Which Way Podcast: Recent Episodes
MHNR Network, LLC
Mother and daughter tell parallel stories about trauma and its impact on the generations that follow. Jann Simmons’ story is a heart wrenching account of an orphaned child who suffered brutality at the hands of her mother, as well as many others. As an adult, Jann’s mind was closed to the horrors of her abuse, betrayal and abandonment until the day they all came flooding back to her conscious mind. That awareness began a 40-year transformation from a passive victim to resilient warrior. As a young teen, Shari struggled to make sense of her mother’s pain, but as a career mental-health therapist, she began to understand her mother’s journey and learn how trauma affects the brain. She offers strategies in this book for those suffering from past or present trauma or for those who love someone who is suffering. Both women tell their stories and drive home the fact that the choices we make can lead to self-hatred and resentment or to a life of courage, healing and beauty. An unforgettable story of love and transformation that will resonate with mothers, daughters, trauma survivors, those who love them and those who’ve made a career out of helping them heal.
Most of us have experienced times in our lives in which our voice has been minimized, ignored, invalidated, or silenced. In this podcast, we get personal about how this feels and how to navigate the pain.
If you have a preteen or teenager in your life, this is a must listen! This podcast lists the characteristics of the I generation (those youth born from 1995-2012) and the implications for parents and teachers. It is a difficult time to be a young person in today’s world and this talk emphasizes what we can all do to help young people feel safe and loved.
This podcast features Jann’s story of resilience and the decision she made to slay the demons from her past and create a new legacy for her family. For anyone who wants to turn the tide of generational abuse, this podcast will leave you inspired and ready to develop a new narrative.
In this podcast, Shari and Jann explain how tapping, as a strategy for dealing with stress, can send a calming signal to the brain. For those looking for additional tools to manage self talk and get to a place of calm; this tool has proven benefits for many.
In this podcast, Shari and Jann demonstrate a therapeutic technique that can help one identify and acknowledge all sides of their personality. When stressed or overwhelmed, we can listen to the parts of ourselves that are the loudest and ignore the sides of ourselves that often have encouragement and calm to offer. This exercise demonstrates how to give equal attention to our own inner wisdom.
EMDR therapy is not for everyone but can be an extremely beneficial therapy approach for many. This podcast explains what EMDR is and offers a personal perspective on how it can help with anxiety and trauma.
Understanding the needs behind behaviors is crucial in understanding how to respond to the people in our lives. This podcast offers an alternative way of looking at what a person is really trying to express and discusses how to respond instead of react.
Today's podcast touches on how easily parts of ourselves can get dismissed and minimized. We have parts of our personality that rise up in our lives when needed. For example, we most likely have a strong/resilient piece of our personality, a playful side, a warrior/protector aspect of who we are. Acknowledging ALL of these parts is key to living a life where we are grounded and...whole!
On today's show, we talk about how to "fight fair". While the idea is so simple, as humans, we often don't have the tools for having a disagreement that is respectful and we react instead of respond. We offer a script for engaging in a conversation that will allow people to express their emotion and be heard at the same time. What would our world look like if we all knew how to Fight Fair?
This podcast is a follow up to "Celebrating The Little Wins" that aired a couple weeks ago. Once we allow ourselves to acknowledge what we HAVE done, it is easier to create realistic goals, objectives and action steps for what we WANT to accomplish. This short conversation provides a pathway to establishing change that is doable.
Today's podcast is about celebrating the little wins in our lives. We often have lofty expectations of ourselves, only to then can get caught in a spiral of shame when we don't live up to them. Take a deep breath because sometimes, we have to simply say..."What I did today was enough".
In this episode, Jann and Shari discuss how social media addiction is not that different from alcohol or drug addiction. We dialogue about ways to 'check in' with oneself to assess whether life is in balance or not.
Connecting to yourself FIRST allows one to respond instead of react. All too often we correct someone before taking the time step back and connect to our breath and ground ourselves. In today's podcast, Shari and Jann talk about how this small act can change a conversation and save a relationship!
Imposter Syndrome is loosely defined as "Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud". In this episode we discuss how common this is and how to cultivate healthier inner self talk.
In this podcast, Shari and Jann talk about loving yourself FIRST before becoming involved in a relationship. When we believe deep down we are lovable and worthy...guess what happens? People who validate that belief appear in our lives and vice versa!
In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. 18 year old Zoey Bekkela joins us to discuss how missing her senior of high school changed everything...in a good way! She reveals the insights and wisdom this year taught her about self care, mental health, checking on friends, social justice and politics. While the negative impact of the pandemic on youth has been a focus in the media; Zoey provides a different perspective. Her positivity is a breath of fresh air and something we all need to hear.
In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. Ten year old ‘Matt’ joins us, along with his mom, to talk about his decision to live in this world in the way he has always felt...male. His words are so simple, yet so poignant, “Just BE who you are.” He goes on to remind us that we would all “just be happier” if we could accept each other.
In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. ‘Holly’ joins us for this podcast and discusses what life has been like growing up with a sibling who struggles with mental health issues. She artfully paints a picture of the pain, worry and insight she has gained during the journey with her brother. Holly reminds us all that love is big and messy!
Today’s podcast tackles the topic of isolation (an issue we know all too well as of late) and how it can boar it’s way into our psyche. Prolonged loneliness and lack of connection can impact our thoughts and break down our beliefs. It can then morph into something we become habituated to. In this talk, we feature our favorite author, Tony Garcia, who shares two poignant writings as a springboard for our conversation. Tony has written three books, available on Amazon:
Wanna Know a Truth? A Simple Man’s Search for the Truths in His Life
Whispers From My Heart
Secrets, Truths & Whispers: Lessons from a Good, Hard Life
He can be found at:
https://bublish.com/author/tonygarcia, http://www.facebook.com/CoachGForce
In part II of our suicide series, Jann discusses the two suicide attempts that left her and Shari reeling for answers. While emotionally difficult for both as they re-lived the emotions they experienced; they felt the need to share. Jann highlights the fact that while suicide is a choice, it doesn’t need to be the final choice if we can help others find a glimmer of hope through connection. Despair, pain and guilt are dissected in this vulnerable discussion as both mother and daughter speak from two very different perspectives.
Shari and Jann travel the country speaking on trauma and resiliency. More about them and their book, Which Way? can be found at www.traumaspeakers.com
Given that the world has seen a drastic jump in suicides since the start of the pandemic, suicide expert Paula Fontenelle candidly talks about her personal experience with losing a loved one to suicide. Referencing her book, Understand Suicide: Living with loss. Paths to prevention, Paula discusses the myths associated with suicidality, highlights signs to look for, and provides helpful tips on how to address this topic with loved ones.
“Understanding Suicide” is the result of Fontenelle’s journey of self-discovery. Her book and podcast help us understand the complex nature of suicide, as well as its profound impact on those left behind. She can be found at: www.understandsuicide.com.
In this powerful podcast, we talk with Gerry Murphy, author of And You May Find Yourself: A Guided Practice To Never Fearing Death Again. Gerry’s near-death experience, where he felt as though he was “signing his life away”, forever changed the way he lives. Gerry encourages everyone to “practice” death, meaning that if we stop to truly think about our ending, we might find the urgency in changing the way we live. In doing this, he believes we are all given a second chance to create the life and legacy we want. This podcast is particularly relevant in today’s uncertain world and listening to Gerry’s accent is a bonus!
Gerry is from Scotland but lives in New York and runs Pentalogy Marketing https://www.pentalogymarketing.com/ His book can be found on his website, at Barnes and Noble, and on amazon https://www.amazon.com/You-May-Find-Yourself-Practice/dp/1734837608
You do NOT want to miss one of the most powerful interviews we have done! Medicating Normal is a documentary film that explores the untold story of what happens when profit-driven medicine intersects with human suffering.
In this podcast, Director Lynn Cunningham discusses her hope that Medicating Normal will present one very important and predominantly untold story. Her mission is that, as a society, we can begin a meaningful, informed, nationwide discussion about what it means to be fully human and mentally well.
Angela Peacock, MSW, former U.S. Army Sergeant, and subject of the film, Medicating Normal is a mental health advocate, a writer, and a YouTube creator who travels in her RV across the United States in an effort to improve the mental health care system and bring voice to patients who have been harmed by it.
Medicating Normal focuses on the predicament of 5 individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by the medication they were taking. This group – individuals facing trauma and stress were drugged needlessly and made sicker as a result. Understanding the harm that had befallen them – especially in the context of the misleading science and marketing behind these drugs – compelled Lynn, her Co-Director, Wendy and their team to make this groundbreaking film.
For more information and community screenings of the film, go to medicatingnormal.com
Join us for a riveting talk with Rhonda Madge, author of the book Hindsight: Seeing Clearly Through the Veil of Deception. In this podcast, Rhonda delves into the murder of her father at the vulnerable age of 17. Trying to cope with the death of such an important figure in her young life set in motion a downward chain of events. Rhonda describes living in “darkness for 20 years” where she started believing in “whispered lies”, never really dealing with the grief of her father’s death. She takes us through that journey and how she ended up on the other side.
Rhonda is an author, speaker and blogger and can be found at: https://rhondamadge.com/. Her book is a must read!
In today’s podcast, we interview Rachel, a foster mom who has opened her home to many children over the years. Rachel delivers a powerful example of selfless love as she talks about the rewards and challenges of being a foster parent. In a world where countless children need a loving home, Rachel lives by the philosophy that “they need to attach more than anything I need”. She expertly describes the keys to successful foster parenting and emphasizes that the children she has cared for taught her far more than she ever taught them.
Rachel is a Social Worker and is foster mom to a 8 month old, 13 year old and 18 year old. She relishes time with what she refers to as her “sweet little family”.
Today we welcome back, guest Amy Newmark! As Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul, she introduces her two latest additions to the Chicken Soup collection, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Teens and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Preteens. Amy gives listeners a glimpse into some of the inspirational stories in these two amazing books that are geared toward topics teens and preteens are struggling with today. Every young person needs these in their stockings this year!!
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-seven-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark and look for books and more at: www.chickensoup.com
Author of One Foot in Heaven, Sheila Preston Fitzgerald joins us for this inspiring conversation. In this podcast, Sheila talks about the fateful night when a tragic motorcycle accident changed the course of her life forever. What began as a near death experience, and grueling medical journey, turned into a hope-filled story of grit, determination and soul searching. Listeners will fall in love with Sheila’s attitude and are left wanting to know more about the miraculous events that brought her face to face with God. At a time when we all need a little inspiration, Sheila’s jaw dropping story is balm to the soul.
When she’s not speaking about her journey or writing; Sheila enjoys life to the fullest with her “tribe” of friends and family. Sheila resides in the beautiful, rolling hills just south of Nashville, Tennessee. She can be found at: www.OneFootInHeavenOnline.com and her book is available on Amazon.
In this podcast, Sheila Preston Fitzgerald finds the courage to discuss the very recent passing of her beloved brother who became a quadriplegic in a diving accident at the young age of 19. Jake Preston was a gentle giant who suffered unimaginable obstacles, only to move past his own pain and develop a life that touched and healed others.
