Facing Giants - podcast cover

Facing Giants

Facing Giantswww.buzzsprout.com

Facing Giants is a podcast capturing stories of individuals who have struggled and are currently doing their best to stay on the right side of life. These stories are meant to motivate and inspire those of us who may be facing our own giants. 


Episodes will be released on Youtube and all podcast platforms every other Wednesday.

Email us at; facinggiantspodcast@gmail.com to submit feedback, questions for the guests or to share your story of struggle and strength.

Artwork from; Vecteezy.com - paintingred

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/sensho/glow

License code: 3KRWODGH2WMLOI5L



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Episodes

30 CBC News Interview

Send us a text This episode shares a brief interview I did with CBC news that aired on August 7, 2024. I wanted to share this with you all as you might find it intersting and you all have been apart of the jounrey to this point. Thank you all for your support and for spending time listening to these incredible stories. I will continue to check emails if you have any question. I will also continue to accumulate stories over the next year for a hopefully restart in the fall of 2025. Thank you! Spe...

Sep 14, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 30

29 Mandie - Years in Court Against Child Welfare Agency

Send us a text Mandie, a woman whose journey is marked by resilience and unwavering strength. Born with a birth defect, Mandie's life was fraught with challenges from the very beginning. She faced the horrors of a physically abusive father and endured the trauma of sexual abuse, yet somehow found the courage to keep pushing forward. As she navigated her tumultuous teenage years and early adulthood, Mandie encountered further hardships, including managing her grandmother's addictions and dealing ...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 50 minSeason 1Ep. 29

28 Raili-Ann - Addiction, Grief, Domestic Abuse

Send us a text Raili-Ann, a young mother caught in the relentless grip of an abusive relationship with the father of her child. As if the daily abuse isn't enough, she is plagued by severe jaw pain, for which she desperately awaits surgery. Prescribed painkillers offer a fleeting glimpse of relief, but her partner's selfish consumption of the medication leaves her in constant agony. In a moment of sheer desperation, she turns to a close friend who offers her a mysterious painkiller. This seeming...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 28

27 Wiley - Facing Years Of Alcoholism

Send us a text Born into a loving home with all the prospects of success, Wiley's life seemed to be following a trajectory of promise. However, a tumultuous turn of events led her down a path of dependency and despair. Following the end of a significant relationship, Wiley found solace in the numbing embrace of alcohol. Despite the growing concerns voiced by friends and family, she remained dismissive of the severity of her addiction. Desperate to salvage what remained of her life, Wiley relucta...

May 15, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 27

26 Dr Berger - Facing Climate Change

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss climate change with Dr. Paul Berger, a climate change professor and activist. With misinformation rampant and skepticism lingering, Dr. Berger lays bare the facts, debunking myths and shedding light on the undeniable reality of our changing climate. Join us as we tackle the tough questions head-on: Is climate change merely a hoax, as some claim, or a pressing reality demanding urgent action? Through Dr. Berger's insights, listeners may gain a clearer un...

May 01, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 26

25 Vanessa pt2 - Addiction, Sex Work, Recovery

Send us a text ** WARNING** Mature subject matter discussed in detail. Listener's discretion is advised. Vanessa's battle with addiction continues. It is even amplified with the introduction to fentanyl leading her down a dark path into the world of online sex work. Constantly in and out of tumultuous relationships, Vanessa found herself caught in a cycle of self-destruction, using her earnings to support her dangerous habits. But it wasn't until Vanessa faced the terrifying reality of being kid...

Apr 17, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 25

24 Vanessa pt1 - Motherhood, Addiction, Sex Work

Send us a text ** WARNING ** - Mature subject matters discussed in detail. Listeners discretion is advised. Vanessa, a young woman whose journey from well-intentioned high school student to substance abuse and sex work sheds light on the complexities of life's challenges. Despite becoming pregnant in her final year of high school, she and her partner were determined to provide the best life for their child. However, as the pressures of parenthood and everyday life mounted, cracks began to appear...

Apr 10, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 24

23 Rob - Stand Off With A Predatory Bear

Send us a text Rob finds himself face-to-face with a formidable black bear during a routine survey in the woods. What begins as just another day in the field quickly transforms into a harrowing ordeal that will forever linger in Rob's memory. As Rob goes about his work, meticulously surveying the natural habitat, little does he know that he's about to become the focus of attention for an unexpected visitor - a black bear. Despite Rob's efforts to deter the bear with bear spray, the determined cr...

Mar 13, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 23

22 Richard - Kidney Donation and Post-Op Complications

Send us a text Richard's journey began when his sister-in-law faced the daunting challenge of needing a kidney transplant. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, offering the gift of life by volunteering to be her donor. The transplant surgery was a success, but Richard's own road to recovery proved to be filled with unexpected obstacles. Following the procedure, Richard experienced complications, including a pulmonary embolism, which slowed his return to normalcy. Despite these challenges, his...

