On Purpose

On Purpose

A podcast dedicated to exploring life lived on purpose through the stories and wisdom of others. Hosted by Janice Alpert, a licensed therapist, author, and professional speaker with a passion for helping YOU discover and fulfill your life’s purpose!

Episodes

August 12, 2025 47 mins

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Bruce Cryer, a former star of "The Fantasticks," who takes us on an inspiring journey from the bright lights of Broadway to the transformative world of heart-centered healing and holistic practices.

Raised in a creatively vibrant New Jersey family, Bruce discovered his hidden talents for singing and acting, leading to a remarkable 800 performances in New York City. In this episode, Br...

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Join us as we delve into the inspiring and transformative stories of Max Nijst, an individual who has navigated life's storms with resilience and gratitude.

In this episode, we explore:

🌟 Max's upbringing in a large family in Orange County and his journey to 22 years of sobriety, highlighting the importance of a strong support system.

🌟 The allure of Navy life for Max, driven by a desire for discipline and adventure, and the unexpec...

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Growing up on the quiet island of Brigantine, South Jersey, Megan faced unimaginable challenges, including discovering a deep family secret at 39 that changed everything. Despite grappling with physical pain from birth and complex family dynamics, Megan's story is one of courage, love, and personal growth... This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Connect with Meghann Dawson at her Website

Follow Janice on Facebook and I...

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Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Amy Wineland Daughters, who found her true calling as a writer while wandering the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside. From humorous columns about her Texan roots to becoming a celebrated sports columnist and published author, Amy's journey is one of passion and unexpected purpose.

Connect with Amy Wineland Daughters at her Website

Follow Janice on Facebook and ...

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Join us as we dive into the journey of Jeff Hittner, a former elite gymnast turned entrepreneur. Jeff's story is a compelling exploration of finding purpose and personal growth beyond the athletic world. Growing up near Boston, Jeff dedicated his youth to gymnastics, achieving All-American status and team captaincy at William and Mary. However, the personal sacrifices he made led him to therapy and a profound realization about holi...

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Join us as we delve into the story of Victoria Pippo, a passionate performer from Leamington, Ontario, who transitioned from the vibrant world of performing arts to a profound path of spiritual growth and energy healing.

🌟 Episode Highlights:

  • Discover how Victoria's early life in the tomato capital of the world and her journey to New York City shaped her passion for the arts.
  • Hear about the resilience and determination that helpe...
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Growing up with a family legacy tied to the mob sounds like a movie plot, but for Chris Malanga, it's part of his reality. In this captivating episode, Chris opens up about his upbringing in Verona, New Jersey, his family's intriguing past, and his own path from societal expectations to meaningful therapy work.

Connect with Chris Malanga at his Website

Follow Janice on Facebook and Instagram

Email Janice: stopdiets@aol.com

Ja...

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From a challenging childhood in Littleton, Colorado, to embracing the world as her playground, Donna Parker's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her courage in overcoming adversity highlights the theme of self-examination and the pursuit of purpose. In this episode, Donna shares how personal experiences can be transformed into stepping stones for a life of meaning and adventure.

Connect with Donna Parker on her Instagram

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On today's show, special guest Steve Roehm shares his incredible journey from growing up in a turbulent family environment in Kentucky to finding solace in music and an unexpected career as a DJ. But the story doesn't end there. When fatherhood became a catalyst for change, Steve embarked on a profound path of healing through hypnosis, uncovering inner strength, and breaking free from addiction.

This episode is an inspiring story yo...

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In this episode of On Purpose, guest Michele R. Jones shares her poignant journey of loss, resilience, and the profound influence of family on her spiritual pursuits. Together, we explore how unexpected life turns and the power of mentorship can shape our personal growth and career evolution. Discover the impact of therapy, the importance of self-care, and the mind-body connection as we discuss the intertwined nature of mental and ...

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In this episode of On Purpose, special guest, Rich Nisbet shares his inspiring journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to discovering his spiritual awakening through music. Influenced by the Beatles and profound metaphysical concepts, Rich reveals how embracing one's true essence can lead to a life of authenticity and fulfillment.

Connect with Rich Nisbet at his Website

Follow Janice on Facebook and Instagram

Email Janice: stopdie...

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In this episode, Anthony Trucks shares his incredible journey from the foster care system to the NFL, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his identity and the concept of "dark work"—optimizing one's identity for peak performance.

Discover how Anthony overcame challenges, embraced new habits, and redefined personal goals, all while confronting internal and external voices of doubt. We explore the joy of giving back and how e...

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Join us in this episode of On Purpose as we delve into the inspiring story of Abby Havermann, a remarkable individual who transformed her life by embracing authenticity and personal growth.

In today's show, Abby shares her candid journey from growing up in a challenging household marked by her father's alcoholism to discovering her true self. Her path is one of resilience, moving from insecurity to self-acceptance, and finding fulfi...

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Surviving a snowboarding accident at such a young age leaves an indelible mark on one's life. On today's episode, Nick Prefontaine shares his powerful story from his eighth-grade ski trip where a lack of a helmet turned a day of fun into a fight for survival. Without the crucial protection of his goggles and the timely response from a skilled paramedic, Nick's story might have ended differently. He courageously takes us through his...

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Growing up in a turbulent household, Mike Murphy knew he had to take control of his destiny at a young age. From running away at 14 to navigating juvenile delinquency, Mike's journey is a story of finding purpose against all odds. In this episode of "On Purpose," we explore how a pivotal 12-step program and a life-changing mentor guided Mike from a path of destruction to one of hope and achievement. His story is a powerful reminder...

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Janice Alpert and today's guest, Trixi Menhardt, who takes us on a captivating journey from Vienna, Austria to Toronto, Canada, and eventually to the bustling Bay Area of California. Trixi opens up about her formative years in Vienna, her practical yet challenging decision to pursue a business degree, and her adventurous leap of faith in moving to Canada at 27. Her story of adapting to a n...

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Growing up in poverty in Cuba, Rosalia Quintana never imagined she would one day be a nurse practitioner in Miami. Her journey, sparked by a determination to escape hardship and seize opportunities, is both humbling and inspiring. In this episode, Janice is joined by Rosalia who reveals how her aunt's suggestion to pursue nursing over her childhood dreams of archaeology or psychology became her pathway to true fulfillment.

Connect ...

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Imagine growing up in California during the 1970s with a father who was a World War II combat sergeant, teaching you to be tough in unimaginable ways—like having your teeth drilled without novocaine. That was Becky Ellis's reality. In this episode of On Purpose, Becky shares her harrowing yet inspiring story, shedding light on the complex dynamics of her family, her father's PTSD and alcoholism, and a poignant visit when he was 89,...

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What if the darkest moments of your life could be the catalyst for extraordinary transformation? In this compelling episode of "On Purpose," Janice Alpert is joined by Leland Holgate whose story of resilience, compassion, and healing will leave you deeply moved. From enduring severe physical and sexual abuse in his childhood, Leland's protective instincts for his siblings and unique empathy for his father sowed the seeds for his re...

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Can trauma and near-death experiences lead to profound personal growth? Join Janice Alpert and guest, Ray Catania, who shares his compelling journey from a challenging childhood in a strict Catholic household to a life transformed by forgiveness and spiritual awakening. We explore how Ray's traumatic upbringing and early disillusionment with religion led him to atheism, only for a near-death experience at 20 to radically shift his ...

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