Shows
Monomyth DiariesRe-release: Ep 13 - Nikki's Boons, To Serve and InspireSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this compelling episode, Nikki reflects on the powerful gifts and lessons she has gained through her journey of self-discovery and faith. Nikki shares how embracing her story has allowed her to heal, grow, and positively impact her community. Her openness and insights remind us all of the transformative power of grace and perseverance.Tune in to hear Nikki’s inspiring perspective on how life’s challenges can lead to unexpected blessings.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream...2025-07-2919 min
Hotel MomentBuilding better business relationships: From contracts to cultureIn this engaging episode of Hotel Moment, Karen Stephens welcomes Mandi Graziano, VP of Global Accounts at HPN Global and host of the Adventures in Business podcast. With over two decades in hospitality and a unique journey from hotel operations to venue sourcing, Mandi brings invaluable insights into building stronger business relationships in today's challenging environment.Tune in as they discuss: Contract negotiation mastery: Why Mandi believes negotiations don't have to be adversarial and how listening deeply can create win-win outcomes for all parties involved The evolution of group meetings: How the distributed workforce has transformed meeting pa...2025-07-2327 min
Monomyth DiariesRe-release: Ep 12 - Nikki's Journey to Faith and HopeSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when the foundations you once trusted begin to shift?In this heartfelt first episode of Nikki’s story, we explore how faith and transformation often begin in the cracks of uncertainty.Though Nikki grew up in a loving home, the emotional weight of her mother’s battle with breast cancer and the quiet unraveling of her parents’ marriage left her feeling powerless and unanchored. In this vulnerable conversation, Nikki shares how those early experiences shaped her need for connection, stability, and some...2025-07-2229 minMonomyth DiariesRe-release: BONUS 7: Quick Questions, but Big Growth: Mandi & Karen Practice Monomyth Story StartersSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this lighthearted short episode, Mandi and Karen step into the hot seat to practice some Monomyth Story Starters—just like the ones they ask their guests. Recorded before they started interviewing others, this episode captures their journey of growth as podcasters. From experimenting with recording and editing to fine-tuning their production skills, this behind-the-scenes moment highlights the fun and learning that goes into creating The Monomyth Diaries.Join us to hear Karen and Mandi in a candid and playful conversation as they refine thei...2025-07-1506 minMonomyth DiariesRe-release: Ep 9 - Cyndi’s Impact Through Love, Faith, and Success (part 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What does life look like after the transformation? In the final chapter of Cyndi’s monomyth, we witness the power of purpose, love, and faith coming full circle.In this uplifting conclusion to her three-part journey, Cyndi shares the “boons and gifts” that emerged from her deepest trials—revealing how resilience, faith, and inner healing led her to a fulfilling marriage rooted in mutual respect and a career that uplifts others. Now a thriving entrepreneur and co-owner of The Cottages Coworking Space in Katy, Texas, Cyn...2025-07-0825 minMonomyth DiariesRe-release: Ep 8 - Cyndi’s Breakthrough and Growth (part 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What does it take to break free from the story you were told and step into the one you were meant to live?In this second episode of Cyndi’s transformative journey, we explore the mindset shift that changed everything. After years of living under cultural expectations that silenced her voice, Cyndi began to rewrite her life—this time on her own terms. She surrounded herself with a powerful circle of “people in process,” discovering strength in community, healing, and growth.At the center...2025-06-3045 minMonomyth DiariesRerelease: BONUS 8: Beyond the Mic: How Monomyth Diaries is Transforming UsSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this special episode, Karen and Mandi reflect on their journey through 2024, sharing how working on Monomyth Diaries has shaped them as individuals. From powerful moments of self-growth to the invaluable wisdom gained from their guests, they explore the lessons that have deepened their perspectives and transformed their lives.Join us as Karen and Mandi share their heartfelt reflections on growth, connection, and the impact of sharing and listening to real stories.