After more than three decades as a quadriplegic, Jake passed at the age of 49. Despite all the odds against him, Jake lived a very full life. He married the love of his life, completed his doctoral education, became a sought after professor, enjoyed hunting, and sharpened his heart and mind into his greatest tools. Jake’s life and legacy is one of gentleness and faith in a God who orchestrated everything!
As a police officer and black woman, Corporal Alisha Zellner speaks candidly about what it feels like to live in two worlds. During a time in our history when outspoken advocates for change are rising up and taking to the streets, Alisha took her emotions about racial tension and demand for change to the streets...literally.
Logging 564 miles on her bike, Alisha initially set out on her own but quickly gained a group of followers who wanted to make a statement in a way that promoted mental AND physical health. Alisha chronicled her journey, while challenging followers to think beyond themselves and look back at what history has taught us.
This podcast is incredibly inspiring, due in large part, to Alisha’s positive outlook. Her message of love and acceptance is one everyone needs to hear! Alisha’s story has been picked up by magazines and radio stations across the nation. She is pursuing her Masters in Social Work, loves biking on the Colorado trails and is using her platform to create positive and lasting change. She can be found at: https://instabio.cc/Bike4BlackLives
In this latest podcast, we feature a local author whose touching work is gaining momentum and making a significant difference in others. As an educator, marathon runner and author, Tony Garcia not only shares his work but highlights the importance of words in a world that desperately needs hope right now.
Beginning with journal entries chronicling his first Boston Marathon run; Tony has evolved into a sought after writer, with a large following. His gift?.. an ability to turn words into powerful messages about difficult-to-express emotions, how we treat others and how we can honor ourselves. At times allowing an outlet for his own pain, Tony’s writings have inspired, challenged and validated many who are looking for a way to make sense of their world.
Tony has written three books, available on Amazon:
Wanna Know a Truth? A Simple Man’s Search for the Truths in His Life
Whispers From My Heart
Secrets, Truths & Whispers: Lessons from a Good, Hard Life
He can be found at:
https://bublish.com/author/tonygarcia
http://www.facebook.com/CoachGForce
In this powerful podcast, Aaron Bekkela talks about the difficult decision he made to leave a family business weighted with obligation and expectations to follow the pull of his heart strings. Being born into a family business that owned and operated several strip clubs, Aaron struggled with the addiction, darkness and pain that was ever-present in the industry and made the life changing decision to sell the business and see it come to life as a church and community resource center.
How Aaron’s heart led him to obtain his degree and become a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Clinical Director of a teen residential treatment center serves as a testament to the power of making decisions that ultimately change the course of not one, but many lives.
For more information about the former strip club turned church, contact the Genesis Project at: 970-682-2289 or https://genesisfortcollins.com/
Rhoberta Shaler, PhD skillfully describes the personality traits of a narcissist and the chaos they can bring to a relationship. During these unsettling times, the last thing we need is the confusion a narcissist can unload. She gives helpful tips for surviving the ‘craziness’ and how to acknowledge our need for personal boundaries.
Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, The Relationship Help Doctor, offers urgent and ongoing care for relationships in crisis through consulting, speaking, video, and podcasting. She particularly focuses her expertise on the partners, ex’s, adult children, and co-workers of the relentlessly difficult, disturbing people she calls Hijackals®. Working with people struggling with life, death, and relationship for over thirty years in Canada and the United States, Dr. Shaler has brought hope, comfort, strength, new direction, and success to countless people who honestly believed it was impossible. Even the United States Marines have used her services!
Dr. Mark Goulston discusses the power of truly “seeing, hearing and feeling” the people in our lives, especially during stressful times like the one the world is experiencing right now. What everyone needs right now is connection and Dr. Goulston’s words of wisdom offer a template for how to begin a heartfelt conversation.
Dr. Mark Goulston is the co-creator and moderator of the suicide prevention documentary Stay Alive and has a podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network. Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston's expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensable and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation.
Sex and Intimacy coach, Julie Sibert provides helpful advice for navigating intimate relationships and cultivating emotional connection during a time in which tensions are high. Her thoughtful suggestions open a door to the healthy reconnection so many couples are needing right now.
Parenting Coach, Aaron Huey gives a riveting perspective on how to parent from a place of emotional regulation during this stressful time in our world. He offers helpful tools and strategies for self care and tending to ourselves “first” so our parenting is thoughtful and compassionate.
There is power in people’s narratives and the world needs more inspirational and uplifting stories right now! Join us as we talk with Amy Newmark about Chicken Soup for the Soul. Amy is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published more than 170 new books, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today. She is also the author of Simply Happy, a crash course in Chicken Soup for the Soul advice and wisdom that is filled with easy-to-implement, practical tips for enjoying a better life.
Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational, true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-five-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.
When Amy and her husband Bill, the CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul, are not working, they are visiting their four grown children and their grandchildren.
Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark and look for books and more at: www.chickensoup.com
On day 60 something of quarantine to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, Shari and Jann discuss grief and the importance of allowing ourselves to “feel”. In the busyness of our lives, we often distract ourselves from feeling anything that makes us uncomfortable and the problem with that is the inevitable mental, emotional and physical ramifications that befall. During this time, we need to be especially kind and nurturing to ourselves and one way to do that is to allow the feelings to come over us, embrace them and then let them go.
Shari and Jann travel the country (when not quarantined), speaking on their book, Which Way?, mental health issues and the power of our stories.
Don’t miss our guest Karuna Schwartz, Executive Director and Founder of Mind Oasis, a nonprofit, online service that provides group meditation (free through June, 2020), yoga and classes that offer a deeper study to support meditative and spiritual life. Karuna offers listeners specific and tangible practices that take a few seconds each day to help manage anxiety and enhance a feeling of grounded-ness, even amidst a global pandemic. Her eloquently told story of grief turned into a meditative practice that ultimately saved her life is inspiring! But the story doesn’t end there. Karuna’s new lifestyle morphed into a worldwide, online platform that allows hundreds of people the ability to engage in yoga and meditative practices from the comfort of their own homes.
Karuna (Kelly Schwartz) has two decades of experience in nonprofit management and brings unique insight to Mind Oasis from running nonprofits varying in budget size from 250k – 13 million. Her passion is bringing the timeless benefits of meditation to practitioners worldwide. Her Masters in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University coupled with many years experience as a Director of Development and Executive Director make for a powerful intersection in leadership of philanthropy and wisdom.
For more information on pricing and to sign up for a free group meditation class, visit www.mindoasis.org
CBD?!?! Is it addictive? What are the benefits? How do I know if I’m getting a product that is pure? Join us as we talk to Sanjeev Javia, CEO and Product Formulator of www.Proze.com In this podcast, Sanjeev reveals the benefits of CBD for mental issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and more. With his team, Sanjeev has created a proprietary blend of the most potent medicinal and performance nutrients such as essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and spices. all rooted in organically grown, legal & certified hemp.
Sanjeev and CSO, Dr. Jim Silliman offer pure CBD oils, isolates and topicals for a path to optimal performance. Their products become a helpful treatment protocol in conjunction with counseling, medication, mindfulness, etc.
Sanjeev obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and Biopsychology and a graduate degree in Business Administration. His goal with Proze is to show that your path to optimal performance doesn’t have to be difficult to understand and navigate. Proze’s products combine the forces of nature and nutrition PLUS educational enlightenment to help you on your wellness journey be simple and sure, so you can achieve your highest potential.
To purchase Proze products, visit https://www.proze.com/shop-all/. Which Way listeners will receive an unlimited 15% off, by typing the PROMO CODE: whichway15
Does your family need a timeout to find ‘normal’ again? Are the current COVID restrictions adding more stress to your family? Is the family tension escalating? Join our guest, Laurie Klith, Executive Director of The Center for Family Outreach, as she talks about services The Center provides to help youth and families. The Center’s employees, therapists and case managers specialize in treating family conflict, substance abuse, mental health issues and defiance.
In a time where our world is forcing families to be in close quarters with one another, Laurie provides valuable online resources, such as individual, family and group therapy. Living the motto: Relationships Change Behavior, The Center has been responsible for changing the lives of countless youth in Larimer County over the last 20 years.
For more about The Center and how they can help, call 970-495-0084 or visit: www.tcffo.org
This candid podcast features guests Catherine Brown and Christina Tinker who struggled with eating disorders earlier in their lives. While the details around their stories differ, both women agree that to begin to turn the tide of unhealthy body image issues, the dialogue around dieting needs to change. Revealing that eating disorders have very little to do with food, they both stress the need for engagement and connection when interfacing with someone who possesses an eating disorder. Catherine and Christina provide helpful suggestions for anyone who battles with their own negative body image or knows someone who does.
Catherine and Christina co-edited their book, Hope for Recovery: Stories of Healing From Eating Disorders. To find out more about them or how to order their book, please visit: https://www.hoperecoverybook.com/
Catherine is currently writing her second book and is interviewing professionals who work in various capacities to foster body positivity. She is collecting essays from people who have found ways to make peace with the bodies they are in and can be reached at: https://www.catherinebrownwriter.com/book-submissions
Christina is a corporate speaker and courage cultivator and can be found at: http://www.christinatinkertalks.com/
“You're too much.” "You’re not enough.” “You’re too short.” “You’re too tall.” We’ve all heard the negative messages. This podcast is special for many reasons, one of which is that Megan is a new member of our family! Bias aside, she speaks unabashedly about battling a shame narrative that began in her youth, then manifested as body image issues and continues to affect her pursuit of healing as an adult. Social media plays a profound role in how we see ourselves, as do the subtle messages we receive throughout a lifetime ("enduring vulnerabilities") that annihilate our sense of worth and cause deep wounding. Megan candidly reveals her journey of self-acceptance with an insight that is both relatable and inspiring.
Megan lives in Colorado. Aside from working as a blogger and educational development liaison, she is active in church ministry alongside her husband, Hunter.
Author of Hugging Trees In The Dark - Finding The Courage To Free The Heart, Robin Jillian joins us for this podcast to discuss what she refers to as her “dark night of the soul”. With transparency, she discusses her own battle with inner demons and the choice she made to take action toward creating the life she was destined to have. Robin eloquently points out that sometimes “we have to fall apart to come back together again”. She can be found at www.robinjillian.com or awakenradio.net. Hugging Trees In The Dark - Finding The Courage to Free The Heart can be purchased on Amazon.
On this podcast, our guest, Spencer Delva lived out anyone’s worst nightmare when he was wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit as an adolescent. He was thrown into juvenile jail and then residential treatment with no way to fight back. Spencer rose above the very system that attempted to crush him, with integrity, dignity and purpose. In the end, Spencer found the best justice of all….running his own business and starting his own facility for endangered youth.
In this show, podcasters Shari and Jann Simmons discuss how our experiences can be perceived differently when they are viewed through a lens of gratitude or trauma or pessimism, etc. For example, when viewing life from a lens of positivity, one might see a traffic jam as an opportunity to spend some time alone in the car, listening to music. If a traffic jam goes through a filter of negativity, it will most likely be seen as a frustrating inconvenience that leaves us tense and stressed out. The power of these filters in determining our choices is discussed. Join us for Part II in a couple weeks when we talk about how to throw out filters that no longer work!
