Live Courageously

Cleo DeLoner, (A True Survivor) A proud Veteran of the War in Somalia, a three-time suicide survivor, an author, a public speaker, an ardent supporter of our military and first responders and an outspoken champion for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder issues and Suicide Prevention. Cleo was born of a rape, conceived in violence, raised in neglect, shame, and abuse. She experienced incredible trauma while in Somalia where she survived a horrific firefight, struggled to save a severely mutilated child and was forced to drive through women and children with her HUMVEE to save her fellow military brethren. After returning home, Cleo served as a police officer, a corrections officer and a counselor at her church. Unfortunately, her internal battles only intensified. She found herself combating the anguish, the pain, the nightmares and the screams by taking countless prescription medications, suffering through hundreds of electro-shock sessions and being admitted to mental health facilities well over 30 times. Cleo is a remarkable storyteller, not only a story of immense pain, but a story of remarkable strength and enduring hope. She has a remarkable way with words that put you inside some of the worst situations imaginable and bring you out the other side with a joyous tear in your eye. Cleo’s journey and courageous path to healing is nothing short of a miracle and is a story not to be missed.

Live Courageously - The first WEBINAR as the new website goes live! Live Courageously: Podcasts, Blogs, and Apparel for the Brave (live-courageously.com) With special guest George Ohan, a U.S. Army veteran and Hollywood producer, is on a mission to bring this compelling story to the screen. It's a tale of honor and respect, told through the eyes of a veteran, resonating with every American who holds their country dear. At its core, it embodies patriotism. "The Flag" comprises two pivotal short films: one, a fictional narrative, and the other, an educational exploration of the Flag's significance, including an in-depth look at its thirteen folds. Under the direction of John Duffy, an international team achieved remarkable success, earning a coveted spot on the 2015 G.I. Film Festival Official Selection list.

Based in Colorado, Risa August is an author, Speaker, Gestalt practitioner and Patient Advocate for rare pituitary diseases. She has been sharing her story for the past five years, and more recently in her memoir The Road Unpaved – Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. In addition to speaking at conferences for leaders in pharmaceuticals, medical professionals, and patients, her work is published on blogs and in other smaller publications. Her most popular personal essay, “Marshmallow Clouds” has been translated into Spanish. Through her personal transformation, Risa has learned and practiced removing limiting beliefs, shifting her perspective, and embracing a full life. Risa has a B.A. in geography, a certification in the Gestalt Coaching Method, and a certificate in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for over a decade and offering words of inspiration and information to audiences in hopes of saving others from heading down a bumpier road. A girl with sparkles in her hair and once an Ironman athlete, Risa still has a passion for her bike and barbells. With her genuine curiosity and love for trying new (and old) things, you may find Risa taking Bollywood or hip-hop dance lessons, trying a silks aerialist or boxing class, going indoor skydiving, or guiding an inspirational workshop in creativity.

Ted Played drums in several Rock Bands in Phoenix Arizona in the early ‘80s, as well as owning HeadBangers Drum Shop. Then pursued music through radio taking a at Westwood One/100.3 Pirate Radio in the LA market as well as syndicated radio shows world wide including Armed Force Radio. Shred’s love of the Rock music scene here in Hollywood led him through numerous bands playing around LA till he got hired to be a stand in and an extra background actor) for Steven Tyler on Wayne’s World 2 that then took hold of Shred’s creative performance side which at this time turned towards acting from 1992 even up to the present. Through acting Shred discovered many jobs he was experienced at in this industry through natural survival to actual training from Stunts to Animal Training, Line Producing to Directing, from Art and Set Design to Lighting. Then through an odd form of osmosis and powers of the universe Shred creates several companies to increase his financial base and help harness his chaotic creativity. So Double Dog Dare Events (an event design/production company involved in the entertainment and corporate marketing)was launched followed by Pira For Hire (a live action interactive promotional company focusing on anything Pirate from live shows, commercial marketing, to Film and TV re-enactments…) made of like minded pirate enthusiasts from the film industry for entertaining with live action shows around the world. And finally Shred’s love for animals and animal rescue/rehabilitation he created Tropical Exotic Animal Rentals (designed for taking on rescued exotic and domestic animals. Then after rehab if they cannot be released back to the wild or be placed with an appropriate animal sanctuary, he would keep and provide for them) that became an animal ambassador company for educational programs, special event meet and greets, as well as training/conditioning certain acclimated animals for the film and TV industry that even lead him to becoming a Ringmaster for the famous LA Circus and The Vamphear Circus. And let’s not forget his over 40 years experience as a record holder as Hollywood’s #Fire Manipulation/Breather. This all had a very common thread that leads us to The Shred Media Group and The Rock Lounge. Ted Shred’s extensive experience as a producer, creative write director, and over all entertainer will now be focused on hosting, interviewing and entertaining.

