Episodes

  • More Than a Meal: Jon Hooper on Leadership, Food Security, and Serving Community with Purpose

    More Than a Meal: Jon Hooper on Leadership, Food Security, and Serving Community with Purpose
    Jun 10 2026
    Take a seat… and stay a while. Some of the most powerful leaders are the ones who quietly show up, serve consistently, and invest in the people around them.

    In this inspiring episode of Stay A While, I sit down with Jon Hooper, Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Emeryville and Oakland, whose journey is a testament to the power of hard work, humility, and purpose-driven leadership.

    Jon's story began as a teenager washing dishes. Through perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to serving others, he worked his way through the business and ultimately became a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator in the Bay Area.

    But for Jon, success has never been measured solely by sales, growth, or accolades.

    It's measured by impact.

    Throughout our conversation, we explore how food can be a catalyst for hope, dignity, and opportunity. Jon shares why food security has become a personal mission, how local businesses can play a critical role in strengthening communities, and why true leadership begins with serving others.

    We also discuss the importance of community partnerships, including Chick-fil-A's support of the Vincent Country Safe Zone in Oakland, where Jon and his team helped provide meals for students, teachers, and volunteers—demonstrating that meaningful change happens when organizations come together to meet both immediate and long-term needs.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that when people are nourished, communities flourish.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • Jon's journey from dishwasher to Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator
    • The leadership lessons learned through service
    • Why food security is essential to thriving communities
    • The role businesses can play in addressing local needs
    • Building trust and connection through community engagement
    • The importance of dignity, belonging, and meeting basic needs
    • Creating impact that extends beyond business success
    About Our Guest:
    Jon Hooper is the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Emeryville and Oakland. His career with Chick-fil-A began as a teenager, where he learned the value of hard work, consistency, and service from the ground up. Today, Jon leads with a people-first philosophy, investing in his team members, customers, and the communities his restaurants serve. He is deeply committed to addressing food insecurity and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, Jon continues to demonstrate how local leadership can create lasting impact.

    This episode is for:
    • Business leaders seeking to lead with purpose
    • Entrepreneurs committed to community impact
    • Nonprofit leaders and changemakers
    • Anyone passionate about food security and community development
    • Individuals who believe business can be a force for good
    🍽️ At the Table
    At Stay A While, we believe some of life's greatest lessons are found around the table. Jon reminds us that leadership is not about position—it's about service. His story demonstrates that when we invest in people, meet essential needs, and create opportunities for connection, we build stronger communities and brighter futures. Because sometimes the most meaningful work begins with something as simple—and as powerful—as a meal.
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    19 mins
  • Owning the Spotlight: Deonna Purrazzo on Discipline, Confidence, and Becoming The Virtuosa

    Owning the Spotlight: Deonna Purrazzo on Discipline, Confidence, and Becoming The Virtuosa
    Jun 3 2026
    Take a seat… and stay a while. In this dynamic episode of Stay A While, we welcome Deonna Purrazzo—world-class professional wrestler, champion, and one of the most respected technical performers in women’s sports entertainment.

    Known around the world as The Virtuosa, Deonna has built a career defined by discipline, precision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Competing at the highest levels of professional wrestling, she has earned multiple championships and the respect of fans and peers alike through both her athleticism and authenticity.

    But this conversation goes beyond the ring. We talk about confidence, identity, longevity, reinvention, and what it takes to believe in yourself even when the spotlight feels heavy. Deonna opens up about pursuing greatness on her own terms, navigating pressure, and the mindset required to sustain success in a demanding industry.

    This episode is for anyone learning how to own their voice, trust their talent, and keep showing up with conviction.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • The discipline and mindset behind elite performance
    • Building confidence in highly competitive environments
    • Longevity, reinvention, and evolving through every season
    • Navigating pressure, criticism, and public expectations
    • The power of self-belief and staying authentic
    • What women in sports entertainment can teach us about leadership and resilience
    • Defining success on your own terms
    About Our Guest:
    Deonna Purrazzo is an internationally recognized professional wrestler known as The Virtuosa. Celebrated for her technical mastery and championship career, Deonna has competed across major wrestling organizations and established herself as one of the most skilled performers of her generation. Beyond athletics, she uses her platform to inspire confidence, perseverance, and self-belief—encouraging others to pursue excellence both personally and professionally.

