Season 2

Wil Wilson is an up and coming actor with a backstory. But what I like about Wil is that he acknowledges the challenges in his past, but doesn’t allow them to hold him back or slow him down. Enjoy this incredibly candid conversation and be sure to look up Wil Wilson on IMDB.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

Today we talk with Richard Burgin. A Chicago based filmmaker who also has Aspergers Syndrome - a high functioning level of Autism. We talk about how this affects his day to day - both positively and negatively, but we focused on how Richard chooses to be Focused on Forward. We also talk about his new movie - FANG! A psychological horror thriller scream ride. You can find out more about FANG! here - https://www.facebook.com/fangmovie/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

Stacey Toy is a filmmaker with a backstory that is hard to explain. It has to be heard. We discuss her addiction, her sobriety, her loss of her husband to heroin, and how she forgave the man who shot him up with heroin that lead to his death. Be sure to check out Stacey’s movie called “100 Acres of Hell” on Amazon and other streaming services. You can also find more information about Stacey on her IMDB page and her film company called TwentyFiveEight Productions on the web. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

In this episode we talk with Timothy about surviving the year 2020. What it took mentally and emotionally, and how he and his family dealt with loss of family and friends. We also talk about being an actor and how he views rejection, as well as the lessons he learns from it. Check out his IMDb page to see all the great movies and shows you can see him in, as well as his upcoming work. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

To start Season 2 - we have the pleasure of talking with Liz Priestley. She’s starring in a movie soon to be released on Netflix called Concrete Cowboy, co-starring Idris Elba. But also, we have a very genuine and enjoyable conversation about the challenges she has had on the way to seeing her dream come true. Enjoy the conversation and be sure to watch Concrete Cowboy! You can find more information about Liz Priestley on IMDB.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

We are talking with Shannan Wilson, the singer, actor and author of a wonderful book called "The Littlest Peanut". Shannan wrote this book for other parents of premature born children. Since both of Shannan's children were born premature and required time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, also referred to as the NICU, she unfortunately had plenty of personal experience to draw from. We discuss her personal experiences, and how they affected her both mentally and emotionally. We also discuss how she was able to become Focused on Forward and what role her book plays in her recovery. We are happy to say that both of her children are growing up and doing well. You can buy this book at www.thelittlestpeanut.com and find out more about Shannan Wilson - www.shannanwilson.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

In this episode we talk with Chris Johnson, or Official Anime Pops, as he’s known on TikTok. We talk about his wife getting sick with cancer, her fight and how he lost his soul mate Wendy. But he also talks about hope, and how he hopes this story can help someone else going through the grieving process and fighting for the life of their loved one. Listen closely to the love and emotion he clearly feels for HIS Wendy, but have some tissues handy... you’ll need them. I certainly did. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

Our guest today, we call her “Vicky” at her request, suffered through years of sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of her step father. She talks about the process of healing, the importance of speaking up and telling someone who will listen, and how she became Focused on Forward. If you or someone you love is suffering from or recovering from sexual abuse, please know there are resources out there to help you. One such resource is RAINN.ORG - you can call them (800) 656-4673 - OR - you can chat live on their website with a qualified counselor, and both are anonymous. You are not alone. There are people to help you. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support

In this episode we talk with mental health advocate and military infantryman, Dylan Sessler. If you aren’t already following him on TikTok, you should be. Dylan openly talks about his father taking his own life when he was 6 years of age, the impact that had on him, and how it set a chain of suicidal ideation into effect for him. Listen to how Dylan became focused on moving forward in his life and be sure to check his podcast - The Dylan Experience. You can also find out more about Dylan at - www.dylansessler.com

Today we are talking to Ceceilia about her daughter Delilah, and her condition called Rett Syndrome. According to the website rettsyndrom.org - "Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs primarily in girls and more rarely in boys. Rett syndrome leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life."

Ceceilia tells us how she and her husband not only deal with this condition, but what they have learned as special needs parents and how much she loves her daughter. But she also tells us how taking care of her is now more difficult with her recent personal diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis or MS. 

But despite these challenges, the Baker family as a whole, is focused on moving forward. Oh and if you can - blast some Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars for Delilah .... she LOVES it! 

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/focused-on-forward/support