Welcome to another inspiring episode of It's a Rap with Rap, where host Ron Rappaport brings you stories of overcomers and insights for better living. In this episode, we meet Gina Economopoulos, an extraordinary woman whose life is a testament to resilience and redemption. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Gina's journey is one marked by overcoming physical challenges, embarking on a spiritual journey, and finding purpose through faith and sobriety.

Gina shares her remarkable transformation from bartending in Pennsylvania to living as a nun for 12 years, and eventually becoming a speaker, advocate, and author. In her compelling memoir, "Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk," Gina chronicles her path from despair to hope, navigating tumultuous relationships and alcoholism along the way.

Join us as Gina candidly discusses her struggles, spiritual awakening, and her ongoing commitment to help others as an end-of-life doula and advocate. Her story offers practical advice, hope, and a testament to the power of faith and determination in overcoming the darkest moments of life.

Sponsors: Blair Sorrel, author of "A Schizoid at Smith"

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Links: ginaecon.com

gina@ginaecon.com

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Meet Jennifer Lee, a survivor of dating abuse, armed robbery, abduction and stalking.

Jen is the author of her memoir "Why I Survived", a podcaster of her show titled "I Need Blue" and is a speaker before local groups nonprofits and national organizations to fulfill her passion and purpose to help trauma survivors feel that they belong, are loved, understood and empowered.

Jen is with us on the podcast to reach out to those who have experienced a traumatic event and share and expose the realities of people's experiences.

Sponsors: Blair Sorrel, author of "A Schizoid at Smith"

John David Graham, author of "Running as Fast as I Can"

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Host Ron Rapaport has the privilege of interviewing 15-year-old Cole Baughman, the unofficial 16th man on the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team and an overcomer of a rare genetic disorder Stickler Syndrome that affects connective tissues.

Cole and his mother and father join Cole and Ron to tell us about the signs and symptoms of Stickler Syndrome, its treatment, the restrictions it entails to those who have it and Cole's involvement in Team Impact, and his advocacy work regarding Stickler Syndrome.

Cole discusses his role as the unofficial 16th man on the basketball team, and his ability to inspire others to pursue their own hopes and dreams despite barriers placed in front of them and to never give up.

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In this inspiring episode of 'It's a Wrap with Wrap,' host Ron Rapaport welcomes Lonnie Bedwell, a blind extreme adventure athlete and motivational speaker. Lonnie shares his incredible journey from losing his eyesight in a hunting accident to becoming a renowned blind extreme sports athlete. He discusses overcoming personal challenges to achieve the unimaginable, such as kayaking the Grand Canyon and aiming to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents.

Lonnie's story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of pushing beyond limitations. He emphasizes the importance of support from loved ones, the necessity of asking for help, and inspires people with disabilities to embrace life boldly. His mission is to inspire others to live without boundaries and to assist children and veterans with disabilities in recognizing their true potential.

Lonnie also introduces the audience to organizations that empower disabled veterans through adaptive sports and recounts the life-changing experiences and friendships formed through these activities. Tune in to learn more about Lonnie's life lessons and gain motivation to tackle your own challenges.

Sponsors: Brian Hite, author of "Begin Again"

Paul Doughty, author of "Resilience: My Ultimate Superpower"

Gina Economopoulos, author of "Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and WALK"

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Links: lonniebedwell.com

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Andrew Matthews, is an esteemed author whose works on happiness and resilience have touched millions. Discover the lessons from his life and writings that teach us about embracing challenges and cultivating a joyful mindset. Whether you're facing career hurdles or personal trials, Andrew offers wisdom on seeing the positive and turning setbacks into steppingstones.

Tune in for an uplifting and informative discussion aimed at equipping listeners with the tools to enhance their resilience and happiness, while celebrating achievements both big and small. Join us on this journey towards a fulfilled and joyful life.

Sponsors: Paul Doughty, author of "Resilience My Ultimate Superpower"

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Brian Hite, author of "Begin Again"

Gina Economopoulos, author of "Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk"

Links: andrewmatthews.com

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Join host Ron Rapaport in this compelling episode of "It's A Rap With Rap" where he talks to Marcia Moran, author of "Stroke Forward," about her transformative journey to recovery after suffering a major stroke. Marcia shares her insights on the importance of persistence, self-advocacy, and exploring holistic therapies.

Delve into Marcia’s personal experiences with aphasia and apraxia, and how she navigated the challenging path from paralysis to empowerment. Her story of resilience and determination to help brain injury survivors offers hope and inspiration to many.

This episode serves as a beacon of hope for both stroke survivors and caregivers, underscoring the essential nature of support, the courage to seek second opinions, and the exploration of both traditional and holistic medicinal avenues on the road to recovery.

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Links: strokeforward.com

marcia@strokeforward.com

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Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's a Wrap with Wrap," where host Ron Rapaport welcomes Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran from Denver, Colorado. Known for his lighthearted approach to life's toughest challenges, Zach shares his incredible story of survival and transformation.

After a failed suicide attempt that left him blind, Zach has turned his life around, becoming a motivational speaker and advocate for inclusive design in the tech world. At just 28, he has founded his own software development company and participates in extreme sports, challenging societal perceptions of disability.

Listen as Zach opens up about his military upbringing, the circumstances that led to his life-altering injury, and how he found a new purpose. He offers valuable insights for those struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and finding community. This episode is a testament to resilience and the power of rewriting your own story.

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Danny Covey Author of "Scar Tissue"

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Links: zachtidwell.net

X @zach.ctidwell

https://itsawrapwithrap.com

In this enlightening episode of "It's a Wrap with Wrap," host Ron Rapaport invites Bailey Parnell, a world-renowned speaker and entrepreneur from Toronto, Canada, to explore the pervasive influence of social media on our mental health and digital well-being. Known for her pioneering efforts in digital wellness, Bailey shares her insights on how our digital lives are an extension of ourselves, impacting our emotional, social, and cognitive health.

Bailey delves into the intricate dynamics of digital well-being, emphasizing the blurred lines between our online and offline lives and how our interactions on platforms like Facebook and Twitter can impact our well-being. The discussion addresses the concept of risky behavior in social media use, comparing it to activities like driving or drinking due to its potential to expose us to harm.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to balance the benefits of social media with its risks. Strategies for mindful usage, understanding social currency, and maintaining authenticity online are highlighted as key takeaways. Bailey also shares valuable insights for parents and educators on fostering a healthy digital environment for children, stressing the importance of offline connections and hobbies.

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