The Homeless Man Who Changed My Life | Jody Zarn

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.

That story became her book about Higher Power Betty and the homeless man who changed her life.

In this moving conversation, Jody shares:

• The cold November morning she met Leroy

• How a daily coffee and muffin turned into a real friendship

• Who Leroy really was (world-class checkers champion, intelligent, resilient)

• Building trust after years of trauma and mistreatment

• Helping him secure long-term housing and dignity

• Her own childhood as an artistic outsider in a sports-heavy community

• What this friendship taught her about empathy and true connection

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.

Timestamps below ⬇️

#JodyZarn #Empathy #Homelessness #HumanConnection #ConversationsWithSekani

Connect with Jody Zarn

Website:https://jodyzarn.com/index.html

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyzarn

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jodyzarn/

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Jody Zarn

1:40 - The Story of Meeting Leroy

8:15 - From One-Time Kindness to Daily Friendship

15:30 - Who Leroy Really Was

23:10 - Building Trust After Years of Trauma

31:45 - Helping Him Find a Forever Home

40:20 - Jody’s Childhood as an Artistic Outsider

48:50 - How Feeling Different Shaped Her Empathy

57:15 - Lessons on Dignity, Connection & Real Help