On today's show, Patty welcomes Jill Chalsty and talks about how being bullied in middle school led her to help create Overcoming Obstacles, a free K–12 life skills curriculum now used in nearly 200 countries and reaching about 180 million children. Jill explains the program’s focus on skills like asking for help, communication, conflict resolution, goal setting, problem solving, and especially decision making, and notes updates to address cyberbullying.

She and Patty discuss her free book, Packets of Hope, and how, after losing her husband and facing cancer, she took a five-month world cruise delivering letters and materials to Ministries of Education to drive schools to the Overcoming Obstacles website, leading to responses including a planned Tagalog translation. She shares favorite cruising moments, challenges onboard, and her plans for more books and travel.

Find out more and connect with Jill at the links below:

Packets of Hope |

Overcoming Obstacles

Facebook |

Instagram |

LinkedIn

Episode highlights:

00:00 Meet Jill Chaste

01:01 Bullying to Purpose

03:27 Life Skills Toolkit

05:29 Students Changed Forever

06:58 Full Circle Hospital Story

09:19 Cyberbullying Today

10:15 World Cruise With Purpose

13:35 Packets Not Envelopes

15:20 Resilience Through Setbacks

16:46 Breakthroughs and Translations

18:26 Travel Log With Purpose

19:16 Free Book Big Impact

20:07 Most Vital Life Skill

21:31 Cancer Joy And Service

23:17 Next Journeys And Routes

24:18 Cruise Rapid Fire

25:53 Quotes Love And Smiles

28:28 Chocolate Stories And Cadbury

30:13 Final Thanks And Wrap

Every once in a while, you see something on TV that just makes you smile — and this was one of those moments. After spotting a heart-melting segment (yes, the one with the dogs riding a bus with assigned seats!) on Good Morning America, I knew I had to meet the woman behind it.

In this joyful and inspiring episode, I sit down with Morgan Thompson, founder of Mo Mountain Mutts in Skagway, to hear how a seasonal job in Alaska turned into a full-time dog hiking, training, and viral content empire — complete with a real puppy bus.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business around something you love, this one’s for you.

Looking for a little lavish getaway? Today Patty interviews Brent and Daniela Phillips about Milk and Honey Ranch, a luxury farm resort between Houston and Austin near Brenham, Round Top, and Blue Bell Ice Cream. Brent left a tech career after COVID, selling his company, and a Texas freeze exposed how unprepared he felt without power. He bought the land unexpectedly, first for family life and learning practical skills.

After a financial hit, they listed their garage on Airbnb and it grew fast. Daniela survived a severe hydroplaning crash; while she was hospitalized, bookings surged 1300% as millions followed and prayed online. Guests come for animal experiences, especially mini Highland “cuddle cows,” plus alpacas, kangaroos, pigs, and goats. Next: a pond water park, golf simulator, and Promised Land Village for up to 40.

Find out more and connect with Brent, Daniela, and Milk and Honey:

Website: https://milkandhoneyranch.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkandhoneyranchtx

IG: https://www.instagram.com/MilkandHoneyRanch/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3IjbNw1kMIYHYl81hJxNQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milk-honey-ranch/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milkandhoneyranch

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Meet Brent & Daniela + the viral rooster sculpture story

01:15 What is Milk & Honey Ranch? Luxury farm resort vibes

03:00 Why they left tech life: COVID, family time, and the Texas freeze wake-up call

04:38 Buying the land (without telling Daniela) + the original family-farm plan

06:10 From “just our home” to Airbnb: the financial hit and Round Top’s surprise boost

08:28 Scaling up to 35 stays: reinvesting, risk, and the ‘if you build it’ reality check

10:10 Faith, closed doors, and grinding through doubt to keep the ranch alive

13:30 Cuddle cows & the animal experiences: the $7K risk that paid off

16:39 The real work behind the magic: hospitality + farm life (and doing it all at first)

17:35 How the Kids Pitch In at the Ranch (Guests, Animals & Coffee Bar)

18:47 No Regrets: What Ranch Life Has Taught the Whole Family

19:40 Daniella’s Car Accident: Injuries, Recovery & the 2-Year Anniversary

20:46 Viral Prayer Chain: Social Media Support & 1300% Booking Surge

23:42 “Established by Creation, Inspired for Connection” + The Goat Birth Story

26:10 What’s Next: Water Park, Golf Simulator & Promised Land Village Expansion

28:09 Rapid-Fire Q&A: 2026 Goals, Dream Jobs, Favorite Animals & Chocolate

30:10 Wrap-Up: Visit the Ranch, Share the Episode & Teaser for Next Guest

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, Patty welcomes Les Suhayda, author of '12 Bells to Freedom.' He recounts his childhood memories of escaping communist Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Les explains how his family navigated through forests and evaded Russian troops to reach Austria. He discusses the historical context of post-World War II Hungary, his family's experiences, and the profound impact of these events on his life.

Beyond his book, Les shares his ventures as an inventor, including the creation of a wine slushie and fire retardant products. This episode is a compelling mix of personal history, resilience, and innovation.

Learn More about and Les and check out his book!

