As a six-year-old, John Chappelear found freedom skating through the marble halls of the U.S. Capitol—until a police officer caught him, again. As a young man, he built a thriving business, only to have it stripped away in a single day. And as a father, he realized that success on paper meant nothing if he didn’t know how to live from the heart.

In this episode of Untold Stories, John shares the moments that shaped him—from childhood survival to entrepreneurial triumph, devastating loss, and finally, a shift that changed everything. With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, he reveals how he moved from a life ruled by achievement to one grounded in connection, love, and lasting impact.

 

As a six-year-old, John Chappelear found freedom skating through the marble halls of the U.S. Capitol&mdash;until a police officer caught him, again. As a young man, he built a thriving business, only to have it stripped away in a single day. And as a father, he realized that success on paper meant nothing if he didn&rsquo;t know how to live from the heart.
In this episode of&nbsp;Untold Stories, John shares the moments that shaped him&mdash;from childhood survival to entrepreneurial triumph, devastating loss, and finally, a shift that changed everything. With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, he reveals how he moved from a life ruled by achievement to one grounded in connection, love, and lasting impact.
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Untold Stories is a captivating live oral storytelling series that offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents to share their unique and inspiring experiences with the world. From artists and tradespeople to shopkeepers and professors, everyone has a story to tell, and Untold Stories provides a space for these narratives to be heard. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of life in Northeast Florida, one story at a time. Untold Stories is produced live on stage by the Florida Theatre, and the radio show and podcast is produced by WJCT Public Media and the Florida Theatre. Barbara Colaciello is the artistic director. The 2022-2023 season of Untold Stories at the Florida Theatre is made possible in part through the generous support of the Wolfburg family.