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you st...2025-06-3019 minMonomyth DiariesRe-release: Ep 7 - Cyndi's Unseen Struggles (part 1)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when the beliefs you were raised with no longer serve the life you’re trying to build?In this powerful first episode of her three-part series, Cyndi shares her early life growing up in a traditional Vietnamese household, where cultural expectations demanded women remain silent and submissive. Through raw, heartfelt storytelling, she unpacks how those deeply rooted values shaped her identity, her relationships, and her sense of worth.Cyndi courageously explores the emotional toll of multiple failed marriages, losing her conn...2025-06-301h 02Monomyth DiariesRerelease: Ep 11 - Christina’s Gifts: Healing, Growth, and Inspiring a Community (part 2/2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!How do you rebuild when everything you love feels lost?In Christina’s second episode on The Monomyth Diaries, she opens up about the heartbreak that changed everything—the unimaginable grief of losing a child—and the quiet, courageous steps she took to begin again. With raw vulnerability and deep insight, Christina shares how that loss became the turning point that awakened her purpose, deepened her relationship with her son, and reshaped her future.What does healing look like when the pain...2025-06-1039 minMonomyth DiariesRerelease: Ep 10 - Christina: Young Motherhood, Facing Life’s Challenges and Heartbreak (part 1 of 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What does it take to grow up before you’re ready—and still find your way back to yourself?Christina shares her powerful journey from becoming a mother at just 14 to rebuilding a life grounded in resilience, love, and personal growth. As a young teen, she navigated motherhood, family conflict, poverty, and loss—all without finishing high school. But Christina’s story didn’t end in struggle.What happens when you’re forced to lead before you’ve even lived? And how do you h...2025-06-031h 00Monomyth DiariesBONUS 15: Al-Anon: Support for Families and FriendsSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!How do we begin to heal when someone else’s addiction has left our lives in chaos?In this bonus short, Karen and Mandi sit down for a heartfelt conversation about Al-Anon—a 12-step program for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Mandi opens up about her own experience discovering Al-Anon and how it quietly but profoundly transformed her monomyth.What is Al-Anon really about? What happens when we stop trying to fix others and start focusing on ourselves? And how...2025-05-2720 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 14: Vulnerability in Every Age: Reflections on Donnell & WestonSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!How do stories of resilience and reflection shift the way we see our own lives?In this bonus short, Mandi and Karen sit down to unpack the powerful ripple effects of Donnell and Weston’s journeys. One story offers a raw look at redemption and reclaiming your worth. The other reminds us that growth often shows up in the messiest, most unexpected moments.What are we still carrying from these conversations? What surprised us? What challenged us to think differently?2025-05-2011 minMonomyth DiariesEp 20 - Donnell’s Redemption: Your Story MattersSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when someone transforms their pain into purpose? In this episode, Donnell Mann reflects on the gifts and lessons he’s gained through his journey of redemption. From the man he was to the leader he’s become, Donnell shares how his experiences shaped him into a devoted husband, father, family member, friend, and pastor.But his transformation didn’t stop with him. Now, through Your Story Church, Donnell is creating a space where others can find healing, hope, and the courage...2025-05-1639 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 13: Reflections & Ripples: How Nikki and Sarah’s Stories Changed UsSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when you sit with someone else’s story long enough to let it change you?In this special bonus episode, Mandi and Karen revisit the unforgettable journeys of Nikki and Sarah—two women who faced life-altering pain and came out the other side with grit, grace, and purpose. Join us as we share the takeaways still echoing in our hearts, the moments that surprised us, and how these stories are shaping the way we show up in our own lives.So...2025-05-1308 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 12: Take What You Like: The Meaning Behind Our MottoSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this short, Karen and Mandi unpack the meaning behind “Take what you like and leave the rest.” It’s all about keeping an open mind, focusing on the good, and knowing that not everything will resonate with everyone—and that’s totally okay! No judgment, no pressure, just an invitation to listen, learn, and take away what speaks to you. Join us and see what sticks!Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!#HeroesJourney #EmbraceYourS...2025-05-0608 minMonomyth DiariesEp 19 - Donnell: From an 18-Year Sentence to Spiritual Awakening (part 2 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What does it take to truly change your life? In this episode, Donnell Mann shares his powerful journey from a life of violence and incarceration to one of faith, purpose, and redemption. Sentenced to 18 years in prison, Donnell faced the kind of rock bottom that forces a person to confront who they really are. But transformation doesn’t happen overnight. What were the moments that made him question everything? And how did he take his first steps toward change?If you’ve ever wondered whethe...2025-04-2249 minMonomyth DiariesEp 20 - Donnell’s Redemption: Your Story Matters (part 3 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!Donnell shares the gifts, lessons, and boons he’s gained through his transformation. He reflects on his role as a community leader, husband, father, and pastor. The episode highlights the foundation of his newest initiative, Your Story Church, and its impact on his life and his community.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!🎙✨*Donnell Mann is the co-founder and pastor of Your Story Church, a community built on the belief that every story matters. With deep...2025-04-2239 minMonomyth DiariesEp 18 - Donnell’s Chaos to Catalyst (part 1 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when a life shaped by hardship, violence, and incarceration takes an unexpected turn? In this episode, Donnell Mann takes us through his early years—growing up in a turbulent environment, navigating struggles with incarceration, and the moments that set him on a path toward transformation. Before redemption came the chaos, but a catalyst for change was waiting.Join us as Donnell shares the pivotal moments that led him to question everything and the spark that set him on the road to something grea...2025-04-1559 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 11: Monomyth at 30,000 Feet: Which Celebrity’s Monomyth Would We Choose?SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this short episode, Karen and Mandi answer a fun listener question: If you could sit next to any celebrity on a three-hour flight and hear their monomyth, who would it be? Tune in to find out who they’d choose and why—plus, start thinking about who you’d want in the seat next to you!We love hearing from you! Write in with your own questions, share insights, or tell us about your personal journey. Let’s build a community where stories inspire an...2025-04-0806 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 10: April Fools’ Bonus: Bloopers, Blunders & Belly Laughs!SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!Change is messy, growth is awkward, and recording a new closing for the podcast? Well… let’s just say it didn’t go smoothly! It’s just the raw, unfiltered chaos of Karen and Mandi attempting to record a new show closing. We take you behind the scenes of our many, MANY attempts to get it right. Join us for a good giggle, a reminder that no one’s perfect, and proof that mistakes are just part of the journey and laughing at yourself isn’t just fun...2025-04-0104 minMonomyth DiariesEp 17 - Sarah: Rebuilding and Thriving (part 3 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What does life look like after transformation? In this inspiring episode, Sarah reflects on the gifts and lessons she’s gained through her journey—from restoring relationships with her husband, sister, and daughter to discovering joy in new ventures.Her story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of personal growth. How did she rebuild trust? What unexpected blessings came from her transformation? Sarah’s journey reminds us that the work we do to heal can lead to a life richer than we ever...2025-03-2526 minMonomyth DiariesEp 16 - Sarah: From Chaos to Clarity (part 2 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!How do you rebuild when life falls apart? In this powerful episode, Sarah takes us through the trials and triumphs of her transformative journey—from navigating devastating personal losses to redefining her relationships and sense of self.Through raw honesty and deep reflection, Sarah shares how she found clarity in the midst of chaos. What steps did she take to heal? How did she rebuild a life filled with purpose and strength? Her resilience serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, tran...2025-03-1838 minMonomyth DiariesEp 15 - Sarah: A Home Built on Survival (part 1 of 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when survival becomes second nature? In this compelling episode, Sarah takes us back to her early years—growing up in a home marked by addiction, emotional instability, and the constant need to adapt. But even in the chaos, there were moments of unexpected protection, resilience, and strength that would later shape her path.Sarah’s story is one of raw honesty and quiet determination, revealing how our toughest beginnings don’t have to define our future. How did she find hope in the mids...2025-03-1136 minMonomyth DiariesEp 14 - Weston’s Wild AdventureSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!What happens when a well-planned camping trip takes an unexpected turn? In this special edition episode, Weston joins his mom, Mandi, for a candid and entertaining conversation about his outdoor adventure gone haywire. From facing unpredictable elements to realizing just how unprepared he really was, Weston shares the highs, the lows, and the moments that tested his problem-solving skills.But beyond the challenges, there were valuable lessons—about adaptability, resilience, and finding humor even when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re an outdo...2025-03-0429 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 9: KISMIF - Finding Freedom in SimplicitySEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!Life can be complicated, but what if we made it simple? In this special episode, Karen and Mandi explore the concept of KISMIF. They discuss how embracing and celebration simplicity can bring more joy, ease, and meaning to our daily lives. Whether it’s in relationships, work, or personal growth, KISMIF is a reminder to focus on what truly matters and find fun along the way.Join us as we celebrate the beauty of keeping life simple and making every moment count.2025-02-2506 minMonomyth DiariesEp 13 - Nikki's Boons, To Serve and InspireSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this compelling episode, Nikki reflects on the powerful gifts and lessons she has gained through her journey of self-discovery and faith. Nikki shares how embracing her story has allowed her to heal, grow, and positively impact her community. Her openness and insights remind us all of the transformative power of grace and perseverance.Tune in to hear Nikki’s inspiring perspective on how life’s challenges can lead to unexpected blessings.