I hope you’ve had a chance to catch my “new” radio show Now You’re Talking With Marshall Ramsey on Mississippi Public Broadcasting Think Radio and airs on Monday’s at 10 a.m. I love it — partly because I work with a fantastic producer named Cherita Brent and the amazing Mississippians I’m allowed to interview each week. (If you’ve missed it, you can listen to it online by clicking on this link. )
I originally pitched the idea for the show because I believe in Mississippians. I know so many who’ve done amazing things — world-class things — and overcome some pretty steep obstacles while achieving them. But they’ve done it with a smile on their face and love in their hearts. They had a dream and pursued it. And I feel like that they need to be given the spotlight. I want you to listen and think. “I can do that, too.”
So after five months, I’ve discovered a few golden threads running through my guests.
1. They have a strong influence in their life early on — usually an amazing mom. Wyatt and Joel Waters have an amazing mom. So did Coach Antonio Wright. Keith Thibodeaux had the love of his family in Lousiana to keep him grounded during his time in Hollywood. Whitney Miller still bumps elbows with her mom in the kitchen. Kimberly Morgan and Kennitra Thompson’s family supported their pageant dreams. Paul Lacoste has a very strong family and the love of a lost brother burns inside him to this day. Mac McAnally’s mom made sure he took piano lessons and was surrounded by music. A strong support system counts when you are pursing a dream.
2. My guests saw a need bigger than themselves and pursued it. Paul Lacoste saw an obesity crisis in his beloved home state and vowed to fix it one legislator and teacher at a time. Dr. Bev Smallwood saw a need to heal others after her own personal crisis. Christy Henderson took her newfound love of riding horses and started a way to help kids with physical and mental challenges. Christy Dunaway took her “handicap” and made it an advantage by helping others overcome their disabilities. True success comes when you help others get what they need.
3. My guests have amazing faith. I’ve heard story after story from my guests where they’ve beaten the odds because of the powerful belief in their hearts. Regenia Sulton, Jean Jones, and Paul Ott all beat breast cancer (and complications from surgery). And all talked how their faith in God got them through the crisis. Kennitra Thompson, recent Miss Mississippi contestant and Stevens Johnson Syndrome survivor, not only beat the odds of survival but has gone on inspire others. Joel Waters survived third-degree burns and now inspires people with his faith on a daily basis. Keith Thibodeaux talks about how being born again literally saved his life from drugs and depression. Faith is the rock their dreams are built on.
4. My guests love what they do. Rick Cleveland, Matthew Guinn and Jerry Mitchell bring the world to life with their amazing ability to write. Chris Gill’s love of music allowed him to overcome a brutal car crash and its debilitating effects. Whitney Miller travels the world cooking. Dr. Bev Smallwood’s passion glows when she’s on stage speaking and helping others. Grady Champion’s passion is intoxicating and has driven him to the top of the Blues world. When you’re passionate about what you do, it makes hard work seem like play.
5. My guests have a positive attitude. Antonio Wright went from promising athlete back to promising athlete. He inspires others from his wheel chair. Joel Waters’ faith lifts those around him. Paul Lacoste’s enthusiasm for fitness is hard to escape. Kennitra Thompson inspires. Adjutant General of Mississippi Leon Collins has risen through the ranks because his attitude inspires his troops. A positive attitude is like bacon. It makes everything better.
When the “On Air” light goes off every Monday, I shake my guest’s hand and thank them for coming in. And then I’m darn thankful I’ve met them. The hour I spend with them changes me. It makes me want to be a better man. And getting to know them a little bit better gives me a template for true success.
Bonus Question: What do you think is the key to success?