Kevin Polky - The Journey

I wonder if this ever happened, I believe the prompting is not an accident and I know what direction to go in. But it does seem to be the right time. So, I must just wait and be patient. Not comfortable but necessary. So, what to do. A quote from Maya Angelou helps, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Clark Kelly joins me on The Journey to share how music shaped his life. What started at 10 years old with an inexpensive guitar eventually led him to Nashville, where he was performing and signed with Sony. Like most meaningful paths, his hasn’t been a straight line. There have been pivots, challenges, and growth along the way. But through it all, Clark has stayed committed to following what lights him up.

Continuing the series on replacing habits and establishing routines. This reflection focuses on what can I control: my actions, response to my thought and emotions. Choose to focus on gratitude and happiness versus hatred and disappointment. Our choice!

In this episode, I talk about what it really takes to set and maintain personal goals when life gets hard. I walk through my own daily wellness routine—physical exercise, spiritual practices, and moments of mindfulness—and explain how consistent habits and intentional rituals have shaped my growth. I challenge listeners to look closely at their daily choices, their interactions with others, and how often they’re truly present, reminding us that progress is built through consistency, not perfection.

Continue to reflect on goal setting and desiring to be the best version of myself this year for the ultimate goal to be able to help someone who is struggling. To be able show through kindness some hope and Light in their darkness.

Recently, I did a 3-hour workshop on changing habits. I initially did this workshop due to the tradition of New Year’s resolutions at the first every year. I wanted to see if there was a way to help individuals be more successful achieving their goals creating healthier habits. The episode focuses on what I learned from Charles Duhigg’s research on the habit loop. Enjoy!

A couple of weeks ago, I had Nathan Sills return to The Journey to talk about his film Afterglow. The night of the final public showing a fellow guest speaker was SaVana the older sister of Devon and his two brothers who were in the film. During the episode, SaVana shares about her experiences growing up in extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness and addiction. She shares about her mental awakening at an early age the introduction to Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey and how that have served as templates to navigate in life today as woman, wife, mom and sister. Enjoy! Afterglow is free on YouTube at this time.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is more than a holiday classic—it’s a mirror. Through the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, we’re reminded that change doesn’t require perfection, only honesty, courage, and a willingness to see ourselves clearly. In this episode, I reflect on how Ebenezer’s awakening—his reckoning with the past, his awareness of the present, and his responsibility for the future—can be our story as we step into a new year. Growth begins when we stop running from discomfort and start listening to what it’s trying to teach us.

In this episode of The Journey, I take time to reflect on the last few weeks and the many conversations I’ve had around the Hero’s Journey. I share how quickly life can change—sometimes in a single moment—and how those moments often arrive as a call we didn’t ask for, but need. No matter the situation, I believe every disruption carries an opportunity for growth, deeper awareness, and transformation. This episode is an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and consider how we choose to respond when life calls us forward.

In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with Nathan Sill to explore the deeper themes behind the documentary film Afterglow. We talk about parkour as a pathway to personal growth, the role of urban exploration in self-discovery, and how community and connection can transform lives. We also dive into the vulnerable stories shared in Afterglow, its impact on mental health awareness, and why making the film freely available on YouTube matters. This conversation is about resilience, shared experience, and the power of story to help people feel less alone.

In this episode, I take some time to reflect on my experience attending the final showing of Afterglow at Beloit College. I was invited to speak about mental health and resilience, and the evening became a powerful reminder of what it means to be a light for others. The hero’s journey is never a straight line—it’s circular, ongoing, and full of opportunities to step into something greater than ourselves. Afterglow will soon be available on YouTube, and I look forward to sharing that once it’s released. I’m hopeful we can bring Nathan, Devin, and possibly Savannah onto the podcast to continue exploring their powerful story and what they’re creating next.

In this episode of The Journey, I share a reflection sparked by the first meaningful snowfall of the season in central Wisconsin. After Thanksgiving, the world around me slowed under a fresh blanket of snow—a moment of solitude, beauty, and quiet that invited me to breathe, listen, and reconnect with nature and with God. I talk about the importance of embracing these pauses in our lives, especially during the winter months, and I encourage you to take a little time to step outside, bundle up, and appreciate the stillness this season offers.

