From Survivor to Thriver
We speak with real people who are shattering mental health stigmas and finding their voices. We aim to normalize discussions around mental health topics and remind our audience: "it's perfectly ok to not always be ok."
Tue, July 02, 2024
From Worriers to Warriors
Send us a text Transitioning to midlife can be challenging for mental health. In this episode of From Survivor To Thriver, we sat down with Elizabeth Cush to delve into the complexities of midlife transitions, anxiety, and personal healing. Elizabeth, a licensed clinical professional counselor and women's life coach, shares her journey from childhood trauma to becoming a beacon of hope for midlife women. Join us as we discuss how past experiences shape our present mental health and the significance of meditation and self-compassion. Elizabeth also talks about the importance of recognizing emotional needs, the power of lived experiences, and strategies for overcoming anxiety in your daily life. Elizabeth Cush is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), a women’s life coach, and a business owner in Annapolis, MD. She’s also the host of the Awaken Your Wise Woman podcast. She’s learned, through her own experiences, that healing is not a one-size-fits-all model, and that healing can happen at any age. Today, as a coach, she helps midlife women, who feel overwhelmed and unfulfilled, embrace and embody their inner wise woman so that they can fully enjoy the beautiful life they’ve created. In this episode, we discuss… What it means to be “midlife” How Elizabeth struggled with her mental health after abuse and the healing and validation she found in therapy How she learned to find self-compassion after PTSD The power of learning how anxiety and trauma impact our nervous system How meditation can help you through your mental health struggles Day-to-day activities you can do to manage anxiety The importance of learning how to manage emotions Internal Family Systems and how they impact your personality The things your brain does to keep you safe How Elizabeth decided to focus on helping women We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Elizabeth! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Elizabeth’s website: https://www.elizabethcushcoaching.com <
Tue, June 25, 2024
Three Men In the Mountains
Send us a text Have you ever participated in a men’s group? The paradigm of masculinity has shifted drastically in the last few decades and it can be hard to navigate alone. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Brad Gophenee who is passionate about helping men grow and find belonging through somatic coaching, groups, trainings, and education. Join us as we discuss the challenges facing men in our society, the complexities of the father-son relationship and how it impacts our lives, the significance of how we express anger, and how life-changing it can be for men to find connection and community in men’s groups. Brad Golphenee is a Director of Training & Education for EVRYMAN and a Professional Somatic Coach for Men. Brad has been involved with Men's Groups for 15 years and has been professionally working with both men & women for 10 years. He has lived in Ski Resort Communities most of his life, holds a BSBA from the University of Denver, and has continuing education in Somatic Experiencing for Trauma. He lives in Sandpoint, Idaho with his wife of 30 years, Maria, and their animals including horses, sheep, chickens, and golden retrievers. Brad loves working with Fathers in a way that breaks trauma cycles and frees up the next generation. He also loves working and training other coaches to use more body-centered methods in their practices. If Brad is not working with a client or planning the next group retreat, he can be found skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, horseback riding, or clearing land on his tractor. In today’s episode, we cover: How the paradigm of masculinity has changed in our society How workshops can help men stop the trauma patterns The complexities of father-son relationships The difference between trauma and anxiety or depression How men’s groups can help men grow and mature The power of community, connection, and belonging The importance of feeling and sharing emotions The truth about anger and the way we express it The difference between reactive behavior and responsive behavior How mountain towns can impact your mental health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Brad! If you would like to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and check out the Evryman website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow
Tue, June 18, 2024
Caregiving Challenges and Mental Health
Send us a text Have you ever been a caregiver for a loved one? When someone we love is sick and in need of care, it can be easy to forget our own needs and step into the role of caregiving. This, however, can lead to depression, PTSD, or other serious mental health issues for the caregiver. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Erin Copelan who was a caregiver to her husband while he battled cancer and to her grandmother. Erin experienced the trauma of both of these experiences and had to learn how to care for herself too while managing this great responsibility. Join us as Erin discusses perceived grief, the symptoms of PTSD and depression, the transition from spouse to caregiver then back to spouse, guilt, and so much more. Erin Copelan is a speaker, best-selling author, licensed massage therapist, and real estate investor. In 2009, she was appointed sole Caregiver to her husband as he was diagnosed with cancer, underwent multiple surgeries, and a successful liver transplant. In her book Welcome to Caregiving: The Things Caregivers Never Talk About, she writes a LOT about her mental health and the effects caregiving had on her, including believing she could outsmart depression and episodes of PTSD. With caregiving experience that spans over a decade in multiple states with multiple medical centers, Erin was called to share her stories with the underserved caregiving community. She was called to share hope, community, and love. She loves writing, the ocean, snuggling her kitties, and learning pottery. In today’s episode, we cover: The mental health continuum The challenges that come with being a caregiver How PTSD can manifest after being a caregiver The transition from spouse to caregiver back to spouse Signs and symptoms of PTSD and depression while caregiving What caregiver burnout is and how it manifests The power of perceived grief How to practice self-care while caregiving We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Erin! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a
Tue, June 11, 2024
Navigating Current Events Without Anxiety
Send us a text Has your mental health ever been impacted by the things you see on the news? You’re not alone. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Julie Rose, who struggled with this to the point that she started avoiding it completely. Today, she shares the story of how she learned to manage her anxiety and start sharing the news in her own way that leaves people feeling informed and empowered rather than anxious and scared. Hearing the news doesn’t have to fill you with dread and anxiety. Join us as Julie shares how there really is a better way to be informed about the world without sacrificing your mental health. Julie Rose has been a radio journalist for 20 years, reporting for NPR local stations and network shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered. In 2015, she began hosting a nationally syndicated live interview show on Sirius XM 143 called Top of Mind. But, after several years on the air every day, she began fighting the urge to avoid the news completely, because of how anxious and angry it made her feel. She knew she couldn’t be alone in that. So, in 2022, a new format for Top of Mind became the answer. Now a weekly podcast, the show tackles tough topics in a way that’s honest and probing, but also leaves people feeling empathetic and empowered. Julie has since become an advocate for bridging divides in public discourse, something needed more now than ever before because news avoidance and polarized information sources are a serious problem. She feels strongly that we can’t just avoid the news and expect to build the communities we want to live in. Julie has received a Gracie Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards for her work in her field. In today’s episode, we cover: The impact the news can have on your mental health The power of simply acknowledging what you’re feeling How Julie came to create her podcast Balancing solution-oriented, unbiased views on the news The importance of curiosity and creative thinking in conversations What to do instead of skimming the news headlines We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Julie! If you would like to hear the news from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe s
Tue, June 04, 2024
Paving a Path from Pain to Peace
Send us a text What does grief mean to you? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Audrey White, a grief coach, to explore what it truly means to grieve. Having experienced significant loss herself, Audrey has navigated the path to acceptance and found meaning in her losses. In this episode, she shares her story and discusses how she now helps others with their grief. Join us as we discuss the stigma surrounding it, how to help someone you love through it or work through it yourself, and the power of vulnerability and community especially while grieving. Audrey White is the co-author of Grief Coaching: Paving a Path from Pain to Peace and CEO of the Grief Coach Academy, the #1 coach training program dedicated to training coaches on how to help people through grief. Her passion for healing is borne from her own journey through grief and loss. In 2020, Audrey lost eight family members, including her mother. In 2022, her brother was tragically killed by his wife, who subsequently took her own life. With her expertise in dealing with life’s setbacks, grief, and stress, Audrey has helped countless individuals find hope and healing during times of trauma and loss. Her journey is one of heartbreak, surrender, and perseverance to find the joy of living again. In today’s episode, we cover: How death is just like birth What it means to grieve and why society doesn’t want to talk about it The power of making meaning of loss Why vulnerability is a superpower that connects us The importance of community and intention while grieving Why we have to give ourselves time to feel and work through grief What the Peace Method is and how it can be used to work through grief We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Audrey! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website , follow her on Instagram , and follow her on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Audrey’s website F
Tue, May 28, 2024
Healing Our Collective Mental Health
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Phyllis Leavitt to discuss her story and the crucial need for collective mental health. Phyllis shares the importance of understanding the psychological underpinnings of societal issues, breaking cycles of abuse, and the importance of fostering individual and national healing. Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University with a Master’s in Psychology and Counseling in 1989. Phyllis co-directed a family-based sexual abuse treatment program called Parents United in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1991 and then went into private practice full-time for the next 30-plus years. She has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing. Our focus today is on her latest book, American Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, which delves into what perpetuates abuse at every level, the probable outcomes for individuals and the nation if cycles of violence and abuse continue unchecked, and, crucially, how to elevate the principles of individual and family healing to national awareness and implement them for the greater American family. She has also published two other books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire, which chronicle her personal healing journey. In today’s episode, we cover: How our family conditioning impact our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings The global and historical context of collective trauma How post-traumatic stress manifests in different people What we personally find acceptable vs. what we allow on a larger scale The power of bringing the lens of psychology to our human experiences How the collective is living in constant fight or flight mode The potential impact of collective healing The stigma around therapy and mental illnesses Why we have to start taking responsibility for ourselves We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Phyllis! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links:
Tue, May 21, 2024
Microdosing for Your Mental Health
Send us a text Are you aware of the life-changing impact microdosing can have on your mental health? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sit down with Leslie Draffin to discuss her transformative journey. Leslie shares how she left what she thought was her dream job due to its toll on her mental health and discovered the healing power of psychedelic medicine. Join us as she explains what microdosing is, how to do it safely with professional guidance, and the healing potential of psychedelics. Leslie also reveals how she found her true passion in helping others through their psychedelic healing journeys. Leslie Draffinis a somatic psychedelic guide & sensual embodiment coach focused on helping women embrace their bodies, sex, and psychedelics. While she was super successful on the outside -including being a TV news anchor making 6-figures -her inner world was a MESS. She suffered from anxiety, binge drank & starved herself so she didn’t have to feel her uncomfy feelings. After years in therapy, and trying every spiritual modality she could think of, Leslie found psychedelic mushrooms. Today, she supports conscious women & menstruators who want to heal themselves & connect more deeply with the divine through intentional micro-dosing, womb reconnection, pleasure activation & cyclical living. Leslie believes sacred Earth medicine has the power to bring us home to ourselves, awaken our authenticity, and heal the trauma locked within our subconscious In today’s episode, we cover: The profound mental health struggles that led Leslie to psychedelic medicine The day in June 2022 that changed everything for Leslie When Leslie decided her dream job wasn’t right for her anymore How healing through microdosing led Leslie to the work she does now The method she developed to microdose during your menstrual cycle What it means to microdose and how it impacts your health When and why to microdose versus full dose Why it’s so important to microdose with a professional How you can get started with psychedelic healing We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Leslie! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe
Tue, May 14, 2024
Writing Helped Me Find Hope
Send us a text What helps you find hope in your darkest hours? For our guest in this week’s episode of From Survivor to Thriver, it’s writing. Krystal Clark found that when she writes her fantasy novels, she finds a great amount of healing from the trauma of her past. Join us as Krystal shares her journey of resilience and personal growth. She shares how the trauma she experienced in her childhood led to her becoming a successful career coach and fantasy writer. She also shares her thoughts on emotional resilience, the power of being seen, and the impact of doing the things you love. Krystal Clark believes she has a unique story from her childhood molestation, the lack of parental support, suicidal ideation, and anxiety to the coping mechanisms she used to numb the pain. At one point, she couldn’t even see past her wedding day. Along the way, she found that her children were her saving grace even through the struggles of motherhood. She has used her trauma, day-to-day stress, and personal thoughts to create great fantasy stories with metaphors built into each character and plot. Krystal’s books are more than just another fantasy adventure. They are real-life scenes reimagined into the impact and influences that put us on certain paths—with decisions come consequences. Hosting her Moving with Meaning podcast and writing has helped Krystal and others relate to her message… "I'm not alone" and "I got you”. In today’s episode, we cover: The healing Krystal found through writing The mental health struggles stemming from traumatic experiences in Krystal's life Krystal’s passion for emotional resilience The crucial role of self-awareness in emotional intelligence The difference between responding and. reacting The power of being seen and heard by those around you How Krystal's journey as a career coach transformed her life The art of listening and not just waiting to talk The impact of doing things you love We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Krystal! You can find all of her resources and check out her books on her website ! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Krystal’s website: https://movingwithmeaning.com/ <a href=
Tue, May 07, 2024
Why, What, and How of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Send us a text Have you ever thought about using psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to address trauma and mental health issues? If so, this episode of From Survivor to Thriver is a must-listen. Our guest, Jill Sitnick, opens up about the childhood trauma that caused her to develop PTSD and depression in adulthood. After reaching a critical point, Jill found hope and healing through psychedelic-assisted therapy. Join us as Jill shares her journey, discussing the challenges she faced, how she discovered this unique form of therapy, and why it's so effective in treating deep-rooted trauma. Jill Sitnick is an award-winning strategic thinker and educator who healed her childhood trauma-induced PTSD with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Jill has over 25 years of educational technology expertise, having worked for Bensalem Township School District, Microsoft, and Amazon. As the founder of The Journey Sage, she is a credible voice who uses her teaching experience to demystify the process of healing PTSD with psychedelics. Her memoir, Rescuing Jill, How MDMA, with a Dash of Magic Mushrooms, Healed my Childhood Trauma-Induced PTSD, recounts her yearlong healing journey. Her Rescuing Jill Companion Workbook: Intention Setting Prompts for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy is available to assist people working with psychedelics for healing. Jill’sgoal is to share her healing experience to help others who are looking for PTSD healing options. In today’s episode, we cover: The PTSD Jill experienced due to childhood trauma The coping mechanisms we use to help us through difficult times How Jill found healing through MDMA treatment The science behind psychedelic therapy What the preparation for psychedelic-assisted therapy looks like What integration after psychedelic-assisted therapy looks like How MDMA treatment can calm your body Which medium each psychedelic is suitable for How resistance is part of healing We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jill! If you want to learn more from her about psychedelic-assisted therapy, make sure to visit her website to find all her resources and check out her YouTube channel. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! <b
Tue, April 30, 2024
Recovery Reimagined: It's Not Just About Sobriety
Send us a text What do you think of when you hear about alcohol addiction recovery? Do you think of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)? While AA can be effective, other approaches to recovery may work better for different people. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Jonathan Hunt-Glassman to discuss Alcohol Use Disorder and the unique path to recovery many people need. Join us as Jonathan shares how he took his own experience with alcohol and created his own organization with the goal of showing people that there are other ways to move through recovery. Jonathan Hunt-Glassman is a healthcare entrepreneur and CEO of Oar Health, an addiction recovery platform that is revolutionizing the way people approach Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) treatment. With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including strategic leadership roles at Humana, Optum, and Bain & Company, Jonathan combines his expertise with a personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction to make a meaningful impact in the field of addiction and recovery. Jonathan's own battle with alcohol addiction inspired him to create Oar Health, a platform that offers accessible and approachable medication-assisted treatment for AUD through telemedicine. Jonathan understands the challenges faced by millions of Americans struggling with alcohol problems and is dedicated to offering expert, empathetic care without barriers. With the support of licensed medical professionals, Oar Health helps people change their relationship with alcohol, offering safe and effective solutions, including medications like naltrexone. In today’s episode, we cover: The difference between Alcohol Use Disorder and alcohol addiction The black and white idea people have of alcohol addiction Why there is no one-size-fits-all plan to handle alcohol addiction The different types of recovery treatments Recovery vs. sobriety How to best support those who are struggling with alcohol addiction The stigma and societal expectations we have around alcohol How Jonathan helps people with their relationships with alcohol The power of community The reason there is so much resistance to medication for addiction We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jonathan! If you want to learn more from him about addiction recovery, you can visit the Oar website . You can also follow him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to <a href='https://podcasts.a
Tue, April 23, 2024
Demystifying Menopause and Your Mental Health
Send us a text For many women, the experience of going through menopause can have a significant impact on their mental health. And due to the stigma around it, many don’t get the help they actually need. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Ann Bell to discuss the link between menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause, and mental health and how women can educate themselves and become their own best advocates. Ann Bell is here to remind women that their needs matter, that they deserve an enjoyable, nourishing sex life, and that there is a deep connection between menopause and mental health. Her journey into this field began in 1998 as a massage therapist, where she discovered the deep need for addressing mental, emotional, and relationship health in people's lives. Clients found solace in confiding in her during their sessions and, in 2012, Ann made the decision to formalize her commitment to their overall wellness. In 2020, she furthered her expertise by obtaining certifications in relationships, sex, and love coaching. In today’s episode, we cover: The different stages of menopause The number one symptom of menopause Hidden symptoms of menopause that many people don’t know about The impact of menopause on your mental health The number one thing women need to treat menopause Why postmenopausal women struggle to get access to HRT The problems in women’s healthcare The impact of antidepressants on menopausal women The importance of educating yourself about your health so that you can be your own advocate The stigmas around women’s health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Ann! If you want to learn more from her, you can visit her website here. You can also learn more about menopause and how to find a menopause practitioner at menopause.org/ . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Ann’s website Visit the menopause website Visit our website Follow us on
Tue, April 16, 2024
The Mountain in My Mind
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Padilla to talk about how his life was changed forever by a tragedy. The devastating loss of his brother to suicide during his high school years changed the trajectory of his life. John shares how he turned his pain into purpose and embarked on a path of healing alongside his brother's friends. Inspired by their collective resilience, he created YouTube films centered around mental health in the mountains. Join us as John shares his deeply personal story, showing the impact of community in navigating through life's most challenging moments. In 2019, John Padilla lost his teenage brother, Jack, to suicide. John’s background as a professional skier and photographer prompted him to create Mountain in My Mind , the first video production company focused on mental health awareness in ski towns. This project has resulted in two, award-winning, feature length films that have been viewed by millions across the world. He and his team are currently on location in Montana shooting the third film which is set for release in the Fall of 2024. In today’s episode, we cover: How to check in with loved ones who might be contemplating suicide John’s experience with a brother who committed suicide How he started a nonprofit to help others struggling with their mental health The impact of social media and bullying on the mental health of young adults The power of community The healing that John and the other kids found through making movies The stigma around mental health in ski towns The topics covered in John’s movies We hope you enjoyed this conversation with John! If you want to check out his movies for yourself, head over to his YouTube and follow him on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out the films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MountainInMyMind Follow Mountain in My Mind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountaininmymind/ <b
Tue, April 09, 2024
Happiness is an Inside Job
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we talked with Jon Katz about his journey to better mental and physical health and how he learned that real healing comes after facing pain by looking within yourself. Jon tells his story and talks about how important it is to take full responsibility for our own lives and happiness. Now, he helps others overcome their struggles in the same way he did. In late 2020, Jon Katz went through a horrendous breakup. This breakup, compounded with the weight of an unstable childhood, decades of poor decision-making, poor relationship choices, and poor habits, left him obese, anxious, depressed, and suicidal at the age of 34. Since then, Jon has turned his life around in every conceivable way and now coaches others on how to step back from the path of negativity, poor health, hopelessness, worthlessness, fear, and suicide. It is now his life's mission to help folks out of the pit of suicidality, anxiety, depression, repression, and denial and take back their lives. Let’s welcome in Jon!! In today’s episode, we cover: How Jon reached his lowest point in his mental health and then changed the trajectory of his life How the people we spend our time with can impact our habits Why we have to look inside if we want true happiness How Jon realized that running away from his problems wouldn’t solve them The problem with getting lost in the narratives of others The power of trying and giving things your all How desperation can actually make you unstoppable How your mental health and physical health are intertwined The juxtaposition between art and pain How the creative process impacts mental health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jon! If you want to learn more from him, head over to his Instagram and you’ll find all of his links there. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Jon on Instagram Visit our website Follow us on Facebook Fol
Tue, April 02, 2024
Putting Deposits in Your Happy Jar
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dana Diaz. After living through years of narcissistic and physical abuse, she learned that it was time to make a change and create a better life for herself. Join us as Dana shares her story and the importance of rediscovering who you are after leaving an abusive relationship and how she learned to put little deposits into her own happy jar. Dana is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE . Dana has had life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. In today’s episode, we cover: How Dana began writing her book with a notebook hidden under a cushion How Covid turned into a game of survivor for Dana with her abuser The physical and mental abuse Dana endured from her caregivers growing up The traits of a true narcissist When Dana realized she reached a deal breaker in her marriage The ability people have to make you sick The ongoing process of healing The power of asking yourself what you really want The stigmatized way people treat others that struggle with their mental health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Dana! If you want to learn more from her or read her book, make sure to visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram here! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: <a href='https://d
Tue, March 26, 2024
Exploring Healing Modalities: EMDR and Beyond
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Laura Renner. She shares her experiences after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever and brought her mental health to an all-time low. Laura tried many forms of therapy to heal after what she experienced but found in the end that healing is an individualized experience and it is a journey that will take time. Laura shares more about the different types of healing modalities she tried including EMDR, therapy, hypnotherapy, meditation, and more. Laura Renner is an author, podcast host, and neonatal intensive care nurse who suffered a near-fatal traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. Through her complicated recovery, she hit rock bottom and realized she needed to undergo deep work to heal her complex trauma. She’s spent the last two years exploring countless trauma healing modalities and sharing her experience to show others they're capable of healing, too. In her book, "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You.," Laura openly discusses her journey of identifying her traumas, healing deep wounds, and how she reclaimed her power. She is also the host of her own podcast called Healing #Nofilter where she provides relatable, no-nonsense methods for healing your mind, body, and all things trauma-related. As she writes in her book, “Being on this healing journey is a lot like running. Well, running for people who are not runners, myself included.” In today’s episode, we cover: The feelings of depression and hopelessness Laura experienced after a traumatic brain injury The stigma around mental health and why we struggle to talk about it The PTSD of a PTSD event How meditation helps Laura cope with her traumas What EMDR is and how it became part of Laura’s healing journey The individualized process of finding therapy methods that work for you The trauma that your body can hold onto The power of getting to the root of your traumas and understanding why you believe the things you do We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Laura! If you loved hearing from her, we highly recommend you get a copy of her book. You can also get her free healing resource on her website . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subs
Tue, March 19, 2024
Doing Hard Things with Other People
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Marcus Farris, a Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22 to talk about the intricate connection between mental health and physical fitness. In our discussion, we dive into the importance of humor and the right mindset in navigating mental health challenges. Marcus also opens up about his own personal struggles, the resilience and purpose in endurance sports, and his work with veterans. Marcus Farris is the Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He’s also an author, master health coach, endurance athlete, and has his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. His life was upended when, as a result of infidelity, his marriage collapsed and ended in divorce after only four years. Today, he’s passionate about all manner of endurance sports competitions and has spent a lot of his spare time working with the US Military Endurance Sports team, a non-profit dedicated to helping service members achieve their fitness endeavors. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest where he works with other former military service members on their own paths to healing after experiencing the trials of combat. In today’s episode, we cover: The power of fitness in mental health healing Men’s therapy through practical activities The power we all have to do hard things The connection between endurance athletes and mental health struggles Social media and it’s impact on our self worth Accepting yourself for who you are right now Chasing serotonin and dopamine in healthy ways Rewiring your neural pathways for positive thinking We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Marcus! If you want to learn more about Mission 22 you can visit their website here. Make sure to follow Marcus on Instagram and get a copy of his book! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Marcus on Instagram Follow Marcus on LinkedIn
Tue, March 12, 2024
Turning the Tables: Erik and Marc on the Hot Seat
Send us a text We are celebrating something special in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver- our three-year anniversary of the podcast! To mark this significant milestone, we're switching things up by stepping into the guest roles. Our former guest and dear friend, Susan Gold, will be our host. Over the past 151 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting incredible guests who shared their stories of healing and triumph over mental health challenges. Now, we're excited to flip the script and present this unique episode. Join us as we dive into our personal journeys, the inception of the podcast, and how it has evolved into a platform for mental health awareness and support. In today’s episode, we cover: How our deep bond and friendship began Why and how we decided to start this podcast The joy and challenges we have faced creating this podcast The first step to beginning your healing journey The different ways mental health issues impact different people How our podcast has impacted our own lives and mental health How we overcome imposter syndrome Our reflections on three years of podcasting We hope you enjoyed this episode! We have so much gratitude for this show, the people we have met through it, and the platform it has given us to end the stigma around mental health conversations. We hope you will continue to join us week after week as we share these powerful conversations. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/ Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Quotes: “This podcast has opened my eyes to how mental health plays into so many different aspects of so many different people's lives. And it presents itself differently. It's not just the DSM-5 that we're all familiar with. Trauma comes in all shapes and all sizes and all different ways.” -Erik “I hope that our message of hope a
