In this episode of The Hero Within Podcast, host Karen Hall interviews Lisa Urbanski, a holistic wellness advocate from Manitoba, Canada. Lisa shares her profound story of overcoming opioid addiction and embracing her highly sensitive and empathic nature. Struggling with these traits from a young age, Lisa turned to substances to cope, which led to a severe addiction. At the age of 30, she decided to turn her life around, utilizing methods like yoga, manifestation, and natural health practices. ...
Feb 25, 2025•24 min•Ep. 83
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Hero Within podcast , Karen Hall sits down with Skylar Sorkin, the founder and host of the Regardless podcast. Skylar shares her personal journey of resilience, grief and growth, highlighting how the word “regardless” became a transformative mindset during pivotal moments in her life. From navigating early career challenges to dealing with personal grief and the California wildfires, Skylar and Karen discuss how Skylar used this mantra to overcome a...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 82
Join host Karen Hall in this heartfelt episode of The Hero Within Podcast as she sits down with David Meltzer, a successful serial entrepreneur who married his dream girl, had 3 loving children yet hit rock bottom. David shares his emotional journey of overcoming life's adversities, the pivotal role his wife played in his transformation, and his healing journey to learn to release his hate for his father, his mother and others, including himself. Join us as he shares his personal transformation ...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 80
Send us a text What happens when you step onto a stage with your heart pounding and your mind going blank? In this heartfelt episode, host Karen Hall vulnerably recounts her deeply personal behind-the-scenes emotional journey of facing her fears and overcoming her public speaking anxiety to deliver an impactful speech at SPEAK Faith event in NY. Joining her is the empathetic and insightful Barbie Ray, who witnessed Karen’s journey firsthand and shares her own valuable observations. Karen dives d...
Aug 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 79
Send us a text In this powerful and inspiring episode of The Hero Within Podcast, host Karen Hall sits down with bestselling author Dan Armstrong for a heartfelt conversation about surviving bullying, overcoming adversity, the power of gratitude, and the profound impact of a mother's love. Dan shares his remarkable journey from a child struggling with a speech impediment from his cleft palate and facing relentless bullying to becoming a multi-bestselling, successful author, speaker, and inspirat...
Jul 18, 2024•53 min•Ep. 78
Send us a text What happens when ambition meets unwavering support and strategic brilliance? Visionary entrepreneur Aaron Young learned valuable lessons from his hardworking parents. From a young enterpriser at 18, driven by financial desperation, to becoming a leader who has guided over 100,000 entrepreneurs and in his successful firm, Laughlin USA, Aaron's strategic vision and business acumen have transformed his multiple ventures into multimillion-dollar successes. Aaron shares a glimpse of h...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 77
Send us a text In Part 2, Symone Fairchild and I unpack the transformational power of overcoming with divine support. Symone founded Eye on DV, and is creating a sanctuary for those battered by abuse, proving that even in the clutches of darkness, faith can be the beacon leading to empowerment and renewal. Be sure to hear Part 1. Symone is an actress with a deep-rooted connection to God, who guides her and enables her every step of her life. With Him, she faced and conquered fears, leading to a ...
May 01, 2024•26 min•Ep. 76
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how someone can transform the deepest pain into their greatest strength? Simone Fairchild, a survivor turned advocate and force for good, shares how she has transformed her pain into purpose, with me, Karen Hall, the host of The Hero Within Podcast. In part 1 of 2, she describes her extraordinary story of overcoming domestic abuse and empowering others to reclaim their life. Symone's candor about her past abuse and her path to healing, intertwined with spiri...
Mar 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 75
Send us a text In today's episode, we delve into how Austrian psychotherapist Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, and Jose Pereira, a former hostage in Venezuela, found meaning in deplorable conditions and circumstances. Frankl's philosophy emphasized finding meaning through creative pursuits, service to others, contradictory experiences, decisions, spiritual connection, and perceived meaningless tasks. Similarly, Pereira found ways to cope during his hostage years. Likewise, we can apply these...
Feb 09, 2024•15 min•Ep. 74
Send us a text Imagine being on the brink of an ordinary business trip, only for it to spiral into a tale of survival against all odds. This episode brings to light the arresting narrative of Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk, a Citgo oil and gas executive in the US, whose life was changed forever when he was falsely imprisoned in Venezuela on espionage charges. Jose describes the eerie forewarning that presaged his ordeal, and the subsequent struggle for sustenance within the walls of a Caracas prison...
Jan 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 73
Send us a text Discover a tapestry of human experience as we share intimate conversations with Mary Taylor, the resilient president of Pro-Life Utah, on this episode of our podcast. Her personal odyssey from a pro-choice perspective to a staunch pro-life advocate following her own abortion, reveals the intricate complexities of unexpected pregnancy and the healing journey that ensues. Mary bravely opens up about the emotional turmoil and the misinformation that clouded her decisions, casting a l...
Jan 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 72
Send us a text Reflecting on a year of profound narratives, I, Karen Hall, invite you to join in our celebration of the Hero Within podcast's first anniversary. We revisit Rusty Labushagne's journey of wrongful imprisonment and his extraordinary path to forgiveness, showcasing the indomitable strength of faith. It's a moment to acknowledge the inspirational tales that have woven themselves into the tapestry of our lives, as I share my own connections to these stories, drawing parallels with reve...
Jan 11, 2024•8 min•Ep. 71
Send us a text Have you ever looked at a candy cane and seen more than just a sweet treat? Join me, Karen Hall, in our special Christmas minisode as we unwrap the hidden depths of holiday symbols that enrich the festive season with sacred meaning. As a mother, I've found these emblems to be a powerful way to teach my children about the love and light of the Savior, and I'm excited to share these stories with you. We're journeying beyond the jingles and the tinsel to rediscover the poignant remin...
Dec 25, 2023•8 min•Ep. 70
Send us a text Ever found yourself grappling with the commercialization of Christmas, struggling to keep Christ at the heart of your celebrations? In our latest episode, we explore this challenge with an inspiring conversation with Kathryn McAdam, the host of Unstoppable Joy. We delve into some practical tips for maintaining a Christ-centered focus during the holiday season - from breaking free from the pursuit of holiday perfection to cherishing nostalgic traditions like family caroling. Kathry...
Dec 18, 2023•31 min•Ep. 69
Send us a text Are you ready for a life-altering journey towards positivity? Join us in this powerful episode as we unravel the transformative power of gratitude. Tune in, sit back and prepare to reshape your understanding of your brain’s circuitry through the lens of gratitude. We tap into fascinating research that demonstrates how gratitude practices not only shift our focus from negative to positive but also lead to physiological and emotional benefits. We promise you, this episode will chang...
Nov 29, 2023•20 min•Ep. 68
Send us a text Ever wondered how to unlock the transformative power of gratitude? I'm Karen Hall, and I invite you to join me for an enlightening episode of the Hero Within podcast. As we gear up for Thanksgiving, we reflect on the term 'gratitude' and its profound impact on both our physical and mental health. We discuss enlightening studies conducted by the University of California Davis and the University of Pennsylvania, revealing the ways an active expression of appreciation can boost our p...
Nov 15, 2023•6 min•Ep. 67
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how faith can provide strength during the darkest times? Join me, your host Karen Hall, as I sit down with Dirk and Sharla Gardner in a deeply moving episode. This courageous couple opens up about their heart-wrenching journey - from their son's cancer diagnosis, through his treatment, grappling with unanswered prayers, and learning to accept the Lord's will. Their story is a beacon of hope, resilience, and healing, even when faced with the unthinkable. The ...
Nov 08, 2023•25 min•Ep. 66
Send us a text What if you suddenly lost your job of 17 years, and your child was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, all without the safety net of medical insurance? I invite you to join me as I sit down with Dirk and Sharla Gardner, a couple who faced these horrific trials head on. Their story unfolds, filled with suspense, hardship, and unexpected blessings. Dirk and Sharla reveal the power of love and faith as they navigate the stormy seas of life, as they turn toward the Lord, forging a p...
Oct 30, 2023•23 min•Ep. 65
Send us a text Feeling the weight of the world's tragedies? You're not alone. In the latest episode of Hero Within, I, your host Karen Hall, share my own struggles with grief and the overwhelming feelings that come with bearing witness to the hardship pervading the world. We dive into the importance of acknowledging pain instead of rushing to find a quick fix, and discuss the power of self-validation and grace in navigating these trying times. As we move deeper into the conversation, we transiti...
Oct 19, 2023•13 min•Ep. 64
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how faith, hope, and love can guide us through the darkest chapters of our lives? In this thought-provoking episode, we will journey through the harsh realities of mental health struggles as we commemorate World Mental Health Day. We will discuss the power of taking action in times of despair, inspired by the profound words of poet Donna Ashworth. Join me as I sit with Lark Dean Galli, a courageous woman who faced the unbearable losses of her father and son ...
Oct 12, 2023•26 min•Ep. 63
Send us a text Content warning: This episode discusses death by suicide, and viewer discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. Join us in this poignant dialogue as Lark Dean Galley, a mother and grandmother, courageously uncovers the layers of her healing process after her son's suicide. With grace and authenticity, Lark shows us how gratitude and connection served as her lighthouses in the stormy seas of adver...
Oct 03, 2023•26 min•Ep. 62
Send us a text Content warning: This episode discusses death by suicide, and viewer discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. What does it look like to navigate the tumultuous seas of grief, and can a tragic loss lead to profound transformation? Today, our courageous guest, Lark Dean Galley, opens up about her journey through the heart-wrenching experience of losing her son to suicide. Her story is raw, deeply...
Sep 24, 2023•24 min•Ep. 61
Send us a text Content warning. Today's episode covers the topic of death by suicide and listener discretion is advised. If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the suicide hotline 988. Have you ever wondered how to navigate the painful journey of grief and loss following suicide? Join me, Karen Hall, as I sit down with the courageous Lark Dean Galley, who vulnerably opens up about her personal experiences with the tragedies of suicide. Lark shares her re...
Sep 20, 2023•26 min•Ep. 60
Send us a text Get ready for an insightful talk as I, Karen Hall, your host, reflect on my conversation with the vibrant and award-winning comedian, Jason Hewlett. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the profound landscape of promises, integrity, and their impacts on our lives. We reflect on Jason's book, 'The Promise to the One', exploring the essentiality of personal commitments, a reflection of our values, and the implications of broken promises. Be sure to listen to previous episodes 57 ...
Sep 12, 2023•15 min•Ep. 59
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how maintaining integrity and fulfilling promises could shape your life? Well, let's begin our journey with Jason Hewlett, an award-winning comedian, entertainer, and world-class performer. Jason unpacks his life stories and the essence of keeping promises, as well as how his faith steered his actions, especially when dealing with broken promises. Brace yourself as we delve deeper into the realms of forgiveness and personal growth. We dissect the valid ways ...
Sep 05, 2023•34 min•Ep. 58
Send us a text Get ready to have your spirits lifted as we sit down with the extraordinary Jason Hewlett, an award-winning entertainer with a knack for finding and sharing joy. This one-of-a-kind comedian reveals how he discovered his unique gifts and developed his career on stage. Through the ICM process (Identify, Clarify, Magnify), Jason helps you uncover your own signature moves and shares the importance of mentorship in his journey. The episode takes a heartwarming turn as we delve into the...
Sep 05, 2023•32 min•Ep. 57
Send us a text Ever wonder why victims of abuse often remain with their abusers? The answer may lie in an insidious psychological phenomenon known as trauma bonds. We discuss research and Patrick Carnes' book, "Betrayal Bond: Breaking Free of Exploitive Relationships." These unhealthy emotional ties, forged in fear and a primal need to survive, can be incredibly difficult to break. Join us as we shed light on their chilling formation, from the manipulative love-bombing stage to the point where t...
Aug 31, 2023•32 min•Ep. 56
Send us a text Unearth the transformative power of ketamine therapy with our guest Kristi Christensen, a brave survivor of complex PTSD. As she illuminates the shortcomings of traditional talk therapy, it becomes clear that for individuals with severe trauma, the path to healing might require a different approach altogether. Kristi shares her deeply personal journey, revealing how ketamine treatments have been a beacon of hope in the darkness, through neuroregenerative connection to the prefront...
Aug 26, 2023•20 min•Ep. 55
Send us a text What if you could transform your deepest traumas into your greatest strengths? What if the darkest moments in your life could be the catalyst to profound healing and empowerment? This episode is a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever experienced abuse or trauma. We sit down with the courageous Kristi Christensen, who shares her inspiring journey of escaping an abusive relationship and healing from complex PTSD. Her powerful story is a testament to the resilience of the human spi...
Aug 22, 2023•24 min•Ep. 54
Send us a text Imagine being abducted at the tender age of two, only to be thrust into an intense six-year escape with your father and brother. This was the reality for our guest, Kristi Christensen, who unveils her chilling tale of life on the run, including survival in the remote Ozark Mountains. She provides an intimate glimpse into the manipulative tactics employed by her mother - a diagnosed sociopath and narcissist- and how her father became her unwavering protector amidst the chaos. As we...
Aug 15, 2023•24 min•Ep. 53
