This is the transcript of the youtube podcast SPECIAL EPISODE - NotebookLM Podcast: Special AI Book Review of Dancing Through The Storms of Life . This video was published on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@homeworkparenting

Transcript Starts Here:

Hey there! My name is George, and I am The Home Work Dad. This is a special edition of The Home Work Community podcast. Our official launch for this podcast is planned for January of 2025, but today I'm excited to bring you this special episode. In this episode, I have utilized Google's Notebook LM to create a one-of-a-kind AI-hosted review of my book Dancing Through the Storms of Life. Also, this fun episode is a chance for you to get to know more about me, my wife Jodell, and our journey over these past 30 years.

If you'd like to get a free copy of my book, just use the QR code on the screen or the link in the show notes. I've also put a link in the notes to my website and The Home Work Dad's YouTube channel. Now, grab a drink and prepare to laugh as we dive in!

[Music]

Oh, all right! Buckle up, everyone, because today we're diving headfirst into the world of The Home Work Dad, George Benson. Oh yeah, this is going to be good! We've got his podcast launch coming in January. He's the author of Dancing Through the Storms of Life, which is positioned as kind of an introduction to his philosophy. But what I find particularly noteworthy is that it's offered completely free. Free? Yeah, really!

He's been a work-from-home dad for over 30 years, and the founder of Alderpen Media, which is a company dedicated to helping families like yours not just survive but actually thrive. And you know what's interesting about George is he's not like your typical business guru. He's a husband, a father, and an Intuitive Empath.

Okay, so before we go any further, we have to unpack that a bit. Intuitive Empath—it sounds fascinating and all, but what does that actually mean? Well, in a nutshell, it means George experiences the world with this extra layer of sensitivity. Imagine feeling other people's emotions as intensely as your own—wow! Picking up on energies, having those gut feelings that turn out to be incredibly accurate—like a sixth sense almost. It brings a really unique depth to his work with families.

I mean, he's been married for over 30 years, raised a family, and has run multiple home-based businesses—all while navigating some incredible challenges. This is way more than just your average business bio. Ready to dive in? Absolutely! It's amazing what you can uncover in these personal stories, and you're right, this one's about so much more than just business. Reading it felt like they'd invited me over for coffee—just a chat, you know? No jargon, just real talk.

He doesn’t shy away from the hard questions either. He's got that whole section in his book called "Beliefs That Matter." For those who want to go deeper, he's saying, "Hey, if this resonates with you, come on in, let's explore this together. But if not, that's cool too. There's still plenty to learn here."

Exactly. Okay, so before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's introduce these amazing people behind it all—George and Jodell Benson. This couple, man, they've seen it all—the good, the bad, even what they jokingly call a "cosmic vendetta" against their cars. I read about that—hilarious! And you know, that ability to find humor even when things are rough is super inspiring.

Like that story about George's proposal. Wait, you mean when Jodell accidentally calls him Jeff? That's the one! Could have been a total disaster, but they turned it into this hilarious story. I think that says a lot about how they approach, well, everything. It's those little details that make them so relatable—you read that and think, "Okay, these are my kind of people."

But it's not all sunshine and roses, right? They've also had to deal with some really, really tough stuff. Absolutely. They don't shy away from it in the book either. They talk openly about the loss of their child, Bobby-Jo. Losing a child—I can't even imagine. It's a powerful part of the book, for sure. It really makes you think. Life can throw some serious curveballs, no matter how put together you are.

And let me tell you, the stories we're about to unpack reveal how storms—real-life challenges—shaped his journey in ways he probably never could have imagined. It's kind of wild how a simple prayer for patience—I mean, that's something we can all relate to, right? Totally. But for him, it unfolds into this whole life story filled with these profound twists and turns. It's really something.

Yeah, and right off the bat, George's life was anything but ordinary. Seriously. But it all kind of circles back to this idea of a prayer for patience that he made when he was just a kid. That's where things get really interesting because it makes you wonder—what were the seeds planted early on that put him on this particular path?

So, to really understand George, we need to start back at the beginning. All right, so picture this—you’re expecting a Christmas baby, right? All the cozy vibes, holidays, presents, the most wonderful time of the year. Exactly. But then—plot twist! Little George Benson decides to make his grand entrance on Halloween, almost two months early. Wow, talk about an entrance!

That's certainly one way to shake things up! You think that's something? Wait till you hear this—the family was absolutely convinced they were having a girl. I mean, convinced. Oh no, really? So I'm guessing little George's arrival threw them for a loop. You could say that! The story goes that his sister actually told their mom to take him back because, well, he wasn't the little sister she was promised. Oh, that's hilarious! Kids are the best.

But it sounds like they were a pretty big family to begin with. Oh yeah, we’re talking a full house—nine kids total. Mid-coast Maine, big family, lots of love, and even more going on if you can believe it. Nine kids?! I can only imagine the energy in that household. I bet it was something else!

One thing that really stands out about George's parents is their incredible work ethic. These weren't folks who just sat around. They ran restaurants, an oil burner service, and even dabbled in auctioneering. Talk about hustle! Wow, they were really going for it. That’s impressive. It definitely sounds like they had that entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for opportunities.

Totally. They saw potential everywhere and weren't afraid to go after it. I think that kind of go-getter attitude really rubbed off on George. Growing up surrounded by that kind of energy just becomes part of your DNA. Absolutely—like it's ingrained in you. You see your parents building something from nothing, and it plants this seed, this belief that you can do it too.

Exactly. And it's not just about business. It's that resilience, that determination to make things happen no matter what life throws your way. But sadly, as we know, life doesn't always hand out easy lessons. For George's family, things took a very dark turn when he was just a toddler. This is where we start to see how profoundly external events can impact even the youngest minds, even if they don't fully grasp what's happening.

In 1973, George's father, who was a constable at the time, became the target of not one but two absolutely terrifying attacks. It’s the stuff of nightmares. First, an attempted robbery, an ambush—strangled and left for dead. Then, just weeks later, abducted from his own home, beaten, and tied to a tree. The level of violence—the trauma—it's unimaginable what the family went through. It’s hard to even fathom the fear and uncertainty they must have felt.

That kind of experience leaves an undeniable mark—not just on the individual but on the entire family unit. It makes you wonder how an experience like that, even without direct memories, might shape a young child's sense of safety, their understanding of the world. Absolutely. Trauma like that has a way of rippling outward, impacting everything and everyone it touches.

And while George himself wouldn’t have conscious memories of these events, the aftershocks—the changes within his family, the heightened sense of fear—those things seep into your world, even if you're too young to articulate it. It's like this invisible weight that everyone carries—a constant reminder that the world can be a scary, unpredictable place.

You know, it’s interesting because you might think going through something like that would cause someone to retreat, to kind of shut down. But with George, it seems like it might have had the opposite effect. It's around 1974-75 that we start to see these glimpses of something really unusual emerging—something that would become a defining part of who he is: his empathic abilities. Like this terrifying experience sort of flipped a switch, awakened something within him.

That's a really interesting way to put it—almost like his senses were heightened as a way to try and make sense of, you know, navigate a world that suddenly felt very unstable and dangerous. Can you imagine what it must have been like for him, suddenly feeling all these emotions that weren’t even his own? It's hard to even grasp.

He talks about it later—describes it as this overwhelming feeling, this energy surrounding people. To experience the full spectrum of human emotions—joy, sadness, fear—all of it as if they were your own. It's profound, especially for a young child. You make a good point. As adults, we have a framework for understanding emotions, for processing them. But as a child, that kind of sensitivity must have been really, really intense.

Exactly. It’s like being tuned to every frequency on the radio all at once. And we see that in our research—how he's described as being incredibly sensitive to the emotions of those around him, almost like he couldn’t turn it off. That makes sense, but it also sounds incredibly draining. How do you even function in the world when you're that tuned into everyone else’s energy?

Right. Empathy has two sides. It’s this amazing gift—this ability to connect and understand on such a deep level—but it can also be a huge burden to carry, especially when the world around you is already full of such intense emotions. And it makes you wonder—did that sensitivity amplify everything he was already going through as a result of his father's attacks? It's something we have to consider. It definitely adds another layer of complexity to an already incredibly challenging situation.

And unfortunately, it wasn't the only challenge George faced during those years. That’s right—life rarely gives us a break, does it? No kidding. But in all seriousness, our sources do mention some painful experiences from his childhood—things that he's chosen not to talk about publicly. And out of respect for George’s privacy, we're not going to pry into those details.

Absolutely. Everyone has their own story to tell, their own journey. And sometimes those stories contain chapters that we choose to keep private—and that's okay. It’s more than okay. But you know, it’s a good reminder that everyone carries hidden chapters—experiences that shape them, even if those experiences aren’t always easy to talk about.

Couldn't agree more. We all have our own unique set of experiences that shape who we become, and it seems like those really early experiences combined with this kind of developing empathic ability really shaped his outlook on the world. Yeah, for sure.