Tue, March 05, 2024
Healing Yourself from Within
Send us a text What if we told you that the secret to healing your mental health is actually quite simple? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Josie Warren to talk about her own struggles with autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses, and addiction, and how she learned to heal it all in one fell swoop by taking a hard look at herself and what she really needed to do to be happy. Josie discusses the narratives we tell ourselves when it comes to our illnesses, why we struggle so much to just be happy, and why the path to healing is simpler than it seems. Josie Warren is an autoimmune and mental health expert whose life used to be defined by her autoimmune problems. By the time she was a teenager, she had anxiety, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, an eating disorder, and a drinking problem. In her darkest of days, she had become suicidal. After struggling for years with her mind and behaviors, Josie has completely resolved all of her addiction and mental health issues. Today, she is a responsible social drinker who is emotionally at peace. As a businesswoman, Josie uses her experience with addiction and her past challenges to help individuals emotionally heal as she has In today’s episode, we cover: Josie’s struggle with autoimmune diseases, mental health illness, and addiction The connection between how autoimmune diseases and mental health diseases are healed How you’ll know if the healing methodologies you’re using aren’t working Why you aren’t as alone in your struggles as you think you are The power in simplicity Why people struggle so much with choosing to be healthy Why we have to stop viewing life as suffering The importance of honesty and truth in the healing process The impact men and women have on each other’s mental health Why you have to start looking within for your own happiness We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Josie! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Josie’s website Visit our website Fo
Tue, February 27, 2024
Breaking Free: A Journey from Abuse to Empowerment
Send us a text For someone who is in the depths of an abusive relationship, it can be hard to make sense of what’s happening. But the impacts on your life, and your mental health, can be profound. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the great honor of sitting down with Nikki La Croce, who experienced an abusive relationship that changed her life. She discusses the growth that came from this hard situation and also delves into the mental health challenges that people in the LGBTQ community face and how we can all become more open-minded and accepting people. In early 2021, Nikki La Croce experienced what she now refers to as her “personal armageddon”, as she left a decade-long abusive relationship and simultaneously was faced with the unexpected loss of her mother amidst the peak of the pandemic. Navigating these events and being forced to cope with two very different types of grief at once, Nikki’s perspective on mental health, personal growth, and healing through trauma shifted drastically. She has always felt strongly about the importance of human connection and thanks to a tremendous amount of support from her family, friends and her therapist, she made the decision to return to the mic to share her own story in May 2022. Now, you can catch new episodes of Who The F*ck? every week to hear guests from all over the globe share their unique stories of resilience, gratitude and their missions to make meaningful change in the world. Nikki sees the continued growth of her show as a way to help others feel seen and heard, so they can learn how to prioritize their well-being and find the inner peace we all deserve. In today’s episode, we cover: The power of a strong support system The gaslighting and manipulation Nikki endured in her previous relationship The impact - good or bad- that your partner can have on your life Why boundaries matter so much How low self-esteem can impact your view on the love you think you deserve The growth that can happen after leaving abusive situations The mental health struggles within the LGBTQ community Embracing an open-minded approach to life Living your truth We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Nikki! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and check out her show. You can also follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to <
Tue, February 20, 2024
The Warrior Within: Navigating Bipolar Disorder
Send us a text Imagine the weight of command in combat intertwined with the silent battle of mental illness. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with General Gregg Martin, who fought a tremendous battle with bipolar disorder all while navigating an accomplished career in the military. Gregg is sharing his story of resilience in the face of a disorder that pushed him into profound mania and deep depression. He is now passionate about helping shatter the stigma around bipolar disorder so that anyone struggling with this illness can stop suffering in silence and get the treatment that can change the trajectory of their lives. Gregg Martin, PhD. is a retired major general and a 36-year Army combat veteran, celebrated for his remarkable career commanding engineer units and holding prestigious roles such as president of the National Defense University, and commander of Fort Leonard Wood. An accomplished author, his book “BIPOLAR GENERAL: My Forever War with Mental Illness” candidly shares his journey. With advanced degrees from MIT, the Naval War College, and the Army War College, Gregg’s indomitable spirit offers hope and inspiration to others, while he finds strength and joy alongside his wife in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In today’s episode, we cover: Gregg’s experience with bipolar disorder while serving in the military What happened when his disorder became out of control How your self-perception shifts when you are manic versus depressed Gregg’s journey to getting his diagnosis and how it helped him begin his recovery Why we have to get rid of the stigma around getting help The power medication and treatment have to turn your life around How important hope is during your healing journey How people perceive mental illness How we can begin to normalize the conversations around mental health We hope you enjoyed our conversation with General Gregg! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and get a copy of his book . You can also follow him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links:
Tue, February 13, 2024
The Healing Power of Animals
Send us a text According to statistics, mental health challenges are on the rise, which means it’s more important than ever that we find healing methods that work for us. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michael Overlie to discuss the healing power of having pets. There is a strong bond and connection between a man and his dog, and we are exploring how that bond can be a profound healing tool for anyone struggling with their mental health. Michael Overlie is the Founder of Save Two, a Colorado-based non-profit whose mission is to save the lives of both Dogs and Men, help them connect deeply to begin to heal their wounds and teach them skills to navigate this world and live better lives. It all came about through Michael’s individual lived experiences and those shared with his dogs, especially Sage, the loving creature who saved Michael’s life when he was a 12-year-old boy. Today, his days are spent saving lives on both ends of the leash. In today’s episode, we cover: Why the connection between man and dog can be so strong The power animals have to sense when you are struggling What energy healing feels like and how animals can be energy healers Why dogs bring a sense of belonging and home How dogs can read our energy and nudge us toward necessary change The acceptance and nurturing men can receive from dogs Why pets can help us become better versions of ourselves How dogs can be mirrors for us Why Michael decided to work with men and dogs The power of speaking up about your mental health How pets can be our familiars (like Erik’s cat that he named after Taylor Swift!) We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Michael! If you’d like to learn more about Save Two, you can find more information on the website . You can also connect with Michael on LinkedIn and check out his book Let Your Dog Lead here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Michael’s website Get a copy
Tue, February 06, 2024
A True Thriver: Louise Ashby’s Story of Triumph Over Tragedy
Send us a text What if your darkest moment became the source of your greatest strength? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we spoke with Louise Ashby who experienced a traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. She’s sharing what happened during and after that fateful day that she got in a car accident and how she learned to take that experience and use it to help others instead of letting it defeat her. Louise is a thriver and she embodies the true nature of the human spirit and what we can overcome. Louise Ashby is an actress, model, motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, activist, and best-selling author of The Magic of the Mask . At the age of 21, after losing her mother Lynda to cancer, she moved to LA only to see her dreams of an acting career sidelined six weeks later when a near-fatal car accident tore off half of her face and left her with a traumatic brain injury. Not only was she able to endure the 238 metal bolts and plates, 28 reconstructive surgeries, and years of both physical and mental healing work, but she also embraced the new opportunities that came with it. She attributes her healing and return to her life to the tools and practices she had to develop in order to do what the doctors said wasn’t possible. Today, Louise believes that everyone has the strength and courage to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. With her expertise as a Transformational and Mindset mentor, she helps women tap into their true potential and discover the amazing gifts that come with tough times. In today’s episode, we cover: The traumatic injury that changed Louise’s life The power of surrounding yourself with good people when going through challenges How this experience impacted Louise’s sense of self and mental health Why who you are as a person matters more than anything else How Louise takes her experience and uses it to help others The importance of surrender and acceptance The gift of asking someone for help How your community can help you heal We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Louise! If you want to learn more, make sure to visit her website and check out her resources there. You can also follow her on social media and get a copy of her book Magic of the Mask. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure t
Tue, January 30, 2024
Dodging Asteroids While Running Too Fast with Joe Tlustos
Send us a text Do you or someone you know struggle with addiction? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Joe Tlustos to talk about how his mental health struggles turned into multiple addictions that greatly impacted his life. Joe shares the story of how he learned to slow down, accept himself for who he is, and get the help he needed. Through his journey, he learned that the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s actually connection. He now helps people struggling with addiction connect with someone who can help them slow down and kick the addiction for good. Joe Tlustos is a peer coach for Face It TOGETHER, an addiction wellness nonprofit. Joe has extensive personal and coaching experience with addiction and mental health conditions having suffered from multiple addictions (including opioids, alcohol and others) for more than 20 years, mainly due to undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder II, severe depression, anxiety and adult ADHD. He voluntarily entered inpatient treatment in November of 2008 and has been in recovery ever since. Today, he’s experienced as a coach and a peer in a place where highly creative talent, mental health and addiction intersect. In today’s episode, we cover: What it’s like struggling with mental health issues before people understood them The rareness of true authenticity in the mental health space Joe’s experience in the radio business and how it impacted his mental health When Joe started suffering from multiple addictions The moment Joe knew he couldn’t do it by himself anymore and he needed help The honesty it takes to kick an addiction The importance of slowing down when you are struggling with your mental health Why the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection Why you have to change the way you think if you are ready to find your way out of addiction The power of hope We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Joe! If you want to learn more from him or get some help, make sure to visit the Face It TOGETHER website. You can also follow them on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Joe’s website: https://www.wefaceittogether.org Follow Face It TOGETHER on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceittogeth
Tue, January 23, 2024
Beyond the Diagnosis: Chris Glatis' Journey from Anxiety to Healing
Send us a text If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression. It can be easy to let that define you, but that is a roadblock to healing. It’s important that we remember that we are more than our diagnoses. Our guest Chris Glatis has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks since a young age and tried many things to feel better. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, he’s sharing his story and how he learned to understand that he is not broken and healing is possible. Chris Glatis is an award-winning filmmaker and lifelong seeker who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder soon after entering college. Motivated to overcome what he initially saw as a weakness, Chris devoted himself to learning how humans heal. He’s tried it all, from silent meditations on mountaintops to Native American sweat lodges, psychotherapy, men’s groups, yogis, trauma work, and creative projects that explore characters who, despite deep, psycho-spiritual struggles, are ultimately redeemed. By sharing his own journey in his book When Your Mind Screams , he demonstrates how what was once his greatest weakness is now his greatest teacher. In today’s episode, we cover: When Chris had his first panic attack and realized he needed help The reality of what it’s like to have a panic attack The connection between anxiety and OCD The fear of fear and how it can impact your life The shame around anxiety The connection between addictions and mental health issues How breathwork can help lower your anxiety The problem with labeling people with mental health disorders Why we don’t have to feel happy all the time What catastrophizing is and why it’s so hard for people with anxiety to deal with The importance of healing your inner child We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Chris! If you want to learn more from him, you can visit his website, follow him on Instagram , and get a copy of his book When Your Mind Screams. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Chris’s website Follow Chris on Instagram <a href='https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6YZ7PY?tag=scribemedia-20&geniusl
Tue, January 16, 2024
From the Floor to the Door with Michelle
Send us a text Domestic abuse can look many different ways, and it's crucial to recognize the different ways it manifests. It goes beyond just physical violence and can include emotional, verbal, sexual, and even financial abuse. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michelle, who went through many types of domestic abuse with her husband of 20 years. She’s sharing her experience and when she finally realized what was happening and was brave enough to take her kids and get out. Michelle’s story is one of courage and determination. She took her experience and is using it to help other women in her situation find the help they need to get out of abusive relationships and get a fresh start. Michelle was married for many years and was a stay-at-home Mom for 2 children. In 2015, Michelle realized that her husband was addicted to drugs. During this time, she experienced financial, emotional and sexual abuse from him, which turned into his sex trafficking her. She spent many nights crying on the floor, until one night, with fear running through her body and hope in her heart, she ran for the door and got out. Since then, she has been healing herself with therapy and other techniques. She has become a strong Mom for her children, in addition to being an advocate and mentor for other women and teens who have suffered any form of trauma and abuse. Her story is compelling, heartbreaking, and yet full of hope and reconciliation. She survived for a reason and has now dedicated her life to those needing help in finding their smile again. In today’s episode, we cover: The warning signs for Michelle at what her husband truly was The differences between grooming and brainwashing The backdoor of a life that her husband hid from her for years How Michelle was exploited and traffic by people she trusted The moment Michelle realized she was being trafficked and it was time to leave The organization that helped her get out Different types of abuse and why they are all about control How Michelle plans to help other women in her position How Michelle found the strength to move on after leaving her husband Why we shouldn’t ignore our instincts The stigma around abuse in our society We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Michelle! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit https://fromthefloortothedoor.com . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! <
Tue, January 09, 2024
Self-Empowerment, Presence, and a Growth Mindset with John Brewer Jr.
Send us a text Fear of the unknown can cause a lot of anxiety, but taking steps to prepare yourself can do wonders for your confidence and mental health. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with John Brewer Jr. to talk about the importance of preparedness and self-defense, not just in terms of physical protection, but also as a philosophy for life. John highlights how readiness, mindfulness, self-reliance, and a sense of preparedness can be applied to various aspects of life, from managing stress to developing confidence. John Brewer, Jr. is an Army Special Forces veteran with more than 10 years of experience enabling those who act to defend life, family, and country. He is the Founder of Mind, Shield & Spear Consulting Group and Author of Fight for Your Best Life , a book on safety and self-defense. He uses his experiences from training and working alongside indigenous forces in war-torn countries fighting against terrorism and oppression, to enable and empower individuals who wish to protect themselves and others from becoming victims of violent crime. Using a multidisciplinary approach, John acts as a facilitator in guiding others to meet their safety and security needs from building a sturdy foundation, based on their core values and goals, to gaining knowledge, developing skills, and reaching not only their safety goals but also their life's aspirations. Knowing firsthand the importance of self-reliance, John has made it his mission to enable and empower others so they may live healthy, thriving lives. In today’s episode, we cover: The juxtaposition between self-reliance and built community The power of delegating tasks and focusing on what you’re skilled in How John took his war experiences and turned it into a program that empowers others Being prepared for unexpected circumstances in life How being prepared for the unexpected can impact your mental health What happens when you have SOPs ready to go for any situation How to build a mental health toolkit How to use stress to your advantage Staying in purpose and alignment when handling stress Embracing self-reflection Tips for prioritizing what’s really important in your life The balance of confidence and having a growth mindset We hope you enjoyed our conversation with John! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and find him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. I
Tue, January 02, 2024
From Banking to Breathing: A Journey Into Mindfulness with Colin Kingsmill
Send us a text What does it take to discover your true purpose for being here? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Colin Kingsmill who found a tremendous amount of success and wealth only to give it all away and leave that lifestyle behind to honor his mental health. Colin shares his story and how he went on a spiritual journey and, through several modalities including meditation and mindfulness practices, found his crystal clear purpose for being here. He also shares the evolution of his relationships and his view of the world since making this profound shift and rediscovering his own humanity. In 2001, with an MBA and a successful decade in Swiss banking behind him, Colin Kingsmill decided to make a radical reset, give up most of his possessions and perceived status, and step into the unknown. He had everything he wanted, but it was not fulfilling. He really has seen it all, from flying in private jets, sailing on superyachts, mingling with industry titans, meeting Hillary Clinton and Elton John, and hanging out in George Clooney's villa on Lake Como when the Heinz family owned it. However, on the flip side of all the shiny stuff, he has also suffered the hardships of divorce and personal bankruptcy, depression, and crippling anxiety. Today, with all this life and work experience behind him, Colin now coaches, advises, and mentors extraordinary individuals making important changes in their personal and professional lives and provides a space for business owners to talk strategically through their pivot plans and fears as they grapple with the challenges of today’s world. In today’s episode, we cover: The masks we wear to hide our mental health struggles from the world Releasing the trappings of status for your own health Why material things don’t prove our self-worth What rebirthing is and how it can lead to a past life regression The experience that inspired Colin to get rid of all of his material things How Colin got crystal clear on his purpose for being here The process of going from shelf-development to self-development The evolution of our relationships How meditation and mindfulness can help you embody your true self The lenses and traumas that we live our lives through Reality is only as good as we make it at any given moment We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Colin! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to <a href='https://pod
Tue, December 26, 2023
Bulldozing Your Fear with Susan Snow
Send us a text Suffering from any type of trauma can change your life in an instant. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Susan Snow, whose life was forever changed on a fateful Halloween night in 1985 when her father, a dedicated LAPD detective, was tragically killed. This led to PTSD, depression, and anxiety for Susan as she struggled to navigate what happened. She shares the raw and emotional process of how she learned to bulldoze her fear and turned her profound personal trauma into a path of healing and empowerment. Susan is passionate about changing the system and getting more support for the kids of fallen officers so they get the mental health support they need. Susan Snow is the daughter of slain LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was ambushed and killed on October 31, 1985, when she was seventeen years old. She is a published author, speaker, and coach. Susan's book The Other Side of the Gun was born out of her journey through the trauma she experienced with the death of her father. She wrote it specifically to heal herself and help others heal through her words and experiences. These days, Susan works as a Realtor in the Denver Metro area. In today’s episode, we cover: What happened after Susan lost her father and the grief and mental health issues she went through How Susan found her passion in making sure that children of fallen officers get the support they need Balancing fear when your loved ones work dangerous jobs The importance of taking away the stigma of needing help Susans struggle with PTSD, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety The impact Columbine had on Susan’s mental health The conversation that helped Susan finally get the health she needed Managing PTSD and the power of journaling How Susan bulldozed her fear and found healing The ripple effect trauma can have on those around us We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Susan! We highly recommend you check out her book! You can find it here. If you want to learn more about her, you can visit her website . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Susan’s website Get a copy of Susan’s book <
Tue, December 19, 2023
Behind the Badge: A Story of Hope with Ashley Ferris
Send us a text While for many the holidays are a time filled with joy and family, for some, it can be the darkest, hardest, or loneliest time of the year. In this special episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Ferris who is a beacon in the dark to anyone struggling with their mental health, especially this time of year. In 2021, Ashley reached her lowest point and was planning to take her own life after her shift as a police officer. During that shift, Ashley experienced a life-changing incident. Ashley nearly died that day, but thanks to the quick action of her fellow officers and the kindness and compassion she experienced following it, she found a new purpose in her life and a will to live. She is now passionate about helping others understand that no matter how dark it is, something amazing could be around the corner. You always have something to live for and you are worthy of any help you might need. Ashley Ferris was a law enforcement officer with the Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood, Colorado from January of 2018 to June of 2023. Prior to that, Ashley was an All-Source Intelligence Analyst with the United States Army and a project manager for a Denver area developer. During her tenure as an officer, Ashley was appointed to several leadership, mentoring, and instructing positions. Some of those positions included Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Coach, Public Information Officer, CPR and Tactical Medical Care Instructor, amongst others. In addition to her role at UT as a Training Specialist and her current graduate program studies, Ashley travels around the country to share her experience and lessons learned following her critical incident. Ashley lives and loves to serve the community, her organization, and her friends and peers. In today’s episode, we cover: The mental health crisis Ashley was in and the incident at work that changed everything How you can always get help, no matter how bleak your options seem How Ashley found a purpose to live for Why the holidays are so challenging for so many people Ashley’s passion for crisis intervention The signs that someone might be struggling with suicidal ideations The unique mental health challenges that first responders face Why cops continue to put everyone else first even when they need help The life-saving power of being vulnerable Why first responders have to feel safe to get help in order for anything to change We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Ashley! If you want to learn more, make sure to visit the A Fighting Chance website! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remem
Tue, December 12, 2023
Life is One Big Roadtrip with Caley Rose
Send us a text Bullying, particularly in early stages of life, can result in severe consequences. With the addition of the online space, students are not only exposed to bullying at school, it can come home with them too via things like social media. This can lead to serious mental health problems. With that being said, it’s more important than ever that we do everything that we can to prevent bullying from happening. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we got to sit down with Caley Rose. Caley experienced extreme bullying herself in middle school and now makes it her mission to work with kids in schools and make sure people know that they’re not alone with her empowering music. Caley Rose is a Billboard charting artist & motivational speaker. She is an empowering pop singer & songwriter whose music has been featured on Top 40 radio, TV, commercials & film. After being severely bullied in middle school, Caley dedicated her life to finding her own self-esteem and to empowering women & students to discover their own. She created her Music with a Message Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program to bring “confidence tools into schools,” by using the power of music. This former Off-Broadway singer has received an Inspiration grant for her work empowering women & students and regularly partners with women’s and children’s charities. In her own words, “The future looks so bright today I’m gonna need a bigger pair of shades.” In today’s episode, we cover: How Caley overcame extreme bullying and depression Why the only opinion of you that matters is your own The work Caley does in schools using her empowering music The reality of bullying in schools How Caley goes about writing her songs The negativity bias and how we can overcome it to understand that we’re worth it The power we all have to be who we want to be The impact of being vulnerable in front of other people The differences between anxiety and depression Overcoming imposter syndrome We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Caley! If you want to learn more about her, you can visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram and check her out on Spotify. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Caley’
Tue, December 05, 2023
Leveling Up in Real Life with Agam Dhawan
Send us a text Do you know someone struggling with a gaming addiction? Gaming can be a great way to decompress and relax, but when it starts to interfere with your normal functions and day-to-day life, it becomes a problem. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dr. Agam Dhawan to discuss the signs and symptoms of gaming addiction, what causes it, and how you can get the help that’s needed. Dr. Agam Dhawan is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating mental illness (depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD & video game addiction) in male gamers through his private practice called Level Up Psychiatry. Growing up he felt lonely, felt girls didn’t like him and no one wanted to be his friend. Gaming was his escape. He’d daydream until the bell rang, come home, binge Oreo cookies, and game in the basement until it got dark. And honestly? Agam loved gaming. Eight years later as a psychiatrist, it's now his mission to help young men level up in real life. He could've gone down the dark road of being lonely, spending Friday nights on video games or porn and he’s grateful he didn't go down this path. Today, he shows men they can level up their mental health, fitness, grooming, and social skills in real life, just like stats in their favorite video game. In today’s episode, we cover: The difference between a healthy relationship with gaming and a gaming addiction The role of male parental figures in seeking out mental health care How to create boundaries around gaming How motivational interviewing can help understand addiction The true danger behind video game addiction The psychological reason that gaming is so addicting, particularly in men How you can level up in real life The type of help available to people with gaming addictions Key signs and symptoms of someone with a gaming addiction What caregivers should and shouldn’t do for those with addiction We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Agam! If you want to learn more and find out how to work with him, you can check out his website. You can also follow him on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Agam’s website Follow Agam on Instagram Visit our website </p
Tue, November 28, 2023
Unmuting Yourself: Finding the Power of Your Voice with Rachel Druckenmiller
Send us a text Have you ever struggled with not feeling like you are enough? As we grow up, many of us are told to stop being so loud or to behave, and it can slowly chip away at what makes us unique. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Rachel Druckenmiller to discuss how she struggled to find her own voice growing up and how events surrounding the pandemic helped her get past the fear of failure and share her voice with the world through her speaking engagements and music. She now works to help other people understand that no matter what you do or what you’ve accomplished, you are somebody and you are enough. Rachel Druckenmiller is a TEDx speaker, keynote speaker, and catalyst who unleashes what’s possible in people and organizations. She’s served clients like Sherwin-Williams, Citizens Bank, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the American Heart Association. Rachel is the Founder of UNMUTED, a speaking and training company whose mission is to activate the power of curiosity to ignite personal and professional clarity, so people move forward with greater confidence and courage. She's married to her college sweetheart, Bill. She sang with the band at her best friend's wedding and loves a good dance party or karaoke night. She is also a course instructor for Simon Sinek’s virtual classroom and a singer-songwriter whose first single “Somebody” dropped only seven months ago. In today’s episode, we cover: How the pandemic inspired Rachel to finally share her voice with the world What happens when we are told at a young age that we need to quiet down Why we need to take charge of our own learning How to turn our failures into growth The accident that blindsided Rachel and changed her life The power of sharing our stories with others The message behind Rachel’s first song The creativity that can come from our darkest moments We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Rachel! If you want to learn more about her, make sure to visit her website , find her on Instagram , and find her on LinkedIn. You can also tune into her music on Spotify or YouTube! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Rachel’s website <a href='
Tue, November 21, 2023
Healing Begins When Whimper Becomes Waltz with Sara Webb
