The Monica Sanford Show

This week Monica Sanford and retired Marine LtCol David Sanford welcome Melissa Johnson, the Founder & CEO of Fearless Community. She is the outspoken, tough as nails, advocate for the homeless community and humanity. She is a State of FL Certified Community Health Worker that gives life lessons in understanding civic duty. She shares how overcoming her own journey of challenges and unbelievable adversities inspired her and led her to her true calling and purpose, which is to empower and create meaningfulchanges. 

Sandra is the CEO of Donaldson Edge Advocacy, former Chief Advocacy, government affairs officer for Community Health Northwest., Appointed to Lead American Cancer Society NW FL—where she leads advocacy efforts in FL first Congressional District.  Her background is in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources; she is the CEO, Founder and Director of Donaldson Edge Consulting and Donaldson Edge Advocacy, the FIRST Ever Certified Community Health Navigator in the state of FL, keynote speaker about healthcare systems and leadership, published in CDC and now Author of a new book that chronicles her own journey being a 2x Breast CA diagnosis and survivor.We discussed her advocacy for black women access to care and how DEI affects the business and medical world. Touching on the intentions, the impact and the downfall of DEI initiatives in the business world.  Medical Disclaimer--- since I am a medical provider I have to say—we will discuss medical issues in parts of this episode it is not meant to be medical advice--- Please go to your medical provider if you have any questions about your health and go early!The Book: TWICE STRONG is available on Amazon

Dr. Monica Sanford, DNP & Retired Marine Lt Col David Sanford sat down with Todd Smith. A life-long journalist, that got his start with the Washington Times and as the President George HW Bush Campaign speech writer, also the CEO ofWordsmith Branding Agency based in Nashville and Author of a debut novel Josie.Hear about the incredible true story of a black newborn saved in the middle of the night by a local businessman and raised by a white family based in the Deep MS South in 1906. Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience is a powerful historical novel set in the Jim Crow South, exploring one woman’s remarkable courage amid racial injustice and hardship. Rooted in true events, it is a moving story of faith, family, compassion, and the enduring strength ofthe human spirit.Todd has attended multiple book festivals and participatedin authors’ panels showcasing the true story of Josie his Great Aunt and his Great Grandparents WD Cook and Nora. Amazon.com: Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience: 9798997076115: Smith, G. Todd: Books

We sat down with Daniel Fielding!Daniel is a combat veteran and former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret who now serves in executive protection and personal security. He has protected high-profile entertainers, including Kid Rock, and has built an impressive career helping others develop mental toughness, leadership, and resilience.He is also a motivational speaker, author of The Asset Mindset, podcast host, and a nationally recognized voice on personal growth. You've seen him sharing his powerful message on Fox & Friends, and today, we're excited to have him here with us.In this conversation, Daniel will reveal why your mindset is your greatest asset and how breaking free from a victim mentality can transform every area of your life. We'll explore what separates elite performers from the rest and what Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Marines, and other high achievers understand about discipline, resilience, and success. We discussed taking ownership of your life, reclaiming your power, unlocking peak performance and becoming the greatest asset in your own success story.And be sure to check out his book, podcast, social media pages and website: The Asset Mindset.

Today on the show, we welcomed Josh Davis, a singer-songwriter, Marine Corps and Army combat veteran, infantry officer. Josh shared his experience about appearing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville for an award and discussed the recognition he has received for his music, including nominations for Best Vocals, Songwriting, and Social Impact.He was honored with the Josie Music Award for Outlaw Country Artist of the Year and received the inaugural Honor & Harmony Award, recognizing a veteran artist who is making a meaningful difference in the community.Beyond music, Josh is deeply committed to supporting veterans through organizations such as Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola, Florida, and Healing Tools for Warriors. He is also an author and the founder of Operation Shield, a national anti-bullying program.We had a great conversation about his family, military service, music career, and the impact he continues to make in the lives of others.