CHRISTOPER LOVERRO, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Peace and Conflict Studies program, retired Police Officer, and founder of Warriors For Peace Theatre, brings a unique perspective shaped by his combat service in Iraq and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. His commitment to using the arts as a tool for healing and peace, combined with his first hand experience in conflict zones, provides a profound understanding of the human cost of war. ANTON YAREMCHUK, an award-winning Ukrainian filmmaker and humanitarian, and Christopher Loverro, a US Army Iraq War veteran and advocate for peace through the arts, are embarking on a significant speaking tour across California. This tour, titled "Voices from the Frontline,” aims to bring light to underreported aspects of the Ukrainian conflict, focusing on personal stories and the impact on local communities. Yaremchuk, born in Ukraine and fluent in multiple languages, returned to his homeland to document the Revolution of Dignity and the unfolding conflict in Eastern Ukraine. His work as a film maker and activist, particularly during the full-scale invasion in 2022, led to the founding of Base UA, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting civilians and the military in Ukraine.

Robert“Bigg Sarge”Déonis a multi-talented individual who has not only served his country with honor and dedication as a retired disabled army war veteran but has also made significant contributions to the world of entertainment as an actor, director, and producer. His remarkable journey is a testament to his resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to both his art and his fellow veterans. After leaving the military,RobertDéonquickly transitioned into the world of entertainment, where he discovered a new calling. His innate talent for acting quickly became apparent, and he honed his skills through formal training and dedication. Not only content with merely being in front of the camera, butRobertDéonalso expanded his horizons to behind-the-scenes roles as a director and producer. his creative vision and leadership qualities has allowed him to successfully helm various projects showcasing his versatility and commitment to excellence. through is work, he has not only brought captivating stories to life but has also provided opportunities for emerging talent in the industry.

John shared his “Irish Journey” Story as a St Patrick’s Day Special. John is the son of two Irish Immigrants who mourned to America in 1928 and arrived at Ellis Island. They met and married in the Bronx. John’s dad died when he was four years old. He remembers going to the St Patrick’s Day Parade every March 17th in New York City with his Mom. As his neighborhood changed ethnically he lost touch with the Irish culture and adapted to the culture of the changing South Bronx. In 2008 he was contacted by an Irish cousin living in England that led to a journey and visit to Ireland on St Patrick’s Day and a reconnection with a family he didn’t know he had and rediscovery of his Irish culture. He went on to become dual citizen of the US and Ireland and traveled to Ireland three times. He has called the connection with his Cousin Sharon and the trip to Ireland his “Irish Miracle”.

Michael Leahy an Architect and Planner by profession. He set up practice in 1986 and has long experience of running a business and as an employer. He is the former President of the Ennis Chamber of Commerce and was a board member for Bord Pleanála from 2012 to 2017. He has strong involvement in the local community including charitable and cultural groups. Michael is passionate about rural regeneration and making it affordable for people to access the housing market. B.Arch (N.U.I.) 1981, M.R.U.P. (1984), Dip.Plng & Env. Law 2014. Former Board Member of an Bord Pleanála, (2012-2017). Principal of Michael Leahy archi- tects and Leahy and Conway architects, Ennis County Clare, (1986-2012). Founder Leahy Planning Ltd 2018. Local activities included presidency of the local Chamber of Commerce, local Tidy Towns committee, local Rotary club, local arts Festival, local Parish leadership. F.R.I.A.I., M.I.P.I. Michael is chairman of the Irish Freedom Party and is running for European Parliament