Send us a text Have you tried meditation? There are studies that show many benefits of meditation including lowering your blood pressure, improving your quality of life, and allowing you to become more present. For people suffering with anxiety or other mental health issues, meditation could be key to unlocking your unconscious mind, understanding yourself better, and healing. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Sara Webb who has experienced her own healing journey through meditation and now works with others to help them find their inner power. Sara Webb is an author, speaker, and meditation coach. She collaborates with successful leaders with closet anxiety to take back control of their lives by teaching them to relax, so they can have more energy, and focus on what’s important. Sara empowers clients with high-functioning anxiety to find their own inner resources, their power within. She teaches pocket-sized techniques to process stress, improve daily happiness, and bring the best versions of themselves to their own lives. Her book “LOOK LUSH” is a collection of poetry outlining her rise from the ashes after a multi-man rape, coming out of the closet, and getting sober / healing addiction through the power within us in conjunction with nature. Sara has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Purdue, bachelor’s degrees from LSU, and has been an entrepreneur since 2015. She lives in sunny Florida, traveling internationally for workshops and speaking engagements. In today’s episode, we cover: How Sara started exploring the healing power of meditation How to practice your inward spiral and become more present The positive impact meditation can have on your life How your brain reacts to trauma and how meditation helps The empowerment we feel from solving our own problems Why we shouldn’t take things personally How our perception impacts what happens in our lives The way that Sara helps transform the lives of her clients The different types of meditation and how to find the right one for you We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Sara! If you want to learn more about meditation or working with her, make sure to visit her website , find her on Instagram , and find her on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! <p
Tue, November 14, 2023
Rebooting Your Life From Porn Addiction with J.K. Emezi
Send us a text Do you or anyone you know struggle with porn addiction? This can be an incredibly challenging position to be in and it’s often surrounded by shame and guilt, but recovery is possible. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with J.K. Emezi to talk about his journey with an intense addiction for years before recovering and making it his life’s work to help others make it to the other side of addiction. J.K. Emezi is a Porn Addiction Recovery coach and Founder of the #1 Porn Addiction Recovery Program- The Porn Reboot System. He struggled with an out-of-control behavior with pornography for over 11 years. Consumed by the addiction, he was unable to date, stay focused on academics, hold a job, or manage his emotions. His entire life was based on how to obtain sexual pleasure. Unable to quit using therapy, 12 Steps, and other methodologies, he created a unique system that allowed him to control his sexual behavior within a few short weeks. Porn Reboot is a system of pornography addiction treatment that helps high-performing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are dealing with porn addiction problems. His method of treating pornography addiction has been tested for over a decade and doesn’t require willpower, religion, or therapy! Today he helps men identify signs of porn addiction, overcome the shame of struggling and develop coping strategies to help them end their behavior permanently. In today’s episode, we cover: How to determine if you have an addiction to pornography Moving past the barrier of shame around porn How J.K. realized that he needed to start taking better care of himself and overcome his addiction The impact pornography can have on your brain Signs that someone might be struggling with porn addiction The difference between happiness and joy The impact of technology on presence How J.K. came up with his porn addiction reboot program Why you have to learn how to love yourself We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Adam! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website , find him on LinkedIn , and follow him on YouTube . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit the Ele
Tue, November 07, 2023
Thriving in Nature as a Pathway to Presence with Adam Hart
Send us a text Do you struggle to live in the present moment? When you suffer with things like anxiety, depression, or even ADHD, it can be hard to regulate your nervous system and just live in the present moment. But presence is where true growth and fulfillment happens. So how do you do it? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Adam Hart who overcame his own ADHD symptoms by learning to regulate his nervous system and become more present by rock climbing. Adam knows how challenging it can be and he is here to help us understand how we can begin to push past the discomfort and find our own path to presence. Adam Hart is both a leading expert in nervous system regulation and how to get unstuck as well as a best-selling author whose mission is to help busy parents transform the symptoms of the daily grind into more loving relationships and daily fulfillment. Diagnosed as having ADHD in his teens, Adam suffered with low self-esteem and feelings of guilt and shame as he navigated the complex world of entering adulthood. In his early 20’s, the responsibilities and stress from striving to meet societal expectations, led Adam to living with daily anxiety. His racing mind, stuck in fight or flight thoughts, had him living with coping habits focused on escaping life and detaching from connecting to emotions. All this changed when Adam discovered Rock Climbing in his late 20's. Rock climbing allowed Adam to discover the true power of his nervous system regulation and how to utilize “The Moments of Life” to alter how his brain functioned and how his body performed. In today’s episode, we cover: The impact ADHD can have on your self-esteem The science behind your own ability to reset your brain When Adam reached rock bottom and how he climbed out and learned to embrace the present moment The power of getting in nature and how it brings you back into the present Why you have to work on the relationship between your brain, nervous system, and heart daily Tools to move your brain out of fight or flight mode How healing your nervous system can lead to deeper connection with others We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Adam! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website , find him on LinkedIn , and follow him on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episo
Tue, October 31, 2023
Healing Your Inner Child and Stepping Into Your Authentic Power with Susan Gold
Send us a text Have you experienced childhood trauma? The events in your life as a child impact you long after your childhood ends. For many, it can cause trauma leading to depression, anxiety, addiction, and many other mental health disorders. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Susan Gold who went through it all. She has been on a continuous healing journey that has brought her to her passion of helping others overcome their own childhood traumas and begin to heal their inner child and find happiness in adulthood. Navigating a ferociously challenging upbringing, while bravely moving forward as an adult to face ingrained, outdated, and patriarchal programming head-on, Susan Gold now shares a unique perspective in viewing life challenges as occasions for transformation. Through her book, Toxic Family: Transforming Childhood Trauma into Adult Freedom , Susan turns the standard paradigm on its head courageously leading others through her own journey of abuse, addiction, and surviving narcissism all while creating a distinctly empowering personal and professional life. Keen on leaving a legacy to help others heal from challenges she’s successfully met, Toxic Family is part of that quest. With the same magic Susan created in her entertainment career, she is now leading retreats, webinars, workshops and private sessions to help others drop outdated storylines and programming in exchange for living from the heart in authentic freedom as adults. Supporting homeless animals, especially dogs, and cats, and helping others up the ladder are her joys. In today’s episode, we cover: The first steps to healing from childhood trauma The defining moments of Susan’s childhood that led to trauma, depression, and addiction The continuous journey of healing How therapy and support groups changed Susan’s life The power of following your intuition The impact of growing up with a narcissist and what it means to be an empath The transformational power of healing your inner child How your environment can impact your inner peace What happens when you heal your inner child We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Susan! If you want to learn more about her work or check out her book, make sure to visit her website . You can also follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who
Tue, October 24, 2023
Music as Medicine and Becoming Fearless with Janey Brown
Send us a text What does bravery mean to you? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Janey Brown to talk about her journey through trauma and how she used music as medicine to the “madness” of her mental health journey. Music led her down a path that taught her bravery, courage, and what it means to be fearless. She now uses her experiences and knowledge to help others who are struggling like she did. Janey Brown is a trauma-informed coach, professional singer, and keynote speaker who helps people build resilience to fear, and manage mental health, so they can radiate confidence in front of any audience. She’s currently studying psychology at Queen's University and will be publishing her first book in 2023. Her latest single “Thank You for Loving Me” is, in her words, for anyone who wrestles with their dark side on the daily and is meant to inspire a sense of connection and belonging between you and your loved ones, and, most importantly, between you and you. In today’s episode, we cover: The way Janey uses music as her medicine to heal from trauma Sublimation as a trauma response What happens when the things you love are made transactional The artistic liberation of making music purely for yourself The power of practicing beingness Why we love art that amplifies life The difference between bravery and courage The way that Fearce Academy was created and who it’s for How Janey became fearless as a performer The bravery in taking a break The fear of rejection that causes social anxiety What your shadow self really is and why it’s not as scary as you think We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Janey! If you want to learn more about her work or Fearce Academy, you can check out her website , or follow her on Instagram . Make sure to listen to her music on Spotify ! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Janey’s website Follow Janey on Instagram Check out her music on Spotify Follow Janey on LinkedIn<
Tue, October 17, 2023
Let’s Just Talk About It with Becca Ferguson
Send us a text There are so many stigmas surrounding mental health, therapy, and therapists, and in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we are diving into those stigmas and the profound impact they can have with our special guest, Becca Ferguson. Becca has been through her fair share of religious trauma and mental health issues. Her life experiences, infectious attitude, and personal mission to prevent others from suffering as she did bring a unique perspective to our discussion about how she became such a raw and real therapist. Becca Ferguson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Northwest Arkansas whose life experience makes her a "real life human" with an attitude and mission to help people not experience the abuse and mistreatment that she did. Her passion for teaching and infectious attitude keeps her clients motivated on their mental health journeys. Today, as a therapist, it has been her goal to incorporate her personal experience into her curriculum. Life can be tough and frustrating and sometimes you just don't know where to turn. With Becca you are understood and cared for. In today’s episode, we cover: The truth about inclusive language and being a person The pressure of social media What we need to understand about the word “victim” The abuse and religious trauma that led to depression for Becca The stigmas about therapy The mental health of therapists How Becca approaches having real and raw conversations with her clients The stigma between religion and mental health and the role of autonomy in it all How Becca provides a structured listening environment in her therapy sessions The difference between OCD and OCPD We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Becca! If you want to support her and check out her mini-courses, you can learn more about them at her website. Make sure to use the coupon code SURVIVOR to get 10% off your order! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Becca’s website: https://www.beccafergusonlpc.com Follow Becca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccafergusonlpc/ Follow Becca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccafergusonlpc/ Visit our websi
Tue, October 10, 2023
Fighting Off Loneliness with Community and Connection with Troy Farkas
Send us a text Do you struggle with loneliness? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Troy Farkas to talk about his experience with loneliness and the human need for connectedness. Join us as we discuss the nuanced difference between loneliness and simply being alone, as well as the power of embracing solitude and the transformative experiences it can offer. Troy also shares how podcasting became his lifeline, offering a sense of connection and belonging during his loneliest moments in his career. Troy Farkas is currently a producer for the Spotify exclusive weekly podcast The Ringer. He built his own six-figure freelance podcast business in six months and was formerly a podcast and radio producer at ESPN. Troy is also a self-improvement writer on Substack and the host of "The Found Generation," a video podcast where he and his guests address the things young people care about, namely career mobility, physical and mental health, social media, traveling, and more! In today’s episode, we cover: The internal dilemma when your life doesn’t go the way you thought it would How loneliness impacts your mental health How podcasting helped Troy overcome the loneliness and isolation of his career The power of experiencing things alone The difference between loneliness and simply being alone The ways that we search for connection in our lives What to do if someone in your life is feeling lonely The importance of presence and truly listening We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Troy! If you want to learn more about him, make sure to check out his substack and connect with him on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Troy’s Substack: https://troyfarkas.substack.com Follow Troy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-farkas-220255204/ Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troy_farkas/?hl=en Check out Troy’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TroyFarkas Follow us on Facebook: <a href='https://www.f
Tue, October 03, 2023
Anything IS Possible with Manuj Aggarwal
Send us a text Have you ever wondered why some people find AI terrifying while others see it as a force for good? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the great pleasure of sitting down with Manuj Aggarwal. Join us as we explore why AI isn't as scary as some people think it is and how it can actually be a powerful tool for positive change. We'll also delve into the concept of self-awareness and meditation and its life-changing impact, as well as the importance of managing our relationship with technology in a healthy way. We also discuss the potential of AI in mental healthcare and the delicate balance between technology and humanity. Manuj Aggarwal grew up in a small town as friendly child, however, his home was troubled. He withdrew into his shell, becoming aloof and angry. At age 15, he started working in a factory where he worked 12 hours/day with only $2 as a daily salary. In 1995, a new computer institute (Aptech) threw its doors open in Manuj’s town. Tuition was greater than a year’s salary, but he scraped together funds for the first class where he found his passion: Computers and Programming. While there, he met his wife and the two fell madly in love. Their marriage being disapproved of by his family, Manuj ultimately, ran away from home with only a suitcase full of clothes. After his marriage, they traveled to Canada and started a new life all while overcoming enormous challenges. Today, as a global thought leader in Startups and AI, an elite technology consultant and a business mentor, he is excelling and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Going from $2/day to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies reinforced his belief that anything is possible. In today’s episode, we cover: Why there’s more good than bad in the world How we as humans determine what is important to us How self-awareness can change your life The moment Manuj realized his mental health was impacting his life How meditation can impact your mental and physical well-being How AI could aid in mental healthcare The importance of managing our relationship with tech in a healthy way The balance of technology and humanity What it really takes to create real change in the world We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Manuj!! If you want to learn more about him, make sure to check out his website and connect with him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make
Tue, September 26, 2023
From Prison to Purpose with Elizabeth Mikotowicz
Send us a text 70% of incarcerated women are suffering from terrible trauma. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Elizabeth Mikotowicz to talk about her story of abuse and trauma that led to her incarceration. While in prison, she was mistreated and abused by many people in power. Elizabeth is now acting as a force for change to stop the abuse happening to women in prison. Elizabeth has come a long way on her healing journey, and in this episode, she shares her experiences with art as therapy, binaural beats, ASMR, meditation, and self-care in order to recover from the trauma. Five years ago, Elizabeth Mikotowicz was painting murals as a federal inmate, now she has her own art shows and has launched an environmentally friendly clothing brand called EPM which is based on her art. While in prison, she both endured and witnessed institutional abuse, corruption, systemic racism, and cruelty; so much so that sometimes she still wakes up screaming. These days she's turned it all around! She has gotten legislative bills put on the table and passed for the good of the people - not corporations and institutions. Elizabeth is letting the world know what America is doing to its incarcerated population which is the highest rate in the world. She is currently in the editing stages of her memoir and is also creating an adult coloring book based on PTSD and what she learned from her own trauma. In today’s episode, we cover: The corruption in the prison system The impact prison has on women with PTSD The mistreatment and trauma Elizabeth experienced in the prison system How Elizabeth was able to move into a place of strength after the trauma of prison How she realized that she deserved to take care of herself Some tools that help with PTSD and trauma healing The healing power of art The power we all have to rewire our brains We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Elizabeth! If you are interested in checking out her art and fashion line, you can find it here. You can also follow her on Instagram and TikTok. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Elizabeth's fashion line <a href='https://www.instagram.com/epm_art_1111/?igshi
Tue, September 19, 2023
Strength in Sobriety: Finding Joy and Community in Life with Sonia Kahlon
Send us a text Have you ever struggled with addiction? If you have, you know that it can be incredibly challenging to journey through sobriety, especially if you don’t have a community to support you through the hard days. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Sonia Kahlon to talk about her journey as a high-functioning alcoholic and how she now works to destigmatize asking for help when you are struggling with alcoholism. Sonia knows the power of having someone to turn to and she now gives people the support and community they truly need through her business EverBlume. Sonia Kahlon is the founder of EverBlume, a service that provides small group recovery meetings in which members are matched into groups based on their struggles. The goal is for members to find connection through conversation and to receive meaningful support and feedback from each other. Sonia is an orthodontist who both built and sold a successful multi-location practice in 2016. In 2017 she embarked on her sobriety journey. Since then, she has become a recovery coach and has dedicated her life to making a difference with social impact investing, volunteering with the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, and victims of sex trafficking. These days she hopes to create her biggest impact by leveraging the power of peer support to create community for those on their recovery journeys. In today’s episode, we cover: The use of alcohol as a coping mechanism Sonia’s experience with alcoholism and when she realized it was time to stop The importance of talking about the struggles you are having High-functioning alcoholics How anxiety can impact drinking habits The true meaning of happiness and contentment Learning to appreciate the little things in life How Sonia started her business to help people struggling with sobriety The difference between physical and emotional sobriety We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Sonia! If you are interested in joining EverBlume, you can visit her website and follow her on Instagram to learn more. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Sonia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joineverblume/ Visit Sonia’s website: https://www.joineverblume.com/ Follow u
Tue, September 12, 2023
Trading Your Trauma for Tranquility with Linda Spellman
Send us a text Experiencing a trauma can be very isolating. You go through something that changes you massively and it’s easy to assume that no one understands you anymore because they haven’t been through what you have been through. However, that is not the case. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Linda Spellman. She experienced a trauma that she thought would end her life, but instead, it changed it forever. After interviewing many trauma survivors, she discovered that she really wasn’t alone and that healing was possible. Linda Spellman earned her MBA and spent years as a successful marketing executive for high-profile national retailers from Southern California to Atlanta. She was enjoying a thriving career when a sexual assault changed everything. A silent survivor of sexual abuse since childhood, Linda’s life began to take a series of unexpected, sometimes devastating, other times remarkable turns. Not the least of which was the unexpected appearance of spiritual gifts, including an ability to communicate with those who have passed. Her curiosity about this development led her to seek out other trauma survivors, and learn about their experiences, paths to healing, and the spiritual gifts they developed after trauma. Linda is now an author, speaker, and burgeoning subject matter expert on trauma from a survivor's perspective. She is also a gifted psychic medium with clients around the world, including a growing roster of celebrity clients. Her self-described purpose in life is to “give people hope.” In today’s episode, we cover: The massive impact trauma has on your life How your self-awareness expands when you are going through the process of healing The traumas Linda experienced and how it changed her life The five main areas of the reveal and release stage of trauma healing The fear you experience as a trauma survivor The power of having a support system while you’re healing When Linda started experiencing her spiritual gifts The triangle of healing from trauma A simple trick for empaths that struggle with taking on other people’s emotions We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Linda! If you want to learn more from her, you can visit her website and follow her on Instagram . We also highly recommend you check out her book Trauma-Inspired . If you are interested in a reading, you can learn more about them here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-survivor-to-thriver/id1
Tue, September 05, 2023
Exploring the True Impact of Unaddressed Trauma in Caregivers with Dr. Omar Reda
Send us a text What is the true impact of trauma on caregivers who don’t prioritize nursing their own wounds? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dr. Omar Reda to talk about the intense trauma you can experience as a wounded caregiver and what happens when you don’t address it. We also discuss the journey of refugees traveling to a foreign land, the mental health of immigrants, collective trauma, burnout, and soul care. Omar has some profound insight into life as an immigrant and what it truly is to be human and he shares why we all need to look deeper and seek care for our soul when we need it. Dr. Omar Reda is a world-renowned, Harvard-trained trauma expert, the author of several books, including his most recent book, The Wounded Healer: The Pain and Joy of Caregiving , and the founder of Untangled, a healing initiative that aims to break the cycles of trauma-related dysfunction through connection, support, education, empowerment, and the mastery of healthy coping skills. In today’s episode, we cover: What ignited Omar’s passion to be the voice of the voiceless How trauma impacts our lives and the impact of human connection The impact of Islamophobia on the mental health of immigrants The importance of dropping the labels and embracing curiosity What happens if you don’t nurse your own wounds Why we have to prioritize soul care Signs and symptoms of a wounded healer We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Dr. Reda! If you want to learn more from him, we highly recommend you get a copy of his book Get a copy of The Wounded Healer: The Pain and Joy of Caregiving . We know you’ll love it! You can also follow him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Connect with Dr. Reda on LinkedIn Visit the Healing Trauma Institute website <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Healer-Pain-Joy-Caregiving/dp/1324019239/ref=asc_df_1324019239/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=564751416688&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1
Tue, August 29, 2023
Healing Harmonies: The Therapeutic Role of Music with Kristin Ransom and Mandy Siess
Send us a text What does music mean to you? There is something powerful about how healing and cathartic the act of creating or listening to music can be. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with the hosts of our sister podcast, The Rocky Road Podcast, Kristin Ransom and Mandy Siess to talk about the healing power of sharing stories, the science behind our deep connection with music, and the catharsis found in melodies. Kristin Ransom and Mandy Siess are the proud co-hosts of The Rocky Road Podcast, a space for others to share their stories of growth and resilience. Between the two of them, Kristin and Mandy's life chapters include divorce, intimate partner violence, church hurt, single parenthood, adoption, and a bevy of other experiences that have shaped them into the still-healing but always-helping women they are today. Nowadays, Kristin is a music therapist and Mandy owns a mobile coffee trailer. The two have been friends for years and hope to continue along the journey of helping others through the rocky roads of life by providing space to heal together through storytelling. In today’s episode, we cover: The healing power of sharing your story with others There’s no right way to heal The truth about “oversharing” The catharsis you can experience with music The science behind why we have such a connection with music How our words impact other people Letting go of perfection when creating music The differences between rehearsal and performance Some of the music that impacts us the most (plus a playlist for you!) Some music can be hard, and that’s okay We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Kristin and Mandy and that it inspires you to lean into the healing power of music. If you want to hear more from them, we highly recommend you check out The Rocky Road Podcast . You can also reach out to them at therockyroadpod@gmail.com. Plus, don’t forget to check out their playlist! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Kristin and Mandy on Instagram Check out The Rocky Road Playlist <a href='https://podcasts.apple.com/
Tue, August 22, 2023
Thriving with Emotional Support Animals with Dan Maigler
Send us a text Do you have an emotional support animal? We live in a world where it can feel exceedingly difficult to connect. For some people that are struggling with things like depression or anxiety, animals provide a sense of love and connection that can actually be life-saving. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dan Maigler to discuss the power of emotional support animals and how they can help you through your darkest times. Dan has seen firsthand how impactful these animals can be on the lives of anyone struggling and he is here to share some of the benefits of having emotional support animals as well as a great resource for anyone looking for their own emotional support animal. Dan Maigler is the mental health advisor for Paws for Patrick, host of the Not Allowed to Die Podcast, and a school social worker, and therapist in private practice. He is a husband, a father to two boys and a 3 toothed Patterdale terrier named Mariska, and a podcast addict who is subscribed to over 100 podcasts including his obvious favorite, From Survivor to Thriver. In today’s episode, we cover: How there’s not one right way to heal your mental health The healing power of emotional support animals What emotional support animals are and how they impact your mental health The bond that we form with animals and how it can improve our lives The challenges you have to watch for with emotional support animals Why caring for another living being is so crucial for human existence The impact emotional support animals have on suicide rates How these animals help reduce the mental health stigma We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Dan! If you’d like to learn more about him or Paws for Patrick, visit the website and check out his podcast here ! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maigler/ Follow Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notallowedtodiepod/ Visit the Paws for Patrick website: https://www.pawsforpatrick.org Tune in to Dan’s podcast: https://podcasts.app
Tue, August 15, 2023
Teen Mental Health: Being Queer as a Teenager with Willow
Send us a text Times are always changing, but even in 2023, there is still a stigma around being queer, particularly as a teenager. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the honor of engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Willow – an inspiring queer teenager who has embarked on a transformative journey of championing the LGBTQ community. Unfortunately, there is a lot of generational hate and fear directed at the LGBTQ community. Willow stands as a beacon of resilience, dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where people can really embrace their authentic selves. While it took her until the age of 16 to come out, Willow bravely opened up to her mom who couldn’t have been more supportive. Today, she is an 18-year-old, openly gay "coder" who volunteers for Planned Parenthood. She lobbies for human rights, for the LGBTQ community, and for children and teens, who, like her, may feel that they “don’t fit in.” In today’s episode, we cover: The evolution of the way we use the word “queer” What it was like for Willow growing up realizing she was not like other girls The societal pressures on women to become wives and mothers The topic of untangling gender and sexuality The mental health impact of having to deny who you truly are How coming out can change your life and mental health for the better The generational hate and fear around the idea of being gay The importance of being supportive of the gay people in your life Finding friends that let you be who you are Willow’s advice to anyone who has bullied kids who are different What we all need to understand about sex education We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Willow! If you want to learn more about the services available at Planned Parenthood, you can check it out here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Learn more about Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fromsurvivortothriver Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail
Tue, August 08, 2023
Below the Surface: Unraveling Mental Health with Joel Evan
Send us a text What do you do when you are struggling with your mental health? There are many ways people go about coping and healing, and in this episode of the podcast, we sat down with Joel Evan to dive into his own mental health story and ways that we can heal by going deeper and getting to the root cause of the issue instead of just treating the symptoms. Joel is a firm believer in aligning with your truth in order to stay true to who you are and heal fully, and we are so happy to have him on the show to share his story with you today. Joel Evan is a life coach through the Human Potential Institute and an Integrative Health Practitioner studying under naturopath/functional medicine doctor, Stephen Cabral. He’s able to tackle more complex health issues other than just weight loss such as: parasites, gut dysbiosis, H Pylori, hormone issues, heavy metal detox, and much more. Joel has furthered his functional medicine knowledge by becoming a CellCore practitioner, as he’s seen some amazing results in the Lyme community, those suffering from mold, children with autism and more. Joel is also a speaker and the host of the podcast The Hacked Life , where he’s interviewed some of the top health and high-performance experts in the world. In today’s episode, we cover: Joel’s journey into life coaching and integrative health Mental health stressors for police officers Why we need to go deeper when our mental health is suffering The power of therapy How work as a first responder can impact your life How powerful your energy really is The importance of always aligning with your truth Why disconnecting from reality is such a big problem The problem with treating symptoms of illnesses, not the root cause Learning from your failures and not passing judgment on others We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Joel.! If you want to learn more about how to work with him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Joel’s website: https://www.joelevancoaching.com Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelevancoaching/?hl=en Follow Joel on LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelaylwor
Tue, August 01, 2023
Rising Above and Facing the Fear with Jodi Sheffield
Send us a text Since the pandemic, divorce rates have tripled among the elderly, so in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Jodi Sheffield, a divorce coach, to talk about how anyone struggling after going through a divorce can learn to embrace their grief, and then move forward and heal from the inside out. Jodi Sheffield is a divorce coach, mediator, educator, and creator of The Avalon Method for Divorce Recovery. After going through her own traumatic divorce experiences, Jodi understood the divorce process and how traumatic it could be emotionally, financially, and professionally. Determined to figure out the best way to help people navigate divorce, she did extensive research and training to become a professional divorce mediator and divorce coach. She then co-founded and managed Transition Life Consultants (TLC). The firm provided divorce coaching and mediation, which enabled couples to divorce amicably, respectfully, and collaboratively. After decades of personal and professional experience with divorce, Jodi continues to focus on helping women successfully navigate the divorce process and the rebuilding of their lives. Her mission is to help women recognize their power, take control of their lives, move past the pain and distraction of divorce, and begin constructing the future they envision. In today’s episode, we cover: The importance of looking forward in divorce rather than getting stuck on the past How Jodi’s experience with her parents influenced her life and future The impact of an unhealed inner child The scar that trauma can leave on your soul Why in order to move forward, you have to do the work of healing What you need to do in order to grow and transform from your challenges The reason that so many people in marriages today are unhappy The power of self-compassion and self-love The factors contributing to divorces among couples today We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Jodi.! If you want to learn more about how to work with her, make sure to visit her website . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Jodi’s website: https://www.jodisheffield.com/ Connect with Jodi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-sheffield-b90a3a5/ Get the Complete Guide to Divorcing A Narcissist: <a href='https://designrr
Tue, July 25, 2023
Becoming the Conductor of Your Life with J. Stamatelos
Send us a text Do you ever find yourself feeling like you’re never enough? Like your inner critics or “judges” are holding you back from self-acceptance and connection? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with James “J.” Stamatelos to talk about this feeling of anxious insecurity and the transformative power of self-compassion. Join us as we explore the idea of becoming the conductor of your own life and what anxious insecurity, vulnerability, and internal family systems really mean and how they can either work for us or against us. James “J.” Stamatelos is a professional coach who helps people break out of fear so they can share their gifts with the world. His work focuses on “anxious insecurity” - a chronic feeling of being "not enough" regardless of how much we achieve. He personally fought this battle, has spent a decade helping those who fight it now, and focuses on evidence-based and data-informed interventions. Before becoming a coach, J. worked in counterterrorism and emergency response. He specializes in working with men, previously ran the only secular men's group in Pittsburgh, and believes many of our struggles come back to men being unable to process their emotions in a healthy way. In today’s episode we cover: How anxious insecurity can show up in your life The cycle of feeling like you’re never enough The coping mechanisms we use to cope with anxious insecurity The sense of belonging we all yearn for The power of internal family systems when working with self-critics How your inner self-critic is actually trying to protect you How we can become the conductors of our own lives The role of vulnerability in anxious insecurity Your relationship with yourself sets the foundation for everything else Learning to show yourself kindness and love The environment that lets human thrive We hope you enjoyed our conversation with J.! If you want to learn more about how to work with him, make sure to visit his website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit J.’s website: https://www.jamesjstamatelos.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/ </p
Tue, July 18, 2023
Empowering Others To Be Their Best Selves: The Incredible Story of A. Garcia
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor To Thriver, we sat down with A. Garcia to talk about domestic violence, trauma, PTSD, and how all of these things can impact your life. A. went through many hardships starting at a very early age and has learned that being vulnerable, even when it’s hard, can be the thing that helps you grow. During the past 35 years, A. Garcia has navigated through domestic violence, privacy, safety, vulnerability, and the mindset to endure personal adverse events in life. Her survival of a double attempted homicide while 8 months pregnant (by the father) and the desperation to survive became the catalyst to the creation of Be Your Incredible Self (BYIS) while achieving an undisputed outlook of independence. Her personal journey of post traumatic growth has led A. to dedicating her life in developing transformational programs, various forms of coaching, certification courses and establishing a nonprofit to help real time victims. Her commitment is to provide lifelong transformational habits that can restore your powerful internal sense of control. Today, she prides herself on meeting the daily challenges of being vulnerable and safe at the same time while empowering others to Be Your Incredible Self. Her personal mission is to help lead others in transforming their survival of Domestic Violence into Post Traumatic Growth and to mitigate the depletion of resources for real time victims. In today’s episode we cover: A.’s experience as a dancer in the nineties The trauma’s A. experienced early in life and how it impacted her life The day A. learned and felt unconditional love The power of people that make you feel safe How A. found the courage to leave a domestic violence situation How A.s trauma impacted her relationship with her daughter How mirror work can help you overcome your challenges Understanding how to intercept negative thoughts and triggers We hope you enjoyed our conversation with A.! If you want to hear more from her, you can follow her on Facebook , listen to her podcast , and check out her books . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out the Confronting Domestic Violence TV show: <a href='https://everydaywomantv.c
Tue, July 11, 2023
Turning Grief into Growth with Marie Alessi
Send us a text Can you imagine finding true joy amidst the deepest throes of grief? That's the remarkable journey our guest, Marie Alessi, embarked upon after losing her husband to a brain aneurysm. She transformed her sadness into something genuinely positive, choosing to honor her late husband's memory and create a joyful environment for her two young sons. Marie's story provides comfort, guidance, and a unique perspective on embracing sadness to truly understand and appreciate joy. This episode is filled with the hope, healing, and happiness that Marie offers to the world when people need it the most. Marie Alessi is a mother to two boys, a bestselling Author, Influencer & Speaker. After her husband passed from a brain aneurysm, she found and created her way back to Joy. She instinctively knew it was the only path worthy for their young boys. Her husband had taught her the concept of two choices - and this one was made in his honor, to make him proud. Marie has become a shining example of choosing Love over fear and sadness. In her Movement, Marie offers hope, healing & happiness to the world when people expect it the least and need it the most. In today’s episode we cover: Marie’s journey through grief after losing her husband suddenly What you should never say to someone struggling with grief The appreciation for life Marie experienced after meeting her husband The beauty and joy that can come from darkness The power of learning to let go How to discover what it is you are truly missing when you experience loss The ability to choose love and joy instead of victimhood How Marie stepped into the role of the sole parent Learning what to do with your pain We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Marie! Please visit her website to learn more about her. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Marie’s website: https://www.mariealessi.com Follow Marie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-alessi/ Check out Marie’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmG__TXI1qQWqEMnt6R43w Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers Follow us on Instagram: <a href='h
Tue, July 04, 2023
Breaking Free: The Triumph Over Low Self-Esteem and Body Issues with Kayla Van Egdom
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Kayla Van Egdom, an energy healer and health coach, to hear her experiences of low self-esteem, trauma and the struggle with eating disorders. She shares her journey from adversity to resilience, shedding light on the transformative power of seeking the right professional help. Kayla Van Egdom is a health coach, energy healer, author and host of the Slay & Thrive podcast. Kayla has certifications from The Institute for the Psychology of Eating and Precision Nutrition, and her passion is helping men and women heal their relationships with food, end emotional and binge eating, and fall in love with the journey towards taking great care of themselves. Through various healing techniques, Kayla can help clients shift the blocks that keep them from turning their knowledge into consistent action. Kayla spent over two decades of her life disliking herself, hating her body, struggling with food, and feeling out of control in almost every arena of her life. Today, she has helped hundreds of clients improve their health, fitness, and mindset over the past few years. In today’s episode we cover: The repercussions of online bullying Self-blame as a trauma response When Kayla realized that she deserved to get the help she needed Kayla’s eating disorder and how it impacted her life The layers of healing that Kayla went through in her journey Using pain as a teacher How Kayla overcame imposter syndrome while working to help people on their health Embracing realness and vulnerability How we can create a healthy relationship with social media The way that Kayla uses writing to heal Art as therapy We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Kayla! If you want to hear more from her, you can follow her on Facebook , listen to her podcast , and check out her books . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Kayla on Facebook Follow Kayla on Instagram <a href='https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kayla-Van-Egdom/author/B01HK6HJUU?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDr
Tue, June 27, 2023
Teen Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Silence and Ending the Stigma with Abby Porter
Send us a text With the global environment that we live in, it is more important than ever for teenagers struggling with their mental health to know that they aren’t alone. In this special episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with Abby Porter, a remarkable high school student. Abby shares her journey grappling with the challenges of her own mental health, which surfaced as early as the tender age of 5. We discussed how her struggles kindled a passion within her to become an advocate for the mental health of teens. Abby Porter is a high school student from New Hampshire who is also a proud mental health advocate in her town. She has dealt with mental illness since the age of five, has been in therapy for about 11 years and has been in and out of hospitalizations. She helped create her school’s mental health team which is student and staff led. Abby also partners with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide in-school presentations about suicide awareness. These days she is very open about her struggles with bipolar in the hope that the stigma surrounding young adults who have bipolar can be demolished and so all future generations can grow up in a stigma free world. In today’s episode we cover: The stigma around mental health among teenagers When Abby got started as a mental health advocate What got Abby through her darkest moments The importance of finding support when you are struggling and where you can find it if you don’t already have a supportive community Fact checking as a method to help cope with depression The biggest problems with mental health institutions Abby’s experience with bipolar disorder and how getting proper treatment changed her life How world events are impacting the mental health of teens The effect stress and anxiety students are feeling due to school shootings Abby’s best advice for students struggling and their parents We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Abby! She has learned so much at such a young age and we know she will continue to make a profound impact on the mental health of others. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/ Follow us on TikTok: <a href='https
Tue, June 20, 2023
Healing Through Harmony: Exploring the Transformative Power of Music Therapy with Mack Bailey
Send us a text Music therapy can have a profound impact on your mental health. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Mack Bailey, an experienced musician and music therapist. Mac shares his journey from discovering his love for music at a young age to using it as a tool to heal those who have experienced trauma. Mack Bailey has been a musician since the age of eight. He toured with various groups including the Hard Travelers, the Limeliters, a musical tribute to John Denver featuring John’s band members, and as a duo with his wife, Rachel Levy. Mack’s personal story includes a time of deep depression in which he did not seek support and found himself ready to end his life. He credits writing a song at the 11th hour with saving his life. Through his education in neurologic music therapy, he became interested in how music rewired his brain. In 2011, Mack went back to school to pursue his master’s in music therapy at Colorado State University. In 2019, he founded Music Therapy of the Rockies as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focusing on mental health, music therapy research and techniques, and helping military veterans re-frame their military experience. Mack founded Music Therapy of the Rockies with a mission to help veterans and people who have experienced trauma, and to teach other music therapists the proven skills that have been positively affecting people’s lives. Mack is also dedicated to furthering music therapy research and mental health in his local community of Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado. In today’s episode we cover: How Mack got started with music How music changed Mack’s life when he was in the depths of depression When Mack decided to pursue a career as a music therapist The incredible impact music therapy has had on Mack’s clients The science of how music therapy works How trauma impacts your body and overall health The retreats that Mack created to help veterans learn to use music therapy to cope with PTSD We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Mack! If you want to learn more from him or make a donation to his organization, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Mack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mack-bailey-76023a
Tue, June 13, 2023
Healing from the Past with Carrie Smith
Send us a text Generational trauma is something that so many people struggle with and, unfortunately, it can be one of the hardest things to break free and heal from. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Carrie Smith to talk about her life experiences and how it impacted her ability to form relationships in her life. Carrington “Carrie” Smith is the founder and President of Carrington Legal Search and best-selling author of "Blooming", which tells the story of Carrie’s journey through the shit of life - her struggles, failures, trauma, and challenges – experiences universal to every human from every walk of life – to finding happiness, belonging, purpose, and joy by shifting her mindset and embracing gratitude. Never able to have a normal relationship, Carrie eventually married and divorced twice. She spent much of her life trying to “fit-in” and conform to the standards and wishes of others while battling years of depression, criticism, and self-loathing. As she fought to survive, she came to realize that her path to happiness was not about fitting-in but letting go and standing out. During the pandemic, Carrie authored "Blooming" as her answer to this question and her effort to help anyone who is struggling in life or career. In today’s episode we cover: Carrie’s struggles forming “normal relationships” and the trauma it stemmed from Carrie’s childhood experiences with a narcissistic father and the moment that changed everything for her The value Carrie saw in herself and how it shaped her relationships going forward The transformative power of healing hypnosis How friendships change as you evolve Why comparison really is the thief of joy Generational trauma and how you can move away from it We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Carrie! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to grab a copy of her book! You can also visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Carries website: https://www.carrington-smith.com Follow Carrie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriesmithtrabue/ Follow Carrie on Instagram: https://ww
Tue, June 06, 2023
Breaking the Silence: The Truth About Postpartum Anxiety with Allison Lieberman
Send us a text Have you ever experienced postpartum anxiety? For postpartum mothers, there’s generally a lot of information presented on the topic of postpartum depression and the signs to watch for, but there isn’t a lot of information being shared surrounding postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are more prevalent than many people realize but mothers often don’t realize it’s happening. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Allison Lieberman to talk about her experience with postpartum anxiety and the steps new moms should take if they think they are experiencing it too. Allison Lieberman is a licensed marriage and family therapist, mom of 2, and 2x postpartum anxiety survivor. She is the co-founder of Rooted in Harmony Counseling, a California-based group therapy practice dedicated to helping moms with anxiety, relationships, and parenting. She is also the host of The New Mama Mentor® Podcast. Allison is passionate about helping new moms overcome anxiety by developing confidence, shedding the mom guilt, and building a community. In today’s episode we cover: Allison's traumatic birth experience and the start of her postpartum anxiety The difference between generalized anxiety and postpartum anxiety What postpartum anxiety really is and how it presents When Allison realized the anxiety she was experiencing wasn’t normal The intrusive thoughts that come with anxiety How her experience with postpartum anxiety impacted Allison’s experience with her next child The problem with the medical system when it comes to postpartum anxiety What new moms can do if they are met with resistance while seeking help The importance of advocating for yourself We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Allison! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to check out her website and tune in to her podcast. You can also follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Allison’s website Follow Allison on Instagram Follow Allison on LinkedIn <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thenewmam
Tue, May 30, 2023
Overcoming Egoic Illusions, Raising Your Vibration, and Transforming Your Mental Health with Carrie Schmidt
Send us a text If you want to overcome your mental health struggles and transform your life, it all starts with your mindset. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Carrie Schmidt to discuss the power of energy and how it impacts our lives. Carrie shares the power of awareness and reprogramming the mind, as well as why we need to take responsibility for our own mental health so that we can raise our vibration and live a life we love. As the Founder and CEO of Infinite SOULutions, LLC, Carrie Schmidt puts the SOUL in SOULutions by transforming lives both personally and professionally. A dynamic, influential Thought Leader and Motivational Speaker, and author of Behind the Screen , she has the ability to instantly captivate your mind, heart and awaken your soul by empowering you to gain clarity on your purpose, overcome limiting beliefs, and have the confidence to pursue your dreams. After achieving top level leadership roles and a 6-figure salary (everything she ever worked for in corporate America), Carrie still felt a longing for something greater. She embarked on a spiritual journey of personal discovery and development that led her to research the fundamentals of psychology, neuroscience and quantum physics. In today’s episode we cover: The dark matter and dark energy that make up our world Our egoic lens versus our spiritual lens and how they impact our view on life Carries journey to where she is now and how she helps shine light on the darkness that people face What egoic illusions are and how they impact our lives How your energy is impacted by your environment How doing the inner work on yourself will change your life and opportunities The power of awareness Our soul flames What to do if you are stuck in your subconscious programming We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Carrie! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to grab a copy of her book! You can also visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Carrie’s book Visit Carrie’s website <a href='https://www.instagram.com/coa
Tue, May 23, 2023
The Power of Vulnerability: Overcoming Depression and PTSD with Jevon Wooden
Send us a text What does it take to overcome adversity, depression, and PTSD while empowering others to do the same? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jevon Wooden to talk about how he struggled with depression and PTSD as a vet and how he now uses that experience to help others create a life they don’t need a vacation from. We dove deep into the importance of resilience, vulnerability, and sharing our stories to help others. Jevon Wooden is an Army Veteran, certified mindset and perception coach, author, speaker, and founder of Live Not Loathe, LLC. He has overcome adversity, depression, and PTSD to earn multiple certifications recognized throughout the coaching community, as well as an MBA from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith Business School and an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Fordham University. His mission is to empower others to increase their self-confidence, improve their self-perception, and design a life they don't need a vacation from through a mindset shift from scarcity to abundance. In today’s episode we cover: The cultural shift needed to support vets coming home The strength in vulnerability The family dynamic challenges that Jevon faced growing up The power of resilience The moment Jevon found his voice and his own power Jevon’s mental health struggles and the person that helped him through it Why the strongest thing you can do is get help when you’re struggling and talk about it How vulnerability helps you and other people that you may not even realize The beauty of change The importance of authenticity and accountability How Jevon works with his clients and how he helps them Moving from reacting to situations to responding The art of communication and how it has changed in our society The gap in the accessibility of affordable healthcare in different communities We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Jevon! If you want to learn more from him, visit his website and follow him on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Jevon on LinkedIn Follow Jevon on Instag
Tue, May 16, 2023
From Darkness to Light: Overcoming Addiction and Eating Disorders with Elizabeth Knittel
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with special guest Elizabeth Knittel who bravely shared her remarkable journey of overcoming an eating disorder and alcohol addiction. Elizabeth opens up about her 10-year struggle with bulimia and the journey to find healing, as well as the power of peer support in healing from mental health issues, finding our way through dietary restrictions and sobriety, the importance of separating the person from their illness, and so much more. Elizabeth Knittel struggled through eating disorder recovery, battling her demons with alcohol addiction, and trying to find herself. It took 18 years to tackle her addiction and find a solution that truly impacted her life. Today she’s living multiple dreams, following her calling to lead, and celebrating the joys along the journey! Elizabeth has been called to guide intuitive lightworkers and entrepreneurs through miracles and quantum leaps daily through healing modalities such as Reiki, Sacred Geometry, Energetic Design, Theta Healing, Alchemy, Astral Projection. and Clairtangency. In today’s episode we cover: The energies of the full moon and how it affects us The different types of clairvoyance How Elizabeth works with her clients on a spiritual level Elizabeth’s struggles with bulimia and the life-changing experience that helped her heal The work that she had to do to overcome her eating disorder and addictions The importance of not letting your disease define you How caregivers can best support anyone struggling with mental health issues Elizabeth's relationship with food now and the healing she has experienced Alcoholism and the negative connotations that come with it We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Elizabeth! If you want to learn more from her, we highly recommend you follow her on Instagram and visit her website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn Visit Elizabeth’s website Follow Elizabeth on Instagram Follow us on Facebook <a href='https://www.instagram.com/brushc
Tue, May 09, 2023
Fostering Resilience, Finding Community and Thriving with Karen Robinson
Send us a text What if you could change your life by embracing trauma therapy? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Karen Robinson to delve into trauma recovery and resilience. We explore the complexities of dissociation, grounding techniques, and the power of validation. Karen also shares her insights on retraining the brain, self-care, and the unexpected benefits of whispering to de-escalate arguments. Karen Robinson is a service-driven social worker, therapist, and coach with 24 years of clinical experience. Karen received both her BSW and MSW from the University of Maine, where she is originally from. She is a genuine, authentic, compassionate provider. Her specialties are trauma recovery, anxiety, and depression. Heal Thrive Dream, her mother-daughter company, that includes a wide range of services and products for women recovering from trauma. They offer holistic therapy, coaching, virtual group coaching memberships, community service, courses, planners, journals, books, inspirational products, and workbooks. They are a one-stop shop for women who are ready to fire their boss as we offer touchless e-commerce agencies and a full-service digital agency to assist with websites, logos, social media management, SEO, etc. Lastly, they teach survivors how to explore relationships and affiliate marketing as several streams of revenue will set them up for the best chance of success in every aspect of their lives. In today’s episode we cover: The reason Karen decided to work with trauma survivors Karen’s holistic approach to teaching and practicing resiliency The right time for trauma therapy The connection between substance abuse and trauma The different things that can cause trauma in your life What dissociation is and grounding techniques that help What a self-care kit is and what can be put in it Why the word “relax” is so triggering and de-escalating words to use instead We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Karen! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to check out the Heal Thrive Dream website and check out the podcast. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit the Heal Thrive Dream website Follow Karen on Instagram <
Tue, May 02, 2023
Owning and Honoring Your Story and Your Mental Health Journey with Sue Bowles
Send us a text For people grappling with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, there may be a belief that offering support to others who are facing similar struggles is not possible until they have completely overcome these issues themselves. However, in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had a conversation with Sue Bowles, who revealed why this perception is flawed. As a matter of fact, it only takes being one step ahead of someone to assist and encourage them in navigating their mental health journeys. You don’t need to be fully cured to make a significant positive impact in someone else’s life. Sue Bowles is a survivor turned thriver as an author, speaker, and Master Certified Life Coach. Having done the hard work of healing from a childhood rape, an eating disorder, other sexual assaults, and considering suicide, Sue now defines the effect the life-altering events have on her. The events no longer define Sue; she defines them. “You only have to be a step ahead to help the person behind you” is the bedrock to the value Sue brings. She founded My Step Ahead and is the “Chief Instigator” behind the new Dare to Believe Movement, whose purpose is to nurture others to ‘dare to believe that you matter,’ knowing that nothing changes until that bedrock belief is solidified. Whether speaking on a podcast, a stage, or one-on-one, Sue's enthusiasm is contagious, shining the light of hope wherever the listener needs. In today’s episode we cover: The first step to breaking the stigma around mental health struggles How helping others keeps you encouraged The healing power of owning your story The coping mechanisms Sue used to cope with trauma What to do when you’re having a dark day How Sue’s faith helped her through her mental health struggles The impact therapy can have on your mental health The importance of honoring yourself The difference between ownership and stewardship We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Sue! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to grab a copy of her book. You can also check out her website and check out the Dare To Believe Movement website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: <a href='https://www.amazon.com/This-Much-Know-Space-Between-ebook/dp/B
Tue, April 25, 2023
Facing Your Fear and Taking the First Step To Recovery and Healing with Joseph Kajy
Send us a text Your mindset can change everything. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Joseph Kajy. He battled drug addiction, depression, suicidal thoughts, and prison before he learned about the power of a positive mindset which changed his life for the better. When Joseph Kajy took opioids for the first time at the age of 15, he thought he had found his life’s calling. From there, his world altered into a grim whirlwind familiar to many a drug addict. He woke up every morning with either one of two questions on his mind: How will I get money for drugs? When will I do drugs? Behind him, he left a trail of destruction that included 37 felonies, two prison sentences, cut family ties, and a rock bottom where suicide seemed like the final solution. Today, Joseph has over 5 years of sobriety under his belt. He is a husband, father, and Founder of Top Fence, a residential and commercial fencing contractor which currently generates over 4 million dollars in sales. He is now on a life mission to share his story as a way to give hope and inspiration to anyone who feels they have demons in their closet and monsters still under the bed. In today’s episode we cover: The power of journaling The pain of changing vs. the pain of staying the same The book that changed his life Why you can’t ignore your pain How positivity became Joseph's new drug Fear as motivation and inspiration The importance of vulnerability What to do if you know someone struggling with drug addiction We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Joseph! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to follow him on LinkedIn , Instagram , and Facebook . You can tune into his podcast Let’s Get Real here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Tune in to Joseph’s podcast Let’s Get Real Follow Joseph on LinkedIn Follow Joseph on Instagram Follow Joseph on Facebook <a href='
Tue, April 18, 2023
Journaling as an Effective Healing Tool with Atis Spuris
Send us a text When it comes to mental health struggles, sometimes journaling can be just what you need to start to heal. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with Atis Spuris to talk about his mental health journey, his incarceration, and how he has found healing with journaling. Atis took his own experiences and struggles and used it to support other people who are struggling and help them find out what works for them when it comes to their path to healing. Atis Spuris is a Peer Support Specialist for the Pitkin Area Co-Responder Teams known as PACT, a collaborative community program between law enforcement and mental health professionals here in the Roaring Fork Valley. At an early age Atis was diagnosed with clinical depression, then seasonal affective disorder, and eventually bi-polar disorder, along with a spontaneous sense of humor. He is now living what he feels is a well-balanced life, being symptom-free for over five years. Atis feels very grateful for the opportunities his path has provided; the hope to inspire more communities to increase awareness around the importance of mental health and resiliency while encouraging individuals to share their own stories. In today’s episode we cover: How Atis supports people on their mental health journeys When he realized he was a highly sensitive person The connection between mental health issues and spiritual imbalances The impact of incarceration on your mental health The power of having a tribe that lifts you up The labels that exacerbate the mental health crisis What Atis does now to live his best life Viewing your emotions as a check engine light How we can use language to empower ourselves How writing has helped Atis on his mental health journey We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Atis! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to connect with him on Facebook here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Connect with Atis on Facebook Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Get in touch: amgits.
