Freedom’s Pulse

Ep. 16 Overcoming Traumatic Battle Injuries To Live A Life of Humor & Grace-The Vendela's American Story

Travis Vendela was traumatically injured in Iraq in 2007 fighting the war against terror.  He lost both legs and died three times.  Until Travis awoke from his medically induced coma, doctors were unsure of the damage to his brain.  Tiffany, his future wife, refused to leave his side throughout his long recovery.
Travis, Tiffany, and I discuss some hard stuff in this episode.  Their ability to lead a life full of humor and grace after Travis's life altering injuries is a testament to their strength, faith, and love for each other.
I had no clue how much I would laugh during this episode.  I cried too....I always cry.
Travis and Tiffany's joy for life is contagious.  You will fall in love with them, just like I did.
And like other warriors, I asked Travis if his sacrifice was worth it?  Any guesses about his response?
People like Travis and Tiffany are the reasons I do this podcast.  Their story deserves to be heard.  Their story needs to be heard.  
And even though Tiffany would deny it, they are both heroes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ep. 15 America's Future Is Bright-Brad's American Story

Brad Wilder is one of 12 children.  He followed his older brothers by joining the military, and considers his fellow soldiers family.  Brad is my youngest guest to date, but he has a lot of wisdom packed in his short 20+ years.  He has a passion for helping others by spreading kindness and light.  Brad judges people for their character, not the color of skin.  He refuses to stereotype any one race, and finds goodness in all types of people.  Brad has a youthful enthusiasm that comes in loud and clear.  His excitement is contagious.  I know the future is wide open for Brad Wilder.

Ep. 14 Shane's American Story-Overcoming Life's Obstacles To Create The Wildly Successful Ninja Kidz YouTube Empire

Shane Myler grew up in a divorced houshold with his mom and four younger siblings.  The family moved quite frequently through four divorces, spending some time in a homeless shelter and foster care.
Shane dropped out of school his high school senior year.  He threw himself into his passion of tae Kwon do.
Shane opened his own martial arts school, but money was extremely tight.  Unable to afford rent, he slept on friends' couches.  
As newlyweds, Shane and his wife, Aly, worked odd jobs to support themselves.  They lived in the studio for several months with no air conditioning or heating.  They joined a local gym to have shower facilities.
In 2017, the Myler family, with Shane at the helm, created Ninja Kidz TV.  Four years later, the YouTube channel has over 12 million subscribers and 5 billion views.  They have a toy line in every U.S. Target and Walmart.
After overcoming life's obstacles, Shane proved hard work, persistence, and dedication will result in living the American dream.
 
 
 

Ep. 13 Kim's American Story-Fleeing the Khmer Rouge

Kim Waguespack was born in Cambodia right before the Khmer Rouge regime began their reign of terror over the country.  Kim and her family lived under constant fear from 1975-1979.  The family suffered tragic losses, including four siblings and Kim's father.  They lived in a cave, foraging the forest for food before making their way to Thailand and, eventually, America.
Kim's trials in Cambodia has made her especially grateful for the blessings of America.  She is thankful for those placed in her path to guide her along this journey.  
Kim Waguespack lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband and three daughters.  
You can also see a documentary on Kim via YouTube, "Kim Waguespack-Be A Hero."
 
 

Ep. 12 Greg's American Story-Soldier, Patriot, Purple Heart Recepient, Hero

Colonel Greg Gadson is a soldier, patriot, and hero.  He is the recipient of several awards and commendations including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  Greg served in multiple deployments, and was traumatically injured on the night of May 7, 2007 in Iraq by an IED.  Greg's legs were severely damaged and eventually lost them both, but still petitioned and was granted continued service.  Greg was in military uniform for 26 years, 3 months, and 9 days.  When asked abut the difficulty of his recovery, Greg's response was profound, "I believe hard is a personal decision.  In other words, you define, you're the one that gives a label that something is hard."  Greg's heroes are the soldiers he served with throughout the years.  
Greg's American Story is about courage, perseverance, and the sacrifice of every soldier in the line of duty.
 
 
 

Ep. 11 Frans' American Story-South Africa, Apartheid, Farm Murders, and the Beauty of Refillable Sodas With Ice

Frans was born in South Africa.  Apartheid was part of the culture.  Signs designated Whites only for bathrooms, restaurants, and beaches.   Job unemployment was high and crime followed desperate people.  Frans grew up on a farm.  His family was targeted for a farm murder.  His brother was hijacked, and was lucky to come out alive.  Frans came to the United States in his early twenties.  He immediately loved the feeling of safety.  He was shocked by the amount of food available, and Frans fell in love with refillable sodas with ice.  
 
Frans is married with three children.  He became an American citizen in 2013.  He lives in the state of Utah.  To Frans, America means family and opportunity.

Ep. 10 Richie's American Story

Richie Angel has had a love for the constitution since he was a small child.  This love continued to grow through the years.  Richie will graduate with his law degree spring 2021.  This young man is well versed on the constitution and the electoral college. Using the voices of our Founding Fathers, Richie enlightens the listener on the meaning and importance of the electoral college and our constitutional republic....and he claims to be the biggest Star Wars fan!
 

Ep. 9 Dave's American Story

Dave Rodger's has a passion for the American West.  He has dedicated his time and talents to perserving this important part of American history.  In this episode Dave shares some stories about characters from the American West.  These people are exactly what you imagined; tough and resilient.  He clears up myths most people assume are facts about the people who called the American West home.  Dave's overriding message is We The People are family.  Our ancestry may have started across the ocean, but we are an American family.  
 
If you want to learn more about the American West, you can find more stories and fun facts on Dave's website, Frontier American Illustrated News

Ep. 8 Miguel's American Story

Miguel was born to a German mother and a Uruguayan father.  He had humble beginnings.  Miguel's father was a shoe repairman and his mother a school teacher.
Miguel was born in Uruguay and his family moved to Germany when he was still a small boy.
Through his father, Miguel learned of the hardships living under an Uruguayan dictator.  In Germany, he saw first hand the bleak existence of those living behind the wall for 40 years under the USSR.  He experienced the terror of the Cold War in Germany, caught between two giants.
Miguel speaks four languages, and this episode is full of humorous stories regarding language barriers and customs.
He is not shy about the atrocious acts carried out by the Nazis on the Jewish people.  History should not be hid, but studied and lessons learned through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Miguel has lived in the states with his wife and children for 20 plus years.  He understands this country provides a wide range of opportunities for those who work hard and continue to persevere.  
This is Miguel's American Story.
 
 
 
 

Ep. 7 Luis' American Story

I have one word to describe this episode, beautiful.  It is the perfect listen for a divided America.  Luis immigrated to America from Portugal in his early twenties.  He has spent the last several years working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints traveling to the poorest countries in the world to study and find solutions to poverty.  Luis' vision of the American experience is inspirational.  There is much hope for the future of our country and the American people.