This new adventure was born from an unexpected trip to Portugal, on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This experience inspired me to further explore my passions and to share not only my story, but also the stories of others—stories that inspire, even internationally.
The desire for new adventures took me to São Martinho do Porto, Portugal, where I met Bill and Janet and their Labrador Murphy. Little did I know that from that experience, my new English-language podcast would emerge.
New Beginning: The Journey of Discovery
From the first meeting, Bill and Janet were welcoming and warm. During dinners at the restaurant and long conversations at breakfast, we shared stories and thoughts that allowed us to get to know each other better. Their departure for Vienna left me in the company of Murphy, a Labrador as big as he is good, and a house with a terrace overlooking the ocean.
Murphy was the perfect companion. Every day we walked for miles on the beach, our feet immersed in the ocean waves. The mild temperature of 18 degrees, similar to a late spring in Italy, contributed to my physical and mental well-being. Murphy followed me everywhere, inside and outside the house, and in his company I found a new energy. I was completely regenerated.
A Friendship Beyond Time
When Bill and Janet returned after about a week, I cooked an Italian dinner for them. Between courses, we continued to converse for hours, immersed in the stories that Bill loved to tell. His words, full of life and experience, inspired me to take a step further: interview them to share their story with others. Despite the difficulty of conducting an interview in English, a language that I still do not fully master, I managed to record a conversation full of meaning and connections.
Before saying goodbye, I handed Bill a small object I’d found in the room where I was sleeping for a photo, a piece of wood painted with the phrase “Breathe in the potentials of what if…” For me, this phrase represents a profound openness to the possibilities that life offers us, and it seemed the perfect symbol of how enriching this experience had been.
My experience was a new beginning that changed my life and opened new horizons. Bill and Janet’s stories inspired me to take my own new beginning in the world of podcasting.
A Podcast to Tell Inspirational Stories
Listening to others’ stories is a way to celebrate each new beginning we encounter. Each episode of the podcast represents a new beginning for those who share their stories.
This experience was not only a moment of healing, but also the beginning of something bigger. The interview with Bill and Janet became the first episode of my new podcast in English, Inspiring Lives, which complements my Italian podcast, Storie e Personaggi. Both projects aim to give voice to stories that inspire and connections that transform.
This adventure has taught me that sometimes, difficulties open the way to new opportunities. I have found two friends for life, I have discovered a new side of myself and I have laid the foundations for a project that I hope will inspire many others. I hope that by listening to the interview with Bill and Janet, you can feel a little of the magic of São Martinho do Porto, of the special bond we have created and above all of their story.
The podcast is a new beginning to discover and share inspiring experiences. With my project, I want listeners to feel motivated and inspired. Every new beginning is a step towards new adventures and personal discoveries.
The Story of Bill and Janet
Bill and Janet shared an inspiring story with me. Through their company, they have created meaningful work opportunities for people with autism, helping them develop self-esteem and recognize their unique value. During the interview, they spoke about how they have transformed personal and professional challenges into positive changes, turning difficulties into new possibilities. Their vision was guided by a deep sense of humanity and a belief that life will always find a way to put the pieces back together in a synchronous way. Their words reflect wisdom, resilience, and an unconditional love for life and for others.
Bill and Janet have created an amazing company that they have now left in the hands of their son. You can learn more about this company by visiting their website: Bluestarrecyclers.org .
Listen to the Episode
If you’re curious about Bill and Janet’s story, you can listen to the full episode below. I can’t wait to hear what you think and continue to share more inspiring stories with you on my new podcast, Inspiring Lives. You can follow the podcast on the various channels I’ve listed below the interview.
Discover the AI Summary
For those who want a sneak preview of the episode, I created a 10-minute summary with the help of NotebookLM, an artificial intelligence tool. This summary, which is both enjoyable and fun to listen to, offers a preview of the interview’s stories and highlights.
Follow the Inspiring Lives Podcast on your favorite channel:
I can’t wait to hear what you think and to continue sharing more inspiring stories with you in my new podcast, Inspiring Lives.
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