Website 1: http://www.laszlochem.comWebsite 2: http://www.menrathwines.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lessuhaydaLink for Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=twelve+bells+to+freedom&crid=2SA3OG5LU498G&sprefix=Twelve+bells+to+Freedom%2Caps%2C106&ref=nb_sb_ss_ab-ac-rank-f5_1_23

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:20 Les Suhayda's Early Memories and Family's Escape

02:39 Historical Context: Hungarian Revolution and Soviet Occupation

06:19 Family's Struggles Under Communism

08:16 The Escape Journey to Austria

11:32 Role of Religion and Cardinal Centi

14:33 Les Suhayda's Book: 12 Bells to Freedom

18:38 Family Stories and Name Changes

19:36 Fitting In Through Sports

20:12 College and Navy Achievements

21:06 Mother's Perspective and Family Challenges

22:16 Becoming an Author and Inventor

24:08 The Wine Slushie Business

26:22 Innovative Fire Protection Product

29:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' John David Graham discusses his extraordinary life. After founding Good Samaritan Home, a program for helping former inmates reintegrate into society, John reflects on his diverse career history and life challenges. He shares how his upbringing in the 50s and 60s and various job experiences, from truck driver to firefighter, shaped him. At 53, he pivoted to nonprofit work, and later at 75, published his debut novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' which won 48 literary awards. John highlights the importance of second chances and community support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Find out more and connect with John David Graham:

https://johndavidgraham.com/

https://goodsamaritanhome.org/

https://facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor

https://johndavidgraham.substack.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John David Graham

01:22 John's Early Life and Career Detours

02:28 Meeting His Wife and Early Struggles

06:18 Founding Good Samaritan Home

07:29 Challenges and Success Stories

09:50 The Importance of Second Chances

15:14 John's Novel and Its Inspiration

16:09 Lifeboat Safety and Second Chances

16:51 Overcoming Rejections and Finding the Right Audience

18:42 The Sequel: Requiem and Its Themes

19:07 Reflections on Race and Society

20:59 Advice for Overcoming Hardships

22:18 The Importance of Community Support

24:01 Future Plans and Personal Reflections

26:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

29:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this uplifting episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate, Patty talks to Jeramy Gordon, author of 'The Power of 10.' Gordon shares his insights on how dedicating just 10 minutes a day can lead to significant transformations in faith, family, finances, and fitness.

He discusses his method's practicality and its balance between setting achievable goals and maintaining consistency. The conversation delves into Gordon's personal experiences, including overcoming a business failure and heavy debt through faith and small consistent actions. He also touches on the importance of prioritizing relationships and maintaining balance in life. Perfect for those looking to make lasting changes as they embark on a new year.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeramygordon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TenTalksWithJeramy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poweroftenbook/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeramy-David-Gordon/author/B0BTWFKK17 Website: https://poweroftenbook.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Happy New Year and Podcast Introduction

00:26 Meet Jeramy Gordon: Author of The Power of 10

01:26 The Power of 10: Concept and Application

03:16 Faith, Family, Finances, and Fitness: The Four Fs

06:49 Jeramy's Entrepreneurial Journey

11:46 Hitting Rock Bottom and Bouncing Back

15:05 Defining a Life That Matters

15:49 Overcoming Financial Struggles with Faith

16:15 Building a Life That Matters: Faith and Family

17:09 Transitioning to Digital Marketing

18:03 Starting Small: Making Life Changes

19:14 The Power of 10: Transforming Your Life

20:01 Opinionated, Not Judgeful: A Personal Journey

22:25 Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Insights

27:56 Final Thoughts and New Year's Resolutions

In this episode, the host engages with Toni Will, the groundbreaking General Manager and first female governor in ECHL history, overseeing the Kalamazoo Wings. Toni shares her unique path from banking to sports management, emphasizing her commitment to leadership, innovation, and personal reinvention.

With a TEDx talk, a podcast, and an upcoming book, Toni discusses her six leadership pillars: consulting experts, innovating, embracing mistakes, seeking forgiveness over permission, macromanaging, and having fun. She also opens up about her journey to alcohol-free living and her dedication to empowering women through her conference, Empower Her. Toni’s bold insights and practical advice make this episode a compelling listen for anyone looking to break new ground in their personal or professional life.

Find and Connect with Toni Will:

Facebook: Toni Lentini Will

Facebook: toniwillofficial

Instagram: @toniwillofficial

Instagram: @imtoniwill

LinkedIn: Toni Lentini Will

Web: https://www.toniwill.com/

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

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Breaking Barriers: Meet Toni Will

01:52 From Banking to Hockey: Toni's Unlikely Journey

03:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Economic Development

04:26 A New Path: Joining the Kalamazoo Wings

07:04 Leadership Pillars: Toni's Guiding Principles

14:48 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

17:35 Embracing Alcohol-Free Living

19:57 Journey to Becoming a Certified Coach

20:37 Navigating Social and Business Challenges Without Alcohol

21:35 Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Addiction

24:30 Setting and Achieving Goals for the New Year

29:19 Empower Her Conference and Upcoming Events

31:38 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

34:21 Final Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, we chat with David Beker, founder and president of A Better Design Company. As the Christmas season approaches, David shares insights from being a social worker to a successful toy inventor. Known for creating products like the Cornhole Shootout, a finalist for Toy of the Year in 2025,

David discusses how his company focuses on reimagining and enhancing traditional toys. He emphasizes the importance of 'active play' and shares stories about his innovative products, including organic whole grain ice cream cones

Perfect for parents and toy enthusiasts, this episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind some beloved toys and highlights the value of non-digital play.

Find more about David and his work below:

TikTok / https://www.tiktok.com/@abetterdesignco

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

Abetter Design Company Website / https://abetterdesigncompany.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeker/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:14 David Beker's Background and Journey to Inventing

02:11 The Ice Cream Cone Business

04:34 Innovating Existing Products

07:10 Entering the Toy Industry

10:34 Cornhole Shootout and Toy of the Year

12:05 Focus on Active Play and Future Projects

16:02 The Process of Bringing a New Product to Market

16:54 The Importance of Research for Inventors

17:50 Navigating the Manufacturing and Royalty Process

19:46 Understanding Patents and Provisional Patent Applications

22:36 Challenges and Resilience in Israel

26:38 Rapid Fire Questions with David

30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes