The Prequel
What is your origin story? Throughout our lives, our stories intersect with the people we meet. What sometimes gets lost in the chaos of life is that our stories go much further than we can ever realize. On this podcast, listen to Mike share experiences that have impacted his life.
He takes you on a weekly journey with a short conversation about how the people and experiences in his life have taken him from where he was to where he is and where he would like to go.
Along the way, he provides you the roadmap that he used to improve his own story in hopes that you will be able to do the same.
Chapter Twenty: Toxic Positivity
On this episode of "The Prequel", Mike answers a question he is asked very often. How do we avoid the idea of "Toxic Positivity" or trying to force others to only feel positive emotions despite what their experiences are. He dives into the difference between realistic positivity, creating a brave space for belonging, and allowing people to experience life however they need to in the moment.
Chapter Nineteen: The Beginner in Us
Mike spends this episode of "The Prequel" pushing an important reminder. As life presents us new opportunities, we have all sorts of emotions attached to them. We might feel nervous, excited, joy, thrill, and more. Being a beginner comes with a sense of excitement (and maybe a side of nerves). As we settle in, it is possible that the joy subsides. Mike reminds us to always keep a bit of "beginner" inside of our hearts.
Chapter Eighteen: Time to Reflect
We are back for another episode of "The Prequel" and Mike is looking back to look ahead. He reminds us that sometimes in life, reflection can take us further than rushing too far ahead of ourselves. The ability to slow down and understand the experiences we confront on our journeys help us learn how to show up down the road.
Chapter Seventeen: Work in Progress
"The Prequel" is back and taking a look at our measure of perfection. Mike walks us through toward the idea that we are forever a work in progress. He challenges us to never stop working on ourselves and discusses ways in which he has been able to continue working on himself throughout his own life.
As Mike says in the episode, "Human being is a verb...We are all a work in progress."
Chapter Sixteen: Be Limitless
On this week's episode of "The Prequel," Mike reflects on the limitless opportunities we have each day to make a difference in the world. How do we take advantage of it? Are we scared of taking the steps we have to take? Do our thoughts get in the way while others are out there doing what we can to add to our own greatness?
Mike takes us on the reflective journey of how we can live limitlessly in a world where we are often pausing in fear of rejection or failure.
Chapter Fifteen: Be the One
Another week and another episode of "The Prequel" is here! In this episode, Mike focuses on how we can be someone's favorite person. He discusses one of his favorite songs and the ways in which we can live out the important lyrics in simple ways for the people we meet in our daily lives.
Mike pushes us to move past the idea that making a HUGE difference has to be a HUGE act beyond our means.
Chapter Fourteen: Weight of the Challenge
Mike is back with another episode of "The Prequel" for us to consider how to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. In this episode, he takes a look at the challenges that we face. Do we carry the mountains with us or try to climb them instead?
He takes a look at times he did both and the differences he felt. Mike will challenge you to see why climbing those mountains will ultimately benefit you more than holding onto them.
Chapter Thirteen: Choices
On this episode of "The Prequel," Mike is in his Harry Potter Era. As he finished off the first book awhile back, a quote stuck out to him. Mike takes a close look at the ways that the choices we make define our character far more than our abilities. He highlights how making the choice to show up for others in times of need and showing kindness each and every day shows the type of strong character we strive for.
Join Mike on this episode to further your own story and those of others in a positive way!
Chapter Twelve: Be Yourself
"Your time is limited. Don't waste it trying to be someone else." Steve Jobs said it best. And Mike is off and running in this week's episode about why it is so important to be authentic. Mike explores times in his own life that he put on a mask to be anyone other than himself. He reflects on why that might have been the case, and hopes you will do the same.
Take some time to consider how great you really are and that you were put here to bring all those unique traits to the forefront. After this episode, we hope you will be ready to do that every day.
Chapter Eleven: Reach Out
For some of us, asking for help is perhaps one of life's most difficult challenges. For whatever reason, when we are faced with a challenge that takes a lot of energy, we are more likely to let ourselves become frustrated than we are seek out help.
In this episode, Mike takes some time on his own reservations in asking for help. He invites you to do the same. At the end of the day, the more we ask for people to work alongside of us, the more we will grow.
Chapter Ten: Be Ready to Adjust
Mike is back with another episode this week for all of us to reflect on when we might need to adjust. Life will change at the drop of the hat. The expected will become the unexpected. In order to write our stories in the most productive ways, we must be ready to change with the change.
Mike walks us through how he learned to adjust, and the steps we can take to make sure change does not impact us or those around us in a negative way. Enjoy this week's episode of "The Prequel."
Chapter Nine: Dealing with Uncertainty
The Prequel is back for another season, but Mike has changed the game just a bit. He wants to give you short snippets of thoughts to start each week. While he enjoyed the interviews and hearing the stories of others, this season is dedicated to the ways in which we can all contribute to our own prequel as well as that of others.
