Episode 13: The Greatest Challenges Facing Modern Firefighters Today - Jason Dykstra
Join us for an insightful and engaging episode of "I'm Just Steve" as we sit down with Jason Dykstra, a dedicated firefighter and passionate family man. In this episode, Jason shares his unique journey from a decade-long career at Apple to finding his true calling in firefighting. We dive deep into the challenges and rewards of being a first responder, the importance of mental health in the fire service, and how to balance family life with a demanding career.Discover how Jason navigates the adrenaline rush of emergency calls while maintaining a strong connection with his family. He also shares valuable insights on how we, as a community, can better support our first responders and the critical importance of safety measures like keeping bedroom doors closed during a fire.Whether you're interested in the fire service, mental health, or simply looking for inspiration on how to live a fulfilling life, this episode is packed with wisdom and heart. Don't miss out on Jason's powerful message about being a "ghost" for our children and the legacy we leave behind.Timecodes:00:00 - Introduction and Jason's Background02:12 - Transition from Apple to Firefighting09:32 - The Mental Health Crisis in the Fire Service22:41 - Supporting First Responders: Community Insights31:44 - Balancing Family Life and CareerLinks:Mental Health Resources for First Responders - https://www.firehero.org/firefighter-mental-health/Simon Sinek: Start With Why - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447Mel Robbins: The 5 Second Rule - https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-5-second-rule/Tune in now and be inspired!
24 Apr 2025
Episode 12 | Unlocking Your True Potential: The Life Plan Revolution - Dana Roefer
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "I'm Just Steve," where we dive deep into the world of personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the power of self-discovery! In this episode, Steve sits down with Dana Roefer, a passionate writer, businesswoman, and life plan facilitator, to explore the transformative journey of understanding oneself and aligning with one's true purpose.Join us as we discuss the importance of knowing your core values, the art of holding loosely to opportunities, and how to navigate the complexities of life as a busy entrepreneur and parent. Dana shares her unique insights on how to create a fulfilling life plan, the significance of surrendering control, and the power of intentional living.Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, seeking clarity in your personal life, or simply looking for inspiration to pursue your passions, this episode is packed with valuable wisdom and practical advice that you won't want to miss!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Self-Discovery 02:25 - Dana's Background and Journey into Life Planning 10:15 - The Life Plan Process: What to Expect 18:40 - Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship 25:00 - Holding Loosely: The Art of Surrendering Control 32:15 - The Power of Core Values in Decision Making Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring conversations! Share your thoughts in the comments below—what resonates with you the most from this episode? Let's connect and grow together!
24 Apr 2025
Episode 9 | "Why Did the Extrovert Cross the Road? To Listen Better, of Course!" - Rob Elliott
🎙️ Welcome to "I'm Just Steve" - Episode 9! 🎙️In this enlightening episode, Steve sits down with leadership consultant and mentor Rob Elliott to explore the profound themes of self-awareness, personal growth, and the courage to be yourself. As they dive deep into their experiences, Rob shares invaluable insights on how to balance work and life, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the necessity of understanding our own personalities.Key Highlights:Discover the concept of "living life without vacation" and how to find joy in everyday moments.Learn about the significance of personality profiling and how it can transform relationships in both personal and professional settings.Hear Rob's personal journey of self-reflection and the lessons he's learned about leadership, accountability, and the power of vulnerability.Explore the challenges of parenting and how to create a supportive environment for children to thrive.Understand the importance of creating a culture of influence over authority in leadership roles.Whether you're a business leader, a parent, or someone seeking personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you navigate life's complexities.👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes! Share your thoughts in the comments below—what resonated with you the most?#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Podcast #RobElliott #ImJustSteve #LifeLessons #Parenting #PersonalityProfiling #Balance
24 Apr 2025
Episode 11 | "I refuse to be that person that is just happy face and jazz hands" - Valerie Garcia
Welcome back to the I'm Just Steve Podcast! Join us for an insightful conversation with Valerie Garcia, a speaker, writer, and advocate for authenticity in leadership and life. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of being real, the struggles of navigating emotions, and how to foster genuine connections in a world that often prioritizes perfection. Valerie shares her journey from corporate life to embracing vulnerability and leading with empathy. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or simply someone looking to connect more authentically with others, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.Timestamps:02:32 - Valerie's Background and Journey to Authenticity 04:31 - The Moment That Changed Valerie's Perspective on Leadership 07:48 - The Role of Social Media in Authenticity 10:16 - The Authenticity Map: Understanding Emotions 12:50 - The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 15:30 - How to Start Being Authentic and Asking for Help 18:45 - The Impact of Genuine Conversations on Mental Health 21:00 - The Importance of Morning Practices for Self-Awareness 24:15 - Valerie's Book and the Roadmap to Authenticity 27:00 - Final Thoughts on Embracing Messiness in Life Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more authentic conversations!