Alex Gilfiley grew up on a tiny Pacific Island of Yap Islands. This little island is in the Micronesian islands neighboring Guam, which is a sub-region of Oceania, comprising thousands of other small islands in the Pacific. The scarcity of education and jobs abound on the island, and opportunities for advancement are very limited. At a young age, as far back as third grade, Alex would pick fruits, nuts, and coconuts to sell at the local market for his bus fares to and from school. He worked on some low wage jobs starting in high school. Though these jobs, one of which he was a cargo handler at the small island airport at night while going to school during the day, paid him just a dollar an hour, he always dreamed of a better life for himself. He saw a sticker that read - Army. Be All You Can Be and that would spark the flame inside of Alex that ultimately encouraged him to begin planning his move off the island in his pursuit of a better life. Thus, the Army would be his one-way ticket that would bring him closer to this dream. Some Noteworthy Moments in Alex’s Life include the following: Overcame multiple suicide attempts Acted and Production Managed “The Flag: short films. An honoree of a Senatorial Award for courageous commitment to protecting our Nation’s Freedom. An honoree of the US Congressional award for valorous acts of gallantry in service to our nation Helped saved the lives of over 15 wounded US Soldiers in a helicopter crash, and securing the bodies of 15, while risking his own life under heavy enemy fire in combat Was one of the few privates, which is a low rank in the military, to be awarded one of the nation’s highest valorous military award in the Iraq War Overcame the temptation of retaliating against the group of people that plotted the murdering of his father and made genuine peace Received acknowledgement as an awardee of the US Presidential Citation Award for playing a major role as a team member that kicked off the Global War on Terrorism. Alex returned to Guam and Yap to care for his ailing Mother until she passed. He was chosen a Cabinet Member and Director of Yaps’ Youth and Civic Affairs Dept. He is the visionary of creating a Feature documentary of Yap in 2025.

Ted Played drums in several Rock Bands in Phoenix Arizona in the early ‘80s, as well as owning HeadBangers Drum Shop. Then pursued music through radio taking a at Westwood One/100.3 Pirate Radio in the LA market as well as syndicated radio shows world wide including Armed Force Radio. Shred’s love of the Rock music scene here in Hollywood led him through numerous bands playing around LA till he got hired to be a stand in and an extra background actor) for Steven Tyler on Wayne’s World 2 that then took hold of Shred’s creative performance side which at this time turned towards acting from 1992 even up to the present. Through acting Shred discovered many jobs he was experienced at in this industry through natural survival to actual training from Stunts to Animal Training, Line Producing to Directing, from Art and Set Design to Lighting. Then through an odd form of osmosis and powers of the universe Shred creates several companies to increase his financial base and help harness his chaotic creativity. So Double Dog Dare Events (an event design/production company involved in the entertainment and corporate marketing)was launched followed by Pira For Hire (a live action interactive promotional company focusing on anything Pirate from live shows, commercial marketing, to Film and TV re-enactments…) made of like minded pirate enthusiasts from the film industry for entertaining with live action shows around the world. And finally Shred’s love for animals and animal rescue/rehabilitation he created Tropical Exotic Animal Rentals (designed for taking on rescued exotic and domestic animals. Then after rehab if they cannot be released back to the wild or be placed with an appropriate animal sanctuary, he would keep and provide for them) that became an animal ambassador company fo educational programs, special event meet and greets, as well as training/conditioning certain acclimated animals for the film and TV industry that even lead him to becoming a Ringmaster for the famous LA Circus and The Vamphear Circus. And let’s not forget his over 40 years experience as a record holder as Hollywood’s # Fire Manipulation/Breather. This all had a very common thread that leads us to The Shred Media Group and The Rock Lounge. Ted Shred’s extensive experience as a producer, creative write director, and over all entertainer will now be focused on hosting, interviewing and entertaining along with.

Craig Stilley, aged 50, is a resilient individual who has overcome significant challenges in his life. Battling OCD and various anxiety disorders since the age of 16, Craig's determination led him to earn his GED after leaving school in 9th grade. Through a combination of medication and therapy, he has effectively managed his disorders. Seeking an escape, Craig turned to boxing at 16, finding refuge and discipline in the sport under the mentorship of Dick Menchaca of Port Arthur and Kenny Weldon of Galena Park. In 1993, Craig took his passion for boxing to new heights by establishing his own boxing gym. His dedication to the sport propelled him to organize his first sanctioned amateur boxing event at the tender age of 19, and also as a trainer and manager. Outside the ring, Craig is a multifaceted entrepreneur, serving as the owner of a commercial paint contractor company and venturing into various other business endeavors. Craig is also close friends and assistant to the legendary boxing champion Evander Holyfield. In addition to his business ventures, Craig is involved in the film industry and recently celebrated the publication of his debut book, Fractured Realities. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, leveraging his own experiences to inspire and support others facing similar challenges. Craig Stilley embodies resilience, determination, and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others and in the realm of mental health advocacy.

Skip Press has excelled as an editor, ghostwriter, instructor, playwright, publisher, screenwriter, and TV staff writer. He is as an author or editor of over 100 titles including severalWriter's Guide to Hollywoodbooks and fourComplete Idiot's Guide to Screenwritingbooks. He put together and editedThe Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing & Designand taught an online screenwriting course that was available in 1500 schools. His co-created “Ask A Screenwriter” space on Quora.com gained over 600,000 followers in a year. His latest project is an ongoing journal on Substack called “Chasing Mark Twain” about how he became a pro writer and found and married someone he’d known in another lifetime.

