From CNN to Novelist: John Dedakis on Journalism, Grief, and the Power of Storytelling

Mark Dolfini isn’t here to sell hype or preach “10X hustle.” He’s a former U.S. Marine, 4x best-selling author, and creator of the V.I.P.E.R. Framework—a simple, faith-centered system to align your life and business around what actually matters. In this interview, Mark shares his journey through burnout, financial breakdown, and identity crisis—and how he rebuilt with a Bible in one hand and a whiteboard in the other. His story and strategies will challenge you to rethink what success really means. We dive into:Why many Christian entrepreneurs feel trapped in busyness and burnoutThe power of vision, infrastructure, processes, execution, and reporting (V.I.P.E.R.)How to reconnect with your family while running a thriving businessWhy faith-driven leadership must start at home before it shows up in the officeIf you’ve ever wondered how to build a business that serves your life—instead of stealing it—this conversation will hit home.https://strategicboardroom.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

John Dedakis spent 45 years in journalism—including 25 years at CNN, where he interviewed presidents, covered the White House, and even got tear-gassed during a riot. But behind the headlines is a personal journey marked by profound loss—losing a sister to suicide and a son to a heroin overdose.Out of those experiences, Dedakis has written six acclaimed political thrillers featuring his strong-willed protagonist, Lark Chadwick. His novels weave together the grit of journalism and the raw reality of grief, offering stories that are as powerful as they are personal.In this conversation, John opens up about:How journalism shaped his fiction writingThe role grief plays in creativity and healingThe decade-long grind to land his first publishing dealHis second career as a writing coach and mentorIf you’ve ever wondered how personal pain can fuel purposeful storytelling, this episode is a must-watch.https://johndedakis.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Steve Griggs has been building more than gardens for nearly 40 years — he builds stories, sanctuaries, and spaces that speak. In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on what truly separates pretty landscaping from living landscapes: engineering, plant science, personal memories, privacy, and yes — even the grit behind the beauty.🔍 We talk about:• How to design outdoor spaces that reflect who you really are (not what’s trendy)• The creative + technical balance: when a design needs more than just flowers and stone• Why privacy, storytelling, and comfort are just as important as the aesthetic• Real-world tips: choosing materials, working with engineers, and features most people overlookIf you’re building or renovating your outdoor space — or just love powerful design stories — this one’s for you.https://www.facebook.com/SteveGriggsDesignhttps://twitter.com/stevegriggsdsgn https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3rPHh3yC3FgzQ_nw9xenw https://www.instagram.com/stevegriggsdesign/ https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/stevegriggsdesign/ https://www.houzz.com/pro/stevegriggsdesign/stevegriggsdesign-com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Dr. Hélène Bertrand is a physician, researcher, and internationally recognized leader in the field of pain management. With decades of experience in family medicine, she has devoted her career to creating innovative, non-invasive solutions that improve quality of life for those living with chronic pain. Blending science with compassion, Dr. Bertrand’s groundbreaking work empowers patients and practitioners to discover safer, more effective paths to healing.https://drhelenebertrand.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, Business & Wellness Coach, Professor, and bestselling author who helps entrepreneurs achieve big results through small, strategic actions. As the host of the globally ranked Happy Healthy Hustle Podcast, she shares high-performance strategies that integrate productivity, growth, and well-being. With her signature Petite Practice™ framework, Christiane empowers professionals to work smarter, scale faster, and lead with clarity, confidence, and sustainable success.https://doctorchristiane.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

ABOUT CONFRONTING EVILThe concept of evil is universal, ancient, and ever present today. The biblical book of Genesis clearly defines it when Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy. Evil is a choice to make another suffer. As long as human beings have walked, evil has been close by.Confronting Evil by Bill O'Reilly and Josh Hammer recounts the deeds of the worst people in history: Genghis Khan. The Roman Emperor Caligula. Henry VIII. The collective evil of the 19th century slave traders and the 20th century robber barons. Stalin. Hitler. Mao. The Ayatollah Khomeini. Putin. The Mexican drug cartels. Collectively, these warlords, tyrants, businessmen, and criminals are directly responsible for the death and misery of hundreds of millions of people.By telling what they did and why they did it, Confronting Evil explains the struggle between good and evil--a choice every person in the Judeo-Christian tradition is compelled to make. But many defer. We avoid the life decision. We look away. It's easier.Prepare yourself to read the consequences of that inaction. As John Stuart Mill said in his inaugural address to the University of St. Andrews in 1867: "Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing."BILL O'REILLY BIOBill O'Reilly is a trailblazing TV journalist who has experienced unprecedented success on cable news and in writing fifteen national number-one bestselling nonfiction books. There are currently more than 17 million books in the Killing series in print. He currently hosts the 'No Spin News' on BillOReilly.com. He lives on Long Island.https://www.youtube.com/billoreillyhttps://www.billoreilly.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Michael Johnson, President of the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA), joins the show to share his journey from high-powered New York advertising executive to leading one of the most impactful global ministries of our time. With nearly 90 years of history, SGA partners with more than 6,000 evangelical churches across Russia and the former Soviet Union, meeting urgent needs and advancing the Gospel in some of the world’s most difficult places.In this conversation, Michael reflects on his early calling, the lessons learned through decades of leadership, and SGA’s mission to reach orphans, support pastors, and bring hope where it’s needed most. From grassroots aid distribution to church planting and crisis response, Michael offers a powerful reminder that faithful stewardship and bold obedience can change lives for generations.https://www.sga.org/leadership/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