What about that Sunday school trust fall incident? Oh man, okay, so picture this—young George, maybe seven or eight years old, at Sunday school. They’re doing that classic trust fall exercise, you know, where you fall back and hope your classmates catch you—a true test of faith, both in your classmates and, well, gravity. Exactly! So everyone’s taking their turn—falling back, getting caught, no problem. Then it’s George’s turn. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, leans back, and—totally eats it, lands right on the floor.

Oh no, poor George! I can only imagine how that must have felt. I know! You’d think they would have at least put some cushions down, right? You’d hope so. Kids are resilient though, so hopefully, he bounced right back. Oh, he did. In fact, to this day, George tells that story with a chuckle. Small moment in the grand scheme of things, but it speaks volumes, don’t you think? Oh, that scene had me cringing. It’s like this perfect example of his life—taking a leap of faith and bam, flat on his back. Yeah, but you also see that resilience shining through even after that betrayal of trust—he keeps going, keeps exploring his faith. But, you know, I can't help but think about the symbolism there—this idea of vulnerability, of trust, and in this case, that trust being a little misplaced. And that's what's so interesting about his relationship with faith. It’s not just blind acceptance. It’s a conversation, sometimes even a struggle. You can feel him wrestling with doubt and uncertainty, especially with his empathic abilities on top of it all.

And not just your everyday "I feel your pain" kind of empathy—this was something else entirely. It was like he was tuned into a frequency that most of us can't even access, picking up on emotions, feelings, even premonitions. Like that story about the woman who had a miscarriage—he just knew, didn’t he? No one had to tell him, he just sensed it, and it freaked his own mother out. Now imagine navigating the world like that, constantly bombarded by feelings that aren't even yours. No wonder George felt different.

Which, by the way, is such a fascinating and complicated part of his story—imagine being bombarded by other people's emotions from such a young age and not even fully understanding what’s happening. It's like having an internal radio that's always on, tuned to a channel you can't change. Oh wow, yeah. And when he talks about how lonely it was to not understand what was happening to him, you really feel that isolation.

Totally. He even says he wished he had a mute button for other people's emotions. I can definitely relate to that, right? Makes you wonder how he handled social situations, especially since he found them so overwhelming. Remember, he mentions only meeting one other person during high school who he thought might be an empath too, which makes you wonder how many other people out there have these abilities but have no idea what they are. It’s a question that really makes you think.

Yeah, but going back to George, we’d be remiss not to talk about the rules that George’s parents enforced—no sleepovers, home before dark. On the surface, it sounds, well, a little strict. But you have to remember the context—this is a family that had been through a very traumatic experience. So those rules—they weren’t just about being strict, they were about creating a sense of safety, a sense of control in a world that had recently felt very out of control.

It really makes you see those rules in a whole new light—not so much about being restrictive but more about providing a sense of security, a haven from a world that had recently shown its dark side. Exactly. When you frame it within the context of what they'd experienced as a family, it makes perfect sense. It’s about creating a sense of predictability, of stability, when everything around you feels shaky. It’s like building a fortress around your loved ones, doing everything you can to protect them from further harm, even if it means setting some firm boundaries.

And sometimes those boundaries, as much as they might feel limiting in the moment, can also be incredibly grounding—they give you this solid foundation to build upon. Which is exactly what George did, right? I mean, even with those limitations, he found ways to explore, to feed that curiosity, especially when it came to technology. I mean, while his friends were out there trading baseball cards, George was working out deals to get extra time on the school computer.

How about that? It's incredible, isn’t it? It’s like he was already hardwired for this path, even back then. It wasn’t just a passing interest or a fad. It was this deep-seated drive to understand how things work, to push boundaries. Totally. This wasn't just kids playing video games after school. This was different.

Oh, absolutely. You can just tell—it was like he saw something more in those lines of code, something that really spoke to him, something that maybe even offered a sense of control in a world that often felt chaotic. I've never thought about it like that, but it makes total sense. And, you know, it’s fascinating because even his summer job working those antique fairs—it might seem totally unrelated to technology, but it actually speaks to that same drive, that same resourcefulness that would later define his career.

Oh, I totally see where you're going with this. It's like he was developing this unique set of skills without even realizing it—skills that would serve him well in the tech world. Yeah, the ability to spot potential, to negotiate, to see the big picture. And let’s not forget the resilience he learned growing up with a large family, the work ethic he absorbed from his parents. All of that combined with the challenges he faced created this incredibly strong foundation for him to build upon.

It really makes you realize that there's no single ingredient, no one-size-fits-all recipe for success, is there? Not at all. It’s the combination of all those experiences—the good, the bad, the unexpected. And yet, amidst all of that, there’s this interesting pattern that emerges, almost like he's drawn to anything that offers a sense of control, of order.

Really? How so? Well, remember how he practically begged to be sent to the principal’s office? Wait, what? Who begs to be sent to the principal’s office? I know, right? But it turns out the school’s only computer was in there, and George was obsessed with technology even back then. He’d spend hours in the principal’s office teaching himself basic programming.

Wow, so even as a kid, he was finding ways to channel his energy, to immerse himself in something that fascinated him and provided a sense of order amidst all the chaos. Exactly. It’s like those early experiences in the principal's office were laying the groundwork for his future career in IT. You think? The book mentions how he even made a deal to get computer time at school. Oh yeah, he negotiated with the janitors to help them out in exchange for some extra time on the computer. Talk about knowing what you want and going for it.

But it wasn't just about his career path, you know? His faith, which was a huge part of his upbringing, also played a major role in his life. But his path to college was anything but normal. That story about the magazine ad—it’s like something you’d see in a movie. He’s flipping through a magazine, sees a picture of horses in a pasture—totally ordinary, right? Yeah, sounds normal. But he gets this overwhelming sense of purpose, like he’s supposed to be at Asbury. It’s like he's being called there. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

It really makes you think about those moments in life when you just know, right? Like something deep inside you is saying, "This is it. This is where you need to be." Exactly. And it's at Asbury that he meets someone who becomes like a cornerstone in his life—Craig. Okay, and get this—they're both from the same small town in Maine. No way. And they’d never met before? Wow, talk about meant to be. What are the chances? You become roommates, best friends, practically inseparable.

That's awesome. But let’s not forget, we’re talking about college life for an empath here. Oh yeah, that's got to be a lot. He describes it, get this, as juggling ten fireballs blindfolded—trying to navigate the whole social scene while constantly processing everyone else's emotions. Yeah, that sounds incredibly overwhelming. It makes you realize how exhausting it must have been for him just to get through an average day.

For sure. And yet he dives headfirst into college life—this tight-knit group of friends they called TM3. It's like he found his people, you know? That support system that’s so crucial. Absolutely, that sense of belonging. But Asbury—it was just the first chapter. Oh, there's so much more to come. His faith, his understanding of his abilities—it’s all about to be tested in ways he could never have imagined.

Yeah, and all those abilities—they start to feel like, you know, less like a gift and more like a burden. Yeah, he feels totally overwhelmed by it all, right? He goes through this intense period of doubt and questioning—like a full-blown crisis of faith. Yeah, and it all leads to this pivotal moment on some train tracks. You know, it's like they say—doubt is often the doorway to deeper faith. And for George, those train tracks—that became his doorway.

All right, all right, you’ve got to give us the full story. What was it about those train tracks? So picture this—George is at Asbury College, right? This deeply religious community. Everyone around him seemingly has their faith figured out, but he’s wrestling with these huge existential questions—childhood traumas, those intuitive abilities we talked about—trying to make sense of it all through the lens of his faith. And it's causing a major internal conflict—all those unresolved emotions, all those unanswered prayers bubbling to the surface.

You know, exactly. And it all comes to a head one day when he finds himself standing on those train tracks, totally overwhelmed by a sense of frustration, of disillusionment—like he's challenging God, almost daring the universe to prove that any of this faith stuff is real. Wow, can you imagine the emotional intensity of that moment? Oh, absolutely. It's this raw, vulnerable cry for a sign, you know, for something to hold on to.

So what happened? Did he get a sign? Well, that’s when things get really interesting. As he’s standing there, completely engulfed in this internal struggle, a microburst storm hits out of nowhere. It’s this sudden, powerful downdraft of wind—think like a mini hurricane, incredibly localized. Wind whipping around him, soaked to the bone. But it wasn’t just rain—it was like a force was responding to him, you know?

Wow. And it just so happens to hit at the exact moment George is challenging the heavens? Oh, hold on—are you serious? That's some crazy timing, right? Almost too crazy to be a coincidence. And you can't deny the symbolism of it all, right? It's like the universe was listening and decided to stage a dramatic intervention. Right. He describes feeling the full force of the wind and rain, and he just starts laughing.

What? Yeah, right there in the middle of this crazy storm, he’s hit with this wave of laughter. I mean, I guess when you put it like that, it’s like the sheer improbability of it all just kind of broke through the tension. I can see that. Yeah, and in that moment, all his despair transforms into something else—something almost like awe.

That's powerful. You know, sometimes these intense experiences can really shift your perspective. It’s like the storm washed away the doubt, the anger. He describes it as this incredible sense of peace just washing over him—this renewed faith, not based on logic or reason but on pure, visceral experience.