4 Mar 2025
Episode 10 | "Even when I did fail, I didn't give up. I just kept going" - Lauren Marcy
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lauren, a dynamic entrepreneur and mother, as we dive deep into her journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and relentless pursuit of growth. In this episode, we explore the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life, the challenges of leadership, and the beauty of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
Lauren shares her insights on parenting, relationships, and the power of community, all while navigating the complexities of being a female entrepreneur.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a parent, or someone looking to live a more authentic life, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and encouragement.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring content!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Authenticity
2:56 - Lauren's Journey: From Survival Mode to Vulnerability
10:15 - The Role of Social Media in Personal Branding
18:30 - Embracing Failure: Lessons from Entrepreneurship
27:45 - Parenting and the Value of Vulnerability with Kids
35:00 - The Power of Community and Building Relationships
45:20 - The Relentless Pursuit: Finding Your One Thing
55:10 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement to Take Risks
Connect with Lauren:
Instagram: @GrandLifeLaurenEmail: Lauren@grandhomeinspection.com
Thank you for watching!
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
11 Feb 2025
Episode 8 | "We've got to look at the big things that are most important" - Ryan Kaufman
Welcome to "I'm Just Steve," the podcast where we dive deep into meaningful conversations about life, purpose, and personal growth. In this episode, Steve and Ryan explore the transformative journey of embracing deeper connections, the power of gratitude, and the importance of coaching in our lives.Join us as Ryan shares his incredible story of love, commitment, and service, including his 48-year marriage, his journey into adoption, and his recent ordination as a deacon in the Orthodox Church. Discover how pivotal moments, like a life-changing weekend retreat, shaped his perspective and led him to a life dedicated to helping others.We discuss the significance of recognizing our progress, the value of having a coach, and how to find fulfillment beyond material success. Ryan emphasizes the importance of community, authenticity, and the sacredness of our daily interactions.Whether you're seeking inspiration, looking for guidance in your own life, or simply want to hear a heartfelt conversation, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:35 - The importance of recognizing progress02:00 - Meet Ryan: A journey through marriage and adoption05:00 - The impact of a life-changing retreat10:00 - Embracing the role of a deacon15:00 - The significance of gratitude and coaching20:00 - Finding deeper meaning in life25:00 - Closing thoughts and reflectionshThank you for tuning in! Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and connection together.
4 Feb 2025
Episode 7 | "I had to decide between a family or the monastery." - Michael T Merren
Join us for an enlightening episode of our podcast as we sit down with Michael T. Merrin, a former Catholic priest turned non-profit entrepreneur, to explore his unique journey through faith, service, and personal growth. Michael shares his experiences from living in a Polish monastery to navigating the complexities of nonprofit work and family life. He discusses the importance of community, the challenges of burnout in the clergy, and the transformative power of saying "yes" to new opportunities. Whether you're interested in spirituality, social justice, or simply seeking inspiration for your own life journey, this conversation is packed with insights and wisdom.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more thought-provoking discussions!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction and Background
4:40 - The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
12:13 - Spiritual Growth and Perspective Changes
18:21 - The Challenge of Balancing Nonprofit Work
27:28 - Transitioning from Monastic Life to Family Life
33:12 - The Need for Support in Nonprofit Work
35:00 - Reflections on Spirituality and Community
37:15 - Advice for Young Adults and Future Generations
21 Jan 2025
Episode 6 | "I want people to feel heard by me" - Brooke Passchier
Steve engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with transformational coach Brooke Passchier. www.brookepasschier.com
Together, they explore the complexities of life, personal growth, and the importance of being seen and understood in a world that often feels isolating.