Feb 28, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 22

21 Marcia - Battling Kidney Disease and Life After Transplantation

Send us a text Marcia, a young woman whose life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with kidney disease. For Marcia, the diagnosis was not just a medical challenge but a profound emotional and existential upheaval, as she grappled with the prospect of her dreams for motherhood being threatened. Fortunately, Marcia discovered that her kidney function, though compromised, remained stable enough to pursue her dream of having a child. Following the birth of her first child, there was a si...

Feb 28, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 21

20 Danielle - Stillbirth: A Story of Love and Loss

Send us a text Danielle, a young woman whose long-awaited dream of motherhood finally became a reality. However, the joy and excitement of pregnancy soon turned into a heart-wrenching journey as she received devastating news about her unborn child's diagnosis of triploidy, a syndrome incompatible with life. Danielle had overcome medical challenges that would increase the difficulty of conception , making the miracle of pregnancy all the more precious to her. The anticipation of becoming a mother...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 20

19 Kenny/Sarah - Pregnant After 10 Years of Infertility

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the heart-wrenching and ultimately triumphant story of a couple who, despite their deepest desires, found themselves unable to conceive a child. As they navigated the turbulent waters of infertility, their journey led them through a maze of medical interventions, dashed hopes, and a rollercoaster of emotions. For reasons unknown, this couple faced the unimaginable challenge of infertility, causing frustration and despair to mount with each unsuccessful ...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 19

18 Shayn - Largest Fentanyl Bust in Thunder Bay History

Send us a text Shayn, a kind-hearted young man who, through a series of unfortunate events, found himself entangled with the wrong crowd. As the allure of quick money and a sense of belonging grew stronger, Shayn became involved in the dangerous world of drug dealing, ultimately leading him down a treacherous path of addiction and despair. As Shayn's life took a downward spiral, he became increasingly entangled in the selling and use of harder substances, with fentanyl becoming a particularly de...

Jan 17, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 18

17 Alicia pt2 - Relapse, Criminality, Imprisionment

Send us a text Upon her reintroduction to her drug of choice, all rationallity went out the window. Leaving her children with her parents went from one night to weeks, all for the sake of finding her next fix. As her addiction spiraled out of control, she found herself resorting to desperate measures to fuel her habit. Refusing to return to sex work Alicia turned to a life of crime to fund her addiction, but the consequences were inevitable, and her numerous run-ins with the police only served t...

Jan 10, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 17

16 Alicia pt1 - Exotic Dancer, Addiction, Sex Work

Send us a text Alicia, a young woman who faced immense challenges while growing up. Raised by a mother struggling with her mental health, Alicia's journey took her through the foster care system before finding a new home with her father and stepmother. Although things initially seemed to improve, tensions between Alicia and her stepmother grew over time, leading her down a path of self-destruction. Searching for an escape from her troubled home life, Alicia found solace in the party scene, which...

Jan 03, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 16

15 Yessenia - Surrogacy, Motherhood, Miscarriage

Send us a text Yessenia shares her deeply personal experience of navigating the heartbreak of a miscarried pregnancy, a pivotal moment that sparked an unwavering desire to help couples facing the challenges of infertility. Determined to turn her own pain into purpose, she embarked on a remarkable journey of compassion, choosing surrogacy as a means to bring joy to those unable to conceive. Becoming a mother has grown her appreciation for the value of family. She therefore views surrogacy as prof...

Dec 27, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 15

14 Lynetta - Surrogacy 101, Multiple Miscarriages

Send us a text Join us as we sit down with Lynetta, who not only educates us on the basics of surrogacy but also generously shares her personal experience of deciding to become a surrogate. Our guest takes us through the emotional and thoughtful process of deciding to embark on the incredible journey of surrogacy. Through her candid storytelling, we gain valuable insights into the considerations, challenges, and joys that come with the decision to carry a child for someone else. As she walks us ...

Dec 27, 202345 minSeason 1Ep. 14

13 Allison pt3- Mom's Big Secret, Relapse, Recovery

Send us a text Part 3 - Allison has navigated a path of addiction, working in the sex trade, and deep-seated resentment towards her mother. She would often blame her hardships on her mother's instability and promiscuity. Allison's journey takes an unexpected turn when her mother's last days reveal a solemn warning and an earth-shattering secret that. Allison's life becomes a tangled web of recurrent sorrow and despair, yet the vulnerable moments they shared also brought clarity and forgiveness. ...

Dec 13, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 13

12 Allison pt2 - Sex Trafficking, Addiction, Motherhood

Send us a text Pt 2 of 3 In this episode, Allison grapples with the profound impact of her decision to work in the sex trade. Through a series of unexpected twists and turns, her life becomes a rollercoaster ride featuring the complexities of addiction, physical abuse, motherhood, addiction, Initially, Allison attempted to maintain a double life, but when her peers from school discovered her new occupation, she was forced to confront the consequences head-on. This pivotal moment catapulted her i...

Dec 06, 202359 minSeason 1Ep. 12

11 Allison pt1 - Sex Trafficking, Growing up White/Black

Send us a text This episode is part 1 of a three part series, exploring the story of Allison: a woman who grew up in the challenging socio-economic landscape of the 70's and 80's. Being half black and poor, she faced a unique set of struggles that shaped her journey of self-discovery. Too black for the white kids and too white for the black kids, Allison struggled to find where she fit in. Faced with the harsh realities of living at home with her mother, she made a life-altering decision: to lea...