In today’s podcast, we are honored to talk with Leah Barrett, who gracefully speaks about her six year journey through three cancer diagnoses. What Leah has endured has been both frightening and freeing. With beautiful poignancy, she describes how life redefined itself and has ultimately left her with an acute appreciation of what really matters.
Leah is a highly sought after therapist in private practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. To learn more about her work and her story, she can be found at www.leahbarrett.com
Wow! This real and raw podcast features Mel Wells, a survivor who rose from the ashes of an adolescence that left her broken, traumatized and fleeing for her life. After years of abuse from a family member, Mel found herself in the clutches of a perpetrator who groomed her and sold her into sex slavery. She spent years running from one state to another to escape his brainwashing until she finally found what she was looking for...herself.
Mel is the proud mother of three adult children and precious grand baby. She started her facebook page, Safe Place for Survivors where she inspires others to embrace their power, own their strength and create a new narrative.
For a PDF on Human Trafficking, please visit www.thetraumaspeakers.com
In today’s podcast, we welcome author/speaker, Neal Brownell. He poignantly talks about his own journey from a youngster who was told he was “stupid” to where he is today, highlighting the teacher that gave him a new narrative to believe in. In his book “You’re Amazing and I’ll prove it”, Neal asks questions you never even thought of asking and then shows readers how everything and everyone has special attributes that make them unique and exceptionally important.
Neal and his wife, Linda travel to audiences young and old, sharing their message of
seemingly unremarkable people doing extraordinary things. His message is simple but powerful...We are all exceptional and when we start to believe it, we are truly free.
“You’re Amazing and I’ll Prove it” is available on Amazon.
nealgbrownell@gmail.com
www.nealgbrownell.com
knowledgeisfreedompublishing@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nealgbrownell.author.publicspeaker
Twitter: @NealGBrownell
Join us for this beautiful story of two friends who are forever connected through a kidney transplant. Patrick Reed was in desperate need of a kidney transplant and reached out to fellow connections on Facebook. In enters, Dan Evers, a friend from college, who immediately offered his kidney without a moment of hesitation. Both men discuss their journey and candidly express their love and gratitude toward one another. There are 600,000 people in America in need of a kidney. This touching story is a perfect reminder to all of us about what the true spirit of giving looks like.
Patrick is works in California for Lexus and Dan lives in Texas, where he is a college professor. Both men are in regular contact with one another and remain close friends who have truly become brothers..."kidney bean" brothers, that is.
This podcast is jammed packed with nuggets of wisdom from Dale Pierce, a pastor in Colorado. With a humble transparency, Dale talks about his own journey with depression and the things that have made the difference in the dark moments throughout his life. This is no preachy church service...Dale is candid about how we ALL can help others in our lives move through difficult times by simply SEEING them.
Dale is the pastor at United Church of Crook in Crook, Colorado 970-886-3151
(dale@crookedpastor.com.). He is married to Jen Pierce and is father to 3 beautiful adult children and two precious grandchildren.
In this powerful podcast, our guest “Autumn”, speaks about the homeless population. With winter weather here and the holiday season approaching, this message is relevant and much needed! Autumn speaks about how mainstream culture often labels the homeless as “lazy or crazy”. She drives home the point that “We all need each other” in a world that frequently silos and separates. She leaves the audience with tangible ways in which we can help those who need to be supported, encouraged and loved on.
We loved our conversation with Tonya Kron, a Multi-Systemic Therapist (MST) at North Range Behavioral Health. Tonya talks straight about how she helps families find their way through the chaos and crisis of their relationships. She helps the entire family system create a home environment that is peaceful again. In this podcast, Tonya gives relevant tips for parents in establishing boundaries with love. When she is not at work, Tonya loves to play with her dog, paint, and has an obsession with football!
North Range offers a wide range of services to individuals and families. For help:
Call the statewide hotline at 800.493.TALK (8255).
Call 970.347.2120 (press 2).
Text TALK to 38255.
Come to 928 12th Street in Greeley.
Find other Colorado walk-in centers at www.coloradocrisisservices.org
In this podcast, we welcome our favorite person on the planet, Hunter! We discuss the trauma and the beauty that is passed from one generation to the next and the responsibility we all have in talking about it, acknowledging it and making decisions about what we will pass along. In this authentic conversation, all 3 generations talk about how they moved past what they were taught and decided Which Way? they would move forward. What this family hopes to show is that despite transgressions, mess-ups and blunders, when there is love, the rest falls into place.
Hunter is co-owner of Beyond Blue Media (BeyondBlueMedia.com) and co-leads the “After Party”, a college ministry that meets on Monday evenings at 7:00pm at Everyday Joes in Fort Collins. He is soon to be married and looks forward to the day when he can be a father and help the family legacy move onward and upward.
Join us for a discussion about homelessness in Larimer County with Marla Sutherland and Monique Hopkins as they talk about how housing is not a “one size fits all issue”. The Homeward Alliance was born out of the Homeward 2020 initiative, an initiative that committed to ensuring homelessness in Larimer County becomes rare, short lived and nonrecurring. Marla and Monique point out that homeless clients are humans, whose day to day job is their survival! They provide data, resources and ways to help.
