"I was free to create. There was no roadmap...And you just take risks."

Though being in the relative middle-class, Yahaya Baruwa grew up in an impoverished part of Nigeria where materialism was scarce, but creativity was not. Whether it was creating toy cars out of bottle caps and milk cans, or using plastic bags or socks for soccer balls, Yahaya chooses to feel grateful for being so free in his early life. And he believes that these freedoms from childhood allowed him to create, to take risks, and to trust himself to do what is right along the way, which correlated highly to writing his own book and starting his own publishing company in his early twenties.

Yahaya opens up about the struggles of his journey to writing his book - Struggles of a Dreamer - with intentions of inspiring one million people. What was once a disapproval from his own father became one of the biggest catalysts to his creations. Yahaya also reveals why he wrote in secrecy, how he left home with no plans and learned one of the most important lessons of his life, and why earning his first million dollars came as a complete surprise.

In a story of taking risks, we learn through Yahaya that perhaps the biggest risk of all is not pursuing your own dreams and freedoms. But not merely for yourself. Rather for the service you provide and the people you will inspire to chase their dreams along the way.

To be more inspired, please consider Yahaya's book; Struggles of a Dreamer: A Battle Between a Dream and Tradition. It can also be found on the Indigo website.

To support Yahaya and learn more, please visit https://strugglesofadreamer.ca/

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

"The times where I didn't get the outcome that I wanted, and I sensed those were missing...Those are the hardest moments to accept."

Jonathan Viscosi is a professional football (soccer) player that has lived his childhood dreams in ways he never actually envisioned. From playing locally in Ontario to representing his country during collegiate years, to playing in Europe and obtaining a Master's Degree in Emotional Psychology, his journey possesses a myriad of learnings that go beyond the academic and athletic realms.

And yet, some of Jon's biggest successes are those where no trophy - or external glory - were involved.

Jon reflects on the most rewarding parts of his professional career before sharing how one of his most impactful moments came at a peak when nearly nothing went according to plan. He also contrasts identity and outcomes and what the best solution may be to separate the two for optimal performance.

We dive deeper into Jon's academic research on how high performance can be achieved through self-regulation and the Multi-States Theory. And as the reflections continue, he shares how it's more than self-talk in addition to simple tactics that allow one to achieve their best performances in sports, and in life.

To view some of Jon's powerful published work and blog posts, visit this link.

To support Jon and his journey, or if you're interested in obtaining high-performance coaching, visit

Jon's Socials

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

"One thing that reflects life in cycling is that once you stop pedaling, you'll stop."

John Barry is a small-town-born entrepreneur that gains his biggest fulfilments in life through spending time with family, providing dedicated care to his clients, and living a life in purpose for something greater than himself. By following his early childhood aspirations and entering in as a third-generation real estate representative, John learned what in means to strive for a state of constant, never-ending improvement. As he reflects on his countless professional awards and career accolades, we discuss the "chase" that so many have for those awards and the fallacy behind it.

In this episode we explore just how important the little things in life, how and why challenging yourself is so critical, and understanding when it makes sense to acknowledge perfectionism to "let off the reins", amongst several other ideas.

Much of this is centred in the lessons John has learned from his cycling and fundraising days. To date, he has raised well over $100,000 in support of cancer research and initiatives by enduring long distance cycling challenges. His most recent one being the 7 Days in May, where he bikes nearly 1,200km over 7 days for pancreatic cancer. Should you have any funds or time to spare, please consider checking out more of John's story as 100% of the proceeds go directly to fund research.

To learn more about John's journey and to support his initiatives, you can visit THIS LINK for more information.

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

Stephanie Iannacchino grew up dreaming about photography while being inspired by her entrepreneurial parents. Naturally, the pressures of societal success measurements drew her into the corporate world before deciding to go all-in on her fears.

While hearing about Stephanie's journey, we discuss the fear of failure and how it manifests into ignorance of the childhood self. She reflects on where her artistry was truly born and how to keep it alive with a uniquely wonderful tradition. But whether it's tear-inducing experiences while travelling the world or capturing the "in-between moments" of people's lives, Stephanie admits that the battle of authenticity is a never-ending one.

Going "all-in" on one's dreams and the realities behind it, what authenticity means for art and for life, the interconnectedness of our world, and so much more. Stephanie's flair and energy inspired me, and I hope it does for you as well.

To support Steph and see her AMAZING photography;

@stecchinoo on Instagram or SEE HERE

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

This episode is meant to embody the spirit of what The Reflect-On Podcast is about. From finding your worth and building perspectives to celebrations we can all share, some of the most impactful lessons are summarized from the start of this journey.

Expect to gain a culmination of the conversations had over the 10 episodes along with some uncut thoughts and experiments to help move you forward. None of which would be possible without those among us that are willing to engage in manners such as this.

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

Imrun Texeira is a highly sought-after chef that is trailblazing a path of uniqueness in the culinary industry. He has trained at the former #1 ranked restaurant in the world, competed on the TV series Top Chef and Chopped, and been recognized as one of Canada's Top 30-Under-30 in the Hospitality Leader's space. Inspired by his fondest memories, multicultural roots, and teachings that all span around the world, Imrun brings forth culinary adventures that embody the art of cooking in its truest forms.

In this episode, Imrun discusses how the emotionality of his artistry is what makes it beautiful, how he deals with the perpetual conflict between authenticity of art and pleasing external influences, and how food is a universal language that can inspire cultural togetherness rather then cultural separation. We also discuss how uniqueness and disruption are required for progress and that a sustainable world is where invest in the betterment of people.

Imrun also gives back to his local communities by sharing his life's journey, teaching youth about and the culinary industry, and supporting initiatives like The Burnt Chef Project. During this discussion, he opens up on the realities and challenges of holistic health in the hospitality industry and how his journey has led him to believe that the best way to move forward is to inspire those around you.

To support Imrun and his initiatives;

Explore more here

@imrun.texeira on Instagram or click here

@wanderlust.dining on Instagram or click here

@theburntchefproject on Instagram or click here

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

"It was one thing that somebody couldn't take away from me..."

***If you have yet to listen to the first Part, please navigate back to WARCHILD: PART 1 - A STORY OF SURVIVAL WITH HELGA FLOWER.***

Helga Flower was a child of war, Born German in 1939 and residing in Czechoslovakia near the Austrian border, her and her family had to fight to survive in countless ways.

In this episode, Helga reflects more on her life's journey and where her inspiration for art came from. She also provides unique views on war itself and humanity's struggles for power. Helga speaks to her younger self and reflects deeply on her mother, who was continuous beacon of hope for her family during terrible times. Finally, we hear some inspiring words of wisdom from Helga and the importance of living life.

To become more inspired and to hear more of her message, consider purchasing her book HERE

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE

A story of survival, a plethora of perspectives gained, and an ability to reflect on what war brings to humanity.

Helga Flower was a child of war, Born German in 1939 and residing in Czechoslovakia near the Austrian border, her and her family had to fight to survive in countless ways. This episode contains first-hand accounts of what Helga's journey was like growing up during World War II: Being fired upon, crawling and travelling miles for refuge, building a habit of not knowing where her next meal was coming from, and much more.

Helga also speaks about the inspirations to her book, Warchild: World War II and its aftermath as seen through a child's eyes. This creates a powerful discussion of why she believes going into past traumas is necessary. Helga also reflects on what true courage is, and what it isn't.

To become more inspired and to hear more of her message, consider purchasing her book HERE

Thank you for your attention and interest! Enjoy this episode and please share it with those you think it may help.

@kevin.p.murphy on Instagram or LEARN MORE HERE