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream...2025-02-1818 minMonomyth DiariesEp 12 - Nikki's Journey to Faith and HopeSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this moving episode of Monomyth Diaries, Mandi and Karen sit down with Nikki as she reflects on her search for faith, hope, and connection. Despite growing up in a loving family, Nikki faced challenges that shaped her perspective on life. Her mother’s battle with breast cancer and changes within her parents’ marriage created a sense of instability during her youth and caused Nikki feelings of powerlessness. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound transformation that happens when w...2025-02-1128 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 8: Beyond the Mic: How Monomyth Diaries is Transforming UsSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this special episode, Karen and Mandi reflect on their journey through 2024, sharing how working on Monomyth Diaries has shaped them as individuals. From powerful moments of self-growth to the invaluable wisdom gained from their guests, they explore the lessons that have deepened their perspectives and transformed their lives.Join us as Karen and Mandi share their heartfelt reflections on growth, connection, and the impact of sharing and listening to real stories.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you st...2025-02-0418 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 7: Quick Questions, but Big Growth: Mandi & Karen Practice Monomyth Story StartersSEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this lighthearted short episode, Mandi and Karen step into the hot seat to practice some Monomyth Story Starters—just like the ones they ask their guests. Recorded before they started interviewing others, this episode captures their journey of growth as podcasters. From experimenting with recording and editing to fine-tuning their production skills, this behind-the-scenes moment highlights the fun and learning that goes into creating The Monomyth Diaries.Join us to hear Karen and Mandi in a candid and playful conversation as they refine thei...2025-01-2806 minMonomyth DiariesEp 11 - Christina’s Gifts: Healing, Growth, and Inspiring a Community (part 2/2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In Christina’s second episode on The Monomyth Diaries, she reveals how profound heartbreak and loss became the catalysts for her transformation. After experiencing unimaginable grief, Christina took courageous steps toward rebuilding her life and focusing on what truly matters—her purpose, her son, and her future. Join us to hear how Christina’s resilience and determination offer hope to those facing their own challenges. Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows!#herosjourney #embraceyou...2025-01-2138 minMonomyth DiariesEp 10 - Christina’s Journey: Young Motherhood and Facing Life’s Challenges and Heartbreak (part 1 of 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this powerful first episode with Christina, we journey through her remarkable story of maturation and transformation. Pregnant at 13 and a mother by 14, Christina faced extraordinary challenges as a teen mom, including raising her son, Junior, while navigating life without a high school education. Despite the odds, her determination and strength led to profound personal growth.Christina opens up about the hardships of young motherhood, the grief of losing a child to SIDS, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. With raw honesty an...2025-01-0759 minMonomyth DiariesBONUS 6: Adapting Traditions: Embracing Change for a Growing FamilySEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this heartwarming holiday episode of Monomyth Diaries, Mandi and Karen respond to a listener’s letter about evolving family traditions. The listener shares how their growing family faced challenges in adapting old traditions to fit new dynamics. Through patience, creativity, and love, they created a fresh and meaningful holiday tradition that brings their large family together every year. Mandi and Karen reflect on the beauty of change, the importance of flexibility, and how traditions can evolve to strengthen connections. Perfect for anyone navigating the holidays with...2024-12-1706 minMonomyth DiariesEp 9 - Cyndi’s Impact Through Love, Faith, and Success (part 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In the uplifting finale of her monomyth, Cyndi reveals the incredible boons and gifts she’s gained through her journey of resilience and faith. This episode captures the fulfillment she’s found in both marriage and career, showing how her path led to a love built on strength and equality and a career that allows her to uplift others.Now a successful entrepreneur and co-owner of The Cottages Coworking Space in Katy, Texas, Cyndi is driven to empower other women in her community. Through mentor...2024-12-0325 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 