Marla and Monique are passionate about the relevant and much needed work they do for our community and can be reached at:
www.Homewardalliance.org
Marla@homewardalliance.org
Monique@homewardalliance.org
Please join us as we talk with Kaetlyn Herider who shares her journey from wounded teenager to adulthood where she now works at the same treatment center she lived in several years ago. Kaetlyn candidly talks about her struggles as a teen who was misunderstood and lost. Her story is one paved with insights about how to establish boundaries and self acceptance.
Kaetlyn is a Psychology student at CSU and plans to get her doctoral degree at Naropa so she can become an individual and family therapist. She works as a counselor at Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Center in Estes Park, Colorado, the same treatment center she lived in when she was 17. Her transparent, speak-the-truth style has already positively impacted many teens who are struggling to find themselves.
This podcast is full of relevant information about the Church and how it often times doesn’t put enough emphasis on issues of healthy sex and intimacy in marriage. Our guest, Julie Sibert is a speaker, blogger and co-author of Pursuit of Passion - Discovering true intimacy in your marriage. Julie’s information is thought provoking and provocative. Join us as she discusses the practical ways that couples can find their way back to one another again.
Julie is a mother to two wonderful children and enjoys time with her husband. She is a Sex Champion among many couples who have discovered the true meaning of intimacy through her teachings. She can be found at www.intimacyinmarriage.com.
In today’s podcast, we welcome Steve Lane, who has been a career pastor. Steve talks candidly about his own journey to “finding God” in a religious environment that often gets bogged down with rules and dogma. Steve’s talk is a refreshing perspective coming from a clergyman. He points out that people in the church sometimes forget about what is really important...LOVE. Whether you are a believer or not, this podcast is sure to raise questions about what we humans have done to create walls and stigma around what was intended to be beautiful and accepting.
Steve lives in Texas. He continues to preach about what it really means to be a believer. He loves time with his 3 sons and grandchildren.
This week, Kelsie McGuire is our guest speaker. Kelsie is an individual, family and group therapist at Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Center in Colorado. Receiving her certification in EMDR, she describes this form of therapy, who it works best for and why it is so popular.
Kelsie received her masters degree at CCU and is highly respected by her clients and colleagues. Her therapeutic style is marked with patience, compassion and humor. She loves working with adolescents/families and ensures that her clients learn how to believe in their own inherent strengths.
CONFLICT...This little word can carry so much weight! In today’s podcast, Shari and Jann talk about their recent conflict with one another and how we can all navigate conflict in the relationships that are meaningful to us. While it is easier to ignore tension and pain, if not dealt with appropriately, it can do unseen damage to our partnerships and our own mental and physical health. Both women talk about ways in which people can offer safety to one another so that they can address difficult topics and ultimately create healthier interactions.
Shari and Jann travel the country giving their inspirational talk based on their book, Which Way?, available on Amazon. They are the hosts of the whichwaypodcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network and can be found at www.thetraumaspeakers.com.
This moving podcast highlights the struggles of a young woman trying to find her voice in a family dynamic where she was told to “be silent, be good and do as I say.” Our guest, Bethany Fisher relates a poignant story of her abusive childhood at the hands of both her biological and foster parents. Her years of loneliness and striving for perfection so that she could ‘earn’ love, challenged her most formative adolescent years. In the end, she faced her offenders in court and spoke up for the child who was never allowed to defend herself. Her journey in learning how to cope with significant abandonment and abuse teaches us all that we have the power to create our own self talk and ultimately our own “new story”.
Bethany is a Social Worker and works for Partners Mentoring Youth (partnersmentoringyouth.org) in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she matches volunteers with children who need a positive role model in their lives. Her life is a testament to anyone who has struggled against the odds and come out the victor!
Join us for this podcast on grief with our guest, Rebecca who talks candidly about the loss of her husband 3 years ago and what she did to rebuild and create a life that allows for his memory, as well as new love and adventure! Rebecca discusses the stages of her grief and makes the point that every road to healing looks different. Her transparency is refreshing and her reassurance that there can be love..after love, gives hope.
Rebecca is a successful educator and has two grown children. She enjoys traveling the world, time with friends and finds something to celebrate every day.
This podcast delves into a timely and unfathomable topic, mass violence. We don’t have a guest speaker, we don’t dissect politics or the pros and cons of the National Rifle Association, we actually don’t even talk much about mental illness vs. environment reasons for violence. We felt like there is enough about that.
In this talk, your hosts, Jann and Shari discuss where we think we are falling down as a country and the little things we can do to impact the tragic way our world has shifted. We feel strongly that one person won’t change the dynamic in our world but a lot of people collectively making a decision to change the way they interact with others...will. We feel that kindness disarms rage and if we stop ignoring signs that are right in front of us the tide will begin to turn in our world.
Jann and Shari are authors of Which Way? and travel the country speaking on trauma, its impact on our relationships and how we can live our lives in a resilient way. They are the hosts of whichwaypodcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network.
This podcast features Kayla Carter (name changed), who candidly and bravely talks about living with Bipolar Disorder. Kayla sheds light on the struggles that one has to endure when faced with the challenges of this mental health issue. She also emphasizes that these obstacles can drive us to live a life of love, success and happiness.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kennedy and Tracy Markle LPC, experts in digital media overuse. This podcast shines a light on society’s overuse of digital media, the damaging effects and how parents can set limits on screen time.
Tracy is the founder and co-director of Digital Media Treatment and Education Center (DTEC®). She specializes in the treatment and recovery from digital media overuse and addictions. Tracy and the team provide education, psychotherapy, and intervention support to individuals and their families who are impacted by the effects of technology and the common co-existing factors such as, depression, anxiety, isolation, academic failure, and more.
