Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast.

What happens when a game becomes more than just strategy and competition and instead becomes a pathway to purpose, growth, and real-world change?

On this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast, I’m joined by Aston Roberts, a nationally ranked U.S. Chess Federation Expert and founder of Checkmate to a Better Future, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming lives through chess. And the most incredible part? He’s just 17 years old. Aston’s work spans classrooms, communities, and even the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center, where he’s pioneered a chess-based curriculum focused on foresight, behavior, and life skills.

Also joining us is his Dad, Adrian Roberts. Adrian is a driving force of support behind Aston’s journey. Together, we’ll explore how one teen’s passion for chess is creating ripples of impact far beyond the board.

Checkmate to a Better Future is having their inaugural Livingston, NJ Summer Chess Tournament and Fundraiser on Saturday, August 9. Go to Home to learn more.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLive

Today is the Day is more than this podcast—

It’s a movement rooted in clarity, courage, connection, and impact.

Through coaching and consulting, I help individuals and teams find clarity of focus, the courage to move forward, and the connections that lead to growth. Whether you’re leading a mission, launching a vision, or navigating change, I help you build the kind of network that lifts you up—and supports the impact you’re meant to create.

And be sure to save the date for the Today is the Day Changemakers International Forum, where global voices come together to embrace transformation and inspire action. Go to our website with more information.

Lastly, if this episode or any prior episodes have helped you to feel connected, inspired, empowered or just seen a little more consider giving back. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps keep these stories alive and accessible to all. Today is the Day is not just a podcast. It includes an International Forum and soon to be a new Changemakers Connective. Help us keep growing this connective movement. Today is the Day Changemakers (Today is the Day Changemakers Support)

Let’s get into this incredible conversation.

Because today is the day.

Have a great week!

#chess, #chessplayer, #chessforbetterfuture, #NewJersey, #emergingchangemaker, #changemakers, #todayistheday, #makingadifference

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

How can speaking with true intention toward ourselves and others not only calm the ego, but nourish the spirit?

Today on Today is the Day Changemakers, I’m joined by Kalyani Pardeshi, a multi award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and Canada’s only certified Flowcess Trainer. Kalyani helps people embrace their true selves by identifying and dissolving two often-ignored causes of burnout: self-bullying and living outside their intrinsic motivators.

Her powerful book, Beyond the Inner Critic: Understanding and Conquering Your Conscious and Unconscious Bullies, won the International Impact Award for Self-Help within four months of publication. She’s been featured on CTV Morning Live, Global News Calgary, and QR Calgary Radio, and continues to inspire schools, organizations, and communities across North America.

Today’s episode dives into how seemingly harmless jokes or offhand comments—especially when directed inward—can do lasting harm. Kalyani shares how both external bullying and the inner critic shaped her journey, and how presence, self-awareness, and accountability can become tools for personal and collective healing.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLive

Today is the Day is more than this podcast—

It’s a movement rooted in clarity, courage, connection, and impact.

Through coaching and consulting, I help individuals and teams find clarity of focus, the courage to move forward, and the connections that lead to growth. Whether you’re leading a mission, launching a vision, or navigating change, I help you build the kind of network that lifts you up—and supports the impact you’re meant to create.

And be sure to save the date for the Today is the Day Changemakers International Forum, where global voices come together to embrace transformation and inspire action. Go to our website with more information.

Lastly, if this episode or any prior episodes have helped you to feel connected, inspired, empowered or just seen a little more consider giving back. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps keep these stories alive and accessible to all. Today is the Day is not just a podcast. It includes an International Forum and soon to be a new Changemakers Connective. Help us keep growing this connective movement. Today is the Day Changemakers (Today is the Day Changemakers Support)

Let’s get into this incredible conversation.

Because today is the day.

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#TodayistheDay

#Changemakers

#Bullying

#innerbully

#overcomingobstacles

#clarity

#courage

#impact

#connection

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this episode of the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast we talk about the power of deficits, discipline and dedication.

Today, we’re honored to welcome back a powerhouse changemaker — M. Quentin Williams, founder and CEO of Dedication to Community (D2C), and newly named to the WORTHY 100 by Worth Magazine for his extraordinary leadership in social impact and justice reform.

