The Homeless Man Who Changed My Life | Jody Zarn

<p>Jody Zarn is an author, corporate trainer, and TEDx speaker whose work explores empathy, mental health, and the power of human connection. What began as a simple act — buying a cup of coffee for a man experiencing homelessness — became a life-changing friendship that challenged assumptions about trauma, dignity, and what it really means to help another human being.</p><p><br></p><p>That story became her book about Higher Power Betty and the homeless man who changed her life.</p><p><br></p><p>In this moving conversation, Jody shares:</p><p>• The cold November morning she met Leroy</p><p>• How a daily coffee and muffin turned into a real friendship</p><p>• Who Leroy really was (world-class checkers champion, intelligent, resilient)</p><p>• Building trust after years of trauma and mistreatment</p><p>• Helping him secure long-term housing and dignity</p><p>• Her own childhood as an artistic outsider in a sports-heavy community</p><p>• What this friendship taught her about empathy and true connection</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re in your 20s learning how to see people beyond labels, practice everyday kindness, or understand the deeper story behind struggle, this episode will stay with you.</p><p><br></p><p>Timestamps below ⬇️</p><p><br></p><p>#JodyZarn #Empathy #Homelessness #HumanConnection #ConversationsWithSekani</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Jody Zarn </strong></p><p>Website:<a href="https://jodyzarn.com/index.html">https://jodyzarn.com/index.html</a> </p><p>LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyzarn">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyzarn</a> </p><p>Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jodyzarn/">https://www.instagram.com/jodyzarn/</a> </p><p><br></p><p>If conversations with Sekani sparks something in you, do well to share to someone who you think might need this. Subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. </p><p> If you have a minute leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday unique voices and the insight they carry. Your support means the world. </p><p><br></p><p>Want to be a guest on Conversation with Sekani? Send a message to Joy https://www.podmatch.com/member/conversationswithsekani</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong> </p><p><br></p><p>0:00 - Intro & Welcome Jody Zarn</p><p>1:40 - The Story of Meeting Leroy</p><p>8:15 - From One-Time Kindness to Daily Friendship</p><p>15:30 - Who Leroy Really Was</p><p>23:10 - Building Trust After Years of Trauma</p><p>31:45 - Helping Him Find a Forever Home</p><p>40:20 - Jody’s Childhood as an Artistic Outsider</p><p>48:50 - How Feeling Different Shaped Her Empathy</p><p>57:15 - Lessons on Dignity, Connection & Real Help</p>