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

February 10, 2026 38 mins

Elena Sophia Ruiz shares her powerful journey from arriving in America at 27 without speaking English to building a successful payroll and HR company over 20 years. Through personal struggles, including domestic violence and divorce, she discovered that authenticity, continuous learning, and changing her relationship with money were the keys to not just surviving, but thriving as an entrepreneur.

Connect with Elena Sophia Ruiz at he...

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In this episode of "On Purpose," host Janice Alpert welcomes Diana Pagano, a first-generation Mexican American who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in San Diego to becoming a successful entrepreneur and speaker. Diana recounts her experiences growing up in a family of struggling entrepreneurs, moving frequently, and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite these challenges, she found strength in her faith...

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In this compelling episode of "On Purpose," host Janice Alpert interviews Darlene Lekowski, a survivor of sibling sexual trauma who has transformed her pain into a powerful narrative of resilience and purpose. Darlene shares her harrowing story of abuse at the hands of her older brothers from ages seven to twelve, a secret she kept for decades due to fear and shame. After the passing of her mother and the onset of her father's deme...

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In this episode of "On Purpose," host Janice Alpert interviews Randy Spelling, the youngest son of famed television producer Aaron Spelling and brother of actress Tori Spelling. Randy shares his unique upbringing in the Hollywood entertainment industry, revealing his initial reluctance to seek the spotlight despite his family's fame. He discusses his journey through sensitivity and intuition, which eventually led him to pursue acti...

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In this episode of "On Purpose," host Janice Alpert interviews Christy Whitman, a successful author and life coach, who shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona, Christy reflects on her childhood experiences, including the impact of her family's dynamics and her vow to achieve independence. She recounts pivotal moments in her life, such as her decision to leave an unfulfillin...

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In this episode of "On Purpose," Janice had the pleasure of speaking with Ashanti Branch, a remarkable individual whose journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a passionate advocate for young men is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

In our discussion, we explored the importance of vulnerability and emotional expression, particularly for men, and how Ashanti's work addresses the systemic issues within the education syste...

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Join us as we explore the inspiring stories of Erica Baird and Karen Wagner, two phenomenal women who shifted from a successful legal career to a vibrant retirement filled with purpose and community engagement. Growing up amidst strong female role models, Erica was inspired by tales of extraordinary women, leading her to pursue law. Alongside her fellow NYU alum Karen, they navigated a male-dominated field, finding strength in soli...

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katie Morton, a licensed marriage and family therapist who has transformed her passion for mental health into a thriving digital presence. From her humble beginnings on a Christmas tree farm in rural Washington, Katie has become a significant voice in the mental health community on YouTube.

In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey and professional evolution, highlighting the influ...

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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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