Q is an attorney, an educator, and a national voice for change. He’s a former FBI agent, federal prosecutor, and has held senior roles with the NFL, and NBA. He’s also a guest instructor at the FBI National Academy.

But what sets this conversation apart is the depth of it.

If you’re ready to hear what it looks like when a person turns deficits into discipline, and discipline into legacy — you are absolutely in the right place

This is not just another interview — it’s a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and walking your mission out loud. From poverty and a reading comprehension deficit to having the discipline to get through law school and so much more. There is too much to summarize in this very dynamic and important conversation. Take a listen and let us know if anything you hear resonates or inspires you.

🌀 And remember — Today is the Day Changemakers is not just a podcast. It’s a reminder.

If today you woke up feeling stuck…

Disconnected from your purpose…

Like you’ve checked all the boxes but still wonder, Is this really it?

Or maybe you’re leading a team that’s lost momentum, where collaboration feels hard and the mission feels blurry, or the goals are a struggle to meet...

It may be time to talk to someone who can help you — or your organization — realign, reconnect, and move forward with intention.

That’s the work I do.

Know that when your why is greater than your how, the path forward starts to reveal itself — if this speaks to you reach out to jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com for more information or Click Here.

Subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.

Let’s dive in.

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#Dedication

#Community

#Author

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This week on the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast, I interview an incredible fearless woman. Sharla Brown is the inspiring founder of One Woman, a global social enterprise on a mission to help women and girls around the world live their dreams and reach their full potential. A Canadian social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian, Sharla has dedicated her life to empowering others through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Her journey began in 2015 during a life-changing trip to Ecuador, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women and girls in underserved communities. This experience became the spark that ignited the creation of One Woman and One Girl — initiatives that provide the tools, support, and opportunities needed to break barriers and create ripples of positive impact.

Since then, Sharla has hosted over 200 Women Fearless events across Canada, the USA, and beyond. Through these powerful conferences, she mentors, teaches, and inspires women to embrace their gifts, step into their leadership potential, and build purpose-driven lives they love. Sharla believes that each person’s gift is like a pebble tossed into water, creating endless ripples that touch lives far and wide.

Her fearless leadership continues to uplift and unite women globally, reminding us all that when women rise, entire communities rise with them.

Sharla has been dealing with a personal illness and even through this illness she is doing all she can to keep the organization growing. She empowers woman to take on the role of leading these events in their community. Connecting women around the globe to learn from each other and support each other is not only commendable, it is essential for building a more empowered and compassionate world.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you're ready to break through barriers, build authentic connections, or create the table where you truly belong - let's connect.

Through coaching, consulting, and this platform, I'm here to help you take meaningful action toward your goals. Learn more at TodayistheDayLiveIt.com.

#fearlesswoman, #fearless, #survivingcancer, #summit, #conference, #women, #woman, #helpingwomen, #womenleaders, #speaker, #coaches, #todayistheday, #changemakers, #changemaker

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

On this episode I’m joined by Nicole Nicola, Director of Economic and Demographic Research at the New Jersey Department of Labor, adjunct professor of business statistics, sought-after speaker, and leadership coach.

Nicole shares how data is at the core of what drives meaningful decisions — not just in the workplace, but in our everyday lives. Whether we’re counting miles walked, dollars spent, or calories consumed, we’re constantly collecting information that shapes our path. Through her leadership program, Nicole helps others tap into that insight by encouraging them to map their leadership journey, create a personal tagline, and define their own “10 Commandments” for how they want to lead and live.

And of course, we have a little fun chatting about her love of chocolate.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.

And remember — Today is the Day is more than just a podcast. Through my work, I provide sales training, leadership development, executive coaching, and support for entrepreneurs and organizations looking to connect more deeply with their clients, customers, and internal teams. I also work with individuals and organizations to help them connect more fully with their goals — and in turn, create extraordinary fulfillment by aligning with all they want to do, achieve, and become.

Let’s connect and explore how I can help you, your team, or your organization take that next step toward authentic growth and meaningful connection.