ABOUT LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMSeason Two Out Now. Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.EPISODES AVILABLE HERE:Https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-law-order-criminal-justic-201119451/ ANNA SIGNA NICOLAZZI BIOAnna-Sigga Nicolazzi, a former prosecutor for the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, hosts the new audio series. She also co-hosts the true crime podcast Anatomy of Murder, and hosted the TV series True Conviction.During her first semester of law school, Nicolazzi felt particularly drawn to her criminal law class, and knew then that she wanted to be a prosecutor. "I thought it would be very exciting and in my mind, hopefully doing some good," she told NBC Insider. "Something that I felt was contributing to society."And she soon landed a job in one of the country's largest district attorney's offices. "Brooklyn is a city within a city in New York and I stepped into that courtroom, and I watched people on trial and I just knew, that is exactly what I wanna do," Nicolazzi said.During her time with the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, she tried more than 50 felony cases, including 35 homicides. "I love the challenge of putting the pieces together of a puzzle - having to then pack that all up, and explain it to a group of 12 citizens that come from all different walks of life because the challenge is to make sure they agree," Nicolazzi said.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

ABOUT LIONS AND SCAVENGERS #1 New York Times bestselling author Ben Shapiro examines the current state of America and Western civilization, and poses a question: will we be Lions, or will we be Scavengers? In a world split between noble Lions and destructive Scavengers, only the brave can lead the way. Acclaimed writer and conservative thought leader Ben Shapiro knows that at the heart of today's conflicts-political, economic, and cultural-there's a dangerous lie: that all people are equal in ability, and that all inequality stems from oppression and exploitation. With his signature clarity and sharp insight, Shapiro refutes that lie, emphasizing that in a free country, inequality is rooted in differences of talent and work ethic-not oppression-and that the best solution to lack of success lies in duty and virtue. Lions, like America's founding fathers, strive for the highest good, building systems that promote freedom, prosperity, and equality of opportunity. Meanwhile, Scavengers degrade these ideals, spreading resentment and entitlement that threaten to dismantle the foundations of Western civilization. In Lions and Scavengers, Shapiro invites you to take up the mantle of the Lion and defend the principles that shape the freedom of a fair, powerful society. With the stakes higher than ever, this book is a gripping exploration of the ongoing war between those who cherish our nation and those who seek to undermine it. The triumph of the Lions is essential for America's continued success. It's a rallying cry for those who refuse to bow to the Scavengers' demands. It's time to fight back.BEN SHPIRO BIO Ben Shapiro is editor-in-chief of The Daily Wire and host of "The Ben Shapiro Show," the top conservative podcast in the nation. A New York Times bestselling author, Shapiro is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and an Orthodox Jew. His work has been profiled in nearly every American publication.  Lions and Scavengers: The True Story of America (and Her Critics) is available on Amazon:https://a.co/d/fcP58QLBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Peter Gunn is a man of many chapters—each one more powerful than the last. A U.S. Air Force veteran with 20 years of honorable service, Peter is also an avid bodybuilder, coffee connoisseur, lead guitarist for the band The Angellics, and a poet determined to revive epic literature for a modern generation.His journey has been shaped by extraordinary moments:At age 7, a near-death experience gave him a sense of divine purpose.At 12, he overcame morbid childhood obesity.In 2010, becoming a father inspired him to reimagine the hero’s journey by including the feminine voice—leading to The Amazons poetry series and his invention of LLP (Linked Lyrical Poetry).In 2020, the pandemic awakened his mission to create The Sigma Squad graphic novel, rooted in ancient Gnostic texts and the fight against darkness.In 2025, he joined forces with German musicians to form The Angellics, currently producing their debut album.This conversation goes beyond biography—it’s about resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to serve humanity through art, music, and storytelling.If you’ve ever wondered how poetry, music, and faith can collide with raw life experience to inspire change, Peter Gunn’s story will leave you motivated and thinking deeper.https://www.petergunn.net/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don’t miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio