Go Be More Podcast

From Vietnam Orphan to Finding Family and Purpose - Kirk Kellerhals' 50-year Journey (Ep 52)

Episode Summary

We are all magnetically drawn to stories of hope and long-awaited reunions. As a Vietnam orphan rescued by a family, Kirk Kellerhals received immeasurable blessings while still struggling with his identity. But this runner’s story would come full circle 50 years later.

Episode Notes

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“I don't believe we'll ever recognize our need for the light until we've seen the depth of the darkness.”—Kirk Kellerhals

Kirk Kellerhals experienced a “full-circle” moment when a woman in an email said she thought he was her son. 

After living 50-years with a missing piece to his identity-puzzle, Kirk received the gift of learning about his biological roots. Here he shares how running and faith pulled him through dark times and how a documentary is his way of paying the “gift” forward to Vietnam vets and adoptees.

(2:43) Eight-thousand miles away, in 1969, a boy was born. Kirk tells about his early days.

(5:24) Standing out like a “sore thumb…”

(8:52) Playing sports, marching in the band, and staying out of trouble…

(11:09) Enrolled in the East Texas police academy…

(12:05) A “front-row seat” to a real protest in front of the White House…

(16:46) How the word “dehumanizing” applies to both sides of the conflict.

(18:49) Jon takes advantage of an opportunity to show compassion and support.

(22:42) We all have chances to escalate or de-escalate moments.

(24:35) “What I say to people is not nearly as important as how I make them feel.”

(25:59) From hating running to loving it, Kirk shares his transformation and how it led to meeting Jon.

(34:03) Witness Through Fitness, building community with running and faith…

(37:57) An incredible story of discovering his roots…

(40:43) A life-changing email…

(46:02) “It didn't take long to realize that this is my mother. I'm like, Holy moly. She's been looking for me for my 48 years. And...I'm talking to her.”

(50:19) The immediate bond with my mother, father, and siblings…

(52:05) Taking a lot less for granted…

(53:42) Dark places leading to purpose—photojournalism, documentaries, and sharing blessings…

(58:03) “Well, it's definitely a work in progress. And one of the things I'm finding, especially about a documentary that's as in-depth as this one, is it's very fluid.”

(1:02:20) What’s the impact you want the documentary to have?

(1:05:36) Putting the pieces together for Vietnam veterans…

(1:09:42) “We have always, our entire lives, had that stigma. That negative stigma, that Vietnam War hanging over our heads. I call it the Pigpen Syndrome.”

(1:13:40) What does Go Be More mean to you?

(1:17:12) “The Vietnam War was not all negative. There was a lot of good that came out of it.”

If you liked this episode, check out our interviews with Podcaster Joe Fier and entrepreneur Ron Sarmiento.

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Recorded September 14, 2020.

References:

Sacred Heart Film - Facebook

SEACoast2Coast Foundation - Facebook

Guest:

Kirk Kellerhals - Instagram

Hosts:

Bryan Green - @sendaibry, Go Be More Blog

Jon Rankin - @chasejonrankin, Go Be More

Links:

Go Be More website

Go Be More YouTube Channel

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Creatives Collective Marketing