Send us a text Have you ever witnessed the transformation of pain into empowerment? That's precisely what Caitlin Avery, author, actress, and beacon of resilience, unveils as she narrates her harrowing journey through the shadows of sexual assault towards the dawn of healing. She's not only discussing her new book "Life of Cyn" but also bringing to light the heart-wrenching reality of her past, marked by a story of survival that's bound to stir your soul and challenge your spirit. In the raw exc...
May 16, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Send us a text Have you ever felt the ground crumble beneath you, with a world you built turning into a cage? Our courageous guest lays bare her soul, recounting the heartache of a toxic marriage, the loss of a child, and the fortitude required to rebuild from the ruins. Through her powerful letter to her ex-husband, she takes us on an emotional odyssey that defies the pain of betrayal and the suffocation of societal expectations. Hers is a tale not just of survival, but of metamorphosis, choosi...
May 09, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Send us a text Embarking on an intimate odyssey of the human spirit, we're honored to share the recording studio with Ashley, a survivor whose life narrative is a testament to the indomitable will to overcome harrowing life events. This episode is not merely another story; it's a beacon of resilience, as Ashley recounts the tumult of her New Orleans childhood, a web of trauma, and the shocking discovery of a trafficking scandal in her family. Her voice lends itself to the silent echoes of many, ...
May 02, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 144
Send us a text When David Keck recounts his survival from a violent hate crime, it's not just a story—it's a testament to human resilience in the face of unspeakable adversity. His journey, marked by an assault that left him reeling, is a stark reminder of the pervasive issues of victim-blaming and the misinformation that trails in the wake of such events. As David shares his narrative, the conversation reveals the harsh realities facing survivors of sexual violence and hate crimes, particularly...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 143
Send us a text When life throws a curveball that could strike us out, some extraordinary individuals manage to hit a home run against all odds. Kijuan Ameys story is one such tale. From the disciplined skies of the Air Force as an in-flight refueling specialist to the immense challenges of recovery after a catastrophic motorcycle accident, Kijuan's journey is a lesson in resilience. He opens up about the day that changed his life and the subsequent fight to reclaim his identity, offering a raw a...
Apr 18, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 142
Send us a text When Angela Briones visits our studio, the air crackles with the power of storytelling and the collective heartbeat of the LGBTQ+ community. As Angela unfolds her coming out journey, she invites us into a world where communication opens doors to understanding and chosen families form out of necessity and love. This episode is a tapestry woven from personal revelations, where my own reflections on contemplating marriage with my partner Cody interlace with Angela's insights, creatin...
Apr 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 141
Send us a text When the scars of childhood trauma lie hidden beneath the surface, the journey to healing can be as complex as the wounds themselves. Merle Yost, a licensed psychotherapist, steps into our circle to reveal the layers of pain and resilience that follow sexual abuse. His voice is both a whisper of vulnerability and a roar of strength, guiding us through the labyrinth of a man's struggle with societal expectations of masculinity and the profound ways trauma intertwines with one's sen...
Apr 04, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 140
Send us a text As we pay homage to the memory of our friend and ex-Scientologist Doug, we also shine a light on the harrowing yet critical issue of global child trafficking, with the guidance of our esteemed guest, Kelly Galindo. Her project "26 Seconds" reveals the often hidden trauma and abuse that festers in the shadows of society, from the unexpected corners of Orange County to the war-torn regions where ISIS preyed on Yazidi and Christian girls. Kelly, a seasoned film professor and director...
Mar 28, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Send us a text As we navigate the turbulent waters of trauma and seek the shores of justice, this episode stands as a beacon, illuminating the struggles and triumphs within the human spirit. We pay homage to our late friend and tireless advocate, Doug Scott Kramer, whose absence is profoundly felt, and whose legacy continues to resonate. Joining us as we discuss Scientology and the Masterson trial articulates not just the personal cost of such ordeals but also the profound courage required to co...
Mar 21, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 138
Send us a text Have you ever felt shackled by your past, unsure how to break free and thrive? Jana Wilson, an emotional healing educator with a rich 19-year journey, provides an illuminating beacon of hope for those entangled in the grip of childhood trauma. With her, we explore the transformation from a tumultuous upbringing to a life devoted to guiding others through their emotional tumult. Her methods reveal a dance between the realms of psychology and spirituality, informed by her collaborat...
Mar 14, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 137
Send us a text Have you ever felt like just another cog in someone’s emotional machinery? Phoenix Gould, a coach with an intimate understanding of the narcissistic mind, joins us to unravel the perplexing web of narcissistic relationships. Born from a personal history of entanglement with a narcissistic mother, Phoenix brings clarity to the manipulative tactics these individuals employ, whether consciously or unconsciously. Together, we dissect the analogy of people as appliances to narcissists,...
Mar 07, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Send us a text Have you ever felt trapped by the invisible chains of your past, wondering if there's a path to freedom? Kristin Watson joins us in a raw and impactful narrative of breaking free from a life once dictated by a strict religious upbringing and the loss that came with it. Her voice reverberates with the courage of a mother, a wife, and a survivor, shining a light on the dark corners of religious manipulation and the power of reclaiming one's narrative. This episode is a mosaic of str...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 135
Send us a text When the blinds close, the stories we shield from the world often remain untold, but today, they find their voice. Joining me is the remarkable Holly Korhorn, a TikTok influencer and fresh voice in the podcasting universe, who bravely peels back the curtain on her life as an autistic mother juggling PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Our conversation navigates through the healing waters of her new podcast, "Close the Blind," illustrating the cathartic power of raw storytelling and the...
Feb 22, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 134
Send us a text When the world seems to weigh heavily upon our shoulders, stories of resilience can light the path through darkness. Our latest episode is a testament to that very spirit, Dr. Evelyn Higgins of Wired BioHealth shares her personal journey. Their story, intertwined with professional insights on the science of pain and addiction, illuminates the individuality of trauma and the pioneering use of biomarkers for custom-fit mental health treatments. It's a powerful reminder that while ou...
Feb 15, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 133
Send us a text Caleb, a Des Moines-based therapist, steps into the spotlight sharing not just his expertise, but a slice of his own journey with us. The resonance in his voice when discussing the intricate dance between trauma and its lasting marks on our psyche is undeniable. He takes us behind the curtains, revealing how trauma intricately weaves itself into the fabric of our being, affecting everything from our mental health to our brain's very structure. This isn't just a conversation—it's a...
Feb 08, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 132
Send us a text When Anna Nasset speaks, you can't help but be engulfed by her story of transformation from victim to a beacon of hope for others. Her narrative, which stretches from the quiet scenery of Washington to Vermont's protective Green Mountains, is not just a tale of personal endurance but also a rallying cry for awareness. Our latest podcast episode gives voice to Anna's incredible journey of surviving a stalker whose actions led to the most severe stalking sentence in U.S. history, he...
Feb 01, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Send us a text When the ground beneath you gives way, it's your roots that determine whether you stand or fall. Jacob Fraser, once Beau Delacroix, joins us to share the profound shifts in his life's landscape, from uprooting past abuse to replanting in the fertile soil of therapy and introspection. His narrative isn't just a story of survival; it's a blueprint for blooming in the face of adversity, offering listeners a map through the sometimes treacherous terrain of personal growth and relation...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 130
Send us a text Cindy Benezra, an author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and sexual abuse advocate. Cindy shares her personal experiences with sexual abuse and how she turned that into a platform for awareness and inspiration called "Cindy Talks." She emphasizes the power of forgiveness, resilience, and communication in dealing with her trauma. The podcast host shares and links his personal experiences with Cindy's, leading to a raw, open and impactful exchange. https://cindytalks.com/ http...
Jan 18, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Send us a text In this interview, Alyse, a survivor of domestic abuse, entrepreneur, author, and CEO, shares her intensely personal journey overcoming generational poverty and trauma to empower others in similar circumstances. She candidly discusses her foundation, Redefined, which has raised millions in scholarships for underprivileged children, as well as her forthcoming memoir, 'The Anger She Keeps.' She bravely details her experiences with the court system, the struggles in proving her case,...