On our season premier, Mike focuses on dealing with uncertainty. The unknown can be real scary for many. How can we use it as an opportunity? How can we shift our mindset in order to use uncertainty as a path to unlocked potential? Mike's got ya covered.
Chapter Eight: Michele Capots
Join Mike as he talks to Michele Capots, transformational coach, speaker, and storyteller. Michele's work around mental health and resilience is making a difference with all of her clients. Her story gives us a glimpse into how we can take our fears and turn them into our greatest successes. This is a conversation that you will not want to miss. Follow Michele at www.MicheleCapots.com and on Instagram @MicheleCapotsdotcom for all of the great work she does.
Chapter Seven: Lorna Hollifield
Join Mike as he sits down with Lorna Hollifield, the author of The Ocean at Night and Tobacco Sun. She is currently the editor of Charleston Women Magazine. The two discuss the challenging world of writing, how Lorna's journey to publishing her first book was an unexpected journey, and her advice to up and coming writers with big dreams. We think you will find her story and advice beneficial no matter what your journey looks like! You can follow Lorna on Instagram @LornaHollifield and find her books on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble. Don't forget to check out www.CharlestonWomen.com to see the great work she is doing.
Chapter Six: Jaimie Beebe
What an episode! Mike sits down with Jaimie Beebe, a casting director, podcast host, and founder of The Boyfriend Bikini. Jaimie lets us into the world of being a casting director, but perfectly ties it to how those experiences affect the stories of the people in the roles.
They discuss her podcast, "Strictly Stalking," how it came to be, and the impact it has had on her guests. Lastly, Jaimie talks about how a previous relationship taught her a few very important lessons. And how that same relationship allowed her to turn a negative into an important positive. You will NOT want to miss this episode of "The Prequel."
You can find Jaimie at any of the below social media platforms: Instagram: feathergirl77; StrictlyStalkingPod; BoyfriendBikini Website: www.theboyfriendbikini.com
Chapter Five: Dom Brightmon
Join Mike in his most recent conversation with author and podcaster, Dominique "Dom" Brightmon. The two explore all things podcasting and writing, while Dom challenges listeners to stop comparing themselves to others and a different version of themselves. We get a look into the experiences and people who pushed him to become an author and speaker. Join Mike and Dom as they encourage you find your value, cherish it, and help others do the same. It is an episode you won't want to miss.
You can learn more about Dom and his podcast, "Going North" by visiting www.DomBrightmon.com and checking out all of his work.
Chapter Four: Rita Farruggia
Join Mike as he welcomes Rita Farruggia the founder and CEO of www.happybeingwell.com to "The Prequel" for episode four. Mike and Rita dig into how and why her website went from vision to the real deal. Rita shares the purpose behind what she does, and how she arrived at this important work.
The two dive into Rita's journey and really explore a deep dive into self-care. Rita's vulnerability shines as she describes her story in this incredible conversation. We hope you enjoy!
You can find Rita on www.happybeingwell.com and by searching Happy Being Well on Facebook and Instagram.
Chapter Three: Wyatt Eaton
On this week's episode, Mike is joined by fellow Elizabethtown College Blue Jay, Wyatt Eaton. While Mike and Wyatt were on campus at the same time, it was not until after college that their prequels really aligned. They have bonded over their love of the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the course of the last year, Wyatt's life has taken an unexpected turn. After years of athletic endeavors and overcoming literal Tough Mudder obstacles, Wyatt is being faced with his most difficult opponent yet.
Listen to Mike and Wyatt's discussion on this new roadblock and how Wyatt is using it as motivation to write his best chapter yet.
Chapter Two: Michelle Dickinson
Join Mike as he welcomes his first guest, Michelle Dickinson, an educator resiliency coach to discuss her role and how she was led to this path.
Mike and Michelle discuss the challenges that educators have been facing post pandemic. She gives tremendous advice as to how we can all navigate the challenges we face with a dose of resilience. The two dive deeper into Michelle's story and how it brought her to this point in her life.
You will not want to miss this amazing conversation about overcoming the challenges that are faced in front of us from the earliest of ages. And then using those lessons to find our purpose in helping others grow.
You can also find Michelle on the following social media platforms: - LinkedIn: Michelle E. Dickinson, MM - TikTok: @resiliencecoachmichelle - Twitter: @mdickinson13
Chapter One: The Purpose
On the premier episode of "The Prequel" Mike Azzalina introduces himself and why stories are so incredibly important to him. He explains that this is a show to help others tell their own stories in order to bring light to the people and experiences that made them who they are today. Mike tells his own story about his Grandpop and the ways his life was shaped by moments spent together...and stories he will never forget. We are where we stand now because of the people and moments that guided us in this direction. With so much happening in the world, let's shine some positivity and drive that energy to help others create their origin story. Join Mike as he starts his journey to find the people who will help spread the impact.
Bonus Content
Enjoy Mike’s “See you later” message to his staff, students, and community, and some of the other fun he had along the way.)