Welcome to season 2, episode 2 of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast.
This week my guest is David Armstrong, also known as Sensei Dave Armstrong. At a young age Dave dealt with a lot of challenges and turmoil.
He unfortunately watched his mother get physically abused by a man she was dating. He says that the experience hardened him so much so that he experienced his first arrest for armed robbery before the age of 12. Dave struggled with anger management issues from all the abuse not only that he watched his mother endure, but that he endured as well!
His behavior brought him to live in a boy's camp, youth correctional facilities, and foster care after his mom passed away when Dave was just 13 years old. At one point Dave ran away from the facility he was living in and tried to commit suicide. He shares that at the time he was disappointed that he was unable to go through with it.
Then, two people came into Dave's life that saved him. His CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate and his Sensei/Martial Arts Instructor. Their belief in him helped him to change course. All it takes is just one person to believe in us when our internal faith in ourselves is lost. Connection is at the core of our humanity.
Dave went on to become a 24-year Air Force Veteran, an author of the book, 'Why Me? My Fight for Life', Life Coach, speaker and at-risk youth mentor/advocate. Dave shines when he talks about the work he is now doing. He is helping parents, mentors, and CASA's truly understand what it is like to be a child growing up with extreme trauma and how to be successful in working with kids who are dealing with this in their lives daily. To find out more about the programs that Dave runs through his organization Unlimited Potential, go to https://www.upna.net/.
Listen in to hear the footprint that Dave wants to leave in the world.
Next week, my guest is Martine Cadet, a social media content coach and creator. She is also founder and owner of Kaderique Media, LLC a Boutique Digital Media Agency supporting small business owner's brand themselves online and expand their visibility. She talks about her journey to entrepreneurship and her journey was definitely not a straight line. There is a moment in this interview that will take your breath away as it did mine. Seeing a parent shot right in front of you and fearing for your life is not something that anyone should ever have to endure.
If you want to expand your reach and market your organization locally or on a broader scale, consider becoming a sponsor of the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast or joining us and partnering with us for the Today is the Day International Changemakers Forum. The International Virtual Forum will take place on Thursday, March 24. Click here to learn more for tickets, sponsorship information, and also learn more about all the Changemakers that will be speaking at the event.
As President and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey says, "Sustained desired change begins with positive emotional experiences. If you are seeking to evoke an inspiring and positive transformation, this is the forum for you. Sharing stories of hope, compassion, mindfulness, and playfulness will certainly disrupt your status quo. Come and enjoy the journey with us!"
Don't forget to subscribe, like and comment on this and other interviews. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Today is the Day Live It.
Reach out to jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com for more information.
Have a great week everyone!