That's really powerful. It’s like that storm was a baptism, a cleansing experience that allowed him to approach his faith with a new perspective. Exactly. And this newfound clarity—to this day, the sound of thunder has this whole other meaning for George. It’s a reminder of that doubt and the incredible way it was answered. Something out of a movie, it really is.

And whether you interpret it as divine intervention, or just like a force of nature, or even just a crazy coincidence—there's no denying the impact of an experience like that. It can literally solidify or shatter your whole belief system. Talk about a moment of reckoning, right? Makes you wonder how anyone could walk away from something like that unchanged. Absolutely.

And that’s actually what we see with George. You know, he goes on to attend another Bible college, this time in Canada with Craig. But it’s not exactly smooth sailing from there. Definitely not a case of "same storm, different day," huh? Not at all. They hit this major roadblock right out of the gate. What was it?

Turns out they weren’t actually eligible for the jobs they were promised because they were American citizens. Oh, so they could have easily just packed up, gone home, felt sorry for themselves. Yeah, oh I would have been like booking that flight back so fast, right? But they didn’t. They chose resilience instead. They decided to stick it out and trust that things happen for a reason, and boy, did they ever. That's where George's empathy kind of takes this really powerful turn.

He’s walking through the city with some friends, and he gets this overwhelming urge to go in a specific direction.

What do you mean? Like he felt drawn to this other street or something?

Yeah, exactly. No logical reason—just this powerful feeling that he needs to go that way.

No, that's kind of spooky, right? So they turn a corner, and suddenly they stumble upon this scene. It’s like something straight out of a movie, you know?

Okay, now I'm really curious.

There’s this man, badly injured, bleeding heavily from a stab wound.

Oh my gosh, that's awful.

And here's the thing—he doesn’t just see this injured stranger; he feels it. He feels the man's fear, his despair, everything.

Wow, that's intense.

I know, right? It’s like he stepped into this well of empathy, and it allowed him to connect with this stranger on a level most of us can't even imagine. And that connection gave him the strength to act.

Totally. Yeah, he kneels down next to this guy who's clinging to life and tells him, "I've been where you are. I know what it feels like to want to give up, but you're worth saving. God has a plan for you."

Wow, those words, coming from this guy in that moment…

I know, right? They must have been like a lifeline. And the amazing thing is—they worked. The man, who was like moments away from giving up, clings to those words, to the hope they offered.

Exactly. It’s like a testament to the power of human connection, you know?

Totally—empathy and compassion offering solace in the darkest of times. His friends called for help, and they stayed with the man until the ambulance arrived. It could have ended so differently.

Yeah, but because of him, because of his willingness to be present, this man got a second chance. It really makes you think. And for George, it was a turning point.

Absolutely. Sometimes it just takes that one person to see us, to really hear us, to make all the difference—someone to remind you that you’re not alone. That encounter left a huge impact on George. But his time in Canada was coming to a close. He decided to head to Alaska, be closer to his sister, maybe find some peace in all that wilderness.

You’d think Alaska would be the perfect spot for an empath to find some quiet, wouldn't you? Open spaces, fresh air, not a lot of people to overwhelm the senses. Alaska definitely fits that bill—vast, untamed. It takes a certain kind of person to thrive in that environment, right? You’re not going there for the bustling social scene. You’ve got to be okay with your own company when you’re surrounded by that much wilderness.

But here's the thing—even in the Alaskan wilderness, George's empathic abilities didn’t take a break. In fact, that’s where those abilities were really put to the test.

Give us the details.

So we're talking about a man who's already had his fair share of extraordinary experiences, right? But what happens in Alaska really takes the cake. There’s this woman he knows, and her daughter has run away.

Oh no, that's every parent's worst nightmare.

And we're not talking about some small town—this is Alaska. Yeah, finding this girl is like… well, it's like trying to find a snowflake in a blizzard. Impossible, practically.

Exactly. But he feels this overwhelming urge to help, even though he has no idea where to start.

So what does he do?

He just starts driving—with no plan. He’s got this vague sense of direction, like he’s following these whispers.

Whispers? Like he’s hearing things?

Not exactly. It's more like these intuitive nudges telling him to turn left here, go straight there.

Okay, that’s kind of wild.

And get this—those whispers lead him to a grocery store.

A grocery store? I’m starting to see why you said this one defies logic.

I know, right? So he’s in the parking lot, thinking, "Okay, now what?" And that’s when he gets another nudge.

Another one?

This time, he’s supposed to go inside and find the meat counter.

The meat counter?

Yep, the meat counter. So he goes inside, finds the meat counter, and gets hit with another prompt. He’s supposed to ask for someone named David.

This is getting weirder by the minute.

You’re telling me. The key to finding this missing girl is at the meat counter?

I know, it sounds crazy, right? But here's where it gets really unbelievable. The guy behind the counter doesn’t even hesitate. He’s like, "Hold on, I’ll get him." David comes out, they chat for a bit, and guess what?

What? Don’t keep me in suspense!

It turns out the runaway girl—she’d been at David's house earlier that day.

Get out! Are you serious?

Totally. It’s like all these seemingly random events—the mother's desperation, George's willingness to help, the grocery store, David—they were all connected somehow, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

And the crazy thing is, this kind of stuff happens more often than we realize. It’s like there's this whole unseen order to things.

It makes you think twice about those gut feelings, those random intuitions we get, doesn’t it?

It really does. So what started as a story about this man with this incredible ability to feel what others are feeling has become this deep dive into empathy, faith, and how connected we all really are. It’s a good reminder that sometimes our greatest struggles can lead us to our greatest purpose.

Exactly. Makes you think about those times we ignore those little nudges, doesn’t it?

It really does. What if they’re trying to tell us something? Guide us towards something or someone who needs it?

This Alaska experience—it was big for George. It solidified that these abilities weren’t just some weird thing but a gift, a way to truly connect and help in unexpected ways.

So he’s embracing it now?

He is. And armed with this newfound understanding, he decides to head back to Maine. It’s 1992 when George moves back, hoping for a fresh start and lands a job at—you guessed it—the new Walmart.

Okay, hold up. Working at Walmart for a fresh start? That’s a new one.

Hey, a job's a job, right? But this wasn’t just about punching a clock. This was about rebuilding a life. And boy, did he ever—enter Jodell, a new management trainee.

Oooh, sparks in the cleaning aisle! I’m listening.

But here’s the thing, and this is where it gets interesting—remember, early '90s Walmart. They had, shall we say, strict policies about…

Don’t leave me hanging.

Employees dating, especially managers and, well, associates.

Wait, you’re telling me he had to get permission to ask her out?

Seriously. Oh, it’s true. George actually went to the store manager, hat in hand, to get the green light to date Jodell. Can you imagine the pressure?

Talk about an awkward first date story waiting to happen. Asking someone out is scary enough, but having to clear it with the boss first? That’s next level.

Right? And you know what makes it even better? Jodell already knew George was going to ask her out.

No way! Did the manager spill the beans?

Small town life—everyone knows everyone’s business.

So much for a surprise. But even with a spoiler alert, that first date in June of '93—I bet it was still nerve-wracking.

Oh, absolutely. But you can tell, right from the start, that something special was brewing between them. And George’s coworker, Jennifer…

Oh, Jennifer, the workplace matchmaker.

Exactly. She made it her personal mission to find out if they kissed on their dates.

No way! She sounds hilarious.

Well, she was a riot. Every time George came back from a date with Jodell, Jennifer would pounce—"So, did you kiss her yet?"

You’ve got it. That became the running joke.

I love it. So, did they spill the tea?

Well, date one—no kiss. Date two—still no kiss. By date three, even Jennifer was getting impatient.

The suspense is killing me!

But date four… let’s just say George came back to work with a smile that said it all.

A smile that said a thousand words.

Exactly. Things were really heating up for George and Jodell, but their love story took a serious turn pretty quickly—a sharp left turn. In November of '93, George was in a really bad car accident, and he was left with a traumatic brain injury.

This wasn’t just a fender bender; this was life-changing. You can’t just walk away from something like that.

Exactly. And it really makes you wonder—how do you even begin to navigate something so serious so early in a relationship? Talk about a test. I mean, talk about a make-or-break moment. Most people would run for the hills.

It's true. It would have been easy to walk away, right? Who needs that kind of stress? But Jodell—she’s cut from a different cloth. She saw something special in him.

She did. Even after the accident, the trauma, she stayed by his side.

Wow. That’s real.

Her support during his recovery really solidified their bond. It’s one thing to say "in sickness and in health," it’s a whole other thing to actually live it, especially so early in a relationship. And it was during this time, while he was recovering, that George realized just how much Jodell meant to him. To up the romance, he decides to propose.

But knowing George, he doesn’t just want a simple proposal.

It’s Christmas time, okay, so we’re talking mistletoe and marriage proposals—I’m here for it. Tell me he went all out.

Oh, he did. Picture this—he gets Jodell a series of boxes.

Okay, I’m intrigued.

Each one smaller than the last, you know, like those Russian dolls.

Oh, I love those!

