French Kissing Life
If you were free to be who you really are deep down and who you were always meant to be, what would your life look like? What does it mean to have a zest for life? Can you *really* invite more joy into your everyday living through doable steps that don’t take a lot of time? Yes, yes, and more yes!
French Kissing Life is an inspirational podcast that guides you toward finding your spark and unleashing it into the world. If you’ve been yearning to celebrate your unique presence and fall in love with who you truly are, then you’ve found your tribe. If you believe the world needs what only you can offer, this community will be your biggest cheerleader. Picture this podcast as your weekly dose of encouragement – a sanctuary where you can escape the noise of the world and embrace the beauty of your own existence.
From skinny dipping in Portugal to auctioning herself off for a date and testing whether a slinky will go down an ancient pyramid, host Shawnna Stiver knows a thing or two about going for it and the hilarious stories that await. Through heartfelt, playful and funny conversations, Shawnna helps you discover what makes your heart race, your soul dance and your spirit soar. You’ll also hear from guest experts who share insights on how to navigate the journey of self-discovery and invite the world to come alive alongside you.
In a world that demands you be anything but yourself, this is your permission slip to be a little more YOU. Together, we’ll make every moment count and create a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If you’re ready to shed the shoulds and welcome in a life that feels uniquely, beautifully, and authentically yours, subscribe now and let’s make every episode a celebration of YOU! Buckle up for an adventure where realness reigns, inspiration thrives and fun is the name of the game. Are you ready to french kiss life?!
French Kissing Life
Ep 97: A Vision for a More Accessible World with Veteran Zach Tidwell
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is survive. And sometimes surviving becomes the doorway to something extraordinary.
In this episode, I talk with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost his sight in a suicide attempt and then rewrote the story of his life. From relearning how to navigate the world to becoming an award-winning software developer, Zach shares how he built purpose from pain, humor from heartbreak, and a vision for a more accessible world.
His honesty is striking. He talks about addiction, disability, and depression without flinching. He also talks about snowboarding blind, competing in jiu-jitsu, and teaching himself to code because the systems meant to support him failed. This conversation isn’t just about resilience, it’s about possibility, design, and the quiet courage it takes to keep showing up.
Topics Covered:
- Redefining purpose and service after military life.
- What it took to rebuild after losing his sight.
- The healing power of movement, risk, and adaptive sports.
- How broken systems sparked a new career in accessible tech.
- Why most software fails people with disabilities.
- Dispelling myths around suicide and mental health.
- The emotional weight of telling an unsanitized story.
- How everyday design choices can create more inclusive futures.
Connect with Zach!
Website: https://zachtidwell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556533676388
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachctidwell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-tidwell-9076852ab/
X: https://x.com/ZachCTidwell
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-in-blind-with-zach-tidwell/id1787306128
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/51IxT43v95otwaXDkyr6FW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GIB_Pod
______________________
Contact French Kissing Life Podcast
- DM us at @shawnnarstiver on Instagram or Facebook
- Connect with Shawnna Stiver on LinkedIn
- Email us at frenchkissinglifepodcast@gmail.com
Until next time, muah!
______________________
French Kissing Life is sponsored by Ampersand Copy and Content. Ready to convert browsers into buyers? If you want to master your messaging, stand out in a saturated market and become a crushed-on, go-to brand, contact us today!
Website: https://ampersandcopyandcontent.com/
Email: shawnna@ampersandcopyandcontent.com