    This episode is for:
    • Women navigating high-performance environments
    • Athletes, entrepreneurs, and creatives pursuing excellence
    • Anyone rebuilding confidence or redefining success
    • Leaders seeking resilience, discipline, and longevity
    • Fans of women’s sports and sports entertainment
    🍽️ At the Table:
    At Stay A While, we believe strength is built long before the world applauds it. Deonna reminds us that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about trusting who you are, continuing to evolve, and refusing to shrink in rooms you were meant to stand tall in. Her story is a powerful reminder that discipline creates freedom, resilience creates longevity, and authenticity creates legacy.

    📲 Stay Connected:
    • Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, identity, and legacy
    • Share this episode with someone pursuing greatness on their own terms
    • Join the conversation online and tag us while you listen or watch
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    23 mins
  • Redefining Play: Dr. Mimi Nartey on Leadership, Equity, Sports, and Building Belonging

    Redefining Play: Dr. Mimi Nartey on Leadership, Equity, Sports, and Building Belonging
    May 27 2026
    Take a seat… and stay a while. In this powerful and purpose-driven episode of Stay A While, we welcome Dr. Mimi Nartey—an interdisciplinary scholar, former professional athlete, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary leader whose work is transforming the way communities think about sports, health, and belonging.

    From representing Ghana on the world stage in the FIFA Women's World Cup to leading national initiatives that reimagine sports fields as essential public health infrastructure, Dr. Mimi Nartey’s journey is both inspiring and deeply impactful.

    As the Founding President of Playing for Keeps Association, Mimi is building public-private partnerships that create equitable access to high-quality sports and play spaces for underserved communities—proving that where children play matters just as much as where they learn.

    This conversation explores leadership, systems change, motherhood, purpose, empowerment, and the transformative power of investing in people and place.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • Why sports and play are essential to public health and youth development
    • Building equitable communities through infrastructure and belonging
    • Transitioning from elite athlete to social entrepreneur and philanthropist
    • Leadership lessons from competing on the world stage
    • The intersection of science, education, policy, and community impact
    • Parenting, identity, and navigating leadership as a woman of influence
    • What it means to create legacy-driven work that changes lives
    About Our Guest:

    Dr. Mimi Nartey is an interdisciplinary scholar, former professional soccer player, philanthropist, and the Founding President of Playing for Keeps Association.

    A former member of Ghana’s national women’s soccer team, Mimi represented her country in the FIFA Women's World Cup and earned a silver medal at the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

    Her academic and professional work spans public health, climate science, women’s empowerment, youth development, and social innovation. She holds degrees from Columbia University and has lectured at institutions including University of California, Los Angeles, Occidental College, and Loyola Marymount University.

    Through her leadership, storytelling, and advocacy, Mimi continues to champion a future where every child—regardless of zip code—has access to safe, dignified spaces to play, grow, and dream.

    Learn more about the ways Dr. Nartey is transforming the play field at Play for Keeps

    This episode is for:
    • Women leaders and entrepreneurs building purpose-driven work
    • Changemakers focused on equity, youth development, and impact
    • Parents and community advocates invested in the next generation
    • Athletes transitioning into leadership and philanthropy
    • Anyone passionate about creating systems that serve people with dignity
    At the Table:

    At Stay A While, we believe some of the most meaningful conversations happen when vision meets humanity.

    Dr. Mimi Nartey reminds us that leadership is not only about achievement—it’s about creating pathways for others to thrive.

    Her story is a masterclass in purpose, innovation, and what becomes possible when we invest in communities with intention and care.

    Because every child deserves more than survival. They deserve a place to belong.
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    26 mins
  • Built Through the Battle: Leilani Caamal on Injury, Discipline, and Unshakable Belief

    Built Through the Battle: Leilani Caamal on Injury, Discipline, and Unshakable Belief
    May 20 2026
    Take a seat… and stay a while.

    In this powerful episode of Stay A While, we sit down with Leilani Caamal—former collegiate football standout, linebacker for the Golden State Storm, and one of the most decorated players in women’s football.

    A 5-time NAIA National Champion with Ottawa Flag Football, Leilani’s story is one of resilience, grit, discipline, and unwavering determination.

    But this conversation goes far beyond football.

    We talk about persevering through injury, the mental fortitude required to compete at an elite level, balancing a full-time career while training full-time, and the steadfast faith in Jesus Christ that continues to anchor her through every challenge and victory.

    This episode is for anyone who has ever had to fight through setbacks while still showing up for the calling on their life.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • The rise and future of women’s football
    • What it takes to become a championship-level athlete
    • Navigating injury recovery and rebuilding confidence
    • Mental toughness, discipline, and perseverance under pressure
    • Balancing full-time work with elite athletic training
    • Staying grounded through faith and purpose
    • The advice Leilani would give her younger self
    About Our Guest:

    Leilani Caamal Leilani Caamal is a former collegiate football standout and linebacker for the Golden State Storm in the Women's National Football Conference. Known as one of the most dynamic players in the sport, Leilani is a 5-time NAIA National Champion with Ottawa Flag Football and continues to inspire athletes through her resilience, leadership, and relentless work ethic.

