What if your past could FUEL your future, instead of DETERMINING your future? Ever heard of Ertha Kitt? Or Night Train Lane? 

You have now.

EP 15: Your Past Doesn't Determine Your Future

Imagine growing up among violence and aggression. In addition, imagine your parent being incarcerated. How would that mold you? How would you make sense of the world around you? 

Meet my friend, Barbara Najera, who shares candidly why she's a mentor through Seedling.org. Listen as she talks through the ideas of building healthy relationships with at-risk kids, overcoming a victim mindset and empowering others to pursue their dreams, regardless of circumstance.

And PLEASE-- if you're enjoying our content, be sure to SUBSCRIBE and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear it. The Backpack Friends nation is growing... and together we're changing kids' lives.

EP 16: Get a mentor. Be a mentor. (feat. Barbara Najera)

Fear. Especially now. It spreads faster than coronavirus. The good news is you can take measures to immunize yourself against it right now. Even if you're 'social distancing'.

EP 17: What Spreads Quicker Than COVID-19?

Feeling 'stuck'? One man's groove is another man's rut, right? In episode 18 of The Backpack Friends Audio Experience, we do a live dive with Devin Roscillo about leadership, service, and how to get out of a rut.

EP 18: How To Get Un-Stuck In Your Life.

Quarantine Anxiety is a thing. If you're struggling, you're not alone. These are crazy times for all of us...but ONE thing you can do when you feel helpless, is do something to become HELPFUL.

EP 19: Quarantine Anxiety (And What You Can Do About It)

Quarantine anxiety is a real thing… battling it can be tough. In the episode I want to share some insight that’s not only helped me in the past few years..it has REALLY come in handy during all this quarantine craziness. 

Socrates said, “Tenet nostrum”. (Latin for, ‘Know thyself.) If you ‘know yourself’ (self awareness) and can recognize why you may be feeling the way you feel right now, it can be a huge advantage. 



Every human being us has six basic needs. All of us. As we go thru these, remember two things… 
Everyone has all six needs. None of them are better or worse than the others… none are good or bad… every human being has every one of them. 
Everyone has a top 2-3 that drive them more than the others.

You’re gonna want to take notes. Save this episode. Share it. Email it to your spouse or coworker. 

Here they are. (My personal ‘top three’ are listed at the very bottom.)


Certainty
Uncertainty
Significance
Love/Connection
Growth
Contribution

Why am I spending time on this? Because if you can recognize the 2 -3 needs that drive you the most, you’ll be able to more clearly see the things that fulfill you… AND the things that wreak havoc on your peace of mind. (That could be really handy right about now..) 

By the way, after going thru these I’ve learned that MY primary driving needs are Growth and Contribution (followed by connection). 

Go figure. :)

EP 20: The SIX Needs You Must Get Met During Quarantine

On this episode of the Backpack Friends Audio Experience, Tom brings you an update on how the Backpack Friends Nation continues to feed hungry kids through the COVID-19 event. He also talks about dealing with stress (and gets a little emotional)... Sometimes it's like being trapped in a house with five monkeys. And if you don't take care of them, they'll wreck your entire house. BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE!

Ep 21- Ever Feel Like You're Trapped in a House With Five Monkeys?

Life can be tough... especially living in your car with 2 kids. But because of YOUR support, we could help!

STORIES: The Backpack Friends Audio Experience (Episode 22)

HUGE shout out to ShopLC and the Backpack Friends Nation! Our first-ever virtual 5K was a huge success. Not only did we beat our goal (amidst a pandemic lockdown!), but we saw an amazing thing happen on America's birthday! Check this out!

EP 23 - Shoutout To The BF Nation

This episode is brought to you by JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS. We have all faced some unique circumstances this year that have left us wondering “what’s next?”  What we know for sure, is our kids don’t stop growing.  Have you spent your extra time at home cleaning out their closets and now they have nothing to wear?  Wondering if you buy school clothes or comfy pajamas?  Well there is a solution and it won’t break the bank.
 
JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS is a large bi-annual children’s and maternity consignment sale.  JBF offers a way for bargain-savvy families to SAVE up to 90% off retail prices but also provides an option to MAKE $ by consigning your items.  More importantly, it’s all local, so you’re helping your friends and other families in our community provide for their family when you shop. Items remaining at the end of the sale are donated to local charities who are able to continue helping families in the community.

The next JBF sale is July 30-Aug 1, 2020 at Concordia HS (1201 S. Heatherwilde Blvd, Pflugerville,TX, 78660). Register to be a consigner, get free shopping passes, and all the details at jbfsale.com for more details.

Ep 24- How To Create An Amazing Community, Ft.Sereniah Brelend

CoVid (sigh) update. Distributing 1000 books, backpacks, and water bottles. Miss Pflugerville. And saying goodbye to a sister organization.

Season 2 Premiere!

A quick look back over the year of Covid challenges. You guys CRUSHED it. We did more this year than EVER... and we learned 3 things I wanna pass along. Hope it helps you set your goals for the new year!

EP 26- 24,000 Tummies

Inspiration and motivation for the journey. We’re feeding hundreds of kids suffering with food insecurity, and building the communities we all want to live in along the way.

Backpack Friends

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