Dr. Brett P. Kennedy is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and couples. As a “digital immigrant” to the technological revolution, Dr. Kennedy has seen both the pros and the perils that digital media brings to the lives of his clients by exploring both the complications, and conveniences that technology present in their personal and professional relationships as technology has been integrated into their lives and for the “digital natives” who grew up with technology as a part of their development.
Self harm or nonsuicidal self injury is more common than many people think. It’s a topic that is often misunderstood and frequently judged. In this podcast, Christy Plaice, LPC reveals the truth about these behaviors and what we can do when we are close to someone who hurts themselves as a way to cope.
As Founder and Clinical Director of Door of the Soul, located in Georgia, Christy provides psychotherapy, counseling, presentations/trainings, consultations, supervision, and leadership in a variety of arenas. She believes that there is no greater gift than connecting deeply with another person, and feels privileged to do this every day. Christy is dedicated to helping people move through challenges, and into a life with greater vitality and meaning.
Join us as we celebrate mothers and talk with two of our favorites, Marmot and Nancy who discuss the beauty and challenges of adopting a child. While the journey ultimately filled their home with the love and laughter of a precious daughter, it was not without struggles. These two devoted moms candidly reveal the emotions they experienced when they first held their daughter at a mere 36 hours old and they share the pain of watching her struggle as a teen in finding her own identity.
Marmot and Nancy live with her daughter, love their careers and have found peace in developing a family system that is imperfectly perfect.
In this podcast, we talk to Brianne Renley, a mental health warrior who lives with two serious medical conditions, Type I Diabetes and Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). Brianne candidly discusses the challenges and trauma that can come from navigating medical interventions. This is a topic that is rarely discussed, however, Brianne’s honesty reminds us all that while our bodies may betray us at times, our spirits are even stronger.
Brianne is a counselor in Fort Collins, Colorado where she works with a wide variety of clients.
Today’s podcast is among our favorites! We interview Joseph Fusaro for a genuine and transparent discussion on isolation. Often times, when we struggle with mental health issues, we tend to withdraw from friends and loved ones...at the very moment we need them most. Joe’s journey is real, gritty, complex and ultimately, inspiring. Joe describes the dark spiral his life took as a college student with undiagnosed schizoaffective, bipolar, general anxiety disorder, chemical dependence, depression, insomnia and agoraphobia that sent him to several psychiatric hospitalizations. After several years of loneliness and self imposed isolation, Joe ultimately found a path to healing and in the process, mended relationships with those who welcomed him back with open arms.
Joe is an editor with the Mental Health News Radio Network and host of Hysteria Radio, a podcast and internet radio show that focuses on writing, music, expressive arts, and all things related to self-care and recovery from or management of a mental health condition. Joe has published 6 poetry books and a short guide featuring the changes he made to start feeling alive again after living his teen years and 20’s with serious mental illness. He is also a professional speaker and works with NAMI, This Is My Brave, Project 375, and Deconstructing Stigma.
Today’s podcast features, Erin Mahone, founder of #IfYouCouldSeeMe project. Erin’s passion is infectious as she talks about the importance of “sharing our stories.” Her work is inspired by a childhood growing up in a family touched by mental illness, years working in the arts and in the mental health field, and her own experiences with anxiety and depression. She believes that life's struggles, no matter how severe, do not define, or limit, a person’s capacity for greatness, achievement, or love. Every person has a distinct story that is worthy of respect and Erin combines storytelling, writing, music, and other elements to share and teach this message.
IfYouCouldSeeMe is a multi-media project and a podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network that looks past labels and surface judgments to see real, diverse, fascinating people living with mental health diagnoses. They are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, friends, artists, activists, veterans, and above all human beings with whole lives not defined by their diagnoses. The #IfYouCouldSeeMe project is a relationship between storyteller and audience; an understanding that through sharing, and by witnessing, we are all being seen.
Shari and Jann sit down as mother and daughter to delve into the recent betrayal Jann experienced that sent her spiraling into a 2-week emotional battle with the ‘boogeyman’...A.K.A. PTSD! Jann was feeling confident in her ability to neutralize the impact of her PTSD triggers but this latest event was more than she bargained for. Shari reminded her mom that no amount of therapy or bag of tools a person has in their arsenal can prepare a person for the triggers that will likely always exist. There are times that triggers hit so deep that they can momentarily take your breath away and what one does next is what really matters…
Shari and Jann wrote Which Way?, a memoir and self help book about trauma. They have a podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network, called: whichwaypodcast.com
Join us for a very "real" discussion with Ms. Complexities, as she talks about her complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and her winding road to a healthier place, where her inner child can run free and play! In this candid podcast, we hear about Ms. Complexitie's childhood growing up with a narcissist, finding her own identity and whether all of this recovery "$*!%" is worth it. You'll fall in love with her vulnerability and fearlessness as she puts words to crazy circumstances, an eating disorder, sobriety and what recovery is all about.
Ms. Complexities has her own podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network, called Complexities Podcast, where she and her partner discuss healing trauma and how people can break free from the abusive cycles in their lives and in their minds.
In Part II of this podcast series, *Simon (name changed), a 16-year old transgender youth bravely discusses the pain he has faced along his journey and the complexities of “passing” as a male. Compassionate beyond his years and with a gentle heart, he discusses the forgiveness for those who don’t always show kindness by saying, “Maybe they are going through a hard time themselves” and reveals the underlying pressure of looking in the mirror and not approving of his own reflection.
Simon is a beautiful soul who attends school, loves his family, looks forward to college and has established a supportive network of friends.
To round out our series, we speak to Sorin Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Queer Asterisk, a nonprofit organization with a team of queer and trans therapists and educators serving the LGBTQPIA communities with offices in Boulder, Denver and Longmont, Colorado. With a gracious heart, Sorin discusses work that Queer Asterisk does with youth, family systems and within the community. This work encompasses therapy, mentorship, community events and training.