Tommy Anderson is an independent film maker and a multiple best-selling author and screenwriter. Tommy Anderson also enjoys his role as a motivational speaker and Host of The Real Tommy Unleashed the IQ Podcast Network in San Diego and streamed over 10 stations. For example Tommy's show is heard on multiple streaming platforms. An accomplished screenwriter he has written and is a Producer on the award winning short film Life After Oblivion, based on his award winning adapted screenplay. Tommy's first feature film screenplay PTSD-A soldiers Revenge is currently in production by Panther Trail Films - Hollywood. Tommy also received his first directing credit on the pilot series The Tale of Richard Pic. Since then Tommy has directed and produced several award winning short films. In addition, Tommy is also routinely cast as an actor in commercials, television, and film. Tommy is a founding member of VetPics Film Productions in San Diego, California. This is an all-veteran independent film production company which produced Life after Oblivion; Most recently Tommy was seen as the face of the national Spotify commercial as the man with the dancing dog. His best-selling novel Haboob Wind is now a screenplay, and recently won Best International Screen Writer by 8.5 Film Awards. and his new novel Two Million Steps was released in March of 2021 and went to Best Seller on Amazon in two weeks. Tommy has recently adapted this to a feature screenplay and in addition Tommy has written another feature screenplay called The Flight of the Deborah K. Before moving to the Los Angeles area, Tommy lived in Madison Wisconsin and had a full career firefighter/medic with the Madison Fire Department and later retired from the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard. Tommy is a member of various organizations, including the Hollywood American Legion Post 43, Veterans in Media and Entertainment, the U.S. Press Association, and has served as a photo-journalist for ABC7LA News along with being a member of the California American Legion Press Association.

David Serpa is a Businessman, Marine Corps combat veteran, and author of the books Common Sense for California; A Guide to The New Revolution. He is a lifelong Californian working to save his home state, and our country, by running for Congress in California 39th Congressional District. He wants to unite people around Common Sense before the next World War, Civil War, or Great Depression becomes inevitable. Despite what you read in the news; David believes America's best days are still ahead of us.

Rudy Gonzales is a Former Reconnaissance Marine and Police Officer turned Pastor. He trains equips and leads teams to seek and save those who are lost, lonely, hurting, afraid and trafficked. As the Founder and Director of SERT Ministries he has helped facilitate the recovery of hundreds of exploited men, women and children on five Continents and in nearly every State across our Nation. It is the desire of SERT Ministries to rescue persons who are missing and/or held against their will or who think it is impossible to get out of the trapped circumstances they have found themselves in. As a force multiplier, SERT Ministries is made up of Operators from Military and Law Enforcement backgrounds. They often stand in the gap between families in crisis and local or federal Law Enforcement. They are ready and willing to deploy 24/7 with their specific skill sets when and wherever help is needed. They are preparing for a Super Bowl Rescue on Feb 14th. If you can discern between right and wrong would you please do what is right before they are called to step in to take your place.

Michelle Mras CEO Mras Inc, Global Award-Winning Keynote & TEDx Speaker, Executive Speaker Coach, co-Host of two podcasts: Denim & Pearls and Amplifluence. Host of Livestream TV show MentalShift on The New Channel (TNC), Philippines and ZondraTV. Recording Artist. She’s a multiple Best-Selling Author and co-Founder of Amplifuence - Amplifying the influence of Coaches, Authors and Speakers. Story Advisor for Perfect Publishing.Michelle is a survivor of multiple life challenges to include a Traumatic Brain Injury and Breast Cancer. She guides others to recognize the innate gifts within them, stop apologizing for what they are not and step into who they truly are… Unapologetically. She accomplishes this through one-on-one and group coaching, Training events, Keynote talks, her books, and talk shows. Michelle earned her PhD in Entreprenology and has graced the TEDX stage. She was awarded the first Survivor’s Award from NOW, the Inspirational Women of Excellence Award from the Women Economic Forum, New Delhi, India; the John Maxwell Team Culture Award for Positive Attitude; Winner of the Ultimate Speaker Competition and has speaking parts in a few SyFy movies check the IMDB.com database for her; has been featured on hundreds of Podcasts, radio programs, magazines, quoted in books and has a habit of breaking out into song. She has a music album releasing November 2023. Michelle’s driving thought is that every day is a gift. Tomorrow is never promised. Every moment is an opportunity to be the best version of you… Unapologetically!

