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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 systemHow meditation can help you through your mental health strugglesDay-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 safeHow Elizabeth decided to focus on helping womenWe 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
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenyourwisewoman/
Visit our website
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Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“Building a kinder relationship with myself also helped with managing the feelings and the emotional distress and anxiety.” -Elizabeth
“Identifying the situation doesn't just make the things go away, but having that lens of understanding just changes your perspective of it.” -Marc
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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 relationshipsThe difference between trauma and anxiety or depressionHow men’s groups can help men grow and matureThe 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 healthWe 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 and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Links:
Visit Brad’s website: www.bradgolphenee.com
Visit the Evryman website: https://evryman.com
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“The old masculine paradigms just don't fit in our culture right now. And so to have specific trainings or even to have other men to work with really makes a difference.” -Brad
“In my men’s group, we always talk about the importance of community, c
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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 continuumThe challenges that come with being a caregiverHow PTSD can manifest after being a caregiverThe transition from spouse to caregiver back to spouseSigns and symptoms of PTSD and depression while caregivingWhat caregiver burnout is and how it manifestsThe power of perceived grief How to practice self-care while caregivingWe 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 an episode!
Links:
Visit Erin’s website: https://erincopelan.com
Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_copelan/
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“Once they're better, you don't always just get better. You don't get better in parallel with the people you are caring for.” -Erin
“You can’t avoid the trauma as a caregiver, but you can try to help
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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 healthThe power of simply acknowledging what you’re feeling How Julie came to create her podcast Balancing solution-oriented, unbiased views on the newsThe importance of curiosity and creative thinking in conversations What to do instead of skimming the news headlinesWe 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 so you never miss an episode!
Links:
Visit Julie’s website: https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind
Follow Julie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topofmindpod/
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
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Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“I realized that if I acknowledged the anxiety and the negative stuff that I was feeling, it would actually pass.” -Julie
“I seek out stuff that challenges me and pushes me toward a chasm of understanding of ‘I think this, they think that, so th
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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 itThe power of making meaning of lossWhy vulnerability is a superpower that connects usThe importance of community and intention while grievingWhy 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 griefWe 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
Follow Audrey on Instagram
Follow Audrey on LinkedIn
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“Death is birth. It is just like birth. And we know how to do birth. We hold vigil. We go through the pains. And then we release.” -Audrey
“I'm not sure how much achievement there would be in the world if we didn't think we had to do things and earn things.” -Marc
“This is why we do this show together. It's about showing our audience that as individuals and especially as men, we can share our feelings and open
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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 feelingsThe global and historical context of collective traumaHow post-traumatic stress manifests in different people What we personally find acceptable vs. what we allow on a larger scaleThe power of bringing the lens of psychology to our human experiences How the collective is living in constant fight or flight modeThe potential impact of collective healing The stigma around therapy and mental illnessesWhy we have to start taking responsibility for ourselvesWe 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:
Visit Phyllis’s website
Follow Phyllis on LinkedIn
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:“We need each other. If your heart is hurting, can you let yourself need someone who might help you heal your heart?” -Phyllis
“Every single thing we do that's loving and kind and generous and cooperative, and any effort we make to resolve conflict peacefully and without violence is a contribution to the entire population of this world.” -Phyllis
“There are n
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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 anymoreHow healing through microdosing led Leslie to the work she does nowThe method she developed to microdose during your menstrual cycleWhat it means to microdose and how it impacts your healthWhen and why to microdose versus full dose Why it’s so important to microdose with a professionalHow you can get started with psychedelic healingWe 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 so you never miss an episode!