And in each box, a heartfelt note. Each one expresses his love, his gratitude for her.

Stop, I’m going to cry—that is so sweet.

And finally, she gets to the tiniest box.

Yeah?

And inside—the ring, along with the big question: "Will you marry me?"

Okay, I need a minute. So she obviously said yes, right?

Of course! But because it’s George and Jodell, things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

Wait, there’s more? Come on, spill it.

So they’re celebrating, right, and his parents walk in.

Uh-oh, awkward timing.

Total awkward timing. And Jodell, in all the excitement, accidentally calls George "Jeff."

Jeff?! She called him Jeff? Oh no, right in front of his parents?

I would have died—wish the ground would just open up and swallow me whole. And what makes it even funnier is that "Jeff" happens to be one of the two names she can’t stand.

Oh, Jodell. And the other name?

George!

You’ve got to be kidding me. That’s hilarious. Talk about a proposal story they’ll never live down.

It became an inside joke—a memory to laugh about for years to come.

Yeah, and you know, that's what makes their story so great—it’s real. You know, it’s not all perfect.

Exactly. Life's messy. It’s those imperfections, those unscripted moments, that make it relatable.

Exactly. So, they're starting this new chapter—husband and wife, living in a mobile home. They adopt two cats, Shadow and Cola.

Ah, cat people. I knew I liked them.

Right? And just as things are settling down, George takes a leap of faith.

Okay, what kind of leap are we talking?

He quits his job.

What? No more Walmart?

No more Walmart. He decides to start his own computer repair business.

Wow, that's a bold move.

Yeah, especially without consulting, you know, his partner first. Apparently, she backs his play—that’s love right there. And business is booming. He’s working around the clock, driving all over Maine, fixing computers, making a name for himself. They realize they need a dedicated space for the business—it’s time to upgrade from the mobile home.

So, in 1997, they decide to buy this amazing three-story property.

Ooh, fancy! Big dreams, right?

They get the permits; they’re all set to renovate, and then…

Uh-oh, I don’t like that. And then what happened?

Their neighbor throws a wrench in the works—hires a lawyer, tries to block the entire renovation project.

Wait, seriously? Over renovations? What was he building, the Taj Mahal?

Right?! They had this grand vision of renovating it, living upstairs, and running the business from the lower floors. And George and Jodell—they’re ready to fight back. Lawyers, the whole nine yards.

But then reality sets in. Legal battles are expensive and exhausting. They realize this fight could drain them financially and emotionally.

Sometimes you just have to choose your battles.

Exactly. They scale back their plans, decide peace of mind is more important than a three-story dream home.

Mature. I love that. And you know what George does? Instead of getting bitter, he joins the town zoning board of appeals.

No way! Talk about turning a negative into a positive. He wanted to make sure other families wouldn’t have to go through the same ordeal. What a stand-up guy. They seem to take everything in stride, but something tells me their story doesn't end there—especially with George becoming a father for the first time.

And that's actually when we first hear about George's experience with Couvade syndrome.

Like feeling the physical symptoms of pregnancy right alongside your partner, right? I mean, that is next-level empathy.

It really is. What is the science behind that even?

So, Couvade syndrome is actually more common than people think.

Oh, really?

It often gets kind of dismissed as psychosomatic, but there’s growing evidence that points to hormonal shifts in expectant fathers that actually mirror what their partners are experiencing.

Wow, so it’s like a biological embodiment of that deep emotional connection?

Exactly. It’s not just in their head; there are actual physiological changes happening.

Yeah, that’s wild. And it seemed to go beyond even the physical symptoms—he was wrestling with anxieties about being good enough: a good husband, a good father, a successful businessman, all at the same time.

It’s interesting you mention the pressure to be good enough. I think it speaks to this broader cultural conversation we have about masculinity and fatherhood. On the one hand, there’s this societal expectation for men to be providers, protectors, you know, the strong, silent type.

Yeah, but then fatherhood requires a different kind of strength—vulnerability, emotional intelligence, the ability to nurture. It’s a very delicate balance.

Definitely not your stereotypical dad roles from decades past. And navigating this while running your own business just adds a whole other layer of complexity to everything.

It’s a lot, right? They were constantly juggling these external stressors while also navigating the complexities of George’s inner world. And let’s be real—that inner world was a roller coaster ride in itself. Remember how terrified he was to become a father?

Oh, yeah. He was convinced he wouldn’t be a good enough dad. It's a fear a lot of parents have, right? But for George, with his empathic abilities, it was magnified. So, of course, what does life do? It throws a curveball—Jodell gets pregnant. And not only that, but George gets hit with a serious case of Couvade syndrome: morning sickness, food aversions, the works.

It’s like his body was literally trying to share the burden, you know? Even before he could fully wrap his head around becoming a dad.

That's both amazing and a little bit scary. Talk about feeling everything.

Tell me about it—especially when you consider what they went through later—the passing of their unborn child. That part of their story is so raw, so emotional. You can just feel how deep their grief was. And for George, there’s also that guilt—that feeling that maybe his own struggles somehow contributed to their loss.

Oh man, it makes you realize that even with a love as strong as theirs, grief can really drive a wedge between two people. It’s heartbreaking. It takes so much courage to face that pain, to really talk to each other, to allow yourself to be vulnerable with the person you love most.

That moment on the couch when George finally breaks down and cries—it’s so sad, but you can feel a shift, like a turning point in their grief. Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is just allow ourselves to grieve, to let go of trying to be strong all the time, and just feel the pain.

And by sharing that vulnerability, their bond grows even stronger.

Yeah, their love for each other becomes a lifeline. And then, just as they’re starting to heal, they find out Jodell’s pregnant again.

Talk about a roller coaster of emotions—the joy of expecting a child, but also the fear of potentially going through that loss all over again.

And to add even more to it—September 11th happens. It was a day that changed everything, and for George, as an empath, it had to be so intense. He talks about feeling everyone’s grief, the fear, the anger. It’s like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

And on top of that, they’re dealing with the anxieties of Jodell's pregnancy, the uncertainty of that experimental AFP test, and the possibility that their daughter Antonia might have spina bifida and Down syndrome.

Talk about an emotional roller coaster.

Totally. And while that test thankfully turned out to be wrong, it did lead to them catching something else—Antonia had dangerously low amniotic fluid. They were able to address it because of that test. It ended up saving her life.

It does make you think, though, right? About the impact of those initial test results. To be told that something's wrong, only to find out later that it was a false alarm—that’s got to be tough.

And that right there—that's their resilience shining through. Every challenge they faced, they faced head-on. They never let that fear stop them from doing what was best for their family.

And then there's that incredible story of how George found Antonia in the NICU—without even being told where she was. Gets me every time.

It really does make you wonder—that deep connection—was it just a gut feeling or something more? Like he was drawn there by some invisible force, like parental intuition on another level.

You have to wonder—those abilities, that empathy, did all that loss make it stronger?

It’s a question worth asking. But even with a healthy baby, parenthood is no walk in the park. George becomes the primary caregiver, and he’s honest about the challenges—the exhaustion, the moments when you question your sanity.

Oh, absolutely. Remember that part where he has a panic attack over the extension cord?

Yeah, that was intense. It just highlights how much pressure he was under, how those empathic abilities could sometimes become overwhelming.

Thankfully, he had someone there who understood what he was going through—an old teacher who also happened to be on the ambulance crew.

You've got to be kidding. What are the chances, right? Sometimes life throws you those little synchronicities. But the crazy thing is, just as they're getting back on their feet, Jodell gets pregnant again.

Whoa, are you serious? Talk about a whirlwind.

That’s what I’m saying. They must have been like, "Okay, we just figured out this whole parenting thing." Maybe excited but also yikes—a new baby, a toddler, a business, and all the emotions that come with a new pregnancy after everything they've been through. It’s a lot for anyone.

But then there’s this beautiful moment where Antonia gets her first pair of glasses.

Oh, I love those moments. It's like the world just opens up for them in a whole new way.

And seeing the world through her eyes, experiencing that clarity for the first time—it reminds you to appreciate those little miracles. And of course, George being George finds a way to make a joke, even in that heartfelt moment, telling Jodell, "It’s like she’s seeing everything for the first time—including how weird we look."

Classic. Can you imagine—after months of blurry vision, suddenly being able to see everything clearly?

Yeah, it’s those little moments, those glimpses of wonder, that can make such a difference, especially when you're facing tough times. But as we know, life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them.

Because just a few weeks after Antonia got those glasses—tragedy struck Jodell’s family. Her brother Cliff passed away very suddenly.

And it's especially heartbreaking because he passes away just days before the birth of Cliff's second child. You can only imagine what George and Jodell were going through.

And then, as if all of that wasn’t enough, their daughter Julia arrives just days after Jodell’s brother passes away. My heart breaks for them, having to process such profound loss while also welcoming a new life into the world.

It really is hard to comprehend. And yet, through it all, they somehow managed to hold onto joy, to find reasons to celebrate even amidst the sadness.

Talk about resilience. Makes you wonder what they tapped into to get through it all.

