UnLost Cause

"I wish I had" is the saddest phrase according to John David Graham.

John David Graham turned detours into destiny before turning multiple lost causes into UnLost Causes.

He burned out of multiple jobs and persevered through 200 book rejections, and yet he found purpose in the unlikeliest places.

This episode is about how grit outlasts doubt, and how legacy starts with one act of courage.

At 53, John David Graham faced homelessness...

Joe Bassett grew up immersed in the outdoors, skipping school to read survival stories and test his limits with just one match and a dream.

But by adulthood, he was chasing a different path: a career in music and ministry.

For decades, the wild part of him lay dormant. In his 50s, a return to his father’s wilderness camp triggered a deep awakening.

Joe launched Valiant Outfitters to help others reclaim themselves through survival s...

At 59, Mark Papadas reignited a lifelong calling and launched I Am For Kids, a personal development program transforming how children and families see themselves.

After years in sales, consulting, and coaching, a simple comment about his son sparked what he calls a “divine download” that became his life’s mission.

This episode is about the courage to pivot, the power of identity, and what happens when you decide to live with no reg...

At 52, Debbie Sluys boldly stepped away from a secure, 30-year career in childcare to pursue a deeper calling: helping others visualize and achieve their dreams. What started as a boutique vision-board studio soon became Dare to Declare—a thriving global movement empowering people through intentional visualization and purposeful living.

In this episode of UnLost Cause, Debbie shares how early childhood struggles shaped her passion,...

What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? In this inspiring episode of UnLost Cause, former tech VP Llance Kezner shares how he and his wife Lori—a teacher—turned a home kitchen idea into Millie's Sipping Broth, a product now stocked in nearly 2,000 Walmart stores.

From setbacks like layoffs and manufacturing challenges to viral moments during COVID and a golden ticket from Walmart, Llance opens up about...

What happens when a lifelong change maker hits the wall? Stephanie M. Jones shares how a near health crisis forced her to stop giving to everyone else and finally start giving to herself. Her new venture, The Selfish Luxury Traveler, is more than travel, it's about joy, self-care, and rewriting your story after 50.

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Kevin Nakao’s story is one of serial reinvention. From launching a Grammy-nominated record label to leading marketing in startups and now running his own solo consultancy, Kevin’s career is a testament to lifelong learning, humility, and hustle.

In this episode of UnLost Cause, Kevin shares the lessons of choosing joy over title, getting his hands dirty again in his 50s, and why he’s more fulfilled now as a “company of one” than ev...

Kristin Middleton didn’t let age, depression, or detours hold her back. After a rich career in wine and a life-changing health scare, she launched BougieGougies.com — a Seattle bakery reviving the French cheese puff.

This conversation dives deep into courage, reinvention, and the kind of clarity that only comes with time. Kristin's story reminds us: it’s never too late to dream again.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro + Kristin’s Early Drea...

At age 16, David Heppard was sentenced to life in prison.

He served 24 years.

Today, he’s the co-founder of The Black Rose Collective, helping others heal and reenter society with dignity.

In this powerful episode of UnLost Cause, David shares how a single act of empathy shattered a lifetime of shame, how he rebuilt himself from the inside out, and how he’s using that journey to uplift others.

🔹 Learn how healing—not punishment—cr...

At 16, Brooke St. Sauver ignored her mom’s warning and baked herb bread anyway. The loaves rose perfectly—so did her confidence.

Decades later, after climbing the corporate ladder in fashion retail, Brooke hit peak success and peak burnout. Instead of going on vacation, she and her husband sat down and wrote a business plan. That act sparked a second act: two restaurants in Seattle, The Coupe & Flute and The Dandy.

In this insp...

At 45, Andrew Motiwalla could’ve played it safe. Instead, he bet on his dream—and built a travel company generating $7M+ a year.

In this episode of UnLost Cause, we explore Andrew’s unconventional path from Peace Corps volunteer to tech executive to founder of The Good Life Abroad, a community-driven experience helping people 55+ live abroad for a month or more with purpose, joy, and connection.

You’ll hear how Andrew:

• Turned...

Ever feel like your real dream has been simmering on the back burner?

Brian Staub did.

At 45, he left a successful career in finance, enrolled in culinary school, and fought through setbacks — including the pandemic — to open Haven, a neighborhood restaurant inspired by his childhood kitchen and love of community.

His story is a masterclass in grit, reinvention, and making bold dreams real, no matter your age.

This is the *UnLost C...

Veronica Zolotoochin spent over two decades in the high-stakes world of finance, working as a bond and stock broker. 

But despite the success, she felt suffocated—disconnected from what truly brought her joy. 

In a bold move, she walked away from corporate life to pursue something that had been a lifelong passion: dogs. 

She bought a small dog-walking business in Salt Lake City called Dog N Butterfly that provides bespoke personal...

At 22, Craig Orlopp walked away from golf after finishing 2nd in a golf tournament. He pledged to himself that if he didn't finish 1st, he would leave behind a dream that burnt brightly since childhood.

But more than two decades later, at 43, he took a leap of faith—reigniting his passion, proving to himself (and the world) that it’s never too late to chase what you love.

This inspiring conversation dives deep into Craig’s jour...

Think your best days are behind you? Think again. This episode explores what happens when you stop making excuses and start making moves.

Adam Guy quit his job as a successful non-profit executive and eventually started IKnowaGuyNYCtours.com. He's never been happier and certainly is proud of his bold move.

Listen to Adam's inspiring journey and know whether you're 40, 50, or 60+, this is proof that your dream isn’t dead—it’s ju...

What happens when two college friends reconnect decades later to tackle one of today’s biggest challenges?

Meet Seth Kessler and Lee Sosin, co-founders of Gapwell, who are redefining the transition from high school to career.

In this episode, they share their entrepreneurial journey, how COVID reshaped their career paths, and why young adults today need more support than ever. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business later ...