Nov 29, 20231 hrSeason 1Ep. 11

10 Ian - Surviving a Lightning Strike

Send us a text Ian, an experienced outdoorsman, his family and close friends went on a weekend canoe trip. What starts as a routine adventure quickly turns into a terrifying reminder of mother nature's power. As a seasoned outdoorsman, Ian is no stranger to inclement weather. However, this storm proves to be unlike anything he has encountered before. With time, the weather deteriorates, intensifying the unease among the group. Ian's wife, sensing the impending danger, raises concerns about their...

Nov 22, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 10

9 Trevor - Addiction, Rock Bottom, Recovery

Send us a text Through powerful storytelling, we witness the depths of Trevor's struggle as he battles to break free from the chains of addiction. As his addiction tightens its grip, his life spirals out of control, hitting rock bottom time and time again. Despite the birth of his children, he finds himself unable to muster the strength to overcome . Each setback pushes him further into despair, leaving him with nothing but disappointment and broken relationships. But just when it seems all hope...

Nov 15, 20231 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 9

8 Sammie - Intergenerational Trauma, Addiction, Sexual Abuse

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode, Sammie details her courageous journey as young mother, determined to break free from the cycle of intergenerational trauma. We explore her struggles with drug addiction, bullying, and racism, and witness the unwavering love for her daughter that guides her towards a brighter future. Sammie refuses to let her past define her and leans heavily on close friends and the steadfast love and encouragement of her mother. Together, they become pillars of strength...

Nov 08, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 8

7 Laura pt2- Recovering from a Bear Attack

Send us a text After surviving a harrowing bear attack, Laura finds herself wrestling to physically and psychologically recover. Laura confronts her darkest moments, while also battling depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This raw and emotionally-charged narrative explores the depths of her struggle, revealing the profound impact the attack had on her life. Laura's path to recovery proves to be far from smooth, filled with countless obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Bu...

Nov 01, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 7

6 Laura pt1 - Surviving a Bear Attack

Send us a text In this episode we dive deep into the heart-pounding story of Laura, a passionate nature enthusiast whose peaceful exploration of the woods took an unexpected turn. Join us as we recount her terrifying encounter with a bear, her fight for survival, and the extraordinary courage that helped her overcome the odds. What seemed like a usual fall day working, Laura was out surveying the pristine beauty of the untamed wilderness. With each step, she immerses herself deeper into the sere...

Oct 25, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 6

5 Linda - Search for Belonging, Addiction, Transitioning

Send us a text Linda has been on a journey of self-discovery and belonging. After being kicked out of the house at 16 for choosing a life-style their parent's weren't happy with, the strength of Linda's community made itself manifest. With a loving and relentless grandmother and a few friends along the way, Linda's path forward became increasingly clearer. After moving to Thunder Bay to start afresh, it didn't take long before Linda's forever home began its figurative construction. They detail t...

Oct 18, 20231 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 5

4 Tina - Addiction, Recovery and Self Discovery

Send us a text Tina, a young mother and recovering addict, is trying to rediscover herself after being raised in a culture of partying. She shares stories of struggles with addiction, and how it impacted her life and relationships. She also talks about the challenges she faces in sobriety, and how she is working to rebuild her life and create a better future. This episode is a powerful story of resilience and hope, and it offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of recovery. If you are s...

Oct 11, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 4

3 Keisha - Homelessness, Obesity and Domestic Abuse

Send us a text In this episode, we delve into the life of our remarkable guest, whose early years were marked by the experiences of being raised by an alcoholic father and a mother battling a gambling addiction. These tumultuous circumstances forced her to confront adversity from an early age, testing her endurance and courage. Throughout her early years, she found herself facing the harsh reality of homelessness, struggling to find stability and security. In the face of these challenges, she al...

Oct 11, 202355 minSeason 1Ep. 3

1 Herbie - Losing a Son to a Drug Overdose

Send us a text As a single father, Herbie does his best to raise his son to be kind and respectful. As good natured as Conor was, he unfortunately started hanging with the wrong crowd. Missed phone calls, and flaking on his birthday party leaves Herbie suspicious. The news hits like a ton of bricks and his whole world was flipped up-side-down. Herbie must now find the strength ever day to carry on. With his chest out and head high he continues to be very active in the community, doing his best t...

Oct 04, 20231 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 1

2 Aydin - Recurring Miscarriages and Navigating the IVF Process

Send us a text This episode focuses on one couple's extraordinary path to parenthood. In this story, we invite you to step into the experience of a devoted husband and wife as he recounts their remarkable story of conception. Their journey was marked by the heartbreak of not one, but five miscarriages, each a painful reminder of their unfulfilled dreams of becoming parents. Faced with adversity, this couple turned to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) as an alternate solution, embarking on a medical a...

Oct 04, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 2
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