I think it speaks to something we all have inside of us—that ability to find light in the darkness, to keep putting one foot in front of the other even when the world feels like it's falling apart around you.

Absolutely. But even in those really early moments of grief, you see their resilience just shining through. You know, it's funny how sometimes going through something really tough—like a huge loss—can actually lead to creating something new. It’s like you’re taking all that emotion and turning it into something real, something that could last.

This is also around the time when George starts to really formalize his business ventures. This is where he starts laying the foundation for bookkeeping, and later on, ABOM Systems.

Totally. Instead of letting the sadness consume them, you see George pouring his energy into his work. He founded Americ Incorporated in 2005, and then he transformed his BC Cafe into The Service Center. The whole Frugal Hosting venture—you see, founding all those businesses wasn’t just about financial success for George. It was about channeling his energy, even his grief, into something constructive.

I think that’s a real testament to his resilience. And then in 2007, George experiences the passing of his brother Roland.

It’s a lot to process, and you really start to see how grief becomes this recurring current in his life, testing his resilience.

And it sounds like these losses were just the beginning. Remember that incident in late 2008? George and his daughter—they’re just trying to have a nice father-daughter lunch at Wass' Hot Dog Stand of all places.

Yeah, Wass' Hot Dog Stand. And like, out of nowhere—bam! Someone backs into their minivan.

And that's just the beginning, right? A few months later, in April 2009, George has that whole nail gun mishap.

A nail gun? Seriously? Talk about adding insult to injury—literally.

But you know, as you know, these incidents are almost insignificant compared to what happens next.

Yeah, May 1st, 2009. May 1st, 2009—George is driving their Dodge Grand Caravan when someone pulls out into oncoming traffic. He’s forced to swerve, and he gets hit twice—once by a truck, then by a telephone pole.

It's a miracle he survived that.

It really is. We’re talking multiple injuries, four surgeries over the next few years to repair his knees and shoulders. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, two of those surgeries led to major dystonic reactions.

Oh man, the universe is really putting him through the wringer. You have to wonder how they coped with all of that on top of everything else.

It's a testament to their strength, that's for sure. Jodell—I mean, she becomes his rock, his caregiver, helping him through the pain, the surgeries, the long recovery. And of course, their faith plays a huge role in keeping their spirits up. They truly believe that even this too shall pass.

But just as they're dealing with George's recovery, another curveball. It makes you wonder if there's some kind of pattern here or if it's just life throwing curveballs.

Yeah, perhaps a bit of both. But here's where it gets really interesting. Remember those hints of Intuitive Empathy we talked about earlier? Well, in 2009, George has this experience that really brings this ability to the forefront, and it’s directly tied to another accident—this time involving his nephew.

So picture this—George is at home reading to his daughters when the phone rings. And before he even picks it up, he’s overwhelmed with this sense of dread, this feeling that something is terribly wrong.

Okay, so he’s feeling anxious. Don’t we all kind of get that sometimes though, like when you have a bad feeling about a phone call or something? How is this different?

It’s the specificity and the timing. He actually turns to his wife and says, "Something has happened. It’s Connie." Connie is his sister, by the way. And moments later, the phone rings—it’s Connie. Her son Scott has been in a horrific car accident.

Oh wow, yeah, you're right—that's not just a vague feeling of unease, that’s like knowing.

Exactly. And it really shakes him. It’s one thing to experience a series of personal losses yourself, but to feel such a strong premonition about someone else’s misfortune—it brings this whole other dimension to his grief. And it really forces George to confront the possibility that maybe he is experiencing the world differently from those around him.

I bet. So, what does he do with this newfound awareness? Does he try to explore it, or does he just kind of brush it under the rug and keep going?

It seems like a little of both, actually. On the one hand, he channels his energy into supporting his nephew's recovery. He even sets up a website to gather prayers for Scott, and Scott miraculously survives and eventually recovers.

That's pretty amazing. Talk about a testament to the power of prayer and community support, right?

Absolutely. But at the same time, George keeps these empathic experiences to himself—maybe not fully understanding them, maybe fearing how others will react.

That makes sense. I mean, how do you even begin to explain something like that, especially when you're not even sure yourself what's going on?

Exactly. And so life goes on. You know, the minor woes continue—the septic system in June of 2010—that whole septic system saga. It's almost comical when you think about it—neon green liquid oozing out of the hillside.

I can only imagine the look on their faces when that happened. But, on a more serious note, it does make you wonder how these seemingly small, everyday problems can escalate so quickly.

Absolutely. And it's not over yet, right? The new system takes forever to design and get approved. Then the engineer they hire makes this huge blunder with the culvert placement, which ends up flooding their basement in the spring of 2011.

And remember, George's computer business was running out of that basement.

Oh yeah, talk about a major setback. But as you know, they don't get much time to recover from the flood before someone tries to break into the business just a few weeks later.

It's like when it rains, it pours.

It’s unbelievable. Their resilience is truly remarkable—most people would have crumbled under a fraction of that stress. And just when you think it can't get any worse, their story takes this incredibly intense turn in September of 2011.

Okay, so September 3rd, 2011. I can practically picture it—a beautiful early fall day. George and the family are driving home from this fun night at his brother's bowling alley, all cozy, right, in their Chrysler Town and Country minivan. Seems like such an ordinary evening, right? They even share a moment where Antonia and Julia are saying their prayers in the car, asking for protection on the drive home. Little did they know how much they would need it.

It's chilling when you think about it that way because just minutes later, as they're driving down this hill, their passenger-side window just explodes out of nowhere—shattering glass. The kids are in the back seat, and George is struggling to control the car. It's like a parent's worst nightmare.

And you mentioned this happened because someone was randomly shooting at cars that night?

Yeah, it's almost too awful to comprehend. The shooter, a man named Nick Atkins, is eventually caught. But that trauma, that experience, really stays with the family—especially the girls.

I imagine. To have their sense of safety just shattered like that.

Absolutely. They become understandably so afraid to go out at night, especially in a car. It's heartbreaking.

But what happens next is where things take this unexpected turn. You mentioned something about restorative justice, right?

Right. So through this program, the family—George, Jodell, even young Antonia and Julia—they make this incredibly brave decision to meet face-to-face with the person who shot at their car.

Wait, they met with the shooter? Face-to-face?

They did.

Wow. I'm curious to hear how that unfolded.

Yeah, it's hard to fathom, really—the courage that must have taken to be in the same room as the person who caused them so much fear and pain. It really speaks volumes about their capacity for forgiveness, wouldn't you say? Their desire to understand the "why" behind such a senseless act, to confront the person who caused so much fear and pain—it speaks volumes about their commitment to healing and forgiveness.

It does, and it really makes you wonder—did this experience, this brush with violence and the subsequent act of forgiveness, somehow heighten George's empathic abilities? Or was it always there, just waiting for the right moment to kind of emerge more fully?

That's a great question. And it seems like these abilities continue to surface in the years that follow, right? Didn’t you mention something about George having a premonition about his dental hygienist?

Right. This is one of those smaller moments, but it really speaks volumes. George is at a routine dental appointment with his hygienist, whom he barely knows, and suddenly he's overcome with this certainty that she's pregnant.

No way! Like he just knew?

He did. He actually blurts out, "So, when are you due?" And the hygienist is stunned, because as it turns out, she had only found out that very morning that she was expecting.

That's wild. It’s almost funny in a way, but also, I don’t know, kind of mind-blowing at the same time.

It is. And it really highlights how these intuitive moments aren’t always tied to tragedy or loss. They can appear in the most mundane settings. It just adds another layer of complexity to all of this—to George's experiences. It makes you wonder how often these things happen, maybe to all of us, and we just dismiss them as coincidence or wishful thinking. But for George, these experiences are becoming harder and harder to ignore.

Absolutely. And as we move into 2016, he faces a period of immense grief that really tests his resilience and forces him to confront the weight of his empathic abilities in a way he never has before.

You mentioned 2016 being a particularly difficult year for George. What happens that tests him so deeply?

Well, within a span of just 24 hours, George loses both of his best friends.

Oh my gosh, that’s devastating. I mean, to lose one friend would be hard enough, but two, so close together—that’s almost unimaginable. How does he even cope with that level of loss, on top of everything else he’s already been through?

It’s a struggle, to say the least. The cumulative effect of all this loss, combined with the weight of these empathic abilities he’s still keeping secret, really starts to take its toll. He starts to withdraw—questioning his faith, grappling with anger, even pushing away Jodell and the kids.

So, it’s like all those years of burying his emotions, of trying to process everything on his own, it’s finally catching up with him.

Exactly. And to his credit, George recognizes this. He realizes he needs to confront his pain, his grief, and the weight of this unique way he experiences the world. He decides to take some time for himself, traveling to Kentucky to reconnect with old friends—hopefully finding some solace.

It’s like he needs to step outside of his everyday life, his responsibilities, to really just look inward.

Precisely.

So, does his time away help? Does he come back to Jodell with some kind of resolution?

He does, but it’s not a simple answer. There’s no magical fix. He comes back with a deeper understanding of himself—this recognition that he can't keep suppressing this part of who he is, this secret gift, this burden he's been carrying. He realizes it's not meant to be borne alone.

