The Gift of the Struggle: Recent Episodes
Elizabeth Denham
Life is hard. We all know it. We all experience it. And often, we fight it. Fight the hard. Fight the struggle. We don't embrace the bad with the good and we are unhappier for it. This podcast contemplates the idea that there is ALWAYS a gift in the struggles we experience in our lives. Maybe not one that reveals itself immediately, but one that becomes clearer as you move through the struggle and begin to recover. In this series, people reveal the gifts in the hardest parts of life. Look for it. You will find it. And when you struggle, learn from those brave enough to share. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elizabeth-denham2/support
In this emotional and deeply inspiring episode of The Gift of the Struggle, Dr. John Hayes—renowned franchise author, professor, and founder of the Titus Center for Franchising—shares his extraordinary life journey. From a bullied and underestimated kid in small-town Ohio to a global franchising leader, John opens up about the voice that guided him through trauma, heartbreak, and ultimately, triumph.Host Elizabeth Denham dives into the raw realities of:Struggling with rejection and shame as a childNavigating a strained relationship with his fatherLosing his wife and two children, including a son to drug addictionRebuilding his life and rediscovering joy through love, faith, and purposeMentoring students and changing lives at Palm Beach Atlantic University💡This is a story about grief, growth, and grit—and a powerful reminder that even after unimaginable loss, we can still choose life, meaning, and service.🎙️ Hosted by Elizabeth Denham🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more powerful conversations.📌 More about the Titus Center: https://www.pba.edu/titus-center📌 Learn more about Elizabeth: https://thegiftofthestruggle.com
In this unforgettable episode of The Gift of the Struggle, author and activist Heidi Yewman opens up about her decades-long journey in gun violence prevention—and the harrowing childhood experiences that shaped her voice.From surviving abuse and shame to becoming a national spokesperson and documentary filmmaker, Heidi shares the truth behind her advocacy work, the empathy that guides her interviews, and the emotional healing that came with writing her memoir, Don't Be a Dumb Girl.Topics Covered:The day Columbine changed her lifeGrowing up in a household shaped by rage, silence, and blurred boundariesHow the ASK Campaign empowered safer parenting conversationsHer experience carrying a concealed weapon for a monthStories behind her books Beyond the Bullet and Don't Be a Dumb GirlLessons on empathy, trauma recovery, and redefining what it means to be "smart"📚 Pre-order Heidi's new memoir: https://heidiyewman.com🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories of healing, resilience, and the gifts that emerge from life’s deepest struggles.
Is it possible to grow up in Prichard, Alabama, witness your father murdered at age 3, fall into a life of drugs, murder, and hopelessness and come out the other side? Champ tells his hard-fought story of redemption and how he leads others to a better way of living. Some of the greatest gifts we believe he will give our viewers are the gift of perspective, hope, and the ability to see the good in anyone.
The first person to receive a pardon for murder in the State of Alabama, Champ has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. "I killed one man, but I hope to save a thousand," he shares.
You can find his book, "Poverty and Prison: Frustrations of My Past" on amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/Poverty-Prison-Frustrations-My-Past/dp/1542983398
GOTS #TheGiftoftheStruggle #ChampNapier #PrichardAlabama #Prison #Murder #PrisonReform #Recidivism
In Part II of our interview with Kristin Selmeczy, Owner of Molly Maid in Bloomingdale and Mt. Prospect, Kristin shares her story on how she got away from corporate America and began franchising her own business to suit her personal goals and lifestyle choices.Tune in and see what you can learn from Kristin's journey.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftoftheStruggle/Twitter: https://x.com/DenhamElizabethIG: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofthestruggle/Website: http://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/
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In Part I of our interview with Kristin Selmeczy, Owner of Molly Maid of Bloomingdale and Mt. Prospect, Kristin shares her story of experiencing domestic violence in her marriage and what she learned about herself and her own power to save herself. Her experience drove her to a passion for helping others and finding a business with a purpose. Tune in and share your thoughts on her path to an empowered future.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftoftheStruggle/Twitter: https://x.com/DenhamElizabethIG: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofthestruggle/Website: http://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/
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This part of the episode builds off the first part of Corey Harvard's episode. In part two, Corey Harvard reveals his experience with his romantic relationships, remaining present during the bad times and the goods, evolving from being insecure, and more.Follow:https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofthestruggle/https://www.instagram.com/coreyharvard/Visit:YouTube-
https://youtu.be/VCJBsNjtb_EOther Episodes-https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thegiftofthestrugglePrism United-https://prismunited.org/leadership/
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In part one, Corey Harvard explains his gifts in his struggles. He elaborates on his journey from coming out, embracing reality and staying present in the moment whether it's good or bad. Corey's biggest gift was learning how to love himself! Stay tuned for part two releasing Wednesday, January 31 at 4pm CT.