Links:
Visit Leslie’s website: https://www.lesliedraffin.com/
Follow Leslie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliedraffin/
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
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Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“A big part of my work is helping women remember who they really are by helping them access parts of themselves through cyclical living, reconnecting with the womb, and working with psilocybin.” - Leslie
“What I have discovered ab
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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 lifeKrystal’s passion for emotional resilienceThe crucial role of self-awareness in emotional intelligenceThe difference between responding and. reactingThe power of being seen and heard by those around you How Krystal's journey as a career coach transformed her lifeThe art of listening and not just waiting to talk The impact of doing things you loveWe 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/
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
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Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:“As I was writing, it was just freeing. It helped me release all of these negative thoughts and feelings. And I just found hope. I found purpose in all of my past trauma and where I am today.” -Krystal
“None of us have to go it alone.” -Erik
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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 traumaThe coping mechanisms we use to help us through difficult timesHow Jill found healing through MDMA treatmentThe 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 bodyWhich medium each psychedelic is suitable forHow resistance is part of healingWe 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!
Links:
Visit Jill’s website: https://thejourneysage.com
Check out her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJourneySage/videos
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“We all cope with things in different ways. We build our own coping mechanisms.” -Marc
“Think of the thing that makes you most nervous like public speaking or a spider, that really gets your body psyched up. Imagine just being able to calm t
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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 addictionThe black and white idea people have of alcohol addictionWhy there is no one-size-fits-all plan to handle alcohol addictionThe different types of recovery treatmentsRecovery vs. sobrietyHow to best support those who are struggling with alcohol addictionThe stigma and societal expectations we have around alcoholHow Jonathan helps people with their relationships with alcoholThe power of communityThe reason there is so much resistance to medication for addictionWe 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 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 Oar website
Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“The truth is that there are more numerous and diverse pathways to recovery than one might think, based on what we see on TV.” -Jonathan
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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 menopauseHidden symptoms of menopause that many people don’t know aboutThe impact of menopause on your mental healthThe number one thing women need to treat menopauseWhy postmenopausal women struggle to get access to HRTThe 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 advocateThe stigmas around women’s healthWe 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 websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“Being on hormone replacement therapy is nourishing for your body.” -Ann
“When it comes to perimenopause and your menopause, the number one prescription that needs to be written is hormone replacement therapy.” -Ann
“How many women are going to therapists and are presenting with anxiety and depression and the question probably doesn't even come up of ‘are you perimenopausal? Are you menopausal?’ And then they're being prescribed antidepressants, which, as I read, often have the opposite effect on women who are menopausal.” -Erik
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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 suicideJohn’s experience with a brother who committed suicideHow he started a nonprofit to help others struggling with their mental healthThe impact of social media and bullying on the mental health of young adultsThe power of communityThe healing that John and the other kids found through making moviesThe stigma around mental health in ski towns The topics covered in John’s moviesWe 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/
Follow John on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/john.padilla/
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“No suicide doesn’t have a heartbreaking end to it. It just doesn’t.” -Marc
“It's very simple. Ask bluntly, but politely, ‘Do you have a suicide plan?’ That's it. And if the answer is yes, or if I even sense that the answer is not no, I'm going to start making calls.” -John
“Community was probably the one thing that saved us and saved all of Jack’s friends.” -John
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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 lifeHow the people we spend our time with can impact our habitsWhy we have to look inside if we want true happiness How Jon realized that running away from his problems wouldn’t solve themThe problem with getting lost in the narratives of othersThe power of trying and giving things your allHow desperation can actually make you unstoppableHow your mental health and physical health are intertwinedThe juxtaposition between art and painHow the creative process impacts mental healthWe 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 websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
Quotes:
“The regretful man is the man that isn't leading a healthy life, that isn't really trying. If you aren't really trying, then you aren't really going to be okay.” -Jon
“You have to remove things from your life if you want to grow.” -Jon
“Sometimes you create these things, even if it is as therapy or to deal with the pain, and it helps and heals others, but it doesn't necessarily do that for the artist.” -Marc
"When I’m creating something, I'm able to transpose my thoughts. It's like going on a trip. You have a suitcase and you have all this stuff in your suitcase and it's heavy and it's weighing you down. And you finally get to your room and you get a chance to unpack the suitcase and start to put things away. And I feel like that's what that creative process does from a ment