    Off the field, she balances a demanding professional career while continuing to train and compete at an elite level—demonstrating what true commitment and sacrifice look like in pursuit of greatness.

    This episode is for:
    • Women athletes and competitors striving for excellence
    • Anyone navigating setbacks, injuries, or seasons of rebuilding
    • Leaders balancing ambition, discipline, and personal growth
    • Young women pursuing dreams in sports and beyond
    • Those seeking encouragement to keep going when life gets hard
    🍽️ At the Table:

    At Stay A While, we believe some of life’s greatest lessons are born in the moments that test us most.

    Leilani’s journey reminds us that perseverance isn’t about never falling—it’s about choosing to rise again with courage, conviction, and belief.

    Her story is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and trusting the process even when the outcome isn’t yet visible.

    Because sometimes the greatest victories happen long before the scoreboard ever changes.

    📲 Stay Connected:
    • Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, life, resilience, and legacy
    • Share this episode with an athlete or dreamer who needs encouragement
    • Join the conversation online and tag us while you listen or watch
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    18 mins
  • Transforming Grief Into Purpose: April Simpkins on Mental Health, Healing, and Honest Conversations

    Transforming Grief Into Purpose: April Simpkins on Mental Health, Healing, and Honest Conversations
    May 13 2026
    Take a seat… and stay a while.

    This episode is held with tenderness, intention, and deep respect. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we welcome April Simpkins—Ambassador for National Alliance on Mental Illness, Founder & CEO of Paragon Strategy Partners, and co-author of By the Time You Read This.

    April is also the mother of Cheslie Kryst, whose brilliance, compassion, and light impacted so many.

    What follows is not just a conversation—it is a courageous offering.

    Through unimaginable loss, April has chosen purpose. With grace and clarity, she shares how she has transformed grief into advocacy—helping families, leaders, and organizations better understand mental illness, remove stigma, and create space for honest, life-affirming conversations.

    This episode is for anyone navigating grief… for anyone silently struggling… and for those committed to showing up with greater awareness, compassion, and care.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • Transforming personal loss into purpose-driven advocacy
    • Understanding the complexity of mental illness and hidden struggles
    • How to support loved ones navigating mental health challenges
    • The importance of removing stigma and creating safe conversations
    • What leaders and organizations must know about mental wellness at work
    • Honoring legacy while choosing to move forward with intention
    About Our Guest:
    April Simpkins April Simpkins is a nationally recognized mental health advocate, Ambassador for National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Founder & CEO of Paragon Strategy Partners.

    She is the co-author of By the Time You Read This, a deeply moving and honest account that offers insight into the space between outward strength and internal struggle.

    Drawing from her lived experience and her extensive career in human resources, April works to equip organizations, families, and communities with the tools needed to approach mental health with empathy, awareness, and action.

    This episode is for:
    • Women leaders and professionals navigating high expectations and internal pressure
    • Families seeking understanding and connection around mental health
    • Organizations committed to building psychologically safe workplaces
    • Anyone seeking language, tools, and compassion around grief and healing
    🍽️ At the Table:
    At Stay A While, we believe there is healing in being seen and heard. April reminds us that behind every smile, there may be a story we cannot see. And in choosing to speak, to listen, and to care—we create space for life-saving connection.

    This conversation is an invitation:

    To check in.
    To reach out.
    To hold one another with greater tenderness.

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    30 mins
  • Eyes on LA28: Laneah Bryan on Flag Football, Leadership, and Life Beyond the Game

    Eyes on LA28: Laneah Bryan on Flag Football, Leadership, and Life Beyond the Game
    May 6 2026
    Take a seat… and Stay A While. In this powerful and inspiring episode of Stay A While, we welcome Laneah Bryan—a world champion athlete, entrepreneur, and trailblazer helping redefine the future of women’s sports.

    From the hardwood to the global stage, Laneah’s journey is one of discipline, resilience, and bold vision. A former collegiate basketball player turned elite flag football athlete, she now represents Team USA—and is part of a historic movement as flag football prepares to make its Olympic debut at 2028 Summer Olympics.
    But her story doesn’t stop on the field.