Tue, April 11, 2023
Reframing Mental Health Conversations Through the Lens of Philosophy with Jamie Ryder
Send us a text As the philosopher Seneca said, we suffer more in our imagination than in reality. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Jamie Ryder to talk about his struggles with social anxiety and depression and how he has used philosophy to reframe mental health conversations and find more inner peace. Jamie Ryder is a copywriter who uses philosophy in his work to help brands forge their philosophy and connect to customers. He's the founder of Stoic Athenaeum, a platform for making ancient ideas new again and reframing mental health conversations. He also runs Sexy Philosophy, a newsletter, and community for business owners who want to embrace their own version of authenticity. In today’s episode we cover: Jamie’s mental health journey How philosophy helped Jamie feel more resilient and capable How social anxiety presents itself Why our imagination makes things worse than they actually are The power of being your authentic self How Jamie prepares for situations that will cause him anxiety The TV show that helps Jamie when he is struggling with his mental health The four stoic principles and how they relate to mental health The difference between knowledge and wisdom We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Jamie! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to check out his website here. You can also get the Sexy Philosophy newsletter here. If you’re interested in learning more about the show mentioned by Jamie, BoJack Horseman, make sure to check it out on Netflix. Check out the links below to learn more about the books mentioned in the episode as well! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Jamie’s Website Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Sexy Philosophy newsletter Follow Jamie on Instagram Check out Donald Robertson’s books Check out Breakfast with Seneca by David Fideler <a href='https://www.amazo
Tue, April 04, 2023
Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community with Lori Sweetman
Send us a text As humans, we all want to belong. But we have to feel like we are in a safe space to be ourselves to thrive. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Lori Sweetman to talk about their journey from not feeling like they fit in and having mental health struggles to now, where they help members of the LGBTQ+ community to feel more empowered when it comes to their gender and sexuality so they can be their authentic selves. Lori Sweetman, a lifelong educator in a public elementary school and, as a non-binary sexually fluid human who bore witness to the impact of minority stress on queer identity development, strives to create affirming and positive environments for LGBTQ+ populations. With a particular interest in how this impacts the community’s youth, Lori is currently researching LGBTQ+ identity formation and internalized biases, and how art appreciation, education, and environmental changes can positively influence identity development. Through exploring what creates internalized biases toward the queer community, Lori unpacks environmental and unconscious influences. Today, as director of Include LGBTQ Empowered Life Coaching and Consulting, Lori devotes their life to helping people feel empowered in their gender and sexuality, and thereby confident in living as their authentic self, freely and openly. Lori is married to their wife, Dana, and has two children, two puppies, and three guinea pigs in Great Meadows, NJ. In today’s episode we cover: What internalized bias is Creating a safe space for people to be themselves Lori’s journey growing up feeling like they didn’t belong When they realized they were attracted to women and the impact it had on their marriage The anxiety and depression that Lori experienced during their relationship The benefits of having language and labels to describe yourself Going with the flow when it comes to your children The secret to having a positive impact on your child Why you don’t have to fit into an “absolute role” How Lori helps kids feel safe We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Lori. If you want to learn more from them, make sure to check out their website here. You can also follow them on Instagram here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Lori’s website <
Tue, March 28, 2023
Masculinity, Mental Health, and Finding Your Purpose with Dylan Roos
Send us a text What does healthy masculinity look like to you? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dylan Roos to talk about all things masculinity and mental health. Through his own mental health journey and experiences, Dylan found his passion in helping young men embrace their masculinity, do hard things, and find fulfillment and happiness in their lives. Dylan Roos is a master NLP practitioner, accredited health coach, and masculinity coach who mentors young men through his flagship program "Prince to King." After being diagnosed with depression and anxiety in his early 20’s, he wanted to change the landscape for men and the mental health conversation as a whole. Dylan has worked extensively in the men's space for 4 years now and is passionate about reshaping masculinity for the modern man. In today’s episode we cover: How Dylan works to change the conversation around masculinity The connection between masculinity and the mental health of men Dylan’s experience with depression and anxiety Approaching depression and anxiety as a problem to fix Not letting yourself be defined by your mental health struggles Why men need more “self-respect” instead of “self-love” Why taking on challenges can improve your mental health The importance of doing hard things Why people fail to find their purpose How journaling and meditation have helped Dylan The importance of self-awareness and confidence We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Dylan. If you want to learn more from him, make sure to check out his website here. You can also follow him on Instagram here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Dylan’s website Follow Dylan on Instagram Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com “You can fix whatever situation you’re in.” -Dylan “Go and do hard things. You’re going to live a much h
Tue, March 21, 2023
Turning Your Mess Into Your Message with Johnny Sirpilla
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Johnny Sirpilla to talk about his journey with anxiety and how an enormous tragedy changed his perspective on life and gratitude. This led to him helping others in similar situations develop resilience in the face of anxiety, grief, and hardships so that they can grow and thrive. Johnny Sirpilla is the founder of Encourage, LLC., an entrepreneur, a passionate leader, a committed family man and the author of Life Is Hard but I’ll Be OK: The Power of Hope, Emerging through Pain and Learning to Live with Gratitude. A legend in the RV Industry, Johnny endured personal tragedies that led him to repurpose himself in his early 50’s focused on driving meaningful change in the workplace allowing employees to return home empowered. This passion inspired the creation of Encourage, LLC., a self-funded small family office with four divisions; Encourage Healthy Living, Encourage Leadership, Encourage Investment, and Encourage Adoption. Johnny is an active public speaker and promoter of reshaping thoughts through difficult times to accept, grow and eventually thrive. He retired in 2017 as Chief Business Development Offer and past President of Camping World and Good Sam after a successful IPO. Johnny has been married to his college sweetheart, Susan, for over 30 years and has three grown children, Beau, Bella, and Stone ... one of which is adopted but he can’t remember which one. In today’s episode we cover: Overlooked signs of anxiety Why you can’t believe everything that you think Why we can’t thrive all the time How Johnny’s anxiety has impacted his leadership How he embraces being countercultural The power of a “why not me” mindset Why your biggest emotions are not necessarily a bad thing The importance of perspective and resilience Johnny’s infertility journey with his wife Being cautious in our words of comfort We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Johnny. If you want to learn more from him, make sure to check out his website here and check out his book. You can also follow him on Instagram here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Johnny’s website Che
Tue, March 14, 2023
Why Small Changes Are The Key To Growth In Your Mental Health Journey with Kevin Palmieri
Send us a text Many people believe that having more money will solve their problems and bring them the happiness they have always searched for. In actuality, more financial success can actually make mental health issues worse. You have to realize that the key isn’t in the fancy cars or houses, it’s within you and you may have to do some self-reflection and self-work to feel truly fulfilled. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Keven Palmieri from the Next Level University podcast to talk about his mental health journey and how getting to his lowest point mentally changed everything. Kevin Palmieri is the CFO, Founder & Co-Host of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement Podcast with more than 1,000 episodes and 600K+ listens in over 125 countries. Some people find rock bottom, he found out that rock bottom had a basement. In his mid 20's he had it all…a beautiful girlfriend, a high-paying job, a sports car, dream body, but he still ended up sitting on the edge of a bed debating suicide. After his rock bottom moment, he went all in on holistic self-improvement, determined to overcome his anxiety and depression and finally live the life he’d always dreamed of. He focused on learning what he didn't know (unlearning a lot too), and his life started to shift. He loves talking about Consistency, Commitment, Habits, Mindset, Confidence, Fear, Relationships, Limiting Beliefs, and everything in between. Kevin believes in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to holistic self-improvement, and looks forward to teaching even more people about what it really takes to get to the next level! In today’s episode we cover: Kevin’s mental health journey When he knew it was time to change his environment Why financial success won’t make your mental health issues go away The importance of self-reflection and self-awareness for holistic healing Burnout and the impact it has on your mental health Why small changes matter on your mental health journey Understanding who we need to become to achieve our goals Why we should be chasing fulfillment instead of happiness We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Kevin. If you want to learn more from him, you can tune in to his podcast, Next Level University here. You can also follow him on Instagram here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss a
Tue, March 07, 2023
The Impact of Mental Health Issues on Those Around You and the Healing Power of Functional Care with Evan Transue
Send us a text More and more research is coming out about the connection between your gut microbiome and your mental health, but many people still don’t know about it. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Evan Transue to talk about his struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. He saw firsthand how this can affect the ones you love most and set out on a healing journey where he discovered the power of using holistic care to treat his symptoms. By caring for his gut microbiome and changing the way he ate, he was able to improve his mental and physical health. As a child, Evan Transue was one of the best-performing students in his elementary school. At the same time, he was experiencing panic attacks and generalized anxiety, but at this age, he didn’t know how to verbalize what he felt inside. About two and a half weeks into his senior year of high school, Evan found himself in a situation he couldn’t have ever imagined; he was arrested, kicked out of his high school, and spent his 18th birthday on house arrest. Mentally, he was at his lowest point and truly thought this was the beginning of the end. Today, Evan has found his passion in functional health care and encourages others to combine lifestyle changes with traditional treatments in order to have the best chance at seeing optimal results, both in their physical and mental health. By sharing his story, Evan hopes to spark the “ah-hah” moment for others who are suffering, inspiring them to speak up and ask for help. In today’s episode we cover: The impact of antibiotics on mental health What panic attacks are and how to spot them in others Evan’s story of substance abuse How mental illness and substance abuse affects those around you The group of friends that helped Evan begin his healing journey Functional healthcare to treat anxiety, depression, and disease The connection between your gut microbiome and your mental health The impact of excess stress on the body We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Evan. If you want to learn more from him, you can tune in to his podcast, The Health Detective Podcast, here. You can also find out more about getting him as a speaker here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit th
Tue, February 28, 2023
Becoming a Sur-Thriver: Recovering From Domestic Abuse and Empowering Women To Find Their Voices with Christine Malek
Send us a text In the United States, 1 in 7 women in an abusive relationship will not make it out alive. This is a scary statistic and it’s incredibly important for these women to share their stories and say enough is enough. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Christine Malek to discuss how women of abuse can find their voice again. Join us as we talk about Christine’s story of nearly losing her life to domestic violence and how she now works with women in similar situations to help them begin to focus on the women they want to be and look to the future. Christine Malek is the founder and creator of SASSI® (Strong, Assertive, Smart, Sexy, Independent) Coach, a motivational speaker, and an International Advocate for Women Against Abuse & Domestic Violence based in Knoxville, TN. Her unique approach brings out the strength and the light that shines in each woman, especially those that have survived abuse. She believes once you are out of that situation there is an obstacle for that woman; to face an even bigger challenge – what do I do now and who am I? Her SASSI® Program is designed to help you find those answers with a new beginning to get you to your goals and objectives of where you want to go and who you want to be. Being a survivor and victor herself, she has made it her life’s mission to help every woman to Be, Do, Have SASSI®, encouraging women to “Ruffle Some Feathers & Blow Some Minds!” In today’s episode we cover: The importance of not thinking of yourself as a victim Christine's story and how she got to where she is now The grieving process after getting out of an abusive relationship The guilt and shame that women in abusive relationships feel The effects of surviving an abusive relationship What to do if you suspect someone that you know is going through abuse The hard work of finding your voice The power of sharing your story We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Christine. If you want to learn more from her, you can book a Gifted SASSI Session with her here. You can also j oin her private Facebook Group for Survivors and share your story here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Christine on Facebook Visit Christine’s website <a
Tue, February 21, 2023
Harnessing the Power of Positive Self Talk with Scott Prendergast
Send us a text If you struggle with anxiety or depression, it can be hard to find any hope. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Scott Prendergast to talk about his struggles with the feeling of hopelessness and numbness while battling depression and anxiety and how he learned to overcome them by using what he calls Emergency Joys and positive self-talk. During his healing journey, Scott discovered three things that he could do when he was starting to feel down that would help him overcome the harmful thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of his life. As a teenager entering high school, Scott Prendergast knew his life was going to change – everyone goes through changes in high school, right? What he did not expect was that the change would come in the form of depression. After being cut from his high school basketball team, he began to feel worthless and spent his days mentally abusing himself. It was also around this time that he developed severe acne that made him extremely self-conscious about his image. Throughout college, Scott struggled to pull himself out of the self-hatred and negativity that filled his mind, but the issues only grew. Scott was able to turn his world around by incorporating positivity into his life. By harnessing the power of positive self-talk, he realized that thoughts are just as important as actions. Today, Scott has a passion for helping others; his goal is to help people overcome the everyday mental obstacles that hold them back in life. Scott works to inspire others to climb out of the darkness and find the light in their lives. In today’s episode we cover: The effects of hitting rock bottom Scott’s mental health journey When he started to feel hope again Why there isn’t a one size fits all way to treat anxiety and depression What “Emergency Joys” are and how they help you heal How focusing on the good aspects of his life changed everything The three things to do when facing a mental health challenge The feeling of hope The importance of being self-aware “Changing the filter” in your life when you’re struggling Tips for reaching out to someone when you need help When Scott decided to help others in the same situation We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Scott. If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website . You can also check out his show here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show
Tue, February 14, 2023
Healing from Gender Dysphoria and the Empowering Process of Transitioning from Man to Woman with Scottie Jeanette Madden
Send us a text In the transgender community, the suicide rates are alarmingly high, and there is a huge need for mental health support among those who have or are currently, transitioning. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Scottie Jeanette Madden to talk about her journey from girl to boy to woman, and how she now helps others in the transition process through her book and documentary. Scottie Jeanette Madden, born Scott James, didn’t make it easy on herself. Like many late-stage trans women, Scottie had made one hell of a guy; husband of 26 years, the only son, the big brother, and legendary adventurer uncle. Everything in her life screamed "Alpha Male." With over 30 years in the television production trenches, no one would guess that Scottie, a top survival showrunner who had led über-male productions into the world’s most dangerous jungles, glaciers, and deserts, while engaged in a lifelong battle for her soul. All anyone knew was that Scottie, who rose through the technical ranks as a camera operator and editor brought a front-line experience to her work as a writer, director, and showrunner. And… she put ALL this, plus a marriage of 26 years on the line when she wrote “Getting Back to Me” from girl to boy to woman in just fifty years, and left behind “white male privilege” to embrace truth, grace, and womanhood. Her gut-wrenching journey of love, acceptance, and honesty became the ultimate survival show. In today’s episode we cover: Scottie’s story The coping mechanisms she developed in her life The stigmas in the LGBTQ+ community What gender dysphoria really is Fear, shame, and discrimination What dignity means How Scottie worked with her wife during the transition process Your chosen family We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Scottie. If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website where you can find her and Marcy’s books and information on her documentary, and follow her on Instagram . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Connect with Scottie on LinkedIn Visit the Zuzubean website Check out Scottie’s YouTube channel <a href='http
Tue, February 07, 2023
Feeling It to Heal It: Understanding Complex Trauma In Order To Gain Your Power Back with David Szczecinski
Send us a text Are you comfortable feeling your emotions? For many, our natural reaction to negative emotions is to push them away and avoid them, but in order to heal those emotions, we have to feel them. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with David Szczecinski to talk about feeling our emotions to heal them, complex trauma, attachment styles, being in the present moment, vulnerability, and so much more. David Szczecinski informs listeners about the art and science of interpersonal dynamics, while offering useful insights into power and control. He helps to empower our inner world as we learn to navigate the terrain of personal and professional relationships. Having worked for 20 years as a trainer and clinician in both government and private practice, David has the skills to equip each person with more confidence in their relationship journey. He has seen thousands of people in their darkest hours while also having the privilege of walking alongside many people on their journey of empowerment, relationship development, self-awareness, communication, boundary setting, and, all the while, building their personal resilience. He is the Author of the Self-Awareness Method (SAM™) and ‘Safe/Unsafe: Understanding Modern Relationships - Field Guide’. In today’s episode we cover: Where power and control come from The ancestral experience we carry The types of resources we strive to gain for survival The difference between attention-seeking and connection-seeking The truth about narcissism and complex trauma What it takes to feel safe The behaviors we use to protect our vulnerability How our attachments are created How anxiety is a threat response Absorbing yourself into the feeling of being present The importance of noticing your neutral state What confidence actually is How we can move forward from the trauma of the past We hope you enjoyed our conversation with David. If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Facebook. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit David’s website Connect with him on LinkedIn <a href='https://www.facebook.com/people/David-Milan/1000155651714
Tue, January 31, 2023
Standing Up And Speaking Out About The Mental Health Crisis In The Military with Jakia Lindley
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Jakia Lindley to talk about her experience in the military and how the way she was treated and abused by the men she was surrounded with led to a major mental health crisis. In her book, Jakia channeled her experiences into a resource she hopes will help people in similar situations; normalizing coming together as survivors to offer support and encouragement to each other as they come forward and share their stories. From an early age, Jakia Lindley dreamed of being a judge, an attorney, or somehow being a part of something bigger than herself. She joined the military in 2010 and is currently a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Lindley studied criminal justice and psychology at the American Military University before switching her focus to business management. In her newly released book War at Home , she relived several painful personal experiences in the hopes of breaking the silence, destroying the stigma, and ending the cycle that is too common for those in toxic, abusive relationships. Jakia believes that by working together, we can forge a stronger, more positive culture, one that makes the world safer for us as well as future generations. Aside from writing, her passions in life are uplifting others, teaching as a Certified Master Resiliency Trainer and as a Certified Department of Defense Sexual Assault Advocate, fine food and wine, art, music, and last, but certainly not least, binge-watching her favorite shows. In today’s episode we cover: The sexual harassment and abuse Jakia experienced in the military What motivated Jakia in her darkest hours Suicidal thoughts and what pulls you out of it Why she realized she had to stay in the military The mental health crisis that resulted from her experience The steps Jakia took toward mental health healing What led Jakia to write her book We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Jakia. If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and check out her book here. You can also follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Jakia’s website Check out Jakia’s book <a href='https://www.instagram.com/j
Tue, January 24, 2023
Healing from Anger and Anxiety, Practicing ACT Therapy, and Being More Present with Tony Hardman
Send us a text Do you struggle with anxiety or anger? These are important mental health issues and different forms of therapy work for different people. In this episode of From Survivor To Thriver, we sat down with Tony Hardman to talk about his journey struggling with anxiety and anger issues and how he found healing through ACT therapy and by sharing his story through his blog and podcast. Tony Hardman is the founder of Not Quite Zen, a blog and podcast focused on providing mental health support from the perspective of a survivor. Tony has struggled with severe depression, anxiety, and anger since he was a child. Cursed with a family history of mental health issues, and early childhood trauma, finding a path to calm was a journey 35 years in the making. While he’s still anxious and has bad days, the real truth is he’ll never be fully done growing. These days he shares his experience through Not Quite Zen in hopes that he can help others learn how to get better faster. In today’s episode we cover: How to conquer anxiety Working through a mental health crisis Tony’s mental health journey Acceptance and commitment therapy What anger and anxiety can look like Why you sometimes need to hit rock bottom Breaking the stigma around mental health Cognitive defusion The differences between CBT and ACT therapy The Association for Contextual Behavior Science Connecting with the present moment The small steps that make a big difference We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Tony. If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Instagram. You can also listen to his podcast here . To learn more about the Association for Contextual Behavior Science, visit their website here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Not Quite Zen Follow Tony on Instagram Listen to Tony’s podcast Learn more about ACBS Foll
Tue, January 17, 2023
Mental Health Healing, Recovering From Addiction and Finding a Purpose After Prison with Keri Blakinger
Send us a text In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Keri Blakinger who struggled with mental health issues, chronic suicidal ideation, and drug addiction for years before it landed her in prison for two years. Keri shares her story of how she emerged from the depths of depression and addiction and found healing with journalism and community. Keri Blakinger is a Texas-based journalist and the author of Corrections in Ink , a memoir which details her path from aspiring professional figure skater, to her two years spent in prison after she was arrested in 2010 during her final semester of her senior year at Cornell University with six ounces of heroin, to prison and, finally, to life as an investigative reporter covering mass incarceration. Today she is a staff writer at The Marshall Project, whose work focuses on prisons and where she is the organization's first formerly incarcerated reporter. She previously covered criminal justice for the Houston Chronicle, and her work has appeared in the Washington Post Magazine, VICE, the New York Daily News, and The New York Times. In today’s episode we cover: Surrounding yourself with people who understand your experience Keri’s mental health struggles and why she turned to heroin Drugs as an escape mechanism Chronic suicidal ideation What happened after Keri attempted to take her own life Why prison isn’t a way to enforce sobriety How journalism helped Keri find a community Self-care We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Keri. Make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram. You can check out her book, Corrections in Ink: A Memoir here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Keri’s website Get Keri’
Tue, January 10, 2023
Bravery and Finding True Happiness After Battling Depression with Dannie De Novo
Send us a text For some people that suffer from depression and anxiety, medication is not enough. Despite their best efforts to get better, it just doesn’t help. If this sounds like what you’ve experienced, you aren’t alone. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dannie De Novo to talk about her journey through severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After trying multiple medications and even electro-shock therapy, she found that her body just didn’t respond to any of them. Even her doctors were at a loss for how to help her. In this episode, Dannie shares how, after becoming a mother and gaining a new perspective, she decided to be brave, take it into her own hands and find her own way back to happiness. Dannie De Novo is an award-winning happiness coach, attorney, speaker, single mom, and international bestselling author. After having battled depression and anxiety for most of her early life, Dannie set out on a course to learn what true happiness was for her and for the sake of her baby girl. Today, Dannie regularly appears on ABC, Fox, NBC, and CBS TV news and talk shows as an expert on creating happiness, combating loneliness and depression, managing anxiety, and being brave. In today’s episode we cover: Dannie’s mental health journey The side effects of depression medications Depression and anxiety among children and parents Danni’s experience with electro-shock therapy The issues with mental health treatment How motherhood changed her perspective Her experience studying happiness How she became a happiness coach Being in alignment with the things that you want The impact of social media on our mental health We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Dannie. If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on social media. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Dannie’s website Check out Dannie’s books Connect with Dannie on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram Follow h
Tue, January 03, 2023
Developing Deeper Connections And Finding Community By Understanding Yourself with Lee Hopkins
Send us a text Have you ever felt lonely and misunderstood? For many people, these feelings make it even harder to find meaningful connections and friendships. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Lee Hopkins to dive into the topic of friendship and finding your tribe by searching within. After moving from state to state and struggling to find his people, Lee began therapy and realized that he had to start by taking a look at himself. After that, he found that his ability to form deeper connections and friendships grew significantly. Lee Hopkins is a transgender man and coach who helps people create lasting friendships. For several years, he didn’t have supportive people who knew the real him in his life. After struggling with loneliness most of his life, he's tried various ways to resolve it without success. However, on his journey to make friends, he discovered that the more he learned about himself, the better he was able to connect with others. These days, he helps others create the fulfilling friendships and relationships that they deserve and during today’s conversation will show us how this is possible for everyone. In today’s episode we cover: The tools now available for deeper connections How Lee found his people in the LGBTQ+ community The truth about finding your tribe The impact therapy had on Lee’s life How his gender identity impacted his ability to form relationships What happens when you hide your true self from others Why knowing yourself is so important when forming connections Being open and vulnerable with others The three things you need to understand to make better connections What to do if you’re feeling lonely and misunderstood We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Lee. If you want to hear more from him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on social media. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Lee’s website Follow Lee on Instagram Follow Lee on TikTok Check out Lee’s YouTube channel <a href='https://twit
Thu, December 29, 2022
Color and Beauty for Everyone: Mental Health Among the LGBTQ+ Community with Andrew Velazquez
Send us a text In this special episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the honor of sitting down with Andrew Velazquez to talk about his journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and how he uses his experience as someone who has suffered from trauma and thoughts of suicide to help others in a similar position. He recently released his book, “Amore es Arte | Arte es Amore. Love is Art | Art is Love” with a goal to be a source of positivity and light to all. Andrew Velazquez is a born and bred Angeleno who always knew he was meant for a life in beauty. He is the founder of Love is Art, Art is Love cosmetics and a finalist on American Beauty Star. In a star-studded career, Andrew has worked as a makeup artist with major celebrities, from Lady Gaga to RuPaul to Demi Levato, along with countless others on major film, TV and music video productions. Growing up in Boyle Heights on the eastside of Los Angeles, in the closet and raised in a macho environment, he turned to his faith in God and the support of his mother, who encouraged him to attend the Los Angeles Music and Art School. After earning his G.E.D., he attended LA Trade Tech at the age of 16 and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Shortly thereafter, he attended cosmetology school at West Valley Occupational Center, graduating with honors and receiving his license. While rising through the ranks of MAC and Anastasia Beverly Hills, he built a loyal following in film, TV, music and fashion before being selected for American Beauty Star and launching his own cosmetics line. Andrew currently lives with his dogs and husband Johnny Debut in Orlando, Florida. In today’s episode we cover: How trauma transformed Andrew Taking control of your own power The impact of our words Choosing positivity and light How Andrew grounds himself when he is feeling anxiety The healing power of animals What’s happening now within the LGBTQ+ community The importance of vulnerability among men The impact of music and the arts Mentorship We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Andrew. If you want to hear more from her, make sure to follow him on Instagram and get your hands on a copy of his new book here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so
Tue, December 27, 2022
Mindful Eating and Intermittent Fasting for Physical and Mental Healing with Fred Rutman