Sorin is a queer and non-binary transgender licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor offering a variety of therapeutic services to queer and trans folx. A graduate of Naropa University with a master's degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology, Sorin utilizes body sensation/movement and mindfulness practices. Therapy is strengths-based and client-directed for children, adolescents, adults, and couples/families of all configurations to inspire growth and healing. Sorin specializes in modalities such as wilderness therapy and canine/equine therapy.
http://www.queerasterisk.com/
In Part I of this podcast series, Ashley speaks candidly about her 8-year old child who recently said to her, “...my body is sad!” She discusses the confusion her child felt because, while he was born female, he feels as though he should be in a male body. Sadly, Ashley’s picture cannot be shown, given that her family has received negative backlash after discovering that she and her husband not only embrace their “son” but celebrate him!
Ashley and her husband operate a thriving business and have four beautiful children, who are allowed to be whoever they want to be...and are appreciated for it!!!
In this powerful podcast, Aaron and Maia Huey talk about how their father/daughter relationship has evolved over the years. Aaron, host of the podcast, Beyond Risk and Back on the Mental Health News Radio Network and founder of Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Facility, humbly discusses how his addiction lost him custody of his young daughter and how in his recovery, he was able to become the father she needed. Learn how Aaron's mission became to equip Maia with a strong belief in herself and the tools needed for self reliance. Maia, who is due to graduate from college this May and already owns her own marketing company, talks candidly about the pressures of living in her father's shadow and emerging with her own sense of empowerment and identity.
This talk reveals the generational impact that parents have on their children and the forgiveness that can exist within that relationship when we listen, own mistakes and love unconditionally. Please join us for both, this heartwarming podcast and the after show!
For Aaron's podcast, Beyond Risk and Back, go to: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/beyond-risk-and-back/
In this podcast, our guest, Kris (Last name protected, given the nature of her work within the mental health community) talks about the recent 20 year anniversary of the Columbine shooting where two high school students took the lives of 12 students and 1 teacher. This anniversary was significant because several schools in Colorado were closed after the FBI named an 18-year-old woman, a potential threat. This young woman ultimately committed suicide after a statewide manhunt ensued. In the aftermath of her suicide in the mountains of Colorado, social media exploded with shouts of celebration over her death, as well as reminders that losing any life is a tragedy. No matter where you stand on the issue, this episode highlights a broader topic of mental health and how we all have a responsibility to ask questions and show compassion to those in our society who may be struggling.
Kris is a therapist, leader and advocate on mental health issues in her community. Given the sensitive nature of her work within the mental health arena, her identity is protected but her words serve as a reminder of a larger issue within our community and what we can do to instigate a movement of change.
Today we talk with the woman who started it all, Kristin Sunanta Walker, founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network. Kristin has built the network to over 50 podcasters and will be starting a television series next month. Kristin is an outspoken advocate on mental health issues and has used her voice to create a network where all of us can shine a light on what society often tries to bury. In this talk, Kristin discusses the power of reconciling relationships with our parents in order to break free so we can create our own lives, families and happiness. With vulnerability, Kristin gives us a look at her own childhood wounds and how she has turned them into something incredibly powerful.
Join us as we talk to the infamous Frank King! aka, the "Mental Health Comedian". Frank was a writer for the Tonight Show for 20 years, and he holds the record for the longest non-stop comedy club road trip ever. Along the way he worked with Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Adam Sandler, Dennis Miller, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O’Donnel, Kevin Nealon, Bill Engval, Dr. Ken Joeng, Rita Sirleaf and Kevin James among others. Since becoming a public speaker on Suicide Prevention in 2014, he’s done five TEDx Talks.
Frank boldly and bravely shares his personal experience with suicidal thoughts and helps audiences look at this topic through a lens of laughter and vulnerability. Frank has been a co-host on several podcasts through the mental health news radio network and can be found on the network under: The Mental Health Comedian. In this talk, Frank discusses the secrecy of "chronic suicidality" and validates the shame associated with it. Find out more about Frank at thementalhealthcomedian.com and join us for this wildly funny, compassionate and knowledgeable conversation.
Kristin Watts is the Founder of Project 31:25. After escaping an abusive relationship herself, Kristin found her voice and the desire to give back to women still bound by the chains of abuse. She has lived in Fort Collins her entire life and understands how desperately her town and the surrounding areas need a program like this. Project 31:25 embodies a holistic approach that helps countless women understand the abusive loop they were in and provides resources to help them start a new life. Guided by a relentless pursuit of Safety, Empowerment and Strength, this volunteer run, nonprofits strives to heal and restore all that the trauma from abuse has stolen. Their number one priority is to deliver Clarity, Dignity and Hope through every step of the journey. More regarding Project 31:25 can be found at www.project3125.org, 970-834-3125 or by emailing at info@project3125.org
You can find out more about us at www.whichwaypodcast.com
You can find out more about Mental Health News Radio at www.mhnrnetwork.com
In their first podcast, Shari and Jann Simmons reveal the reasons for writing Which Way? - a memoir and psychological handbook and starting their new which way podcast. With candid discussion, they talk about how Jann's PTSD, dissociation and suicide attempts affected Shari's formative years. They also touch on how their relationship has evolved with grace and love at the center. Both women share memories of a journey together that defines who they are today and why their mission is helping others decide which way they will choose.
You can find out more about us at www.whichwaypodcast.com
You can find out more about Mental Health News Radio at www.mhnrnetwork.com