the ACT OUT podcast
On the ACT OUT podcast, Adam talks to people about their passions and how they relate to our world today. Expect honest conversations, humor, and a little sarcasm as guests share their stories, perspectives, and lessons. We’re here to challenge narratives, celebrate authenticity, inspire listeners to live unapologetically as themselves, and spark a feeling of connection and hope with the audience.
Episodes usually feature Adam and one guest in a colorful, conversational setting, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. Adam’s humor, empathy, and insightful sarcasm make each conversation engaging, relatable, and thought-provoking.
Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: PodMatch | the ACT OUT podcast
Episodes
33 episodes
How Real Change Happens Without Force or Shame: The Truth About Trauma Responses
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with trauma therapist Trisha Wolfe for a fascinating and deeply relatable conversation about the brain, childhood trauma, emotional survival strategies, and why so...
Pregnancy, Politics and Public Perception: The Double Standards Women Face in Politics
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Lisa Vedernikova Khanna for a compelling conversation about politics, identity, motherhood, and what it’s like running for office while pregnant. Lisa shares ...
Navigating Identity, Culture & Resilience: A Powerful Iranian Immigrant Story
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Zolal Habibi for a powerful and insightful conversation about identity, resilience, and what it means to navigate life between cultures. Zolal shares her pers...
Live Like You’re Dying: A Hospice Chaplain on Death and the Meaning of Life
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, Adam Tomlin sits down with Lee Atherton, a hospice chaplain and end-of-life grief coach, for a deeply meaningful and eye-opening conversation about death, dying, and what it truly means to l...
Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury: Mental Health, Healing & Identity
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nicholas Ruchlewicz, a traumatic brain injury survivor, mental health advocate, and self-proclaimed nerd, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about...
Mental Health Doesn’t Own You: The Power of Real, Authentic Conversations
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Noah May, host of the Lethal Venom Podcast, for a fun and honest conversation about podcasting, authenticity, and what it looks like to build somethi...
The Joy in Helping Others Through Art: Creativity, Healing & Purpose
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nancy Dillingham Marks, a glass artist whose work and life have been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to craft. What starts as a conver...
Upgrade Your Brain: Rewire Fear and Take Back Control
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Arnold Beeks, a brain retraining specialist, coach, and trainer with more than 50 years of experience helping people grow into better leaders—and more importa...
Raising Boys in the Modern World: Let’s Be Honest About What’s Not Working
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Shaun Dawson, host of the Raising Men podcast, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, healing, and what it really means to navigate l...
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Skydiving through Fear, Freedom & Adrenaline
In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam heads to Skydive Suffolk to jump out of a plane with tandem instructor David Rosas—and what starts as a high-adrenaline adventure quickly turns into a deeper conversation about fear, freedom, communi...
The Legacy of Woodstock: Vibing with Creativity, Music & Community
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Duncan Rich, co-founder of MELD Community Incorporated, for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, community, and the powerful role that place c...
The Urban vs. Rural Divide: Why Rural Voters Feel Ignored by National Politics
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with John Peace, host of the Rural Route Review podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about rural America, politics, and the growing divide between urban and rura...
The Modern Man’s Toolbox: Healing, Fatherhood & Emotional Strength
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast!CW: This episode contains content regarding themes of suicidal ideations. Viewer discretion advised.In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with men’s coach and founder of Dad Mode Activa...
Rethinking Safety and Security: How to Stop Violence Before It Happens
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions (Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention Solutions), for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about preve...
Raising Resilient Kids: A Preschool Teacher on Toddlers, Tantrums and Emotional Growth
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Nicole Gamboa, a preschool teacher who’s been working with young kids for decades—and has truly seen it all. What starts as a hilarious trip down mem...
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Creating Holiday Magic 50 Feet in the Air
In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam climbs 50 feet into the air to talk with Ryan Palmer of Iron, Wood & Glitter Productions while taking down a massive Christmas tree in Newport News, Virginia. What starts as a conversation about ...
Politics Without Performance: Senator Angelia Williams Graves on Collaboration & Being Yourself
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with State Senator Angelia Williams Graves for a real, thoughtful conversation about leadership, public service, and what it actually takes to govern when t...
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Creativity as Therapy
In this episode of the ACT OUT Podcast, Adam sits down with Tara, an engineer by day and artist by heart, for an honest and refreshing conversation about creativity, identity, and what it really means to pursue happiness. Tara shares how art ha...
Give Me Liberty: Patrick Henry on sparking a Revolution, Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this season premiere, host Adam Tomlin celebrates America’s 250th birthday by heading straight back to 1776—because what better way to talk about the pursuit of happiness than with the guy who helped ligh...
Why We Act Out: The Heart of the Podcast and How We’ll Shape the Future
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this solo mini-episode, host Adam Tomlin takes a moment to pause, reflect, and reset as Season 1 heads into a well-earned holiday break. With his signature humor and heart, Adam looks back on the first do...
From Tinder to Trowels: A Story of Love, Loss & Digging for Literal Dinosaurs
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with his favorite co-conspirator—wife and resident “chaos wrangler” Kaylin—to revisit a decade of decisive leaps, heartbreak, healing, and building a life on purpose. Tog...
Turning Pain into Purpose: Homelessness, Mental Health and Finding Dignity
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with community leader and Project U First founder Erica Wright—the 2025 Phenomenal Women’s Community Servant Award winner—to talk dignity-first outreach, mental health, a...
From Radio to Retro: How VHS Deathmatch Brings Nostalgia to Life
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with Atlanta creative and VHS Deathmatch co-host Kristopher Bolz to talk radio days, living-room comedy shows, and why “so-bad-it’s-good” movies are the perfect ...
Getting Schooled: Lessons on Education from 42 Years in the Classroom
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with longtime educator John “Johnny Danger” Donegan to explore teaching, learning, and how schools shape communities. Together, they dive into classroom realities, the ev...
From High School Football to Family Doctor: Small-Town Roots, Big Impact, and Real Healthcare
Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam sits down with Dr. Alan Barnes, family physician and Cartersville local, to explore healthcare, community, and returning to one’s roots. Together, they dive into small-town life, m...