Name: Dillon Turner | One Word Focus: Trove
The biggest thing I have been trying to overcome is lack of vision. I didn’t have vision for my future or for how to grow myself. Through the Stoke process, I have been activated and challenged in taking the time to understand myself and what I am capable of and using that knowledge and guidance to pursue a dream that costs me something. Instead of slotting into something that I am just capable of doing, I have been encouraged to dedicate myself to something that would drive me and grow me.

Name: Marie | One Word Focus: Beach
“I have been reminded that I am made for more. My life has been full of deep purpose, but not often great joy. While in the midst of significant life transitions, this Stoke group affirmed my decisions in the direction of joy. As a part of cultivating joy, Stoke led me to a daily practice of regaining a sense of play, delight and exploration. Rather than relying on the things in which I am proficient or the elements I can control, I am leaning into what is simply fun for me. I’ve connected with more creativity, spontaneity and movement in the natural world. It has also drawn me to more authentically express myself. With so many unknowns ahead (as we all have), I am finding it is urgent to live enchanted in the freedom of the present moment.”

Name: Zac Hoffman // aka “zeke” | One Word Focus: Radiate
“Owning you” can be a hard thing to do. Life constantly bombards you with who you “should be”, or what you’re not. I discovered that I have inherent energy and a unique perspective. ADHD can be a challenge, but it’s also a superpower. I learned how to keep my energy from getting sapped away because of my own drive to succeed and my self-criticism. Thanks to STOKE I built an Action Plan from the CORE of who I am. I’m hard on myself. Life can pile on professional expectations, lofty aspirations, obligations, and burdens. What if I deleted the limiting beliefs, I put on myself? What if I could find joy in the monotony of life? What if I set aside time to celebrate the milestones I’ve achieved and the blessings I’ve been granted? I am walking into this. The STOKE process helps you uncover “you”. I found it liberating. Lean into your “you-ness” and leverage it as a source of strength.

Name: Summer Fitts | Essence: Brilliant Hope
“We live in a world where we are often told “who” we are (or people assume who we are), based on what people see on the outside. Stoke helped me connect with the parts of myself that are more hidden and less visible, but are the core of who I really am. As a peacemaker, I rarely take the time to invest in myself and ask questions like, “How would I uniquely like to use my time, energy, talents, and my bent?” Matt, his Stoke class, and my outstanding crew of Stoke-stars granted me this opportunity…. The result —> with an actionable plan in hand, I am more integrated, more focused, and more excited about the upcoming season ahead for me!! I am grateful for the adventure ahead and I am more connected to my own desires and gifts.”

Name: Andy Homrich | One Word Focus: Wayfinder
“In a season where I’ve felt tapped out in work, at home, and personally, I realized I needed space and intention to think about what I value, who I am, and how to operate more full. There’s no magic “easy buttons” to these big questions but for the first time since coming out of Covid, I feel front-footed. Having a sounding board of like-minded people affirm your personal story, your values, and your worth - combined with tangible action plans to make steps towards my goals - made the time and investment in the virtual Stoke group well worth it!”

Name: Matt Freemyer | One Word Focus: Mountain
Reckoning with monotony and a lack of inspiration is what the Stoke process provided for me. It paved the way allowing for inspiration, excitement, and more, to come back. I discovered a desire for more out of life, while recognizing the beauty that already exists. It helped me be more okay with holding things in the same hand that are "contradictions", and recognizing the ability to accept and find a path that encompasses both. I am still on the journey of figuring out what is next, but I now feel I have the space and tools to do so. I've felt a deeper sense of reconnecting with the things that energize me. I also experienced an internal push to seek greater heights and wider experiences and not settle with the mundane day to day. With this said, it feels I am being true to myself instead of watering myself down for others.

Name: David McTier
I was concerned about a sense of a plateau in life. Like most everyone in their 20s/30s, I have been building and enterprising. I had recently looked up from my work and saw I had accomplished a lot of goals that I had set for my life and this left me with the feeling of “Now what?” "What's it all for?" "What's next?" Matt helped me dive into these questions more deeply and the answers continue to unfold each day. Matt has an ability to not just listen but also hear and thus provide insightful perspective. His input not only helped our family navigate a career decision but also look at how I approach all aspects of living. The Stoke process has given me clarity and direction in regards to my relationships, workplace, and personal development.

Name: Abany Bauer | Essence: Embody
“Some things had been circling in my heart for a while. The Stoke retreat created the TIME to ask poignant discovery questions of myself and the SPACE to answer them honestly. This was powerful and truly a gift. Matt offered an encouraging and immensely safe space to process with lack of judgement, and in return something new was birthed that led to uncovering more of my true self. I walked away having reawakened some old, forgotten dreams and challenged myself towards new ones. I have more clarity, certainly - but it was the affirmation to move forward and do the hard, uncovering work that had me excited to unearth more. I’m still in process, but feel less stuck and more motivated by clarity, having already taken some big steps in the activation plan that was created at the retreat.”

Name: Erin Puckett | Essence: Gift
“I was about to embark on a huge transition. I participated in the Stoke Retreat with the hope of gaining insight into what I might need to flourish during this next chapter (that involved moving my family of 5 to another state!) The Stoke process and community provided a safe place to slow down and reflect, aided by helpful insights from others. Our time together allowed me to look back on my past, remember my personal values and begin constructing a plan for my future.As I reflect on the weekend, I realized that I didn’t really need help with my huge life transition. What I needed was to be reminded of all the things that were true about myself regardless of where I lived, what job I had or who was around me. I left feeling like I could transition with full confidence because I took time to remember what was true and let go of the rest.”

Name: Shawn Vela | Essence: Tree Climber
“As a director and filmmaker I’m often entrusted to steward other people’s stories. I always try to make people feel comfortable so they can talk and share authentically, which helps me notice patterns in their story they may not see. During my Stoke Session, the script was flipped as my own personal story was listened to and reflected back to me in meaningful ways! The process helped me reconnect with my passion of recognizing patterns, stewarding stories, and that I’m drawn to the possibility of open skies. My Stoke Session offered fresh confirmation of who I am as a person and how I can offer my gift to the world.”

Name: Becky Hicks | Essence: Gardener/Cultivator 🌱
Focus: Creating spaces for people to flourish
“Before the Stoke retreat, I was having trouble focusing on what I wanted to accomplish this year with so many upcoming changes on the horizon, both for me personally and for the business I lead. I was able to connect with my true essence on the retreat and to clarify what fuels me and what allows me to dream and create. I have since hired an Operations Manager to assist me in running my business, created a rhythm of alone time, and scheduled a month of vacation/adventure this summer to aid me in creating the space and time needed for my upcoming decisions.”

Name: Erin Burchik | Essence: Creative Force
“Before my Stoke Session with Matt, I was caught in a Groundhog Day routine. I was going to work, taking my kids to activities, going to sleep, waking up, and doing it again. During our session, Matt prompted a light bulb moment in which I realized just how much I’d neglected my creativity over the last few years, especially as a writer. That afternoon, I brought my laptop along to my daughter’s volleyball practice and opened up an old story draft. For the next few hours, I finished a story that had been brewing under the surface for years. Since that day, I’ve been intentionally working creativity back into my priorities and it has been life-changing!”

Name: HM | Essence: Inventive/Creative
One Word Focus: Harvest
“I need protected time and space to reach in and create. The light bulb doesn't shine without its protective glass - and to continue sending light, it needs space to shine. Like the light bulb, I'm creating space. Where there is space, the harvest will come.”