And through it all, right, life went on. Julia starts tutoring, Antonia excels in her robotics club, and they even get a new cat—Mittens. They also had another septic system failure.

Oh no, not again.

I know, right? It's almost unbelievable how that particular problem kept resurfacing.

Seriously. It's like a bad joke. But amidst all these challenges, there are also all these amazing triumphs, like when George's nephew Scott graduates from Georgetown University.

He was in that terrible car accident years earlier, right?

That's right—the accident George sensed through his empathy. Scott's graduation was a powerful testament to perseverance, I think, and the importance of hope.

And you know, that brings us to a pivotal point in the story—the moment George decides to share the truth about his empathic abilities with Jodell.

Yeah, it feels like all the events we've discussed—the joys and hardships—kind of led up to this moment of vulnerability.

It does, doesn’t it? He had carried this weight for so long, hiding this part of himself. But after his friends Bill and Craig passed away within 24 hours of each other, he realized he couldn’t keep it bottled up any longer.

Those deaths hit him hard, didn’t they?

They did. He was consumed by grief, questioning his faith, grappling with the intensity of it all. He knew he needed to open up to Jodell to navigate this gift together.

What a beautiful testament to their bond. It makes you think about the power of sharing our true selves, even the parts that scare us, with those we love the most.

It’s a powerful reminder that vulnerability can be the greatest act of courage. And sometimes, by allowing ourselves to be seen—truly seen—we unlock an even deeper level of connection.

It’s fascinating that, in the middle of all this chaos, we see the power of resilience just shining through, right? George and Jodell didn’t just weather the storm—they found ways to be there for each other, find moments of joy, and even, believe it or not, grow stronger as a couple.

Wow, it really underscores how love, faith, and family—these things can be incredible anchors when times get tough.

That’s such a great point. It’s not about avoiding the hard stuff—it’s about how you face it. Starting, let’s say, late 2016, George's dad, George Sr., has this heart procedure coming up, and it seems to be a real wake-up call for the entire family.

Would you make of that?

It is, isn’t it? This event forces them to confront the reality of their parents' aging and mortality.

Heavy stuff.

Heavy stuff. And it leads to, well, I think, a beautiful act of love. George's sister Jod makes this really selfless decision to move back home to help care for their parents.

Wow, that speaks volumes about their family values.

Yeah, it's that "show up for each other" mentality.

But it's not all doom and gloom, right? They had that amazing trip to New York City in April 2017—a little escape before things got really intense.

Exactly. Sometimes a change of scenery is exactly what you need. Imagine they’re chaperoning a school music trip with Antonia, and it gives George and Jodell a chance to soak up that New York energy.

Even if just for a little while. And I think those moments of joy, those escapes from the everyday, are crucial, especially when you're carrying a heavy load.

Absolutely. And it seems like they really embraced it—the nighttime boat ride, the kids' excitement. Those are memories.

Mhm. But life has a way of pulling you back in.

It does. June 27th, George’s mother, Marian, passes away, surrounded by family.

Yes. Her daughter Connie is singing to her—it’s peaceful, which offers some comfort, I’m sure, but a profound loss nonetheless.

Absolutely. And this one, this loss, hits George particularly hard. It’s a turning point for him.

We talked before about turning points. How does this loss change him?

It’s like it opens him up—makes him more vulnerable, especially in his relationship with Jodell.

Interesting. So, this shared experience of loss creates a space for something new to emerge in their relationship?

It seems so. So, the seeds of change are sown, even in the midst of grief.

What happens next?

It’s remarkable, isn’t it? George has just lost his mother—he’s grieving. And it’s in this time of vulnerability that something really unexpected happens.

Set the scene for me.

So picture this—George and Jodell are at a department store, just a normal day running errands. And then George has this really intense reaction to another shopper—this man.

This is the "man in black" you mentioned before?

Yeah, this is the incident.

What was it about this man that set George off like that?

Here they are at the checkout, and George has this visceral, almost overwhelming reaction to this man.

Oh, intense.

He described it as a physical repulsion—like he had to get away.

Wow.

Now remember, at this point, Jodell doesn’t fully grasp the extent of George's abilities.

She’s totally in the dark.

Totally. And these disturbing images start popping into his head—all stemming from this guy. The man’s dressed in black—hence the name. It’s so bad that George actually backs away from the man—physically backs away.

Oh wow. I can only imagine what was going through Jodell's mind.

She’s totally caught off guard. Think about it—she has no clue what's happening or why George is reacting this way. It must have been so confusing and concerning for her.

Absolutely. So what does George do?

He’s clearly shaken, but he just says to Jodell, "I’ll explain after we pay."

Talk about a cliffhanger, right? It’s like this silent agreement to table the conversation, but you know Jodell is on the edge of her seat the entire time.

Oh, for sure.

After leaving the store, what happens next? Does George tell Jodell what triggered that reaction?

He does. He talks about feeling this overwhelming surge of anger toward this man, almost out of nowhere, right? He even starts seeing these disturbing images flash through his mind.

Right, yeah. It was like his empathic abilities were going haywire. Turns out, his intuition was spot on. It’s chilling when you read what happened later—the man was revealed to be a child molester. Gives me chills just thinking about it.

But as awful as that experience was, it ended up being a turning point for George and Jodell. That’s when he realized he couldn't hide that part of himself anymore—from himself or from Jodell.

It’s a powerful moment in the book—their decision to face their challenges head-on together. It’s one thing to casually sense someone's energy, but it's a whole other ball game to experience it as intensely as George did. It was a real struggle for him for a long time.

You can really feel that struggle when he describes it. He carried that secret, that burden, for years before finally opening up to Jodell about the full extent of his abilities.

It seems like this part of himself—this ability to sense and feel so deeply—was something that he kept hidden for a long time, right? Why do you think that was?

That's a really good question. Imagine having these experiences—these really intense emotions and insights—but not having the language to even explain them, or even knowing if anyone would believe you.

Right, like you're almost afraid to even bring it up because it just sounds so out there. Who are you going to talk to about this? It’s like having this—like you said earlier—it’s like having a secret superpower, but you don’t know how to use it, and you don’t even know if you should use it. You're just carrying that with you. It’s like being a lone wolf navigating a world that doesn't quite speak your language.

Yeah, 100%.

But something shifted for George after his mother passed away.

Yeah, so do you think that was a turning point for him in terms of embracing his empathic abilities?

I think it was a catalyst. Up until that point, it was all internal—he kept it to himself. But being faced with such a strong premonition in a public place, as jarring as it was, became the catalyst for George to finally, after all these years, open up about his empathic abilities.

Think about the weight that must have been lifted off his shoulders.

Huge for their relationship, right? Sharing something so personal, so central to who he is.

Absolutely. This shared experience—grief over Marian's passing, coupled with George's raw vulnerability in that moment—it deepened their bond in a way I don't think either of them could have anticipated.

Wow, it's a major turning point. It makes you wonder what else he might have kept bottled up all those years, fearing judgment or disbelief. But it sounds like Jodell—she handled it with incredible grace.

She did. And then, get this—weeks later, they see the man's face on the news. He was arrested for child molestation.

Oh no. To have your deepest fear confirmed like that—it’s both validating and terrifying, you know?

Absolutely. It's like something you'd see on those psychic detective shows, except this is their reality. And from that point on, you can feel the shift in their relationship. It's like they're not just partners anymore—they’re teammates. They're facing life’s curveballs with a deeper understanding of each other.

This is also when George's depression resurfaces.

That's right. The emotional roller coaster of the past year—it catches up with him.

Yeah, I think it's a good reminder that even with incredible inner strength and a supportive partner, mental health is an ongoing journey. It’s not always a straight line to healing.

And in a testament to his commitment to both himself and his family, George decides to seek counseling in January of 2018.

What a brave step. But it's not all doom and gloom, right? This same year, he dives into a tractor safety course with Antonia and Julia.

That’s right—they all get their licenses. It’s a small victory, but I think those are just as important as the big ones.

Oh, absolutely. And think about the bonding that comes with shared experiences like that—the laughter, the frustration, the sense of accomplishment.

Totally. These are the moments that kind of weave the fabric of a family.

Not to mention their incredible trip to Pennsylvania that June.

Tell me more about that.

Well, imagine this: visiting George's college friends, riding horses, indulging in homemade Amish ice cream, even conquering their fears on a zipline. It's this whirlwind of joy and adventure.

It sounds incredible. They really embraced those moments of light-hearted fun. It speaks to their ability to find balance even amidst challenging times.

I'm exhausted just hearing about it! You’re right, though—it highlights this incredible resilience they have. They don’t let the hard stuff define them.

Now, we can't forget about the infamous fireworks incident on July 4th. This one's a real head-scratcher.

Oh, this story—you couldn't make this up. George is just minding his own business when, bam, falling fireworks debris hits him, like, out of nowhere—hits George square on the head.

Ouch! It's almost too perfect.

I know, right? Of course, it leaves him with this battle scar—like a badge of honor.

