Choices: A Year of Lessons, Community, and Growth
As we wrap up another transformative year at the Choices Podcast, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the powerful conversations we’ve shared. From navigating the complexities of addiction to the simple, profound act of being a good neighbor, 2025 has been defined by one core theme: the power of the choices we make every single day.
If you’ve missed our recent posts and episodes, here is a summary of the key lessons we’ve explored together:
The Power of Community
In our recent series (Episodes 74-76), we took a deep dive into “How to Build Community in Your Life.” We explored why connection is not just a luxury, but a necessity. The biggest takeaway? Community isn’t something you find; it’s something you build. Whether it’s through active listening, showing up for friends in tough times, or simply being present, the choice to engage with others is the first step toward a richer life.
Giving Back
Following up on building connections, we asked the practical question: “How do I give back to my community?” (Episode 78). Brett and John broke this down into actionable steps. You don’t need to be a millionaire to make a difference. Giving back can be as simple as mentoring a younger person, volunteering your time at a local organization, or consciously choosing to shop local to bolster your neighborhood economy. The choice to serve is often the choice that brings the most personal fulfillment.
Triumph Over Tragedy
One of our most impactful conversations this year was with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Randy Grimes (Episode 77). In “From the Trenches to Triumph,” Randy opened up about the hidden battles of the NFL, his struggle with addiction, and the critical need for hope in recovery. His story is a testament that no matter how far you fall, you always have the choice to stand back up and fight for your future.
Finding Emotional Freedom
We also shared the inspiring journey of Addison Lancaster (Episode 70), who walked us through his road to emotional freedom. His story reminds us that the path to healing is a journey of self-discovery, and it begins with the decision to be honest with ourselves.
Happy Holidays & A Look Ahead to 2026!
As we close out 2025, the entire Choices team—Brett, John, Denny, and Mark—wants to wish you and your families a safe and Happy Holidays. We hope this season is filled with peace, reflection, and the company of those you love.
But we aren’t slowing down! We are already gearing up for a massive 2026.
What to look for in the new year:
- New Guests: We are bringing in a diverse lineup of new voices, including experts in mental health, resilience, and personal development who will challenge you to think differently.
- More Shows: Get ready for deeper dives and more frequent content designed to help you navigate life’s toughest crossroads.
- Bigger Topics: We will be tackling the “unspoken” choices—the hard decisions we often avoid but need to face to grow.
Thank you for choosing to listen, read, and grow with us. We’ll see you in 2026!
Remember: We all have choices. What you do next means more than you know.