Brooke shares her journey from being a single mom to becoming a successful coach, emphasizing the significance of self-acceptance and the power of vulnerability. She reflects on her past experiences, including the challenges of navigating a blended family and the impact of her mother's passing on her life and career. The discussion touches on the importance of grace, forgiveness, and the lessons learned from both triumphs and failures.
Key Topics Discussed:
The importance of being seen and understood
Personal growth through challenges and grief
Navigating blended families and societal expectations
The power of vulnerability and self-acceptance
Introducing the Laura Marie Foundation for single parents
The significance of grace and forgiveness in our lives
Connect with Brooke:
Instagram: @BrookePasschier
Facebook: Brook Passchier
If you found value in this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring conversations. Your support helps us reach more people and create a community of understanding and growth. Thank you for listening!
14 Jan 2025
"I'm lucky to have a group of deep relationships" Susan Pastoor | Episode 5
Susan Pastoor shares her life stories with Steve Volkers on the I'm Just Steve Podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-pastoor-3a7a3817/
Susan is a senior account executive at First American Title, and specializes in the title and escrow sales process. She has an depth knowledge of marketing and customer service strategies that help increase business for her real estate and lender clients.
7 Jan 2025
"Extraordinary life... Live Through Extraordinary Things!" - Steve Kik | Episode 4
In this episode of "I'm Just Steve," host Steve engages in a candid conversation with guest Steve Kick, exploring themes of personal growth, identity, and the impact of sports on their lives. https://www.lmcu.org/stevekik
Steve Kick shares his upbringing in Rockford, Illinois, and his experiences in a Catholic household. He reflects on the pressures of being an athlete, particularly in football, and how these shaped his identity. The discussion also delves into family dynamics, parenting, and the importance of grounding oneself mentally and physically. Both Steves emphasize the value of open dialogue and the significance of connecting with others.
31 Dec 2024
"Bet on yourself because cool things can happen" - Danielle & Tim Miller | Episode 3
Danielle & Tim Miller talk about loss, heartache, and overcoming obstacles through life. https://www.themillersrealestate.com/
Tim has been in real estate since 2016 and has worked with a wide range of clients. From first-time homebuyers to investors, to empty-nesters, he has worked to serve clients with integrity and professionalism.
Danielle has also worked in the housing industry since 2016 and joined Tim as an agent in 2019. Prior to obtaining her license, she worked in real estate marketing, interior design, and alongside a custom home builder.
30 Dec 2024
"I Have A Very Interesting Past..." - EllenGrace Hauenstein | Episode 2
EllenGrace, mother of 7, has many labels but she is more than what she's been through www. vhconsults.com
EllenGrace Hauenstein embodies the spirit of a self-starter who has a passion for helping others. This passion was a driver for her and her husband to launch their consulting firm.
Steve Volkers is an entrepreneur, sales leader, and true problem solver at heart. Steve brings over two decades of experience in sales, real estate, and business leadership to the consulting firm.
20 Dec 2024
Introduction - I'm Just Steve Podcast
Today starts a journey of me talking with new friends and old friends and sharing our lives with you. The podcast is called #ImJustSteve (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/imjuststeve/) because it’s a place where I hope to remove the labels that I and others place on themselves. It’s a place where I can be free to be me, say the things I want to say, and help my guests do the same. I would love it if you could tag a person you think should join me in this conversation!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
66,032
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
57
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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