8 - Cyndi’s Breakthrough and Growth (part 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In Episode 8 of Monomyth Diaries, Cyndi opens up about the “mindset shift” that changed everything—transforming her self-worth and independence. Breaking free from cultural norms, she courageously redefined her life, surrounding herself with “people in process” who supported her journey at every step.At the heart of her transformation was her faith. In a moment of complete surrender, Cyndi found strength in the God of her understanding, grounding herself in a belief that fueled her growth.Today, Cyndi thrives as an entrepreneur and co-owner...2024-11-1944 minMonomyth DiariesEp 7 - Cyndi's Unseen Struggles (part 1)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In this powerful first episode, Cyndi shares her early life story, growing up in a traditional Vietnamese household where cultural norms positioned men as superior and expected women to endure without question. She courageously recounts the deep-seated struggles she faced, confronting the duality of these cultural values and the effects it had on her life. In this raw conversation, Cyndi reveals the pain of multiple failed marriages, a break from her faith, and the complete despair that eventually pushed her to a breaking point. Thr...2024-11-051h 01
Monomyth DiariesEp 6 - Karen Believes Love is the Way (part 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In the thrilling conclusion to Karen’s journey, we explore the powerful boons she’s received and the incredible impact she’s had on her community. Karen reveals how her transformation—rooted in love, resilience, and openness—has empowered her to foster deeper relationships and spark change in those around her. Through embracing diversity and approaching challenges with love, she’s become a force of positivity, inspiring others to see the world through a lens of compassion and growth. Don’t miss this inspiring finale that will leave you r...2024-10-1533 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 5 - Karen's Learning to Embrace Adversity with Love (part 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!Get ready to be inspired by Karen’s powerful journey of healing, hope, and transformation!In this episode, Karen opens up about overcoming adversity and embracing her unique identity with love and acceptance. She reflects on the importance of her trip to Hong Kong and also shares the significant role that meeting people from diverse backgrounds played in her journey toward self-acceptance and understanding others. By embracing God’s love and extending that love to those around her, Karen transformed her struggles into strengths. 2024-10-0118 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 4 - Karen's struggle for acceptance (from herself and others) (part 1)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In the fourth episode of Monomyth Diaries, Karen takes us on an emotional and inspiring journey through her childhood and teenage years, sharing the challenges she faced growing up as the only person of color in her school. Karen opens up about the pain of being teased for her clothes, language, facial features, and food—experiences that left her struggling with a sense of duality, battling calls to reject her Chinese heritage in favor of acceptance.As she moves into high school and college, Kare...2024-09-1729 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 3 - Mandi's Christmas Disaster to Christmas Miracle (part 3)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In the final episode of Mandi’s monomyth, Karen and Mandi discuss the profound “boons” of Mandi’s transformative journey. They explore the invaluable tools she learned from Al-Anon, the power of living with integrity, and the immense blessings that have come into her life—like her wonderful husband and son. Mandi also shares the impact her personal growth has had on her community and how giving back has become an essential part of her life. This episode is a celebration of the gifts that come from facing...2024-09-0349 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 2 - Mandi's Christmas Disaster (part 2)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!In the second episode of the Monomyth Diaries, Mandi shares her transformative journey of recovery and self-discovery. After discussing her ordinary life in the first episode, Mandi now takes us through her experiences in Al-Anon, a program for those affected by someone else’s alcoholism. Mandi shares her first encounter with unconditional love from her sponsor and her initial steps towards honesty, humility, and self-improvement. She discusses how she began to self-reflect, own her behavior, learn about the kind of person she wanted to be, a...2024-08-2032 min
Monomyth DiariesEp 1 - Mandi's Ordinary World & Threshold (part 1)SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!Welcome to the first episode of Monomyth Diaries, where we dive into the powerful and inspiring stories of personal growth, resilience, and transformation. In this premiere episode, Mandi opens up about her ordinary life and the challenges she faced growing up in an environment affected by alcoholism. She candidly shares how these early experiences shaped her life choices and led to a tumultuous relationship with her first husband.Listen as Mandi recounts the painful loss of her mother and the pivotal moment that led he...2024-08-0622 min