    Laneah is also the founder of GOAT Roofing & Construction, proving that leadership isn’t confined to one lane—it’s built through courage, consistency, and ownership. This conversation is for every woman building something—on the field, in business, or within herself.

    In This Episode, We Explore:
    • The rise of women’s flag football and what it means for the Olympics
    • Laneah’s journey from college basketball to world champion defensive back
    • What it takes to perform at an elite level as an Under Armour athlete
    • Building a business while competing professionally as a female athlete
    • The mindset behind being a lockdown defender—on and off the field
    • Legacy, identity, and the words she would share with her younger self
    This episode is for:
    • Women athletes and entrepreneurs chasing excellence
    • Leaders navigating multiple identities and ambitions
    • Young women seeking confidence, clarity, and direction
    • Anyone inspired by discipline, faith, and building legacy in real time
    🍽️ At the Table: At Stay A While, we believe every journey has a seat at the table. Laneah reminds us that greatness isn’t accidental—it’s built in the quiet moments, the unseen work, and the decision to keep showing up when it matters most. Whether she’s locking down opponents on the field or building her business from the ground up, her story is a masterclass in focus, faith, and fearless execution.
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    20 mins
  • Damar Hamlin on Faith, Resilience & Purpose | Buffalo Bills Safety on Legacy Beyond Football & Chasing M’s Foundation

    Damar Hamlin on Faith, Resilience & Purpose | Buffalo Bills Safety on Legacy Beyond Football & Chasing M’s Foundation
    Apr 22 2026
    In this powerful episode of Stay A While, we sit down with Damar Hamlin—safety for the Buffalo Bills and founder of the Chasing M’s Foundation—for a conversation grounded in faith, resilience, and gratitude.

    Football may be his profession, but community impact is his legacy.

    Damar shares the heart behind launching the Chasing M’s Foundation in 2020, a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping young people pursue their dreams safely, confidently, and with the support they deserve. Following his widely witnessed on-field medical emergency during the Monday Night Football game in 2023, Damar’s story became a global moment of unity, prayer, and perspective.

    Today, he continues to turn that moment into movement.

    Through life-saving initiatives, youth development programs, and intentional community investment, Damar is redefining what it means to lead—with purpose, humility, and impact that reaches far beyond the game.

    In this episode, we explore:
    • The role of faith in navigating life’s most uncertain moments
    • What resilience looks like in real time—not just in hindsight
    • How Damar transformed a personal health crisis into a platform for purpose
    • The vision and impact of the Chasing M’s Foundation
    • Why legacy is built off the field, one life at a time
    This conversation is a reminder that while titles may define what we do, it’s our service that defines who we are.

    Take a seat and stay a while.

    Learn more about Chasing M's Foundation at https://www.chasingmsfoundation.org/
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    14 mins
  • Tell It So It Lands: How to Use Storytelling to Build Influence, Partnerships & Impact with Ty Spells

    Tell It So It Lands: How to Use Storytelling to Build Influence, Partnerships & Impact with Ty Spells
    Apr 15 2026
    What if the story you’ve been sitting on is the very thing that unlocks your next level? In this powerful episode of Stay A While, we gather at the table with storytelling and personal narrative coach Ty Spells—a trusted guide for leaders, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven organizations ready to communicate with clarity, purpose, and impact. Ty has helped countless individuals and organizations refine their voice, elevate their messaging, and build meaningful partnerships that lead to real opportunities. But at the heart of her work is something deeper: helping people own their story—fully, boldly, and truthfully. Together, we explore what it really means to tell your story in a way that lands—not just as words, but as a bridge to connection, influence, and transformation. Pull up a chair… this conversation will stay with you.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:
    • Why your personal story is your most powerful leadership tool
    • How to communicate with clarity in high-stakes rooms
    • The connection between storytelling and building strategic partnerships
    • What holds people back from sharing their truth—and how to move through it
    • How mission-driven organizations can use narrative to deepen impact
    • The art of designing programs and experiences that truly transform lives
    • What it means to “stay a while” in your own voice and presence
    At the Table Takeaway: Your story is not just something you tell—it’s something you embody. When you learn to articulate it with clarity and intention, doors open, people listen, and impact multiplies.

    Connect with Ty Spells:
    • Learn more about her work in storytelling, partnership strategy, and program design
    • Follow her for insights on leadership, narrative, and impact-driven communication
    www.TySpells.com

    Stay A While Reflection: Where in your life are you being invited to speak up, share more, or tell the story you’ve been holding back? Take a seat. Stay a while. Your voice matters here.

    Connect with Tommi V at www.TommiV.com
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    23 mins