Kevin Polky - The Journey
These podcasts are intended to capture ordinary conversations with special individuals about personal transformation, ideas and observations. I will be bringing you a variety of guests, that will be sharing their own personal stories of setbacks, transformation and reflection.
Episodes
July 15, 2025 • 37 mins
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lacey, whose story is one of incredible resilience and transformation. Lacey grew up in a home shaped by the challenges of addiction. When she was just 12, her father passed away from cancer. A year later, she and her sisters were abandoned in Paris, France.
When she returned to the U.S., Lacey entered foster care and lived with her grandmother and aunt until she was 17. Despite these early ...
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July 2, 2025 • 7 mins
In this episode of The Journey, I reflect on the philosophy of stoicism and the impact it’s had on my life.
I share how I was introduced to the writings of Ryan Holiday, and how his modern take on ancient wisdom helped shape the way I approach daily challenges. I also tell a story about Marcus Aurelius, one of stoicism’s most well-known figures, and how his perspective reminds us that obstacles aren't just in the way, they are the...
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June 25, 2025 • 5 mins
I have been influenced by Joseph Campbell’s work, The Hero’s Journey for over 20 years. During this episode, I share an overview of the hero’s journey and the three main segments of the journey. Enjoy as we begin the process of waking up on our journey.
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June 17, 2025 • 51 mins
In today’s episode of The Journey, I’m joined by my good friend Tom Leu, who returns to the podcast after five years. Tom is a speaker, coach, and expert in communication, and our conversation couldn’t be more timely.
We explore the importance of healthy, intentional communication and why it’s become even more challenging in today’s world, where distractions are constant and real connection can feel rare. Together, we dig into wha...
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June 12, 2025 • 12 mins
In this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin Polky takes a thoughtful and personal look at Men’s Mental Health — why it matters, why it’s often overlooked, and how we can begin to change the conversation.
Kevin reflects on his own journey, the influences that led him into men’s work, and the lessons he’s learned from years of listening, coaching, and walking alongside men through their struggles.
With honesty and insight, he ...
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June 3, 2025 • 33 mins
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by Ann Dittmer, a retired attorney with a heart for service and a passion for helping those in crisis. For over 20 years, Ann has volunteered at the Rockford Rescue Mission, where she now serves on the Board of Directors as Chair.
Ann shares powerful stories and insights from her time working with individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and other life challenges, and how the Mi...
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May 20, 2025 • 35 mins
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Journey, Kevin sits down with Mark and Jamie Kuney, the parents of Ryan Masters — a gifted athlete, dedicated Marine, and beloved son. Ryan’s journey took him from high school and college athletics to serving his country through two military deployments. But when he returned home, something had changed.
Mark and Jamie bravely share Ryan’s story — the highs, the challenges, and the ...
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May 13, 2025 • 38 mins
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by Nick Votava and Elliot Ganet of Rockford Barbell, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mindful movement and trauma-informed practices. Nick and Elliot share how their programs go beyond physical fitness, helping young people develop crucial social and emotional skills like self-awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making. Learn how Rockford ...
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May 6, 2025 • 6 mins
In this reflective episode of The Journey, Kevin shares thoughts in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, exploring what it truly means to care for your personal wellness. He discusses the interconnected nature of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health—and how growth in one area supports growth in the others. Drawing on the philosophy of Four Corners Wellness, Kevin offers practical insights and encouragement for a...
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April 29, 2025 • 7 mins
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin revisits the theme of resilience—drawing inspiration from the changing season. As spring begins to bloom, he explores how growth often happens beneath the surface, especially during life’s darkest and most challenging moments. This episode is a reminder that even when progress isn’t visible, transformation is still taking place.
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April 22, 2025 • 11 mins
In this solo episode of The Journey, Kevin outlines five powerful steps to help build resilience in everyday life. From answering the call to a bigger story and practicing self-care, to reframing challenges, learning from failure, and being mindful of your inner dialogue—Kevin offers practical wisdom to help you grow stronger through life’s struggles.
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April 15, 2025 • 8 mins
In this solo episode of The Journey, Kevin reflects on what it takes to develop true resilience. He explores the power of adopting a growth mindset over a fixed one, and how choosing to lead with love rather than fear can shape how we respond to life’s challenges. Kevin shares insights on the importance of learning how to think—not just what to think—as a foundation for lasting strength and transformation.
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April 8, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by health coach Abbie Honaker, whose personal wellness journey inspired her to help others take control of their own health. Abbie shares how she overcame her own health struggles and now empowers busy, health-minded individuals to look beyond just diet and exercise—focusing instead on lasting, holistic change. Her passion and philosophy offer an inspiring reminder that true health st...
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April 1, 2025 • 52 mins
In this episode of The Journey with Kevin Polky, Kevin sits down with Matt Weldon, whose life has been defined by transformation and purpose. Growing up in Rockton, Illinois, Matt’s path has taken him from studying at Eastern Illinois University to a career in education, then making bold shifts into trading at the Chicago Board of Trade, and ultimately becoming a financial planner.
Beyond his career, Matt is dedicated to making a ...
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March 17, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode of The Journey with Kevin Polky, Kevin sits down with Britney Lynea, a passionate advocate for personal growth and having balance in your life. Britney shares her story, how her background shaped her, the lessons she’s learned through life’s challenges, and her ongoing commitment to self-improvement. Join us for an inspiring conversation about transformation, resilience, and the power of continuous learning.
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February 17, 2025 • 8 mins
In this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin reflects on a powerful truth: learning to distinguish between what we can control and what we must learn to accept. He explores how our actions and responses are, in fact, the only things truly within our control. Kevin offers thoughtful insights on how embracing this mindset requires both wisdom and courage—and how doing so can bring greater peace, clarity, and strength in the face of l...
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February 10, 2025 • 10 mins
In this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin reflects on the stress we all face in our daily lives and how it can often feel overwhelming. He explores practical tools to shift focus away from worry and toward gratitude, offering actionable steps to help listeners find balance and peace. Kevin also shares his personal morning ritual—a consistent practice that sets the tone for his day and supports effective stress management.
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February 4, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode of The Journey, Kevin reflects on the importance of developing the whole person by focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through personal stories, he highlights how intentional effort can lead to spiritual formation and growth. Kevin also shares an inspiring example from a football program that prioritized a character-first approach, focusing on the individual rather than just the athlet...
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January 27, 2025 • 30 mins
On this week’s episode of The Journey, Kevin is joined by Ashley Phillips, founder of Becoming Free Counseling Services in Rockford, Illinois. With over a decade of experience as a therapist, Ashley has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and embrace healing.
In this episode, Ashley shares her personal story, reflecting on the childhood and young adult experiences that shaped her path and inspire...
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January 17, 2025 • 34 mins
This week on The Journey, Kevin sits down with Peggy Anderson, a true embodiment of resilience and determination. Peggy shares her upbringing on a family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic that has guided her through life’s challenges.
She also takes us through her incredible journey into the world of fitness and bodybuilding, where she’s achieved remarkable success, earning her pro bodybuilding card for the third time....
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