I love it, which of course becomes a legendary family tale. I can practically see the reenactments during family gatherings.

Oh, absolutely. It's a good reminder that sometimes all you can do is laugh at life's little absurdities.

You've got to laugh, right?

You do. But amidst all the laughter, there's this more serious undercurrent that emerges—Jodell decides to join George in counseling. It’s like this testament to their commitment, not just to each other, but to facing their challenges as a united front.

It’s a powerful statement. They’re choosing to navigate those choppy waters together, supporting each other every step of the way.

And thank goodness for that, because they’re about to face another monumental challenge—George Senior's health takes a serious turn.

It does. This is the day of his passing, right?

Yeah. There’s this—well, this sense of foreboding that emerges.

Foreboding?

Yeah. George Senior is at Pen Bay Medical Center, and he says something to his nurse—a really strange thing to say, actually. He says, "Today’s the day I’m going to kick the bucket."

Oof. Talk about foreshadowing. Did he really say that?

He did, and he wasn't joking either. He repeats it to his daughter Connie later that morning.

I can see how some people might try to brush it off—you know, an older man's ramblings.

Yeah, but I'm guessing Connie didn't take it lightly.

Not at all. She trusted her gut and called the family.

Imagine getting that phone call. Just chills thinking about it.

It's serious. So they all rush to the hospital, right? George and Jodell pick up Julia from soccer practice, and they head straight there.

And it's a full house at the hospital?

Absolutely—children, grandkids, siblings, in-laws—everyone, all gathered there.

That really speaks volumes about George Senior—to bring so many people together like that. He was clearly a man who was loved and respected. So what happens?

George Senior passes away peacefully that afternoon, surrounded by his family.

It’s interesting that you keep using the word "peaceful." I'm wondering—with George having gone through counseling and working through his feelings about his mother's death—did that play a role in how he coped with his father's passing?

Absolutely—that and Jodell's constant support. It wasn't that the pain was any less for George, but he had the tools to work through it.

Such an important reminder that we don't have to go through tough times alone. Asking for help can make a world of difference. So after George Senior passes, what comes next?

Well, there's the practical stuff, of course. But then George and Jodell do something really profound—they buy a new headstone, a gravestone for George's grandfather.

Wow. Honoring their family history.

Exactly. And they buy plots for themselves and their kids—a family plot—solidifying their bond even beyond this life.

It’s a powerful statement about family.

It really is. What about the counseling—does that continue for George?

It does for a little while longer, and then on August 27, 2018, they finish counseling. They made it through those choppy waters—stronger for it.

And then, well, life throws them another curveball, doesn't it?

2019 starts off great—Antonia's looking at colleges, even gets inducted into the National Honor Society. They take a family trip to tour Mercyhurst College.

Sounds like things are falling into place.

They really are. Both girls start driver's ed. Can you imagine the mix of terror and pride George and Jodell must have felt?

I can only imagine. Every parent listening right now can relate to that feeling.

Totally. Those driving lessons—it’s a rite of passage. A test of nerves for everyone involved.

For everyone. But it's also another opportunity for bonding—you know, another chapter in their family's story.

Exactly. And speaking of chapters, let’s not forget about the arrival of a new one—the trusty Town and Country gets an upgrade.

That's right—the 2009 Town and Country. There you go.

It’s more than just a vehicle, right? It represents freedom, adventure, memories made together. Plus, with two new drivers in the house, practicality wins.

Practicality wins. But even with all this excitement, George is already thinking ahead.

Oh, he's always thinking.

Thinking about his daughters’ futures. Always planning, always looking for ways to give them the best possible opportunities.

The best. And this is where his ingenuity really shines.

Yeah, he develops this brilliant scholarship system.

Tell me more.

It’s a testament to his dedication, his foresight. It’s not just about money, right? It’s about empowering his daughters to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial constraints.

Exactly. It’s brilliant.

It is, and the results speak for themselves. Antonia and Julia go on to earn—get this—over $350,000 in scholarships combined.

That’s incredible. Talk about an investment.

That’s an investment in their future—a symbol of their hard work and dedication. They really embraced the system George created. It just proves that with a little ingenuity and a lot of effort, anything’s possible.

It’s a true testament to their teamwork. And speaking of teamwork, their dedication to 4-H is truly inspiring. These kids poured their hearts and souls into fundraising for that trip to the livestock exposition in Kentucky.

Absolutely. They organized bake sales, community events—you name it, they did it.

Wow. And it wasn’t just about the money, though, right? It was about the journey, the shared experience, the lessons they learned along the way.

And what an experience that trip must have been—not just the competition, but the camaraderie, that sense of accomplishment, the memories.

Right. It’s a high point for sure. But as we’ve seen time and time again, life has a way of keeping things interesting.

It always does. As we enter December of 2019, Julia comes down with what seems like a mild case of the flu.

It’s easy to look back now and think, "Uh-oh, here we go." But at the time, it just seemed like a normal seasonal bug.

Little did they know.

Little did they know that this was just the tip of the iceberg. Because shortly after Julia recovers, George starts feeling sick—and not just a little under the weather. This is different—this is much more severe.

And this is where their story intersects with, well, history, right? With the emergence of a global pandemic that would change the world as we knew it.

Yeah. George's symptoms—the fatigue, the fever, that difficulty breathing. Textbook COVID-19. Remember, this is early 2020, before anyone really knew what it was. Months of debilitating fatigue, fever, couldn’t breathe—it knocked him off his feet.

It's scary how quickly life can change—the uncertainty, that fear of the unknown—it must have been terrifying for everyone.

Absolutely. And as if the health concerns weren't enough, the pandemic brought with it another layer of stress: financial strain.

Yeah, medical bills on top of past debts.

Oh man, remember they've already been through the wringer financially.

They have, and now with the pandemic raging, George unable to work, that pressure reaches a boiling point. It's like they're caught in this perfect storm.

It really is, and it leads George to make a heart-wrenching decision. Like a last resort, he makes the incredibly difficult choice to file for bankruptcy. It’s not a decision anyone takes lightly.

No, imagine that weight. I can't even imagine the feeling of having exhausted every other option. It's a stark reminder that life—well, life can throw these curveballs that even the most resilient among us struggle to catch.

Wow, that's powerful. And yet, I think it's also a story of courage—of facing this really difficult reality head-on.

Exactly. It’s not about admitting defeat—it’s about finding a way forward.

Absolutely. Even if it means taking a detour.

Yeah, sometimes you have to reroute. They'd always been so responsible, always met their obligations.

They have. But sometimes life forces you to reevaluate and make these tough choices for the greater good. It's about survival at that point, right?

Exactly. I mean, they could have easily let bankruptcy defeat them, but they used it as fuel. They channeled everything they'd learned—all the challenges they'd faced—into creating something new. Something that not only helped them achieve financial stability but ultimately helped other families do the same.

Which brings us to Alderpen Media—George's latest venture—helping other parents figure out that whole parenthood and entrepreneurship balancing act, and their whole Home Work brand. It’s brilliant.

So he's got these three main pillars, right? And they all kind of play off each other. First up, you've got The Home Work Dad—that's where his own story, his journey, takes center stage.

Before we get too far, for listeners who might be new to George's work, who is The Home Work Dad, and what’s all the buzz about?

Well, The Home Work Dad is more than just a catchy name—it's literally been George Benson's reality for over 20 years. And we’re not just talking about working remotely, but actually building businesses at the same time as raising a family. You know, this is a guy who's been working from home longer than some of our listeners have been alive.

Right? Okay, 30 years he said?

Yeah, talk about walking the walk. So with The Home Work Dad, it's all about sharing those hard-won lessons: time management, productivity hacks, how to set boundaries when your office is, well, your living room—practical stuff.

Which is what we all need more of—not just theory, but how do you actually make it work?

Totally. And then there's pillar number two: The Home Work Parenting Podcast. That one launches January 2025. It’s going to dig into the nitty-gritty of parentpreneurship.

You know, there are a million parenting podcasts.

Good point. It’s not just him talking, though—he brings in other working parents, people who get it, and experts too. Child development, family dynamics, even those entrepreneurs who've figured out the whole work-life balance thing.

Oh, I like that. So it's a real mix of voices.

Exactly. It's about stories, shared experiences, learning from each other's wins and fails, and realizing you’re not the only one wrestling with this stuff.

Which leads perfectly into the third pillar: community.

Alright, the Home Work Community—what's the vision there? Because honestly, a community built around shared values, wanting that work-life balance, a support system—that's something people crave, big time.

And it seems like he's really passionate about it. Reading his statement, you can tell he sees it as a space for parents to connect, support each other, offer advice, share resources, celebrate those little victories. It's huge—just not feeling alone in the journey and, you know, feeling understood, like someone out there gets it.

Okay, this is all making sense to me now. Yeah, I can really see the vision here. But, um, gotta ask a tough question—how does Alderpen Media actually, you know, stay afloat?

That's where it gets interesting. He talks about this in his statement—he calls it a "for-profit ministry," which really caught my eye.

Right, it jumped out at me too. Honestly, I'm not sure I fully get it.