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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 cushionHow Covid turned into a game of survivor for Dana with her abuserThe physical and mental abuse Dana endured from her caregivers growing upThe traits of a true narcissistWhen Dana realized she reached a deal breaker in her marriageThe ability people have to make you sick The ongoing process of healingThe power of asking yourself what you really wantThe stigmatized way people treat others that struggle with their mental healthWe 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:
Visit Dana’s website
Follow her on Instagram
Visit our websiteFollow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
“They say toxins in your environment can make you sick, but people can make you sick too. I would have never thought that in my life, but it has been such an eye-opening thing for me and such a significant part of the healing aspect of my life.” -Dana
“Thriving means different things to different people at different times.” -Erik
“There is a better life for you and you deserve it. We are all worthy of being loved and being able t
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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 injuryThe stigma around mental health and why we struggle to talk about itThe 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 youThe 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 doWe 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 subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Links:
Visit Laura’s website: https://www.laurarenner.me
Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_renn/
Follow Laura on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laura_renn
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: [email protected]
Quotes:
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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 healingMen’s therapy through practical activitiesThe power we all have to do hard thingsThe connection between endurance athletes and mental health strugglesSocial media and it’s impact on our self worthAccepting yourself for who you are right nowChasing serotonin and dopamine in healthy waysRewiring your neural pathways for positive thinkingWe 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
Check out the Mission 22 website
Get a copy of Marcus’s book No Less Faithful
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: [email protected]
Quotes:
“You have what it takes to get yourself up, to dust yourself off, and do what it takes to do hard things.” -Marcus
“Mental health is a topic that I know can often be difficult to talk about, but we have to be able to inject
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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 podcastThe joy and challenges we have faced creating this podcastThe first step to beginning your healing journeyThe different ways mental health issues impact different peopleHow our podcast has impacted our own lives and mental healthHow we overcome imposter syndromeOur reflections on three years of podcastingWe 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: [email protected]
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 and searching for answers and realizing that we're all important enough to do this work for ourselves and the people around us is coming through.” -Marc
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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 addictionThe connection between how autoimmune diseases and mental health diseases are healedHow you’ll know if the healing methodologies you’re using aren’t workingWhy you aren’t as alone in your struggles as you think you areThe power in simplicity Why people struggle so much with choosing to be healthyWhy we have to stop viewing life as sufferingThe importance of honesty and truth in the healing processThe impact men and women have on each other’s mental healthWhy you have to start looking within for your own happinessWe 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
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
“Healing is a very simple process and the reason that people aren't getting better is people don't really know how to heal.” -Josie
“My life that I have is a product of my choices and decisions. That's what I had to realize. I'm not a product of my circumstances or suffering.” -Josie
“We know people aren’t comfortable doing the hard things. But doing the hard things is what will lead to the path to healing.” -Erik
“The definition of sanity is to keep doing the same thing and think you're going to create a different outcome, but it's much easier to say that than it is to push through.” -Marc
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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 systemThe gaslighting and manipulation Nikki endured in her previous relationshipThe impact - good or bad- that your partner can have on your life Why boundaries matter so muchHow low self-esteem can impact your view on the love you think you deserveThe growth that can happen after leaving abusive situationsThe mental health struggles within the LGBTQ community Embracing an open-minded approach to lifeLiving your truthWe 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 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 Nikki’s website
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Follow Nikki on Instagram
Visit our website
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
“Your responsibility is to yourself and to be honest with yourself. A
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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 militaryWhat happened when his disorder became out of control How your self-perception shifts when you are manic versus depressedGregg’s journey to getting his diagnosis and how it helped him begin his recoveryWhy we have to get rid of the stigma around getting helpThe power medication and treatment have to turn your life around How important hope is during your healing journey How people perceive mental illnessHow we can begin to normalize the conversations around mental healthWe 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:
Visit his website
Connect with him on LinkedIn
Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: [email protected]
“Without help for mental illness, a person is probably going to go down a road of destruction and even death. But if they do get help, professional medical help, there are treatments available that can lead to a happy, purposeful, healthy life.” -Gregg
“Illness or disease and injury in your brain are not the same things.” -Marc
“There is no weakness in being vulnerable.” -Erik
- Visa fler