#data, #statistics, #changemakers, #TodayistheDay, #chocolate, #leadership, #personaltagline, #tagline, #coach, #leadershipcoach, #NJBIA, #NewJersey,

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this powerful continuation, Jodi sits down with author Arman Kaymakcian to dive deeper into his memoir, He Calls Me Redeemed. Arman opens up about living with the echoes of past trauma, how his experiences have shaped his reactions and relationships, and the everyday courage it takes to move forward. Central to his journey is his deep and personal connection to God. His faith has been a guiding force—helping him navigate pain, find healing, and embrace redemption. With the unwavering support of his wife and a strong foundation in his belief in a higher power, Arman continues to walk his path with purpose.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Today is the Day Changemakers podcast on YouTube, and be sure to like, review, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt. Learn more about all the programs that Today is the Day offers businesses, entrepreneurs, Changemakers, and more. Coming soon the Changemakers Connective movement www.TodayIsTheDayLive.com.

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What happens when you finally stop resisting — and start listening to the signs?

Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this emotional and courageous episode, poet and author Armen Kaymakcian shares part one of his powerful personal story — a journey of hardship, recovery, and purpose.

Growing up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Armen lived through life-altering events that shaped his path in unimaginable ways. His memoir, He Calls Me Redeemed, was written in rooms instead of chapters as his family owned a hotel - those rooms were filled with stories of both struggle and strength.

At just 12 years old he was sexually assaulted by a trusted friend of the family. That went on for some time and the trauma from that experience began to shape Armen in a way that was hard for him to come back from.

In his early adult years, Armen faced challenges that led him down a dark path. That path included selling drugs, drug addiction, stealing, and trouble with the law. But at one of the lowest moments of his life, he began listening — to his inner voice, to the signs around him, and to something greater. A spiritual shift and a reconnection to faith sparked a transformation that helped him begin again.

Today, Armen is a husband, a father of three, and an advocate for healing and redemption through storytelling. Armen's book is a must-read for anyone anywhere who is dealing with overcoming hurdles or has over-come them already. It is a story of strength, resiliency, and courage. There is so much to be learned from him sharing his very private story.

🎙️ This is Part One of his journey.

📅 Part Two airs on June 11

Hosted by Jodi Grinwald, certified professional coach, consultant, and founder of the Today is the Day movement. Jodi works with entrepreneurs, leaders, nonprofits, and organizations to deepen authentic connection, drive growth, and align purpose with impact — helping people and teams thrive both personally and professionally. Learn more on our website: Today Is The Day

📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @todaysdayliveit

🎧 Subscribe on YouTube: Today is the Day Changemakers

Today is the Day is more than a podcast — it’s a global movement that amplifies real stories of resilience, connection, and purpose to inspire change worldwide.

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#overcomingaddiction

#changemaker

#memoir

#author

#redemption

#faith

#book

#recovery

#NewJersey

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Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Today is the Day Changemakers, Jodi Grinwald speaks with Melanie Paticoff Grossman—founder, author, and editor of Hearing Our Way magazine.

Melanie’s changemaker journey began with a deeply personal story: her cousin, who she was incredibly close to, started to experience hearing loss at a very young age. When her cousin moved away, it felt like a profound loss—one that shaped Melanie’s early understanding of distance, connection, and identity. But when her cousin returned years later, that relationship—and the awareness it sparked—set Melanie on a mission: to help other kids with hearing loss feel seen, understood, and empowered.

She began by writing Sophie’s Tales, a children’s book that uses storytelling to bridge understanding. But she didn’t stop there. Wanting to create something sustainable and ongoing, Melanie founded Hearing Our Way—a vibrant national magazine now in its 10th year, reaching schools, doctors’ offices, and homes across the country. The publication gives kids with hearing loss (and their peers) a place to belong and a way to connect.

In this episode, Melanie opens up about her passion for representation, the power of personal stories, the surprising role ADHD plays in professional life, and why she believes “finding your people” brings freedom and joy.

This is more than a story about hearing loss—it’s a story about purpose, resilience, and what happens when one person decides to turn personal loss into collective impact.

Listen on the Today is the Day Changemakers YouTube Channel or on all major podcast platforms.

Please subscribe and follow:

Instagram + Facebook: @TodayIsTheDayLiveIt

Website: TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.com

#TodayIsTheDay #ChangemakersPodcast #HearingOurWay #InclusionMatters #Sophie’sTales #HearingLossAwareness #ADHDAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #PurposeDriven #RepresentationMatters

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