Send us a text Have you heard of intermittent fasting? It’s the practice of switching between fasting and eating on a regular schedule. While most people think of it in terms of the physical effects, it can also positively impact your mental health. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Fred Rutman who has died and come back to life numerous times. This brought serious physical and mental health challenges for him but he found healing through intermittent fasting. Fred Rutman known as “Repeatedly Dead Fred”, has had 11 heart procedures in 11 years, been clinically dead dozens of times, suffered dozens of concussions, PTSD, Post-concussion syndrome, brain trauma, defective pacemakers, and botched surgeries. To put the icing on the cake, you can throw in multiple incidences of cognitive medical bias and misdiagnoses. Through it all, his faith and belief/practice of Judaism was rocked to the core. He also discovered the most powerful prophylactic medicinal tool we have - Intermittent Fasting. If we are supposed to make lemonade out of life’s lemons, then he is making the best lemonade ever produced. In today’s episode we cover: Fred’s health journey The Lazarus Effect How social anxiety impacted his life The cost of men not speaking up about mental health issues The problem with our education systems Why learning something new helps with brain trauma The power of intermittent fasting How it helps your body heal The importance of mindful eating How Fred’s mental health has improved We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Fred. If you want to hear more from her, make sure to follow him on Instagram and watch for the release of his new book The Summer I Died 20 Times. You can also email him at repeatedly.dead.fred@gmail.com. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Fast. Feast. Repeat. By Gin Stephens The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung Follow F
Tue, December 20, 2022
Prevailing Over Depression and Trauma by Raising Your Vibration and Connecting With Your Inner Self with Ulrika Karlsson
Send us a text It takes a lot of courage to face your traumas. Though it’s hard to sit in your pain, sometimes that’s what you need in order to do the inner work and finally heal. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Ulrika Karlsson to talk about her journey with depression and how she learned to do the inner work so that she could raise her vibration and find true healing. Through her work and books, she now inspires people to face their fears and turn them into manure so that they can begin to grow and evolve. For many decades Ulrika Karlsson was depressed, burned out, and eventually suicidal. Her whole life was an inner struggle with low self-esteem manifesting in many things such as stress, severe sleeping disorders, and a deep depression. This ongoing struggle eventually affected all aspects of her life; relationships, health, work, money, and career. Her first book; “2:47 The Journey Home to My Heart” was released in 2019. It is an autobiography where, with a raw authenticity and vulnerability, she writes about her inner journey to free herself from her own internal prison and to come back to her heart. From this long, and life-changing experience she shares her embodied wisdom, knowledge, passion, teachings, and vision across the globe. Today, she works as a Feminine Leadership Coach, International Spiritual Teacher and Author, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, public speaker and trainer with the entire world as a field of work. With more than 28 years of personal and professional experience in various Holistic disciplines, she helps guide women in senior and leading positions who long for a more authentic, peaceful, and balanced life. In today’s episode we cover: Our ego and how it can get in the way Subconscious programming Raising your vibration Finding answers within Doing the inner work The Akashic Records Energetic pollution The heart chakra Grounding in our root chakra Living in the present moment Burnout vs. Depression Breathwork We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Ulrika. If you want to hear more from her, make sure to check out her books and visit her website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Ulrika’
Tue, December 13, 2022
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Sports-Related Injuries with Keagen Hadley
Send us a text For athletes, sports injuries can be devastating not only physically, but emotionally as well. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Keagen Hadley who experienced a career-altering injury that changed his life. Knowing what athletes in this position go through both mentally and physically, he found his passion in helping injured athletes work through their injuries with occupational therapy and psychological healing. Keagen Hadley is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy specializing in using psychological treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with his patients. As a patient and therapist, he has a deep understanding of the interventions and knows how emotional stress can interfere with rehabilitation, daily activities, and overall quality of life. As an athlete, he tore both ACLs playing college and semi-professional football. This experience made him acutely aware of the struggles associated psychologically post-ACL injury and how to overcome them with positive results. In 2022, he achieved one of his lifelong dreams of becoming a published author with his first book, “Torn.” He wrote “Torn” specifically to help others get through these situations and ensure positive outcomes. In today’s episode we cover: Keagen’s ACL injuries The link between physical and emotional injuries Keagen’s experience with CBT How he approaches working with his patients How ACT therapy works The importance of not giving harmful thoughts power Reaction vs. Response What led Keagen to write his book Mental health awareness among athletes The first step to healing for injured athletes Remembering your why We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Keagen. If you want to hear more from him, make sure to check out his book and visit his website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Keagen’s website Connect with Keagen on LinkedIn Follow Keagen on Instagram Follow Keagen on Facebook Follow us on Facebook <a href='https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthri
Tue, December 06, 2022
Escaping Toxic Diet Culture and Overcoming Eating Disorders with Dr. Cristina Castagnini
Send us a text Have you ever struggled with an eating disorder? Many things can cause disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Whether it’s trauma, feeling out of control, or even anxiety, eating disorders can put your life in danger if you don’t get the help you need. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dr. Cristina Castagnini, who struggled with an eating disorder herself and has gone on to change the message around eating disorders and become the therapist she needed when she was struggling. Dr. Cristina Castagnini is a licensed psychologist, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and both the founder and host of the Behind the Bite podcast, where a real doctor who really recovered from an eating disorder talks about your real struggles with food, body image, and weight. After overcoming her own struggles with having an eating disorder, it was always her dream to focus solely on helping women overcome their struggles with food and body image and to achieve a balanced life. For over two decades, Cristina has been treating patients with a variety of mental health diagnoses, supervising postdoctoral residents, and continuing to grow her private practice. All the while, she aims to find the work-life balance being a single mom to two awesome kids, but knows first-hand there is just no way to do it all. In today’s episode we cover: How Dr. Castagnini’s eating disorder developed and how she hid it When she finally realized it was time to get help The intersection of eating disorders and trauma How OCD can manifest around food Clues your loved one might have an eating disorder and how to help Complimenting people on something other than their looks Harmful categorizing What eating disorders are really about We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Dr. Castagnini, if you want to hear more from her, make sure to check out her podcast Behind the Bite and follow her on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Listen to Behind the Bite Connect with her on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram Follow her on Facebook <a
Thu, December 01, 2022
Overcoming Intrusive Thought Patterns with Zach Westerbeck, Part 2
Send us a text Do you struggle with OCD? According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the top ten most debilitating disorders, but it is one of the most misdiagnosed. This means that many people with this disorder aren’t getting the help they need. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we have a special two-part episode with Zach Westerbeck, where we talk about the things that people don’t know or understand about OCD, what it actually is, the truth about intrusive thoughts, and so much more. Zach Westerbeck is a Mental Health advocate, National speaker, College Success Coach, and author of “You’re Not Alone”, who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2016. During that time period he experienced severe anxiety, deep depression, and thoughts of suicide. After hitting his rock bottom moment, he sought help and started to recover. Through his recovery process, he became Mental Health First Aid certified and now travels the country educating thousands of students on the fundamentals of mental health. Through his personal experiences and extensive research, he is able to relate and clearly articulate why now, more than ever, it is critical to understand how to manage your mental health. Zach has spoken at higher learning institutions such as Penn State, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, University of Arizona, to name a few. In today’s episode we cover: Your amygdala and limbic system when it comes to OCD CBT and intrusive thoughts Why people need a “why” The deep, innate desire for certainty and safety Changes to your prefrontal cortex during trauma Mental health issues among different generations Overstimulation from technology Negativity bias Our capacity to change and adapt We hope you enjoyed part one of our conversation with Zach. If you want to hear more from Zach, make sure to check out his book and tune in to his podcast . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Zach’s website Listen to his podcast Follow him on Instagram </p
Tue, November 29, 2022
Understanding How To Manage OCD with Zach Westerbeck, Part 1
Send us a text Do you struggle with OCD? According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the top ten most debilitating disorders, but it is one of the most misdiagnosed. This means that many people with this disorder aren’t getting the help they need. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we have a special two-part episode with Zach Westerbeck, where we talk about the things that people don’t know or understand about OCD, what it actually is, the truth about intrusive thoughts, and so much more. Zach Westerbeck is a Mental Health advocate, National speaker, College Success Coach, and author of “You’re Not Alone”, who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2016. During that time period he experienced severe anxiety, deep depression, and thoughts of suicide. After hitting his rock bottom moment, he sought help and started to recover. Through his recovery process, he became Mental Health First Aid certified and now travels the country educating thousands of students on the fundamentals of mental health. Through his personal experiences and extensive research, he is able to relate and clearly articulate why now, more than ever, it is critical to understand how to manage your mental health. Zach has spoken at higher learning institutions such as Penn State, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, University of Arizona, to name a few. In today’s episode we cover: What OCD really is When disorders like this manifest The impact of intrusive thoughts The relationships that you have with your thoughts Breaking compulsive patterns Signs of OCD in children Exposure and response prevention Why ERP therapy is so effective We hope you enjoyed part one of our conversation with Zach. Make sure to tune in Thursday to hear part 2 as we dive even deeper into this conversation. If you want to hear more from Zach, make sure to check out his book and tune in to his podcast . Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Zach’s website Listen to his podcast Follow him on Instagram <a href='https://ww
Tue, November 22, 2022
How The Law of Attraction and Spirituality Can Help You Heal From Trauma and Chronic Illness with Krysta Francoeur
Send us a text More and more, people are talking about manifestation, spirituality, and the law of attraction. In this episode of From Survivor To Thriver, we sat down with Krysta Francoeur to talk about her healing journey. After suffering from a lifetime of chronic illness, Kyrsta came across The Secret and learned about the law of attraction. After discovering it, she went down a path of spirituality, magick, and healing which has led her to help others as well. Krysta Francoeur is known for her ability to create beauty in everything she sees, Krysta, the Founder and CEO of Wild Remedies, is a Modern Magick Maven who uses her lessons of karmic suffering in her body, mind, and spirit to facilitate healing, awareness, and balance in every area of her life. After spending a large part of her life battling chronic illness, inflammation, and self-sabotaging behaviors, she incorporated the conscious use of mindfulness, mysticism, and introspection to help uncover the answers that were always there, within herself. Harnessing these energies, although difficult, has guided her through an amazing journey of thousands of hours of research, spiritual, and self-exploration that has reconnected her with the creative and magical nature of herself, and of all women. Through the use of education, plant medicine, botanicals, and ancient wisdom, she hopes to help other women reconnect with themselves so they too can consciously utilize energies to heal imbalances and reignite the beauty and magic in their own lives. In today’s episode we cover: The law of attraction and magick Her experience with chronic illness Taking control of your health Finding your inspiration Being present in the moment Trusting your intuition Excavating your trauma Chaga mushrooms The impact of your gut health on your mental health We hope you loved this conversation with Krysta. Make sure to check out her shop and get 15% off with the discount code 15OFF. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit her website Listen to the Wild Remedies Podcast Follow her on Instagram Follow us on Facebook <a href='https://www.instagram.c
Tue, November 15, 2022
Count the Squirrels: Finding Healthy Coping Mechanisms and Being More Present with Louise McMilan
Send us a text How do you cope when you are struggling with your mental health? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Louise McMilan, to talk about her mental health struggles while battling cancer and how she now uses her experience to help other people overcome their struggles by finding healthy ways to cope and live life more fully. Louise McMilan is an Inspirational Speaker on her personal experience of mental health and breast cancer. She suffered from limiting self-belief and a lack of self-confidence for most of her life which often led to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. In 2017, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and shortly after her first chemo, she had to have major emergency surgery for appendicitis. Her tough times and years in the wilderness truly defined her and she shares her story to help other people view the world a little bit differently. She is the co-founder of Louise McMilan Coaching, working with single women to help them get unstuck and reignite their self-belief and confidence. Ultimately Louise's passion is to empower others to 'live life more fully' on their terms. In today’s episode we cover: Why Louise decided to start helping others Self-talk vs. exterior talk Negative confirmation bias Healthy coping mechanisms for seasonal affective disorder The importance of having someone to talk to Setting boundaries with others and ourselves Tips for dealing with negative thoughts The power of being present We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Louise. To learn more about her, make sure to check out her website here or follow her on social media at the links below. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Louise’s website Connect with her on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com “It helps sometimes just to be present in the here and now.” -Louise “We often get better by putting our focus on others.” -Marc </p
Tue, November 08, 2022
Building Mental Resilience in Veterans and Healing Through Service with Sgt Q
Send us a text Depression and suicide rates among veterans are high, and not enough veterans get the support they need to heal from their experiences and trauma. In this episode of From Survivor To Thriver, we sat down with Sgt Q to talk about his journey through his own mental health struggles as a veteran and how he used his experiences and faith to help other people struggling by shifting from reactive to proactive responses when in mental health crises. He is a firm believer in healing through service and has created an app that is changing the game for mental health emergencies. Aaron Quinonez (Sgt Q) endured a rough upbringing before becoming a proud Marine right out of high school. He was trained to fight the enemy and was prepared for war. When he volunteered for a combat tour in Iraq, little did he know his real battle would be fought in his mind. After eight years of military service, Sgt Q suffered from depression, anger, and panic attacks and was diagnosed with PTSD. He nearly ended his own life in the parking lot of a church, where later he was redeemed by Jesus Christ, who gave him a new life. Sgt Q traded the battlefield for the mission field and found healing and purpose through building homes and churches, feeding children, and supplying precious hope to struggling communities worldwide. God then called him to form QMissions, a pathway for veterans—Sgt Q’s fellow warfighters—to replace the battle scars of their minds with the joy of serving. Now, Sgt Q is the award-winning author of Healing Thru Service originally aimed at struggling veterans, which also offers help for anyone in crisis and may be one's ticket to a more fulfilled life. He went from being homeless and on the brink of suicide to starting the multi-million dollar company with over 100 employees, Reliable Commercial Cleaning, founding the veteran non-profit, Q Missions, and the health-tech startup, Q Actual 2.0. In today’s episode we cover: Sgt Q’s experience in the military The definition of service The app Sgt Q built to prevent suicide The toll war took on his mental health Why helping other people makes you feel better The different camps of people struggling with their mental health The importance of sharing our experiences Becoming proactive to mental health crises instead of reactive Building mental resilience We hope you enjoyed this episode. To learn more about Sgt Q and his app, make sure to visit his website and read his book. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and
Tue, November 01, 2022
How Exercise Can Improve Your Mental Health with Nita Sweeney
Send us a text When you are struggling with things like depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, you may need more than just your therapist, psychiatrist, and medication to feel better. It may be that you need to reconnect with or find something new that brings you joy. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Nita Sweeney to talk about her personal mental health struggles and how she found happiness in movement. As Nita says, depression hates a moving target, so getting up and moving can make a world of difference in your mental health journey. Nita Sweeney is the is the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and co-creator of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving . Her upcoming book, Make Every Move a Meditation (available for preorder), was featured in the Wall Street Journal . A certified meditation leader , mental health advocate, ultramarathoner, and former assistant to writing practice originator Natalie Goldberg , Nita founded the groups Mind, Mood, and Movement to support well-being through meditation, exercise, and writing practice, and The Writer’s Mind , to share using writing practice to produce publishable work. In today’s episode we cover: Nita’s experience with depression How exercise helped Nita’s mental health Outdoor activities with community How anorexia impacted her life Having multiple tools in your toolkit Why the reason for depression isn’t always clear Meditation The importance of finding your thing We hope you found this episode inspirational and helpful. If you want to learn more about Nita, make sure to check out her website and read her books! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also,
Tue, October 25, 2022
How To Get Started With Meditation When Healing From Trauma with Neil McKinlay
Send us a text Meditation has numerous benefits, especially when it comes to mental health. However, many people have the misconception that they can’t meditate or it just doesn’t work for them. The truth is, meditation doesn’t help all people the exact same way. It’s something you have to discover with time. Your meditation practice doesn't need to look like anyone else’s meditation practice. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with a special guest Neil McKinlay to talk about the power of meditation, community, and enlightenment. Neil McKinlay has spent his adult life studying and practicing embodied meditation. Through this span, he has led events of 100+ people both in-person and online. He has also been a parent and partner, author, and competitive swim coach. In recent years, 'survivor' has been added to Neil's list of roles and accomplishments as he recovers from a relationship with a dysfunctional spiritual mentor. These diverse experiences lend Neil's presentation of meditation a unique flavor. Well aware of the challenges and opportunities a full contemporary life poses for meditation practice, he speaks to -and links -the realities of both with candor and freshness. In addition to offering in-person instruction in Victoria, BC, Neil leads two online communities (The Living Meditation Network and The Online Gatherings), and hosts the Bringing Meditation to Life podcast. He also mentors individuals wanting to bring meditation and embodiment more fully into their lives. In today’s episode we cover: What meditation is Why people think that they can’t meditate Misconceptions about what meditation is Reaction vs. Response Enlightenment Neil’s journey with trauma and healing Survival exits Allowing our worlds to change How meditation helped Neil through his loss Why he decided to also seek trauma therapy The importance of community How to get started with meditation Meditation takes time We really hope you enjoyed this conversation with Neil. If you want to learn more about working with him, make sure to check out his website to learn more about his online gatherings and other offers! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Neil’s website Check out Neil’s podcast <a href='https://www.i
Tue, October 18, 2022
Letting Go of The Fear and Finding True Joy with Kerri Hummingbird
Send us a text Many people base their self-worth on what others think. It can be scary to change something about yourself or break harmful patterns because of the fear of what others will think of you, even if it’s for your own highest good. We are all unique and oftentimes, we don’t recognize the power we truly have because this fear that we won’t be accepted holds us back. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with special guest Kerri Hummingbird to talk about how we can finally break those patterns, stop trying to find our validation in other people, accept our differences, and start loving and fully embracing our true selves. Kerri Hummingbird, Soul Guide and host of Soul Nectar Show, is also the #1 international best-selling author of “The Second Wave: Transcending the Human Drama” and the award-winning best-selling book “Awakening to Me: One Woman’s Journey to Self-Love” which describes the early years of her spiritual awakening. Kerri has over 30 years of experience in leading by inspiration and a special passion for reconnecting people to the guidance of our Mother Earth. She mentors women to rewrite the story of their lives through inner transformation, connection to essence, remembrance of purpose, and realignment to authenticity and truth. She also inspires people to lead their lives wide awake with an authenticity, passion, and purpose that positively impacts others while catalyzing mind shifts that transform life challenges into gifts of wisdom. In today’s episode we cover: The energy of manifestors The uniqueness of each person The feminist movement and trusting your instincts The power we each have Relationship dynamics Confirmation bias The impact of early childhood trauma The book that changed Kerri’s perception Finding true joy and love for yourself The messy process of healing Why acceptance is our greatest gift Why it’s okay to be wrong We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Kerri as much as we did. If you are interested in learning more from Kerri, make sure to check out her books here or tune into the Soul Nectar Show ! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out Kerri's website Check out her books <a href='https://ker
Tue, October 11, 2022
Moving from Emotional Pain to Emotional Power with Dr. Julia DiGangi
Send us a text There are many synonyms for pain. You can call it anxiety, stress, irritation, struggles, overwhelm… the list goes on and on. No matter what you call it, the same parts of the brain are being activated. Emotional pain can feel like physical pain, and there is no way to completely avoid it. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dr. Julia DiGangi to talk about how to embrace the idea of pain rather than avoid it so that you can begin to take back your power. Dr. Julia DiGangi is a neuropsychologist who works with leaders, corporate teams and couples to address pain in their lives. An expert in the brain’s relationship with stress, resilience and relationships, she applies her expertise to help leaders think differently about their relationships, the pain they can cause, and what *actually* works to solve interpersonal problems. From overwhelmed corporate leaders to traumatized couples to dysfunctional teams, Dr. Julia has taught thousands to create a new relationship with their brain and, subsequently, improve their relationships with the people around them. By helping people understand the brain in new ways, she empowers people to achieve the interpersonal effectiveness they desire. She is regularly the keynote speaker for corporate, healthcare, government and educational audiences, is presently writing a book for Harvard Business Review titled “From Pain to Progress: The Neuroscience of Smart Leadership in Tough Times” and has also given a TEDx talk on the relationship between our brains and stress. In today’s episode we cover: Different types of pain Why it’s so important to talk about pain Tackling pain to get back home to yourself The Pain Tree Humiliation and feelings of unworthiness The power of a situation in childhood The difference between physical and emotional pain Emotional intelligence and connection The importance of harnessing our emotional energy for good Experiencing the emotional shake If you are interested in learning how to harness emotional energy to become a more powerful version of yourself, make sure to watch for Dr. DiGangi’s book. You can follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn to stay connected. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: <a href='https://www.neurohealthpar
Tue, October 04, 2022
Releasing Trauma and Healing Through EFT and Tapping with Lauren Fonvielle
Send us a text Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with your emotions that you felt like you could just burst? This is a common feeling for people struggling with anxiety or trauma. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. There are ways you can release those emotions and heal in a healthy and safe way. Today on From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Lauren Fonvielle to talk about how you can release those emotions by using EFT and tapping. Through her own struggles with anxiety and overwhelm, Lauren found that trauma-informed yoga, EFT, and tapping helped her to feel better and now she helps others do the same. Lauren Fonvielle is an Integrative Energy Practitioner, specializing in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)/Tapping for stress, anxiety, and trauma. Lauren is also a trauma-informed yoga teacher and certified Reiki practitioner. She guides her clients on a journey of self-healing breaking through obstacles that are keeping them feeling stuck and in pain so that they can live a happier, healthier life. In today’s episode we cover: The people that love you want you to ask for help What EFT and tapping are What tapping can help with How working with a practitioner can help you Moving emotions by moving energy What sound healing is The difference between the wisdom brain and the thinking brain If you are interested in learning more about these healing methods, we highly recommend you take Lauren’s masterclass here where she helps you reduce anxiety, stress, and chronic pain with EFT and tapping. Thanks for tuning in. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Lauren’s website Follow Lauren on Instagram Follow Lauren on Facebook Follow Lauren on YouTube Check out The Journey of Souls <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Squared-Do-Your
Tue, September 27, 2022
The Path To Parenthood is Not Linear: The Mental Health Impact of Infertility with Meirav Zur
Send us a text Have you or anyone you know ever struggled with infertility? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Meirav Zur to talk about infertility and the significant impact struggling to conceive can have on the mental health of those involved. Meirav experienced this firsthand and brought light to the issue by doing what she does best: comedy. In doing so, she inspired those around her to open up and talk about the mental health struggles they have experienced as a result of infertility as well. Meirav Zur is the naturally “that girl” who always “looks familiar,” like a neighbor’s summer guest, local diner waitress, or a distant cousin’s friend, even “that actress” in “that cool TV series” or “that Netflix show” or “that famous movie”. In 2005, she founded the English-language professional traveling theater in Israel, English on Stage, subsequently writing, directing, and acting in its various original productions, as well as coaching unique theater workshops and classes for both children and adults. She thoroughly believes in both the power and magic of theatre, and loves sharing with people its many parallels with "real life". Her latest production, “Inconceivable: The Totally True One-Woman Semi-Fertile Quasi-Musical”, has given her the opportunity to get people laughing and thinking about things people don't often discuss (including herself until this show premiered). In today’s episode we cover: Meirav’s journey with infertility and miscarriages The mental and emotional toll of infertility Why no one talks about infertility Using performance as therapy The lack of adequate sex education in schools The impact of infertility on the men involved The path to parenthood is not linear Why you shouldn’t bottle up your feelings We hope you enjoy this conversation with Meirav as much as we did. It was so inspiring to hear how she used comedy to start a conversation about infertility and mental health and help people feel less alone. If you enjoyed hearing about Meirav’s journey and the show she created based on her experiences with infertility, make sure you check out her show. You can get tickets here! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Make sure also to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Meirav’s website Follow Meirav on TikTok <a
Tue, September 20, 2022
Recovering from PTSD and Trauma with the Healing Power of Yoga Therapy with Anissa Hudak
Send us a text PTSD and trauma can be extremely challenging to work through. Unfortunately, the western methods of treatment like medications and therapy just don’t work for everyone. Sometimes you need to branch out into non-traditional therapy forms to find the healing you’re looking for. Today on From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Anissa Hudak to talk about processing trauma and PTSD with yoga therapy. Anissa found freedom to heal on the mat and now she teaches other people how to find that freedom and healing as well. Anissa Hudak’s life has been intertwined with PTSD, Trauma, and the military. Not only is she the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, but she was also married to an active-duty member (and Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran) for over 20 years. After seeing others struggle and having her own personal struggles with trauma and PTSD, she was inspired to create the Trauma Healing Yoga Therapy Program. As a Yoga Therapist and founder of the Trauma Healing Yoga Therapy Program, she guides others in the use of effective, science-based yoga therapy and other holistic techniques for the management and healing of symptoms relating to PTSD and trauma for people who want to control their PTSD - not allow it to control them. Most recently, she has focused her efforts toward working with women who have been sexually traumatized to help them heal their PTSD (and other trauma-related issues) with yoga therapy. In today’s episode we cover: The mind, body, and breath connection The two types of yoga How yoga helps people with PTSD Anissa’s story of trauma and PTSD The difference between a response and a reaction The science of yoga therapy Having inanimate objects on our healing team We hope you enjoy our conversation with Anissa. It’s so inspiring to hear about her journey and how she used yoga therapy to truly go from a survivor to thriver, despite her trauma. If you are interested in testing to find the right medications for you, make sure to check out Gene Sight. If you loved hearing about yoga therapy from Anissa, We highly recommend you check out her website to see how you can work with her. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Make sure also to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Aniss
Tue, September 13, 2022
Art as Therapy, Vulnerability, LGBTQ+ Rights, and a Higher Power with Rebecca Heidt
Send us a text Today on From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with a special guest Rebecca Heidt to talk about her struggles with her mental health and how she used them to impact the lives of people who struggle the way she did. Rebecca used her lowest moment when she thought she couldn’t go on anymore to start a new chapter helping other people who felt that way. Just like they helped her get through her worst moment, she wanted to help them get through theirs. This led to her books and art. Rebecca Heidt has been through many different situations that a lot of people may or may not have experienced and made it out to the other side. She worked in the food industry in Management and finance as an Account Executive. However, The Arts were always her home. Her passion lies in writing, painting, anthropology, and nature. She completed her first self-published work “Acceptance: The Beginning.” Rebecca continues pushing the literary boundaries with her second book “Acceptance: The Reality.” In today’s episode we cover: How Rebecca uses painting as an outlet The importance of vulnerability when you’re trying to make it to the other side The healing power of art Mental health struggles of the LGBTQ+ community Self-sabotage The church that protects LGBT families Political unrest and upcoming changes in the world We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Rebecca as much as we did. She is passionate about protecting the rights of her fellow LGBTQ+ members and it was great to dive into that topic as well as her thoughts on art, love, vulnerability, a higher power, and so much more. If you’d love to hear more from Rebecca, we highly recommend you check out her book. Make sure to also follow her on social media to stay up to date on her upcoming releases. Links: Check out Rebecca’s website: https://www.rebeccaheidt.com Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidt_bristow_revolution/ Connect with Rebecca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.heidt.1/ Get your copy of Rebecca’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VRR75GC Follow Rebecca on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theexaltedpeacock Follow us on Facebook: <a href='https://www.fa