In this episode of The Journey, I sit down with my friend Mike White to talk about his life, his work, and the powerful story of his son, Connor. Mike shares how he transformed his pain into action by creating Connor’s Second Chance, an endowment supporting at-risk youth through Youth for Christ. His commitment to honoring his son by helping others is a powerful reminder of resilience, gratitude, and choosing goodness—even in the hardest moments. If you’d like to support Connor’s Second Chance, visit the Community Foundation or Youth for Christ. This is a meaningful, heartfelt episode and I’m grateful Mike chose to share his journey with all of us.

During this reflection, I talk about recent experience speaking at Rock Valley College regarding International Suicide Survivor Day on November 22nd . We never know what others are experiencing, so it best to choose to be kind and seek opportunities to be available to others.

In this reflection episode of The Journey, I take some time to pause and share thoughts on the Gifts of Autumn, the beauty, change, and stillness that this season brings. As the world around us slows down and shifts, we’re reminded to do the same: to be mindful, to stay present, and to notice the gifts that surround us each day. This episode is an invitation to embrace the transitions in life with gratitude and awareness, finding peace and purpose in the rhythm of the changing seasons.

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nikki Myers, licensed clinical professional counselor, to discuss her 15-year journey with endometriosis and her mission to raise awareness and support others facing this condition. Nikki shares her powerful story of perseverance, from years of misdiagnoses and pain to finding answers through surgery and self-advocacy. She opens up about the physical and emotional challenges that come with endometriosis, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, and highlights the need for greater understanding, research, and compassionate care. We also explore Nikki’s professional path as a trauma counselor, how her personal experiences shaped her approach to helping others heal, and the importance of recognizing how trauma and chronic illness intersect. Nikki offers valuable insights for those navigating similar journeys, emphasizing the importance of listening to your body, advocating for yourself, and finding trustworthy support and community. It’s a deeply personal and i

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Ashley Phillips for an important and deeply honest conversation about domestic violence, what it looks like, how it impacts victims, and what it takes to break free. Ashley shares her personal experiences and professional insights, shedding light on the many forms of abuse that often go unnoticed, including psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial control. We talk about how abusers use manipulation, isolation, and gaslighting to maintain power, and how victims often begin to question their own reality while being accused of overreacting. Together, we explore what it means to rebuild confidence, find courage, and seek support. Ashley discusses the critical role of family, friends, and professional resources in helping victims recognize abuse and take steps toward safety. We also highlight local organizations like Remedies and the Family Peace Center, that provide shelter, legal support, and counseling for those in need. This episode is a powerful reminder that

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Mary Votava, educator, yoga instructor, and behavior intervention specialist for Rockford Public Schools. Mary shares her journey from teaching English and ESL to her current work supporting students through mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning. We talk about how her yoga and breathwork practice has shaped her approach to student interventions and how these methods are being used through programs at Rockford Barbell and local partnerships like Nicholas Conservatory and Anderson Japanese Gardens. Mary also shares her personal love for the outdoors and her goal of hiking to the highest point in every state with her husband, Nick, a practice that reflects her commitment to being present, grounded, and intentional in both life and work. It’s a meaningful conversation about mindfulness, education, and how connection, whether through movement, nature, or community, can create lasting impact.

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Michelle McCabe-Shafer, a licensed marriage and family therapist, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Michelle shares her powerful story—from her early career aspirations to her unexpected breast cancer diagnosis at age 36. She opens up about the challenges of treatment and recovery, the emotional toll of cancer, and the lessons she’s learned about self-advocacy and trusting your instincts. Our conversation explores the mental and emotional side of healing, the role of positivity, and the importance of listening to your body. Michelle’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope—a reminder to never ignore what your body is trying to tell you.

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nick Votava, co-founder of Rockford Barbell. Nick and I dive into the story of how Rockford Barbell began and how it has grown into a community space where movement, weightlifting, and yoga help children develop crucial social and emotional skills. We talk about the rise in anxiety among youth since the pandemic and how physical activity and community can be powerful tools for connection and growth. Nick also shares his own experiences with group workouts, wrestling, and football, and how embracing physical challenges has shaped his ability to manage stress and build resilience. Together, we reflect on the importance of pushing through reluctance, the role of experiential learning in coaching, and why facing challenges head-on is essential for personal development. Finally, Nick discusses Rockford Barbell’s expanding programs, including in-school classes, after-school youth fitness, and their annual weightlifting meet, which connects young athletes to a lifelong commu