Yeah, not your everyday term, right? Okay, so basically he’s saying, look, my faith is a huge part of this—it’s the driving force behind Alderpen Media—but he’s also running a business, right? Like, a real business—products, services. It’s not a charity.

Not at all, but it's also not just about, you know, raking in profits either. It's this interesting middle ground.

I like that—finding a balance, just like everything else.

Totally. He's pursuing this mission, something he believes in, but he's also being upfront about the fact that it needs to actually work financially. It has to be sustainable.

Which makes total sense. It’s just refreshing to hear someone actually say it out loud.

Right. And here's the thing that really struck me—he's totally transparent about the money part. Like, he even says any donations should be treated as revenue—not tax deductible.

Wow, that's pretty rare these days. It seems like a lot of businesses, especially online, try to keep all that stuff under wraps. What do you think—why be so open about it?

My take—it goes back to authenticity, to building trust. He’s not trying to sugarcoat anything or pretend it’s all altruistic. He’s basically saying, this is my mission, I believe in it, I’m all in, but I also need to make a living. And if you connect with it, come along for the ride, support it, become a customer.

Which brings us to his call to action. He talks about wanting support, but not just any kind of support—he’s specific about that.

Oh yeah, this part—this is what got me. His "1,000 True Fans" strategy. He says—and I'm paraphrasing—but he basically says he'd rather have a thousand truly engaged followers—people who are active, participating—than people who just signed up and never did anything.

Wow, I kind of love that.

Me too. It's about quality over quantity, about building something real. And I think that resonates with people, whether they’re purpose-driven parents or just looking for something genuine these days.

Which brings us back to that idea of a purpose-driven parent, right? That's at the heart of Alderpen Media, isn’t it?

Exactly. And it’s not always easy to define.

No, it's easy to say those words, but what do they actually mean? For George and Jodell, I think it’s about aligning your work with your values, making family a priority without one suffering because of the other.

Right—finding that balance. And they've raised two amazing daughters. Antonia graduates with two degrees in archaeology and religion, and she’s on her way to becoming an Episcopal minister.

Minister? Wow, that's amazing. And Julia is following her own path—becoming a firefighter and EMT, and also getting degrees in fire science and paramedicine.

They’re both so dedicated to helping others, just like their parents.

It's like they learned from the best—you know, they inherited their parents' strength, their resilience, their determination to overcome anything.

And their academic achievements are seriously impressive—near-perfect GPAs in high school, each active in their communities, tons of volunteer hours. It’s incredible.

Totally. Which actually, you know what, that reminds me of that article about George's systems.

Oh yeah, that’s right. That’s where his whole approach to life takes this really interesting turn, I think.

Okay, so for our listeners, we’re talking about this system George created to help his daughters earn college scholarships, right?

Right. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of help here.

No, not at all—this is huge. We’re talking over $350,000 in scholarships, combined.

Combined! It's really unbelievable and amazing. And I think it really just shows how he thinks—you know, he sees this massive challenge. I mean, we've all heard how tough it is to get scholarships these days, right? And instead of getting overwhelmed, he's like, okay, how can I create a system to navigate this?

And he breaks it down into these manageable steps. The results speak for themselves.

It’s like he's reverse-engineering success—figuring out what are all the things that have to happen to reach this goal, and then how can I create a system that ensures those things happen?

100%. And what's really cool is that this systems-thinking thing, it’s not just about scholarships. It seems like he applies it to every part of his life—from his business to his parenting.

Totally. It's like this underlying philosophy of recognizing where there could be chaos, and then bringing order to it.

So it’s not just about dancing through the storms, right? It’s about choreographing the whole thing.

Yeah—creating a plan, creating a system that helps you deal with all those inevitable challenges that come your way.

Exactly. And that's what’s so powerful about this whole thing, I think. For anyone listening, it doesn't matter if you're trying to balance work and family, or you're an entrepreneur building a business, or just dealing with life—there’s something really empowering about realizing that you can actually create systems to help you navigate all of it.

It’s like he’s saying, "You know, life’s going to throw you some curveballs, but hey, I've got this."

Right. And the thing is, you don’t have to overcomplicate it—like those scholarships. Remember what he told his daughters? Break it down—what are the steps, make it manageable.

Exactly. Wow, George’s scholarship system obviously made a huge difference—helping them follow their passions without being crushed by student loans. It’s really inspiring to see how their parents' dedication and support helped them succeed.

So, while their daughters are out there making the world a better place, George and Jodell are still going strong—still finding ways to contribute and share their story. It’s not just theory they’re sharing—it’s from experience.

Right—seasoned with all that faith and resilience we were talking about. You can just tell it's coming from a real place. It’s one thing to give advice, but it’s another to actually live it—to go through the trenches and come out the other side.

I think that's what makes their message so powerful.

Yeah, exactly. And you know, it’s smart too—they're meeting people where they are, speaking directly to those everyday parenting struggles. Like the digital age—raising a family in this day and age is a whole different ball game.

Oh yeah. And by sharing their own story so openly, I think it really helps people connect with them on a deeper level.

Totally, totally. You know, it’s like they’re saying, "Hey, we’ve been there."

It’s refreshing, right? Because everyone tries to present this perfect image online.

Exactly. But they’re talking about the financial struggles, the health scares—you know, the real stuff. It’s like they’re giving people permission to not have it all figured out.

Which is huge—because let’s be honest, who really does?

Nobody. We’re all just figuring it out as we go.

Exactly. We’re all bombarded with these images of perfect families, perfect work-life balance, right? But they're showing that, you know what, it's okay to embrace the mess.

Mm-hmm, the real magic happens when you support each other through the challenges. And they get it—you know, they’re right there with you, tripping over Legos at 2 a.m.

Exactly. But here’s the thing—they're not just talking about surviving the chaos—they're talking about thriving in it. Like finding joy even when you're drowning in laundry.

Finding those little moments of joy even when things are tough—I think that's so important.

It is. And it’s clear that their faith plays a big part in that. You know, it really challenges the whole traditional idea of success right how so well we often think of it as like material possessions or climbing the corporate ladder but they found a different kind of wealth it's that whole idea of like intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation

Right.

It's not about the external validation it's about finding fulfillment from within from the connections you build and the impact you have right it's about the relationships the shared purpose that feeling of building something meaning it's pretty inspiring honestly it really is and you know what's even more inspiring is they're doing it all while being authentically themselves which is the best way to be exactly they're not trying to fit into some mold of what success should look like—they're defining it on their own terms, and it's working for them. It's like they've, I don’t know, redefined currency or something.

Oh yeah, it’s not about dollars and cents, right? It’s about the strength of their relationships, the impact they have on others, that feeling of inner peace.

Yeah, that inner peace that comes from living by your values, living authentically—it’s pretty powerful stuff.

It is. And it reminds us that success isn’t about reaching some finish line—it’s about embracing the whole journey, bumps and all, with all the detours and unexpected turns.

Exactly. And you know, maybe even more importantly, it’s about using what you learn along the way to help others, to give back.

Yeah, to lift each other up. You know, there’s this line from the text that really stuck with me—it said, “Learn to dance in the rain.”

Oh, I like that. It’s so simple, but it’s so true, right?

It is. Life is going to throw storms our way—that’s just part of it. But it’s about finding those moments of joy, even when things are tough. Finding those silver linings.

Exactly. And remembering that those challenges, they can actually be opportunities for growth.

Absolutely. Yeah, it’s all about perspective. And George and Jodell, they’ve really embraced that. They’ve faced their share of challenges, but they don’t let those challenges define them—they use them to fuel their mission.

Exactly, which is pretty inspiring. It’s pretty powerful, especially for people who are maybe struggling to find their own way. It’s easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day chaos of it all—work, family, just trying to keep your head above water.

Oh, tell me about it. Some days it’s all you can do, right? But this book, and everything they’re doing with Alderpen Media, it’s like they’re giving you permission. Permission to not be perfect, you know?

Yes, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to laugh at the craziness.

Oh, 100%. And most importantly, lean on your people—your community, your faith, whatever it is that lifts you up. It’s about embracing those messy parts of life and finding the joy in them, because hey, we’re all in this together, right?

Couldn’t agree more. And everything they’re doing with Alderpen Media really shows how much they want to help other families, especially those who run businesses from home. They're using everything they've learned to support others on a similar journey.

It’s like their journey has come full circle—from that childhood prayer for patience, through all of life’s twists and turns—they've reached a point where they’re using their experiences to help others.

So look, if you're feeling that weight—those work-life storms that just keep coming—do yourself a favor and check out Dancing Through the Storms of Life. It's free, it's relatable, and you just might find what you need to find your own rhythm.

As we come to the end of our deep dive into George and Jodell’s amazing story, what are you left thinking about?

You know, it makes me remember that even when life gets tough, even when it feels like the storms will never end, there's always a reason to keep going—to keep believing in the power of love, laughter, and the strength we all have inside us. And who knows, maybe there’s a small prayer from your own past, a wish you barely remember making, that’s quietly guiding you on your own path.

Until next time—keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep dancing through the storms of your own incredible life.

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