Tue, September 06, 2022
Episode 76- Cole Rodgers: You can’t fight in the dark by yourself
Send us a text Cole, a lifestyle entrepreneur, successful businessman and leading minister of impact, came back from the brink of divorce and battling substance use to achieve what all men seek – freedom. Looking back on his childhood, he was constantly seeking validation by acting out through self-sabotage, a practice that led to tremendous self-doubt and negative internal judgment. He liberated himself and, in turn, has liberated men across the globe, allowing them to truly be free and not just exist. To that end, he founded School of Man, an organization that builds real men through a raw and real vulnerability in order to crack the code to have it all – family, wealth and leadership. Today, he reminds our audience that “his greatest successes came from the greatest pain in his life.” Connect with Cole at schoolofman.live. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 30, 2022
Episode 75- Dionne Sanchez: I was always the invisible girl
Send us a text Dionne, a Christian, a poet, and a digital art student, is also the host of the podcast Words of Heart. She has handled major physical challenges in her life -- she couldn't hear or talk until she was almost 3 years old, and then, in January 2020 she was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. When it comes to mental health challenges, she has also experienced several. Rejected by her classmates and peers through much of her childhood, she often felt invisible and very alone, to the point where she thought the world would be better off without her. Today, she is a self-described warrior for change, which is a testament to her perseverance despite nearly two decades of obstacles. Connect with Dionne on Instagram at @heartwarrior25. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 23, 2022
Episode 74- Suzanne Falter: Sometimes we just need to breathe
Send us a text Suzanne, an author, speaker and podcaster who helps busy women find happiness through self-care, was once a driven workaholic with no sense of self. That all changed in 2012, when she lost her 22-year-old daughter Teal to what is still an unknown cause of death. Standing in her daughter’s hospital room, she realized she had to become a better person and so began a two-year grieving process in which she started putting herself back together and, through her posthumous connections with Teal, discovered that she was put here to be a healer. Today, she hosts the podcast Self-Care for Extremely Busy Women and leads both online and live workshops for busy professionals about self-care and building healthy self-care habits. Connect with Suzanne at suzannefalter.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 16, 2022
Episode 73- Hamilton Baiden: I never thought it was possible to live my life without drinking
Send us a text Hamilton, an executive with nearly three decades of experience in the healthcare industry, brings both a vision and passion for creating innovative solutions to complex problems. However, for the first 21 years of his career, he struggled personally with behavioral issues such as panic attacks, stress, anxiety, ADHD, and, underpinning all of it, he was an alcoholic. Now sober for ten years, one of his greatest passions is bringing solutions to individuals and family members who are struggling with substance misuse or suicidal ideation. That’s why, as CEO of Youturn Health, his hope is that the organization will forever improve and change the face of addiction recovery, education, and support in the next five years. Connect with Hamilton at youturnhealth.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 09, 2022
Episode 72- Shaun Coffey: I was walking around with my trauma backpack
Send us a text Shaun, a father to a 10-year-old daughter, an ultramarathon runner, and a music enthusiast, is the co-author of the stigma-breaking book, “Boys Do Cry,” a collection of true stories by men who have overcome adversity and gender conformity surrounding their mental health and emotions. Between the ages of 7 and 17, Shaun lived in an around-the-clock fear state as a result of both the physical and emotional childhood trauma levied by his father. Through it all, he has overcome addiction, homelessness, and mental illness, re-established a relationship with his mother, from whom he was taken in a custody battle at a young age, and finally broke the cycle to become the father that he always wanted to be. Connect with Shaun at shauncoffey.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 02, 2022
Episode 71- Charlene Madden: I had to get very honest with myself
Send us a text Charlene is a mother of three amazing children, a wife, a daughter, Reiki Practitioner and Women's Empowerment Coach who admittedly spent most of her life living in a state of darkness. After experiencing nearly a decade of sexualized trauma at the hands of her grandfather, a decade of domestic violence, and more than 30 years of mental illness and suicidal ideology, she was just two days away from taking her life when, at the insistence of a friend, she begrudgingly attended a women's workshop. There, after hearing the inspirational stories of three speakers, her life changed forever. She was able to take off her blinders, begin the healing process, and ignite her life by turning her mess into a message of hope, evolution, and transformation that she now shares with people all over the world. Connect with Charlene at charlenemadden-speaker.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Thu, July 28, 2022
Special Episode- Dr. Sherry Walling: Grief doesn’t happen unless there is love
Send us a text Sherry is a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate whose company, ZenFounder, helps entrepreneurs and leaders navigate transition, rapid growth, loss, conflict, or any manner of complex human experience. She experienced her own cycle of grief when, in her forties, she lost her dad to cancer and, only six months later, lost her brother to suicide. In response to this journey, she penned Touching Two Worlds, a just-released book (July 26, 2022) that explores new strategies for finding wholeness in the aftermath of loss. It is her intimate and deeply personal story that is crafted like a trail of breadcrumbs for others who will, one day, experience grief of their own. Connect with Sherry at zenfounder.com and purchase her latest book at your local bookstore or touchingtwoworlds.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 26, 2022
Episode 70- Heather Hutchison: Hold on for that moment
Send us a text Heather is the Amazon best-selling author of “Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir,” and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date, including her latest, “If I Could” that dropped in January 2022. Blind since birth, she struggled with anxiety from a very young age which, by her early teens, became accompanied by bouts of severe depression. Heather struggled with the total lack of control brought about by the onset of the pandemic, which sent her into a massive depressive spiral and a plan to end her life. A psychiatric involuntary stay at the hospital allowed her to find the strength for that one extra day, resulting in a renewed outlook on life. She’s now an advocate who is passionate about educating and connecting with people on the topics of disability and mental health. Connect with Heather at heather-hutchison.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 19, 2022
Episode 69- Susan Johnson: There is hope and there is help
Send us a text Susan is an accomplished inspirational speaker living with Bipolar 1 – a diagnosis she received in 1995. She is the author of “Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping, A Memoir of My Bipolar Journey” and gave a Tedx talk titled “Having A Mental Illness Is Not a Death Sentence.” While she experienced her first real bout of depression during her junior year in high school, it wasn’t until her first manic high, several years later, that she and her mom recognized that she was suffering from an illness to which she was genetically predisposed. Over the years, with the unending support of her parents, her loving husband, and her therapists, Susan has learned to thrive with an illness whose path is fluid and sometimes unpredictable. Today, her true passion is to help break the stigma of living with a mental illness and to bring hope to those living with one. Connect with Susan at sjohnsonauthor.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 12, 2022
Episode 68- Dr. Kevin Payne: I gave myself one last chance
Send us a text Kevin, a social psychologist, entrepreneur, author, podcast host, speaker, and teacher discusses the results of his extensive research concerning how to live a quality life with chronic distress, pain, and illness. He also shares his personal story of living on both sides of the mental health continuum, first as a caregiver for his sick wife and then as a depressed man who was barely hanging on, all while battling Multiple Sclerosis for decades. It wasn’t until his son said, “you suck at doing things for yourself,” that he decided to continue his life journey by using both science and skydiving to save himself. Today, he empowers and educates others living with chronic illness, their loved ones and caregivers, and health and wellness professionals to improve quality of life and care. Connect with Kevin at yourlifelivedwell.co. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 05, 2022
Episode 67- Cheryl Ilov: I was my team leader
Send us a text Cheryl, an author, speaker, physical therapist, martial artist, dancer, former chronic pain patient and a survivor is the host of the popular Femininja Project podcast. At the age of 36, she hit rock bottom and became terribly depressed and hopeless, when she was told her chronic pain would never let her live the life she wanted. She eventually fired her medical team and began to explore other, non-traditional healing modalities (acupuncture, reflexology) that allowed her to once again experience the joy of movement. From her own experience of beginning her training in the ancient Japanese martial art of Ninpo Taijutsu at the tender young age of 47, following a deep spiral into PTSD, to becoming her teacher’s first female black belt 10 years later, she discovered that there is an incredible amount of strength and power in each and every one of us, just waiting to be unleashed. Connect with Cheryl at cherylilov.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 28, 2022
Episode 66- Katty Douraghy: Grieving is a continuum
Send us a text Katty is an entrepreneur, facilitator and author whose memoir, “The Butterfly Years: A Journey Through Grief Toward Hope,” details her personal journey from darkness to healing. In 2011, after losing her stepmother, father and mother within a span of four months, she found herself trapped in a spiral of self-judgment and post-traumatic growth, often living life not for herself, but rather for those who were no longer living. She was able to begin the healing journey by both embracing gratitude and self-care while engaging with a community that allowed her to “just be.” Today, she inspires others to work through their grief, find hope on the other side and recognize that “we will stumble and fall, but we will get back up again.” Connect with Katty at kattydouraghy.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 21, 2022
Episode 65- Todd Nyholm: You are your own compass
Send us a text Todd, a Somatic Therapist and author, has personally and professionally validated the undeniable relationship between mind and body. He came into this work as a result of his own personal experiences of both being sick as a child (diagnosed with several issues years later, including Lyme disease) and dealing with childhood trauma tied to emotional and safety concerns. Today, his Nytality Method offers people the solutions they need to live healthier and happier lives through meditations, contemplations, self-care techniques, and yoga-like exercises. It also incorporates modalities for dealing with trauma, mental exercises, a series of systems for working more consciously with your emotions, a system for recalling the parts of you that have gotten lost in your shadow side, and integrating those pieces with the whole of you. Connect with Todd at nytality.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 14, 2022
Episode 64- Scott Deluzio: I didn’t want to admit I wasn’t ok
Send us a text Scott, an author, podcaster and Army veteran, having served six years with the Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010, struggled with coping with the stresses of combat, losing his younger brother who was killed in action on August 22, 2010, and adjusting back to civilian life. While he was exhibiting all the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he didn’t want to admit it as he thought that would show weakness and defeat. Through the help of his wife and his therapist, he practiced prolonged exposure therapy, which became the foundation of his healing and helped him to re-integrate into everyday life. Today, through his “Drive On Podcast”, he interviews both veterans and civilians to discuss personal triumphs, life experiences, and emotional hardships with the goal of giving hope and strength to the military community. Connect with Scott at driveonpodcast.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 07, 2022
Episode 63- Lisa Sugarman: Sometimes you’ve got to sit in it
Send us a text Lisa, a mom, parenting author, nationally syndicated humor columnist, and a podcast host, is also a survivor of suicide loss, having lost her father when she was ten. She grieved the loss of her father twice, as she was told at age ten that he had died of a heart attack only to learn the truth in her mid-40’s. This revelation led her to understanding a new narrative around the topic of suicide and to her work as an advocate of suicide prevention. She is also both a long-time advocate for and a very proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, having come out as pansexual in June 2021. Today, she walks around as the most authentic human being that she can be in all aspects of her life. Connect with Lisa at lisasugarman.comContact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 31, 2022
Episode 62- Katie Maloney: There’s nothing you can’t do because of your trauma
Send us a text Katie, the author of Cake Pops and Coffee: A New Conversation About Trauma, a speaker and trauma survivor coach, is changing the way we talk about sexual assault and redefining how the trauma journey is told. Her mission is to share her very real (and frequently awkward) stories of navigating healing from 18 years of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her parents so that others feel comfortable laughing about, loving and sharing their own stories. While she began telling herself at age 14 that something wasn’t right, it wasn’t until she was drowning in triggers and trauma at college that she realized everything she was both told and experienced as a child was a lie. Today, she believes that we can discuss trauma with laughter and approachability instead of heaviness and discomfort, all while feeling supported and safe. Connect with Katie at katiemaloneycoaching.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 24, 2022
Episode 61- Alicia Anagnostou: Pressing into the pain
Send us a text Alicia, a sociologist and creative nonfiction writer, also serves as Vice President of Client Loyalty at a Fortune 500 company and is a 25-year trauma survivor. In 1995, while completing her 3rd year as an undergraduate student, she was sexually assaulted by a physician at the student health center during a routine gynecological visit. Traumatized and confused, she remained quiet for decades until 2019 when an unexpected notification on her cell phone led her on journey of discovery to find both her assailant and eventually her heart. These days, she is speaking out on the importance of listening to your inner voice, managing mindset and moving forward with confidence. Alicia believes in giving a voice to one’s core values through thoughtful word choice, purposeful messaging and the sharing of powerful life stories. Connect with Alicia at firsteditioncoaching.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Wed, May 18, 2022
Episode 60- Mike Hynes: There was a better way to be me
Send us a text Mike, an executive coach, speaker and author of the book “The Myth-Guided Mind: Unleash Your God-Given Genius at Work and at Home,” was walking around in the world really stiff, really frightened and not willing to admit it to anyone. During his two decades as a psychotherapist, he saw flaws and “came to believe that there were problems with the way ‘the system’ thinks about mental illness and mental health.” These days, business owners, executives and creatives seek out his coaching because of its power and simplicity. Mike’s overarching belief is that one of the keys to shifting the mental health conversation is through both kind connections and engaging in “radically candid conversations” about the topic and the way people are feeling. Connect with Mike at michaelhynes.ca.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 10, 2022
Episode 59- Dani Cipolla: Love yourself
Send us a text Dani Cipolla: Love yourself Dani Cipolla, an ex-NYC model, grew up in nearly every part of the city and is a diehard New Yorker. She started modeling at the age of 17 and quickly found herself struggling with body dysmorphia and a severe eating disorder, bulimia, which became her way of controlling a life over which she no longer had control. She experienced an even darker side of the industry, the over-sexualization of young girls, when she herself was sexually assaulted during a photo shoot. After ending her contract and exiting the industry, Dani finally fell in love with her body at the age of 26 and continues to heal herself from both the physical and mental damage from her earlier years. Today, she has built a broadcasting company of women’s voices, is the host of three amazing podcasts and loves having conversations with people to show that you can leave one life and start a new one. Connect with Dani at dugoutbroadcasting.com and on Instagram @dani_cipolla. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 03, 2022
Episode 58- Eric Rogers: Telling my story saved my life
Send us a text Eric is the owner, operator and CEO of Rogers Fitness Academy. A natural born leader and entrepreneur, he has persevered through some of the worst things a person can endure: homelessness, addiction, violence, abuse, mental health disorders, incarceration and more. During his darkest moment, with a loaded gun in his mouth, Eric almost ended his own life, which is when he decided to pursue a disciplined life and focus on fitness and nutrition. Today, after battling and conquering some enormous challenges, Eric is now a devoted family man, successful businessman and mentor to others who are struggling and striving to become the best they can be. Connect with Eric on Instagram @thereal_ericrogers Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, April 26, 2022
Episode 57- Tara Boyce: I thought I was drinking with purpose
Send us a text Tara is the host of the podcast “Addicted to Recovery: The Interactive Memoir,” which is based on her own true story and is part memoir and part exploration of her experience with alcoholism, recovery and mental illness. From her first drink at the age of 12, she was in and out of rehab 12 times, with hospitals, detoxes and other interventions, and was a full-time professional patient and student of addiction and mental health. After 15 years of harrowing alcoholism and now three years into successful recovery, she has become a mental health and addiction recovery advocate for those in need. These days, she’s had a lot of time to collect insights about recovery, and, to stay sober, and has had to be as obsessed with getting better as she was with staying sick. You can connect with Tara through her email at interactivememoir@gmail.com and find her podcast at addictedtorecovery.caContact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, April 19, 2022
Episode 56- Sara Silverstein: Pay attention to your needs
Send us a text Sara is a full-time Breathwork Guide, Female Sexuality Specialist and Aura Photographer who never imagined her life path would lead her here, but realized there is no sense in fighting what brings you joy. She experienced a “tumultuous childhood” that included anxiety and depression and later found herself in the throes of full-blown alcoholism by age 20. Realizing she needed to change her life path, Sara became sober at the age of 22 and entered the corporate world, where she was successful, but after a few years succumbed to feelings of burnout from the New York City financial industry. Four years ago, after a life changing stay in Bali, she transitioned to working in the wellness field and now helps people find more balance in their lives through the transformative powers of breathwork, sexuality and energy healing. You can connect with Sara at sarasil.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, April 12, 2022
Episode 55- Ganel-Lyn Condie: You need to start with you
Send us a text Ganel-Lyn Condie: You need to start with youGanel-Lyn is a well-known motivational speaker and author who inspires others with her unique honesty, authenticity and spirit. She is a regular television/radio guest and hosts the popular shows REAL TALK CFM and THE MIDDLE. Her talks, appearances and books have reached and encouraged thousands of people globally. Since the heart-breaking suicide of her 40-year-old sister Meg eight years ago, Ganel-Lyn constantly works towards prevention through community and promotes her belief that therapy should be celebrated like education. Today, she lives with an open heart and wishes for a world in which we talk about mental health as commonly and normally as we talk about sports, food and TV shows. You can connect with Ganel-Lyn at ganellyn.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, April 05, 2022
Episode 54- De’Vannon Hubert: I was in a constant state of conflict
Send us a text De’Vannon is an author, host of the Sex, Drugs, and Jesus Podcast and the owner of DownUnder Apparel. After being rejected by his church for his sexuality, his anger and resentment built for more than a decade and he became reckless, losing himself in the club scene and a newfound drug addiction. A New Year’s Eve voicemail from his doctor notified him of a positive HIV diagnosis, causing him to spiral even deeper as he couldn’t see himself surviving this disease. It took almost nine years for him to finally rehabilitate himself, starting with the transfer of his probation from Houston to his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Today, he is taking care of himself and has become a serial entrepreneur. He has found joy, comfort and positive ways to move ahead through hypnotherapy and with the Buddhist temple. You can connect with De’Vannon at sexdrugsandjesus.com and downunderapparel.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, March 29, 2022
Episode 53- Kimberly Bell: I was chosen for this journey
Send us a text Kimberly Bell: I was chosen for this journeyKim is a passionate speaker, minister, mentor and author of “The Epitome of Kimmy: Accept & Embrace It All." Her eye-opening memoir takes you beneath the surface into some of the harshest realities of life from the perspective of an abandoned, young child in kinship care growing up into adulthood. Her life changed forever when, at five years old, she went to live with her adopted family after yet another night of violence between her father and mother. She beat the odds and, concurrent with the release of her book, embraced the life she always wanted to live, free of guilt, shame, anxiety and depression. Today, through her book and talks, she uses her personal life struggles to inspire and empower others to never give up hope while also raising awareness of societal issues and providing insight into the realities that are often hidden in our society. You can connect with Kim at Kimberlyannebell.comContact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, March 22, 2022
Episode 52- Asher Eve: Post-partum depression is more than just baby blues
Send us a text Asher Eve: Post-partum depression is more than just baby bluesAsher is a podcast manager and a hockey and lacrosse mom to two teenage boys and a tween girl. While depression started for her in her early 20’s, she also suffered from post-partum depression with all 3 of her children and, most recently, went through an unexpected divorce that left her depressed for a year. While the last 3 years have been the most painful she has ever experienced, it’s also where she has learned the most about herself and has made the biggest gains in building her confidence and self-worth. Today, she continues to move in the right direction by consciously reframing her negative self-talk and focusing on her word of the year, “mindset”, to ensure that she sets her intention each and every day.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, March 15, 2022
Episode 51- Sarah Tait: There is so much hope
Send us a text Sarah is a qualified NLP (neuro linguistic programming) and Breakthrough Coach who loves to talk, present, and share her journey and tips with others. In January 2019, after a build-up of tremendous work-related stress coupled with a severe lack of sleep, it all became too much and she cracked. In fact, she cracked so hard and experienced psychotic break so severe that it resulted in a five-day period of paranoia and hallucinations, which ended following constant, intensive care and support from her husband and psychiatrist. Today, she is extremely passionate about driving conversations around mental health and sharing her story so that others won’t have to experience what she went through. You can follow Sara on her Instagram page @iamsarahtait. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, March 08, 2022
Episode 50- Erin D’Elia: Be brutally honest with yourself and ask for help
Send us a text Erin D’Elia: Be brutally honest with yourself and ask for helpErin is a Heart-Centered Intuitive Lifestyle Coach, Motivational Speaker, Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, and Meditation and Yoga Teacher. After an accident with the family dog at the age of three, Erin had a death experience while doctors stitched up her face during a four-hour surgery. What followed was a series of unexplainable petit mal seizures that eventually led to a cycle of trauma, a transient lifestyle and “self-medicating across the board” well into her mid-20’s. Today, she has given herself permission to just exist and, for the past 14 years, she has worked with people on improving their lives and enhancing the quality of their relationships with themselves and how they choose to show up in the world. You can connect with Erin by visiting her website at erindelia.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, March 01, 2022
Episode 49- Tim Beisiegel: I am focused on moving forward
Send us a text Tim, Founder and Host of the Focused on Forward Podcast and Co-host of the Funny Science Fiction Podcast, turned to podcasting as a way to help deal with his mental health struggles. As a child who was abandoned by his biological father, Tim entered his teen years angry and unable to feel true happiness even during good times. In 2019, after his daughter stayed 97 days in the hospital due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Tim was diagnosed with hospitalization PTSD and finally took the much-needed steps to begin his healing journey, including starting therapy – something he thought he would never do, but now realizes he should have done sooner. Today, his Focused on Forward Podcast @podcastFOF features people sharing their stories of overcoming huge obstacles in their lives. The power and inspiration of his podcast guests, who are fighting and struggling to conquer challenges every day, encourage him to continue on his own journey. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, February 22, 2022
Episode 48- Johnny Crowder: Music was the only outlet that wouldn’t judge me
Send us a text Johnny is the Founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a mental health service that uses daily text messages to train the brain to develop healthier thought patterns since, as he says, “negative thoughts don’t schedule an appointment with you.” As a touring musician, creative writer and a TEDx and motivational speaker, he has touched millions of lives by de-mystifying taboo psychological principles with levity and wit. As a suicide and abuse survivor, he spent his formative years searching for resources to help him cope with his mental health issues, ranging from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder to schizophrenia. His deeply personal experience with mental illness, university-level education in psychology and contagious positivity combine to fashion his unique spirit of advocacy. Today, after nearly a decade of clinical treatment, volunteer peer counseling and public advocacy, he relies on the strategies he shares through Cope Notes to live a happier, healthier life. You can listen to episodes of the Cope Notes podcast at copenotes.com/podcast/Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, February 15, 2022
Episode 47- Theresa Wiggins: Your thoughts are not who you are
Send us a text Theresa, founder of Village Parenting and a mindfulness and parenting coach, spent two decades living with undiagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Starting at the age of seven until the age 27, her OCD manifested as intrusive thoughts that made her feel so alone and, at their core, made her wonder if she was a good person. Even while in therapy, her intrusive thoughts spiraled into an eating disorder and ultimately depression. Her life changed when she entered an inpatient program at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, and allowed herself to finally open up about her thoughts. She was met with both kindness and a long-awaited OCD diagnosis. Today, she lives by the idea that there is no such thing as a bad thought with the icing on the cake being her daily mindfulness practice. Connect with Theresa at villageparenting.net.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, February 08, 2022
Episode 46- Joanne Barker: My vulnerability is my strength
Send us a text Joanne, personal breakthrough coach, holistic mentor and community builder, was formerly employed by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. She hit rock bottom in July 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, feeling mentally and physically burnt-out, exhausted and despondent. She recognized that she was surviving from one day to the next, constantly looking for a way to break out of the system as she felt both lonely and unfulfilled in her life and career. She soon learned that she needed to surrender control so that she could stop hanging on for dear life and break the fight, flight, freeze pattern, which can cause so many roadblocks in one’s life. Today, through a combination of therapy, online support groups and the work that she does coaching her own clients, her lifepath is to move away from judgment and towards joy. She has realized the importance of “resting on the mountain” of life before making the final ascent to the summit. Connect with Joanne at personalbreakthroughs.co.uk. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, February 01, 2022
Episode 45- Dylan Lundgren: Community was the bridge from isolation to connection
Send us a text Dylan, TEDx speaker and addiction recovery advocate, has made it his mission to work with individuals and organizations to increase engagement in the addiction recovery process and improve long-term outcomes. In recovery since 2004, he reflects on his mental health challenges as an adolescent, when depression and suicidal ideation consumed his early teenage years. Later, what began as a night of drinking in college to numb his emotional pain, eventually ended after many years with a stint in the county jail where he decided to begin his much-needed sobriety journey. Today, by reflecting on purpose and value, he empowers individuals to embrace recovery and access ways to live a fun, healthy, authentic lifestyle while pursuing their dreams and goals: moving from dealing with life to enjoying life! Most importantly, he believes the power of community is essential in addressing addiction and related challenges. Connect with Dylan at dylanlundgren.com.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Mon, January 24, 2022
NOW is the time- Empowering Communities to Heal Minds
Send us a text In this special episode, we are joined by licensed therapists Kathleen Callahan, MSW & LCSW and personal therapist to both Erik and Marc, and Sarah Caldwell, MSW & LCSW and an earlier guest on From Survivor to Thriver podcast. They help our audience recognize challenging spots we may find ourselves in, when we or those around us may be struggling, the global shared trauma we all have experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the vast array of resources available so we can help both ourselves and each other. With more than 50 million people in the United States and one billion people around the world living with a mental health disorder, it’s no longer enough to say that mental health is just an issue. Rather, now is the time to take real action! Only by helping others to spot the signs and symptoms both inside of themselves and externally in others and by directing our communities to the vast array of resources available to them are we truly addressing the growing mental health crisis in a meaningful way. You can reach out to Kathleen at callahancounseling@gmail.com and to Sarah at rebelmountaintherapy.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, January 18, 2022
Episode #44- Robin Cote: It’s up to you to have a better life
Send us a text Robin, a radio and show business personality, transformational coach and motivational speaker, is also the author of Robin’s story, “Victim No More!” which tells her personal journey through the morass of abuse and loss, and ultimately reveals her own self-worth, preservation, and accountability. She is a survivor, not only of loss, but also of domestic violence, verbal and emotional abuse, rape, and bullying and has become an outspoken advocate for victims. Through all she has endured, “VICTIM” will never be a word used to describe Robin. When she took responsibility for her own healing journey, she learned that the common denominator throughout her life experiences was childhood trauma. This revelation taught her the importance of comforting the inner child and, two years ago, she finally learned to love herself. Today, her tag line “we are here to live, love, learn and teach,” couldn’t ring truer. Connect with Robin and listen to the “Get Real with Robin” podcast at robincote.com.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, January 11, 2022
Episode 43- Jas Rawlinson: We need to change the way we speak to ourselves
