologist, early brain development trainer, parent educator, and child advocate. In writing her memoir, “Life with Less of Me” (Books Fluent, June 23, 2026), she wants to help people understand the effects of adverse childhood experiences and unresolved trauma on one's long-term physical and mental health. Julianna is a mother, grandmother, potter, and occasional jewelry artist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, John, and her beautiful dogs, Bella and Ruby.

Links --

Website - https://www.juliannaburmesch.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Julianna-Burmesch-Author/61568035880501/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-burmesch-69476674/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250813693-life-with-less-of-me Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Less-Me-Julianna-Burmesch-ebook/dp/B0G32LQHQR/

📚 Book: Life With Less of Me — available June 23rd

To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What does it truly mean to see someone?

In this heartfelt episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with award-winning author, humanitarian, and founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, Dawn Airhart Witte, for a deeply moving conversation about purpose, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection.

Dawn shares how a childhood experience of not feeling seen sparked a lifelong mission — from volunteering in the LA foster care system to bringing clean water, resources, and hope to communities across Africa. Rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu ("I am because we are") and the Zulu greeting sawubona ("I see you, you are valued"), Dawn's work is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life.

In this episode, you'll discover ,among other things:

• How serendipity and "soul families" shape our life's path

• The story behind the Desire to Inspire Foundation and its global humanitarian work

• What drew Dawn to Africa — and the dream that finally answered her question why

• How to reconnect with your purpose after major life transitions

• The Ubuntu Creator Circle and Dawn's upcoming projects

Bio:

Dawn Airhart Witte is an award-winning author, speaker, humanitarian, and the founder of the Desire to Inspire Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to uplifting communities through both humanitarian support and heart-centered connection. Through her work in Africa and beyond, Dawn has helped bring clean water, resources, and hope to those in need, while also addressing the deeper human need for love, unity, and belonging.

She is the creator of The Secrets of Being, a platform devoted to helping individuals reconnect with their true selves and live with purpose, authenticity, and compassion. Dawn is the host of The Secrets of Being podcast, where she brings together thought leaders, healers, and visionaries to share wisdom that uplifts and inspires.

Her work is rooted in the belief that we are all interconnected, often expressed through the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—and the Zulu greeting sawubona—“I see you, you are valued.” Dawn’s mission is to help every soul feel seen, loved, and inspired to be the change they wish to see in the world.

Links:

https://desiretoinspirefoundation.org/

https://thesecretsofbeing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.witte1/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-airhart-witte-19910920/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretsofbeingpodcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretsofbeing

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B071WR5BY4?ccs_id=62d45259-927a-4a86-9bbb-2db1e245c827

Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secrets-of-being-podcast/id1716399716

To connect with Dave: davidrobertsmsw.com

What happens when your worst chapter becomes the foundation for your greatest purpose?

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with RJ Johnson — speaker, author, and founder of Not My Will Ministries — to explore one of the most remarkable stories of redemption, faith, and transformation you'll ever hear.

After making a devastating choice that led to a 20-year prison sentence, RJ didn't just survive incarceration — he encountered the relentless grace of Jesus Christ and came out with a mission. Serving seven of those years, RJ faced multiple attempts on his life, found faith in the darkest of places, and ultimately discovered that God doesn't waste a single moment of our pain.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How RJ found faith and purpose while serving time in a maximum-security prison

• Why taking full accountability — without justification — is the first step toward real healing

• The powerful scripture-based workshop RJ created to help men break free from destructive cycles

• What forgiveness truly looks like, even toward those who tried to take your life

• How RJ's nonprofit, Not My Will Ministries, is transforming lives both inside and outside prison walls

• The story behind his memoir God Doesn't Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance)

Whether you're walking through your own dark season, working in ministry, counseling, or simply looking for proof that God can redeem any story — this episode will challenge and inspire you.

Bio and Contact Information

RJ Johnson | Founder & CEO, Not My Will Ministries | Author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing

www.notmywillministries.com

RJ Johnson is a speaker, author, and redeemed son of God who is passionate about helping others discover that God is still in the miracle business. After serving seven years of a twenty-year prison sentence, RJ encountered the relentless grace of Jesus—and everything changed.

Through his journey of transformation, RJ founded Not My Will Ministries, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping men—both in prison and in society—break free from destructive cycles and rediscover their identity, value, and purpose in Christ. His ministry leads powerful, scripture-based Cycle Workshops that equip men to confront lies, build resilience, and walk in lasting freedom.

RJ is also the author of God Doesn’t Waste a Thing (written under the pen name Luke Chance), an awe-inspiring memoir of the miracles he witnessed behind bars. His story challenges churches and communities to step outside their comfort zones and into God’s mission field—even when that mission field has razor wire and locked gates.

With transparency, intentionality, and a spirit of joy, RJ brings a message of hope, redemption, and real-life faith. Whether he’s speaking to a church, podcast audience, or leadership circle, RJ’s life proclaims one core truth: Your worst chapter does not have to be your last one—and God can use every broken piece to build something beautiful.

Connect with RJ Johnson:

🌐 NotMyWillMinistries.com

📖 God Doesn't Waste a Thing by Luke Chance — available on Amazon

If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss a Teaching Journeys conversation.

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com