Doug Crandall is an Army Major, West Point graduate, author and co-author of multiple books, a sought-after keynote speaker, and a leadership instructor who has developed leadership courses for organizations including Stanford Graduate School of Business and Harvard Business School.Doug brings decades of military leadership experience to his work, along with extensive experience in the C-suite of one of the largest corporations in the world, where he was responsible for leading and developing leadership programs.Today, we're going to talk about his new book, Building or Diminishing, where Doug shares what he describes as a kind of algorithm for building great leaders.What I really like about this concept is that it starts with things that seem deceptively simple: our everyday interactions, our conversations, the way we communicate, and, ultimately, the way we show up with the people around us.Because sometimes, it's not one huge leadership moment that changes everything. It's a whole lot of small conversations and interactions that, over time, add up to something much bigger—a change in leadership, a change in performance, and ultimately, a greater impact.buildingordiminishing.com

This episode is a truly inspiring story of resilience, perseverance, transformation, and the power of making pivotal choices. Dr. Monica Sanford, DNP and retired Marine Lt Col David Sanford are joined by Air Force and Ohio Air National Guard veteran Jan Ackley.Jan’s story begins in the hills of Appalachia, where he was raised by a single mother and grew up knowing what it meant to live with very little. Money was scarce, opportunities were limited, and there were moments when finding loose change in a car could make a difference. Through military service, mentorship, perseverance, and a willingness to make difficult life choices, Jan went from those humble beginnings to nearly 40 years as a commercial banking executive—and ultimately to his current role as CEO of one of Utah’s largest banks.In his new book, Searching for Change, Jan shares the journey behind that transformation: from literally searching for loose change to searching for meaningful change in his life and, ultimately, helping create change for others. Today, we’ll talk about growing up in Appalachia, the culture shock of entering military service, imposter syndrome, the mentors who helped shape his path, and what the military and business world taught him about people, leadership, and financial fundamentals. Most importantly, we’ll talk about the choices that can change the trajectory of a life. Because Jan’s story reminds us of something we all need to hear: Your start does not determine where you finish. So put down what you're doing, lean in, and listen to this incredible story of Searching for Change with Jan Ackley.

Navy Veteran and Combat Systems Port Engineer for the USS Carl Vinson, Mr. Travis Ramsey joins us to talk about his debut romantic thriller, What Was Meant to Fall.Set against a backdrop of romance, danger, survival, and unexpected twists, the story takes readers from a plane crash to a deserted island, where trust becomes just as important as survival. Ramsey draws inspiration from his own experiences while stationed on the romantic island of Sicily, bringing a unique perspective to his storytelling. In this inspiring conversation, Ramsey opens up about growing up with dyslexia, the challenges of becoming a writer, the humbling process of editing, and what it truly takes to become a storyteller. Now working on his third book, he shares how he turned lifelong challenges into a passion for writing—and discovered his voice as an author.Tune in for an engaging conversation about courage, resilience, romance, and the journey from overcoming obstacles to becoming a published storyteller. www.travisdramsey.com  www.TheRealMonicaSanford.com

Dr. Moley is a double board-certified Psychiatristspecializing in adult sports psychiatry. His concierge-style private practice focuses on high-performance individuals, including C-suite executives, elite athletes, Veterans and other professionals operating under extraordinary pressure.A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and The OhioState University, Dr. Moley is certified by the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry and the International Society for Sports Psychiatry. He is internationally recognized for his work on head injuries, sports-related concussions, and mental health, with numerous publications in the field.In this conversation, we explore the psychological battles faced by elite performers, the relentless pressure to succeed, and the mental challenges that come with operating at the highest levels. We discuss how anxiety, panic, and the fear of losing control can manifest physically, even in the world's top performers.We also examine emerging treatments that are reshapingmental health care, including ketamine-assisted therapy and ibogaine research, and discuss how advances in neuroscience are changing our understanding of brain chemistry, resilience, and recovery.Finally, we dive into the psychology behind social media, where the pursuit of likes, views, and validation can become an unhealthy obsession. We explore the fine line between the drive to win and destructive perfectionism, how torecognize when ambition becomes delusion, and why maintaining realistic expectations is essential for long-term success and mental well-being.⁠Dr. Jimmy Moley, MD | Adult & Sports Psychiatry | Cleveland OH

Maddie Humbert is the founder and creative mind behind thewidely popular BNA Bites, a platform dedicated to showcasing Nashville's finest culinary gems and dining destinations. Through her passion for the localfood scene, she has become one of Nashville's most trusted and recognizablefood influencers for discovering where to eat in Music City.Herimpact has earned her a nomination for Most Popular Influencer at the Nashville Creator Awards, presented by Nashville Lifestyle Magazine—recognizing her influence, creativity, and dedication to highlighting the best of Nashville's vibrant food scene.Whether she's uncovering the newest hotspot, spotlighting longtime local favorites, or helping both locals and visitors answer the question, "Where should we eatin Nashville?", she's built a community that celebrates the people and flavors that make Music City so special.She is also Staff at Vanderbilt University College of Engineering!