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Visit:
Prism United:https://prismunited.org/leadership/
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/Ly0x2U_brxY
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Aiko Pickering believes it is important for all people to be included in the conversation about menstruation. And she is doing something to change the conversation starting with her Monthly brand of gender-inclusive period underwear and The Monthly Project that fights period poverty. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference and change the conversation!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elizabeth-denham2/support
In this particularly painful week for women, and one that forecasts the struggles to come for other minority groups, I am excited and humbled to have Dr. Sarah MacCarthy talk to us about the necessity of accurate data in combination with advocacy to advance the rights of the LGBTQIA population. While data collection can seem slow to collect and slower to make an impact, Dr. MacCarthy helps us understand the role it plays and why it is critical to social and political power. She was recently appointed as the first holder of the Magic City LGBTQ Health Studies Endowed Professorship. This professorship is the first of its kind in the country as well as in the Deep South, a region where LGBTQ individuals are especially limited in their ability to access quality services, despite being vulnerable to a range of health problems. Please tune in and share. This could not be more important in the days ahead.
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Angela Fortune and Elizabeth Denham accidentally get into a discussion about people-pleasing...and Elizabeth would not have identified herself as one until their convo! Is this relatable to you? Join us for our conversation, and then join us in our Dream the Future Forward online community for a roundtable where we can talk about this quirk that so many of us have and need to work on. We are pledging to hold each other accountable going forward, and we invite you to join us. To join, click the link below, and then RSVP for our People-Pleaser Roundtable on July 24 at 4:00 CT. The event is free for members (membership - $5.99/month). Non-members join for $14.99)
Dream the Future Forward: https://dreamthefutureforward.com/plans/216863?bundle_token=122033a9744eaecdd766c7f8355fa5c3&utm_source=manual
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Terri Ellen generously shares her story of transition and how it saved her. A strong local advocate for Trans Rights in South Alabama, Terri is passionate about educating people on the trans experience. She is especially concerned about recent legislation across the country and how dangerous it is to the trans community - especially the younger generations. Tune in to this moving interview, listen and learn. The #PursuitofHumanity requires a willingness to engage with people who are different from us.
transrightsarehumanrights #LGBTQ
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Stand Up. Speak Up. Show Up. Cassidy Ford is Thriving with Tourette's Syndrome, and she would not have it any other way. She is on a mission to inform, educate and normalize the discussion of neurodiversity in the workplace and in life. Her joy and optimism are an inspiration!
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Website: http://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/
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Elizabeth Denham talks about her path to becoming a mother, her belief in a woman's choice and why some men feel we owe them our story. Tune in and let me know your thoughts.
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I met Jarret Dapier (Author) and Andrea Tsurumi (Illustrator) when a resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama wanted to have their book banned from the public library because the main characters were gay men. Their book "Mr. Watson's Chickens," is a fun story about a couple getting overrun by chickens and the chaos that ensues. There is nothing inappropriate in the story, and if you replaced one of the men with a woman, no one would complain. In this interview, we discuss why fighting on the local level matters and how we can all contribute to a greater, more inclusive world. Please tune in and leave your comments below.
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Website: http://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/
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In my inaugural episode, I speak with my brave and strong and loving mother. She talks about growing up in Eufaula, Alabama and how racism was woven into the fabric of her life. She discusses the journey of learning and unlearning and how she confronted the parts of herself that needed to evolve. I believe this is a conversation we need more of, and I know that it is an argument for the belief that without hope for change, activism and advocacy are pointless. Please tune in and leave your comments below. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftoftheStruggle/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegiftofthestruggle/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thegiftofthestruggleWebsite: http://www.thegiftofthestruggle.com/
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