Chuck Slavin Actor - New England Board Member SAG Chuck Slavin is a member of SAG-AFTRA, IBEW, and IATSE. Chuck serves on the SAG-AFTRA New England Board, He was first elected as a National AFTRA Delegate to the 2011 AFTRA Convention held in Seattle, WA. Chuck continues his service into 2023 as a Local Board Member, with a consistent record of being overwhelmingly duly elected by his peers. Slavin is a tenacious advocate for the New England Film Industry. He is President and founder of New England Talent & Crew an online resource for the entertainment industry and administrates over 20+ fb groups for film & talent advocacy. He has appeared in Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket as the Police Chief and The Families Feud as Skunk. Recently Slavin became in a plaintiff in a lawsuit over breach of fiduciary duty by SAG-AFTRA in relation to the COVID-19 Return to Work vaccination mandates.

John Frankman was a Captain in the US Army who served as a Green Beret assigned to 7th Special Forces Group. On July 1st, he voluntarily separated from active duty after 8 years due to difficulties surrounding the COVID 19 Vax mandate. Before going on active duty, he spent four years in the Catholic seminary studying for the Archdiocese of Washington and the Military Archdiocese before discerning that God had different plans for him. He entered active duty as an Infantry Officer and completed the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School. After serving as an Infantry Officer, he was selected to attend the Special Forces Qualification Course where he also completed SERE school (Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape) and completed the Military Free Fall Course. Of all of his military accomplishments, he considers refusing the immoral and illegal COVID Vax his proudest moment. Since leaving the Army he completed his M.A. in systematic theology. He has also been fighting for accountability for those responsible for the mandates and restitution for affected service members.

Episode 58 John’s guest was Xi Van Fleet. Xi Van Fleet grew up in Mao’s China. She spent her entire school years in the turmoil of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. After high school, she, along with all the urban youths, was forced to work in the fields for 3 years to be re-educated by the peasants. She was able to go to college only after Mao’s death. In 1986 she came to America as a student to pursue her graduate studies. She holds master degrees in English and Library Science. In the past 30 years she worked in the field of Information Management. As a private citizen, she has never been politically involved. Like many Americans, 2020 has become a turning point for her. Compelled by her personal experience under Mao and the realization that the Chinese Cultural Revolution she lived through is taking place here in America, she has committed herself to the mission of educating American people about the horror of Socialism/Communism, and warn them of the danger of Cultural Marxist Woke Revolution that is threatening our country. Her book “Mao’s America: A Survivor’s Warning” was just released and is available in Bookstores and on Amazon.

Eduardo grew up in the Mott Haven Section of the South Bronx. He obtained a Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Supervision at Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Psychology at Taylor University, He also had future training at Barry University, Miami Florida Masters Study in School Counseling and at the U.S. Secret Service School Safety Course. Eduardo was a Special Assistant, Technical Trainer, NBA and College Professional Athletes at Best Ball Analytics. Eduardo worked at the following Institutions: Vice Principal of Schools, Tequesta Trace Middle School, Counselor Miami Jackson Senior High School, Sports Director of the USA National Games, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Vice Minister of Sports R.D. and Gulf Western Americas Corporation, Sports Program Director. Eduardo received the following Recognitions and Honors: Members of the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, • Member Gallery of the Immortals Naco Sports Club • Athlete of the Century – Basketball Club Deportivo Naco • Member A.C.D., Sports Writer Association, 1978-Present • Vice President Florida Sports Union, 2021-Present • Dominican American National Foundation, Former President • Recognized Mayor of Baton Rouge Louisiana, Distinguished Citizen • Mayor of Santo Domingo, Distinguished Son, 1977 • Gold Medal National Team Member, Basket 77 Panama Center • He represented the DR, Central American and Caribbean Games, Pan American Games, World Games, Philippines 1978.

Guest Carmelo Berrios - The South Bronx to Hollywood & Florida Carmelo Berrios grew up in the Mott Haven Section of the South Bronx. He lived through its worst days when The Bronx was Burning. Carmelo was a childhood and life-long friend of the host John Duffy. Carmelo was a survivor who went through homelessness and drugs and turned his life around. His passion for music led him to playing in many Salsa bands. Carmelo is a husband and continues to play music for his church in Florida.

Guest Madeline Gonzalez Operations Chief SERT Ministries

Guest Dennis Price - Force Recon Sniper USMC- Ret, Program Manager Mighty Oaks Foundation

Live Courageously with John Duffy - Guest Barry Shore The Ambassador of Joy, Author, Speaker