Send us a text Jas, a best-selling author, award-nominated book coach and resilience speaker, specializes in stories that change lives. During the first two decades of her life, she felt very alone in her world of depression and anxiety as the result of both childhood family violence and then the death of her father by suicide when she was 18 years old. A volunteer role as a photojournalist when she was in her 20’s, along with her discovery of gratitude journaling, finally set her on a path to healing. Combining her lived experience as a domestic violence survivor with her BA in creative writing and psychology, she has helped close to 30 writers go from 'idea' to 'published' in the past four years and has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through global media outlets and her anthology book series “Reasons to Live: One More Day Every Day,” which offers stories of hope, resilience and triumph over adversity. Above all, Jas believes that everyone has a story with the power to inspire and change lives. Connect with Jas to find out more about her mission and her writing courses at jasrawlinson.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, January 04, 2022
Episode 42- Kyle Foster: Find a way to recover your own way
Send us a text Kyle, the Founder and Owner of Seagull's Cycles in Eagle, Colorado is a firm believer in the importance of community and activity throughout the recovery process. Just over seven years ago, he found himself at his lowest, drinking 24/7, consuming up to two liters of vodka a day and well on his way to severe health problems. After detoxing at a close friend’s house for two weeks, his mom brought him to the hospital where doctors said he was in severe renal failure and to make peace with everyone as he was unlikely to survive. Now, seven years into his recovery journey, he hosts a Recovery Ride on bikes each Sunday for those who are in recovery, those interested in healing or those supporting someone in recovery. These rides provide a safe space through a no-pressure, supportive atmosphere where riders are welcome to share their stories or just enjoy the group ride and making connections. He also works closely to support Eagle Valley Behavioral Health and SpeakUp ReachOut. Find out more about Kyle’s mission and rides at seagullscycles.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, December 28, 2021
Episode 41- Dr. Christian Heim: It’s ok to be male and it’s ok to be you
Send us a text Dr. Christian Heim is an award-winning clinical psychiatrist, Australian music lecturer, Churchill fellow and author of “Five Steps to Men’s Mental Health.” He suggests that, while it’s not always easy to do, it is possible for each of us to find a way to accept who we are and say, “it’s ok to be me…now on with life!” Our conversation focuses on the male brain, how men have historically been problem solvers and why men tend to suffer in silence and then feel guilty for not coming up with their own solutions. He leaves our audience with these key takeaways: there is nothing wrong with being male, help is out there and you’ve got to take the risk of being vulnerable so you can allow yourself to trust. Dr. Heim’s writings and lectures discuss preventive mental health and how to get the right DOSE of brain chemicals to help overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, trauma and addictions. More information can be found at drchristianheim.com. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, December 21, 2021
Episode 40- Wayne Shipman: You can’t live by the stigmas…you have to live by your own truth
Send us a text Wayne speaks of himself as a once proud father and patriotic Army soldier who had spent his teenage years consumed by anger and later suffered with bipolar and borderline personality disorders, which almost resulted in suicide. A last-chance decision to face the realities of chronic homelessness, divorce, bad parenting, major drug use and the underlying effects of his mental health crisis led to a path of total sobriety and an end to life on the streets. Once he decided that his story wasn’t over, his desire to win back lost relationships and repair lost opportunities put him on a journey of overcoming and growth that is intriguing due to the unusual experiences he encountered. These days, he has learned to forgive himself, is happily re-married, recently purchased a brick home with three acres of land and is a semi-truck driver traveling the long and winding roads of America.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, December 14, 2021
Episode 39- John Giordano: There are no failures in life…only lessons
Send us a text John, the author of “The Kid from the South Bronx Who Never Gave Up,” is the son of a heroin dealer who tried to cope with the trauma of being molested as a young boy, fell hard into drugs and alcohol and eventually found himself angry and full of rage at all he had endured. Along the way, he identified and followed his passion for karate, earning his coveted 10th-degree black belt and the title of National Karate Champion. More than thirty-five years ago, at the urging of his family, John entered rehab and began on a path to healing, which included starting to listen instead of just hearing. He emerged a changed man, committed to helping others afflicted by addiction and today is recognized as a thought leader in the research and treatment of mental illness.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, December 07, 2021
Episode 38- Nick Jonsson: If we can talk to each other, miracles are possible
Send us a text Nick, Founder and Managing Director of Executives' Global Network (EGN) Singapore, is dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma around the phenomenon of executive loneliness. He made this his life’s work following the suicide of a close friend. Now in his third year of recovery, Nick has identified that feelings of isolation and depression – personal struggles that he, himself, has had to grapple with and conquer – are much more widespread than we may think. He covers a wide range of topics and offers thoughtful suggestions in dealing with “smiling depression” and executive loneliness, including discussing the intersection of imposter syndrome and shame and the fear some have of being found out in the workplace and, potentially, losing their jobs. Today, he loves working with professionals and community members alike to offer support and empower them to share their personal struggles and heal.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, November 30, 2021
Episode 37- Shona Hirons: I chose to get up instead of give up
Send us a text Shona, the founder of Mindset in Motion, survived being born prematurely, a mini stroke, heart surgery, a breakdown as a result of work-related stress, a life-changing accident and cancer. Shona could have given up, but she chose to get up. Her panic attacks led her to get help through Mind, where she finally spoke to a counselor without fear of judgement, which made her realize she was not alone. After leaving the law profession, over the last 4 years she has followed her passion of running her own fitness center, re-qualified as a Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner and nutrition consultant, and runs her own business working with mid-life executives to avoid and recover from burnout. She is also an author of a best-selling book, The Girls Who Refused to Quit, and shortly is due to release her second book. Learn how Shona transformed from being “Broken to BIONIC” (Brave, Identify, Obtainable, Necessary, I, Can) and now finds the positive in every day. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, November 23, 2021
Episode 36- Erin McCullough: It is your birthright to be in joy
Send us a text Erin, a thought leader, coach, mentor and guide teaches people how to create Impenetrable Joy so that they can be calm, have peace of mind and meaning in their lives, NOW! Three defining moments in her life, including an anxiety disorder that had her holed up at home for nearly a year, an accident in which she nearly killed someone, and a divorce that leveled her emotionally, led her to realize that happiness is fleeting, freedom is in the present moment and true joy is a textured experience. Erin has used her personal journeys to develop strategies that disrupt old patterns of thinking in order to create different experiences and allow for true healing and growth to happen. The result has been the realization that the person to truly fall in love with during this lifetime is yourself.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, November 16, 2021
Episode 35 - Steve Phillip: Be brave enough to ask the questions
Send us a text As a business executive, Steve ran a successful consultancy practice for more than 11 years, providing coaching and training and as a keynote speaker in the world of social media, sales and marketing. However, on December 4, 2019, he received a call that changed his world forever – his son Jordan had taken his own life. He quickly decided he had to do something to prevent other families from experiencing the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide. He established The Jordan Legacy CIC (thejordanlegacy.com) to support those struggling with their mental health or considering suicide and simultaneously accepted the position as Head of Mission at Champion Health UK Ltd, a tech company focused on workplace employee wellbeing strategies. Today, Steve speaks about the importance of listening and having hope and encourages conversations around mental health. He is also involved with government response and support of this critical health issue. His lived experience of suicide, combined with a following of 35,000+ on LinkedIn, means his message of hope can be shared with a global audience of millions.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, November 09, 2021
Episode 34- Tess Johnson: Being vulnerable is cool
Send us a text Tess, the youngest skier at the time to ever to make the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team at 14 years old, one of the six 17-year-olds on Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics and a bronze medalist in the 2019 World Championships, gets real about her own personal storm in the winter of 2020 right before the pandemic. After a candid conversation in Kazakhstan with her coaches, she realized that she was living with anxiety in all aspects of her life. Her deep work with her sports psychologist, her love of journaling and her strong connection to skiing have combined to teach her that the process is much more rewarding than the outcome. Outside of competition, she is also passionate about inspiring those younger than her, especially girls in her native Vail, Colorado, to reach their full potential physically, mentally and emotionally through her work as an ambassador for GirlPowHER.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, November 02, 2021
Episode 33- Mason Hohstadt: There is hope to be had if you reach out for help
Send us a text Mason, a public health specialist and Chair of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Garfield County, Colorado, discusses his personal story of overcoming social anxiety disorder while studying at the University of Colorado and how his arrest for possession in 2005 capped off a decade of being “wild and crazy.” A combination of therapy, medication, CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), along with a newfound love of running, has aided in his recovery. Today, integrating his individual experiences around mental health and public health frameworks, he hopes to meet people where they are in their journeys and his passion for the social determinants of mental health is allowing him to move the needle at a population level. He gets quite candid about the importance of using evidence-based questions if you suspect someone is in crisis and offers several valuable resources for those in need.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, October 26, 2021
Episode 32 Part 1- Dana Knerl: I was just going through life surviving
Send us a text Dana, a board-certified holistic nurse, Reiki master, registered yoga teacher, Akashic Records practitioner, and Chakra mentor, joins us for an insightful two-part conversation. In part one, she shares her personal journey of trauma and healing, beginning at 4 years old when her mom was hospitalized after a psychotic break and subsequently diagnosed with schizophrenia. From that day on, Dana “learned” that mental illness was scary, embarrassing, and not a topic of conversation. In her early 20’s, she moved from Illinois to California after finishing nursing school and soon developed anxiety, which resulted in full-blown panic attacks and the gripping fear she might become severely ill as her mom once was. Only then did she start going to counseling and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meetings, which led to becoming part of a community, discovering that she was not alone and beginning to heal herself. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, October 26, 2021
Episode 32 Part 2- Dana Knerl: You are your own healer
Send us a text Dana, a board-certified holistic nurse, Reiki master, registered yoga teacher, Akashic records practitioner, and Chakra mentor, joins us for an insightful two-part conversation. In part two, she shares her journey of healing others, delves deeper into what it means to be an empath, connects the dots between empaths, anxiety and the importance of nature (grounding and absorbing the energy from the Earth) in healing. It was after moving to Colorado in 2007 that she started to learn more about holistic health and completed her Reiki 1 and 2 training, which finally gave her insight into who she was. After learning to trust her intuition, she began using her gifts and talents to help others heal in a way that was holistic, supportive, and individualized. Today, as a Holistic Healing Guide, Dana’s mission is to guide people to inner-connection, healing through the chakras, and living life in energetic awareness through her Illumination program.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, October 19, 2021
Episode 31- Louisa “Wizzi” Magnussen: I didn’t know that anything was wrong
Send us a text Wizzi, the Founder and Owner at Minds Anonymous, which provides a safe space to share mental health stories anonymously, and Wizmedia, a website design and copywriting company, struggled as a child and began to self-harm around the age of nine. Self-medicating and addictive tendencies followed until, at the age of twenty-seven, after years of treatment for multiple diagnoses and incorrect medication regimens, she was accurately diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a combination of bipolar and schizophrenia, in 2017. Today, happy and well and armed with deep insight into her own condition, Wizzi wants to change the way people both view and understand mental health, through the lens of lived experiences, in a bid to abolish the stigma.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, October 12, 2021
Episode 30- Erin Murphy: Thank you for staying
Send us a text Erin, a junior at Windham High School in New Hampshire, began her mental health journey at age thirteen when she struggled with self-harm, suicidal thoughts and was exhausted by the feeling of watching herself live her life. Luckily, her homeroom teacher recognized that something wasn’t right and, by intervening, got her to speak openly for the first time about her struggles, enter an inpatient care program and begin the journey to healing and better balancing her brain. Today, her goal in advocacy is to show people that you can be strong and still feel really big feelings. She and her cousin Amy Murphy won the people’s choice award in the Magnify Voices Expressive Arts Contest for their video “Dear Younger Me,” which aims to show everyone that life is worth living and it does, in fact, get better.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, October 05, 2021
Episode 29- Jeff Teaford: I wasn’t ready to be done
Send us a text Jeff, a 30-year veteran of the aerospace and model airplane industries and, today, a colleague to FSTT’s co-hosts at the Aspen Skiing Company, started swimming around in the pool of painkillers from the time of his first surgery for scoliosis at the age of eight. Several decades later, a minor back injury, along with a misdiagnosis for Type 2 diabetes, led to his 12-year dependence on Vicodin, other more powerful pain meds, and a serious deterioration in his physical and mental health. That all changed in 2015 when he decided to take back his life and, through his mechanical mindset, figured out that the key is finding the right gear for where you are along your life journey. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, September 28, 2021
Episode 28- Markella Markella: I was so used to a cycle of trauma
Send us a text Markella, a writer, producer, director and mom of two active boys, went in for a routine surgery in 2011 at the age of 28 and woke up with a permanent injury that would force her to re-learn how to “do life” and change her approach to the everyday. She opens up about using her anger and tough love to shift her mindset, the importance of playing her own cards and how living in survivor mode your entire life makes it hard to know what it’s like to live. Four years ago, she finally found her voice when she met her incredibly supportive partner Eddie, and, in 2019, wrote, directed, produced and starred in It’s Just Like Riding a Bike, the story of her adventure racing in the grueling BC Bike Race, a seven-day mountain bike stage race, on only two weeks of training.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, September 21, 2021
Episode 27- Steph McGuire: I now want to recover out loud
Send us a text Steph, the Founder and Co-owner of White Farm Creations, a Colorado-based custom quilting business, is an auto-islet transplant (total pancreatectomy) survivor who is now two years into her sober recovery. She spent her first 26 years in survivor mode, first as a child and young adult battling severe health issues and then, beginning in 2016, battling anxiety and depression, which resulted in her turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Today, she has gone from “not wanting to be alone with myself, my thoughts and my feelings,” to radical acceptance and learning to live every day to the fullest.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, September 14, 2021
Episode 26- Ben Marbach: The pain of staying the same became worse than the pain of changing
Send us a text Ben, a project manager for non-profit The Phoenix, began drinking and experimenting with drugs in high school. As he puts it, “very simply, I hated myself for my whole life and never really fit in anywhere; it didn’t hurt to be Ben when I was drunk and high.” After becoming a gaunt shell of a human being who didn’t feel anything, he finally faced consequences for his actions, proactively sought treatment for the third time in 2010 and has been sober since. Constant throughout his sobriety, he has enjoyed mountain biking, dirt biking, skiing and CrossFit with the dual purpose of both building self-esteem while fostering community through sober activities. For free, sober in-person and virtual programming, visit thephoenix.org, a non-profit organization that provides a sober active community to those struggling with substance use disorder. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, September 07, 2021
Episode 25- Sarah Caldwell: All that matters is showing up for yourself
Send us a text Sarah, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and mental health therapist, opens up about her own trauma and grief, which was tied to her dad having taken his life when she was 10 months old. In her late 20’s, she realized that it was time to do the work to address her depressive tendencies and recognized that “it’s so important, as a therapist, to have a therapist.” Today, Sarah walks the walk in her own life by practicing fierce self-compassion, doing her own therapy and cultivating balance. By opening her own private practice, Rebel Mountain Therapy, she now eagerly takes the journey of healing with each of her clients while sharing the important message that it’s never too early or too late to seek help. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 31, 2021
Episode 24- Mark Wilkinson: The brutal truth was, I didn’t really like myself
Send us a text Mark, a multiple business owner, coach, speaker, author of Life Remixed, and international house music DJ and record producer, gets candid about his life before, during and after the DJ booth. It all came crashing down when, at age 33, his leg gave way and he couldn’t get up off the floor. This was the start of a hellish experience as his body froze up over the next 18 months resulting in him being unable to walk. In constant agony and living on painkillers, he was “in a self-imposed prison of negativity, pain, sickness and, on occasion, seriously thought about ending it all.” Today he has learned to live “at ease” by having the courage to remove the mask and changing his beliefs, behaviors, attitude and programming to become the man, son and husband he is now happy to be.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 24, 2021
Episode 23- Tom Robinson: It is possible to recover from severe mental illness
Send us a text Tom, a writer, blogger, qualified journalist and former international horse rider who once represented Great Britain in the sport of Three-Day Eventing, shares details about his twenty-year battle with crippling depression and severe bipolar disorder. His self-described “psychiatric safari” disrupted his life immeasurably, attacked him both physically and mentally and, ultimately, took every ounce of perseverance and determination to survive. Today, he’s in full remission thanks to a novel treatment and bibliotherapy and he’s once again riding horses. Tom is also acting as an empathetic ear through peer support and writing and blogging daily about his journey on his website dyingtostayalive.com.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 17, 2021
Episode 22- Lois Wagner: Forgiveness is who I am now
Send us a text Lois, a South African businesswoman, mentor, TEDx speaker, coach and author of Walking without Skin – A Journey of Healing, shares her harrowing story of being raped and left for dead while working late one summer evening. Her anger quickly led her to activism, which resulted in some key changes to the law, but didn’t allow her to fully process the trauma or begin the healing phase often associated with being a survivor. Throughout her 14-year journey, she recognized that she was carrying her unresolved trauma on her back and that the journey to healing is, in fact, non-linear. Today, the forgiveness of both herself and others is directly responsible for her becoming personally empowered and has provided her with the strength to support others in their search for peace and emotional freedom from trauma.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 10, 2021
Episode 21- Yolanda Wade: You can thrive through adversity
Send us a text Yolanda, a certified psychotherapist, life coach, author, speaker and teacher discusses how, in 1995 at the age of 15, her life was turned upside down when the Soufrière Hills volcano erupted on her home island of Montserrat, rendering it nearly uninhabitable. Two years later, with just two suitcases and the clothes on her back, she arrived with her family in the UK where she would spend the next decade as a self-described “ball of anxiety” who lacked the emotional support with which to share her deep childhood trauma. Her personal healing journey began when she had the courage to re-visit her pre-volcanic years and has since expanded into helping others to navigate their pain and trauma so that they, too, can live purposeful and abundant lives.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, August 03, 2021
Episode 20- Sarah Griffiths: We are all a product of our childhood experiences
Send us a text Sarah is a very specialized hypnotherapist, whose focus is helping people rapidly overcome mental health issues resulting from unresolved trauma residing in their sub-conscious. She shares her own personal journey to recover from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), anxiety and depression and the resulting physical pain. Her turning point came nearly 11 years ago when, after almost committing suicide while trapped inside a marriage to a covert narcissist, she recognized that she needed to heal and change her life. Eventually, through her training as a hypnotherapist, she saw the bigger picture and how the puzzle pieces fit together, and was able to heal both her physical and emotional pain.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 27, 2021
Episode 19- Brittany: Life begins outside your comfort zone
Send us a text The 28-year-old behavioral health technician, peer support specialist and recently published author recounts how, as a 17-year-old high school student, she first realized she needed to seek help for severe depression. She was subsequently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in her mid-20’s and credits her mom for being her #1 support system and confidant throughout this early and difficult journey. Today, through the empowering act of writing poetry, embracing her need for human connection and working with others to shatter mental health stigmas, she fully embraces the idea that “life is a rollercoaster that goes both backward and forward.”Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 20, 2021
Episode 18- Kelly: I just want to be a light in this world
Send us a text After moving to Canada from her home in England at the age of 24, the wife, mother of three and self-described former “mean bartender” knew that she wasn’t “ok” and didn’t believe she had a purpose. A long-time art student who suffered with agoraphobia, she turned her focus to art therapy, most specifically through the creation of SkandleS (skandles-emporium.com), in what she now recognizes was an act of self-love. Today, the company that was originally founded with a 50-cent thrift shop candle mold has become a thriving business online and at festivals and markets across the country. It has also given her a voice to speak out about her own mental health journey. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 13, 2021
Episode 17- Dr. Robb Kelly: I knew I had the power to change the world
Send us a text From his first sip of beer at the age of 9 to being homeless for 14 months on the streets of Manchester, England after losing everything, most of all his family, Dr. Robb tells it like it is. Today, as a world-renowned addiction expert and recovered alcoholic, Dr. Robb is living his dream instead of dreaming of living all while working to “make the road of recovery less of a mystery tour.” Along the way, he reminds us that alcoholism is not about the alcohol, but rather it’s about how you see yourself and, most importantly, “you can become anything you want if you can visualize it.” Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, July 06, 2021
Episode 16- Dana Knowles: I always felt like there was this void inside of me
Send us a text After years of battling an addiction to opiate pain killers following hip surgery, former 9news Denver reporter and anchor Dana Knowles decided to take control of her mental health issues in order to heal from the pain of a childhood trauma and live a full and happy life. By re-framing her own mental health experience, she was able to let go of the stress and anxiety related to her trauma so she could live in the present and have the energy to participate in life. Today, almost 5 years clean and sober, she is finding peace among the chaos through her daily transcendental meditation (Vedic) practice, recognizing the importance of self-care and measuring success based on the impact she has on other people. Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.com Instagram: @brushcreekthrivers Facebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 29, 2021
Episode 15- Sarah Hayes: I’m not only surviving, I’m thriving
Send us a text Wife, mother and author of the powerful book Invisible Monster, shares her story of resiliency despite a childhood of sexual trauma and parental abandonment. In 2002, after the birth of her first son, she recognized that something really wasn’t right and that she was, indeed, a product of her trauma, culminating in her PTSD diagnosis in 2015. Her “aha!” moment came during a discussion with her counselor when she realized she was a strong person. Today, through the power of positive thinking and her motto “I am who I am because of where I’ve been, no regrets,” she has made it her #1 life goal for her two boys to never doubt her love.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 22, 2021
Episode 14- Jason Anker MBE: For men, it is a strength to speak up about our feelings
Send us a text After a tragic workplace fall 28 years ago left Jason confined to a wheelchair without the use of his legs, he identified as a survivor of his accident, focusing on physical recovery and turning to a combination of alcohol and drugs to cope. He was overwhelmed by self-blame and shame and too proud to say that he needed help as he believed he was helping those around him by shielding them from his true inner struggles. Today, as the founder of Proud2Bsafe, he speaks openly and honestly about his mental health crisis and no longer hides his feelings, preferring instead to spend his time living in the present and thriving.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 15, 2021
Episode 13- Liz Roterham: It was like the Hoover Dam had broken its walls
Send us a text Liz Rotherham: It was like the Hoover Dam had broken its wallsFounder and CEO of the charitable organization Heads2minds shares how, in 2003 at the age of 32, her boss spotted the signs and symptoms of mania, resulting in her seeking help and getting a Bipolar I diagnosis. This ultimately saved her life, created an even deeper bond with her family and encouraged her to speak out about mental injury. She now dedicates herself to educating others, especially the younger generation, on understanding what psychosis and psychotic episodes are and how to identify the warning signs, as early detection and diagnosis are crucial to a better and happier life.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, June 08, 2021
Episode 12- Veronica Viper: I was always not ok
Send us a text Self-described as the emotionally unsettled, transgender love child of Marina Abromovich and David Lynch, this queer, kinky burlesque and performance artist from NYC was into her 30’s and presenting as male, until a psychotic breakdown led her to question her gender, change paths and finally seek professional help. By taking these steps, she became aware that a part of her still cared, the façade disintegrated and she finally became the person she wanted to be. Today, her life in burlesque with her chosen family and unconditional love from her parents, are constant reminders that there’s always room at the table. Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 25, 2021
Episode 11- Jess Ismoilov: You have to breakdown to breakthrough
Send us a text Jess Ismoilov: You have to breakdown to breakthroughA self-proclaimed "warrior of light and love," who, due to a history of trauma, chronic pain and OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder), wore an "everything is okay facade" for decades until she crashed and burned. After a life-altering trip to Costa Rica where she underwent her first hallucinogenic journey, she was finally able to quiet the obsessive and intrusive thoughts in her head while re-centering herself and finding her passion for living.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 25, 2021
Episode 10- Katie Scott: Raise your hand if you feel anxious
Send us a text Yoga, mindfulness and primary teacher, and now a published author, shares her journey as a self-described empath who "was born to help other people" and always put others first. After struggling with her self-esteem, confidence and grief into her mid-20's, she underwent a series of "life shifts" that included setting personal boundaries to find her true, authentic self. Today, by embracing mindfulness and self-love, she has become kinder to herself, found her voice and helps children in the classroom identify coping skills and understand their own mental health challenges.Contact Us: Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Tue, May 11, 2021
Episode 9- Samantha Houghton: We all just want to be heard
Send us a text Award-winning author, multi-published ghostwriter and inspirational mentor reveals how "turning pain into purpose" helps to erode the secrecy and shame associated with mental illness. After years of turning inward due to self-blaming and low self-esteem, the birth of her son during her late 20's became her "shining light" and external catalyst for change. Today, through a combination of writing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), she is able to challenge her thoughts and overcome her long-standing pain of being unheard.
Sun, April 25, 2021
Episode 8- Melanie Forstall: Good moms, in fact, do say bad words
Send us a text Freelance writer and blogger at Melanie Forstall: Stories of Love, Life and Mothering shares how her journey through three milestones taught her that we are never truly alone. Along the way, she discovered that the opportunity to communicate and connect is what helps break the shame spiral and relieve the burden. She also learned that one can flourish by setting boundaries and doing the work and that her life as a storyteller has allowed her to admit the unadmittable.
Tue, April 13, 2021
Episode 7- Terrell Turner: Finding a guiding light in a dark cave
Send us a text Owner of the TLTurner Group and creator and host of the Business Talk Library discusses how recognizing he was not just experiencing a "rough patch" and setting boundaries helped him put himself first and discover what was truly important. After working to find greater clarity, he has gotten much better at being present in the moment and realized that spending time outdoors helps him achieve a focused state of mind.
Tue, March 30, 2021
Episode 6 Gigi Sagansky: Breaking the shame spiral around OCD
Send us a text Self-described mental health enthusiast and host of the Driven Minds podcast shares her experiences of developing severe OCD as a 9-year-old and hiding it for two decades. She became her own superhero through exposure and response prevention therapy during her stay in a psychiatric hospital, and has since begun work to change both the message and the messenger around mental wellness and be as vulnerable as she can to help others feel less alone.
Tue, March 16, 2021
Episode 5 Rachel: Shattering the Stigma in the UK
Send us a text A single mom living with her 18-year-old son and beagle discusses the choices she's made to support herself emotionally, including starting a family at age 20, learning to thrive as a highly sensitive person (HSP) and realizing that she'll never have things 100% figured out and that's actually ok.
Tue, March 02, 2021
Episode 4 - Wyatt Gaulke: You're not the only one
Send us a text Professional bike racer introduces us to the concept of Everesting on a bike, working a full-time job while enduring a Covid-shortened race season and embracing virtual group therapy meetings as a way of healing.
Mon, February 15, 2021
Episode 3 - Ava Kelly: A teenager's journey to mental fitness
Send us a text 14 year-old student discusses why she started her 501(c)(3) Ava Marie Yogi, what it's like being a teen during Covid and the importance of helping yourself before you can positively impact others.
Sat, January 30, 2021
Episode 2 - Scot Chrisman: Experiencing the moment after chasing the highs and running on fumes
Send us a text Former Freeride World Tour competitor and The Media House founder talks about overcoming alcohol and substance abuse, becoming resilient, falling in love with the process of just being and showing vulnerability as a man in times of crisis.
Sat, January 30, 2021
Episode 1 - Erik DaRosa: It's perfectly ok to not always be ok.
Send us a text Co-host Erik shares his story of growing up with anxiety and OCD, finding help and support when emotional struggles overwhelmed his day-to-day life and deciding to create the From Survivor to Thriver Podcast.
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