Jan 11, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Send us a text In this Surviving Podcast episode, we hear an emotional conversation about trauma, gender identity, military service, and survival. Join our guest, Azarea as they courageously share their personal journey of trauma which began with sexual abuse at eight years old followed by internal conflicts within their gender identity. Azareal also discusses their struggles with survivor guilt from their military service under the era of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. In the end, find hope as Azarea...
Jan 04, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Send us a text Few of us have been through the wringer as profoundly as our guest, TJ Butler. This courageous trauma survivor and author gives us an up-close and personal look into her experiences in the adult industry, along with the trials and triumphs of growing up amid domestic violence and aging out of foster care. Our conversation dances between powerful themes of boundary-setting, forgiveness, and the long journey of unpacking trauma. We’ll journey through uncharted territory as we discus...
Dec 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Send us a text Ever felt shackled by past traumas and haunted by grief? Unravel the journey of John Henry Parker, the author of "Be the Dawn in the Darkness", as he shares how he transformed his life marked by an abusive childhood into a beacon of resilience and self-love. Join us as we delve into his harrowing experiences, the safe haven he found in his great aunt Gladys, and his perseverance to break free from a vicious cycle of generational abuse. We venture into discussions about overcoming ...
Dec 21, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Send us a text Picture this: You're finally escaping a toxic relationship, but the echoes of trauma still haunt you. This scenario isn't just a plot of a movie, it's the real-life narrative our brave guest lived through. Tune into our latest episode where we walk this journey alongside her, dissecting the red flags she initially ignored and the immense societal pressure she faced to conform, which kept her entrapped in a destructive relationship. Ever wondered how one comes out of an abusive rel...
Dec 14, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 124
Send us a text Do you ever wonder about the power of resilience and the importance of confronting past pain to heal? Have you ever considered the role of speaking up and its pivotal importance in holding people accountable for their actions? Join us for a riveting conversation with Sheyenne Straub, author of her debut memoir Honey Circle and Cigarettes, as we navigate through an emotional journey of trauma, shame, resilience, and healing. We explore Sheyenne's painful experiences dealing with se...
Dec 08, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Send us a text Surviving Podcasts: In-Depth Conversation with Judy Foreman, Mental Health Advocate, In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with our esteemed guest, Judy Foreman. Judy is a long-time journalist, author of many books including her memoir. She shares insights into her advocacy for mental health and her experience teaching memoir writing. She also opens up about her traumatic experiences growing up and how therapy played an immense role in her healing process. Judy further...
Nov 23, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Send us a text Overcoming Domestic Violence: Exclusive Interview with Lianne Torres An enlightening and inspiring interview with Lianne Torres, a domestic violence survivor and advocate. Lianne shares her personal journey to overcoming trauma and provides insights into the creation of her podcast - Watch Us Thrive. She discusses how her podcast is a platform where people can share their stories of overcoming obstacles and finding purpose in their pain. Lianne explains her growth in the past two ...
Nov 16, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Send us a text What would you do if you were struck by the most unimaginable tragedy? Bill Mitchell, a grieving father, shares his raw journey of loss and resilience this week. As we navigate through the narrative of his daughter's heartbreaking murder, we uncover the complex layers of a criminal justice system that seems to favor leniency over justice. Bill provides a firsthand account of the pain of losing a child and the complex legal battles that follow. Our conversation also delves into the...
Nov 09, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Send us a text Ever been caught in the vice-like grip of trauma? Does it threaten to consume your relationships, health, and outlook on life? Our special guest, Dr. Don St John, casts light on the profound impact trauma can have, drawing from his own haunting tale of pain and resilience. From a life forged in the furnace of abuse, he has risen to become a beacon of hope, blazing a trail of recovery and healing. Join us as we navigate through the stormy seas of trauma and its ripple effects on ou...
Nov 02, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Send us a text What if you could turn your darkest experiences into a beacon of hope and strength? Join us as we talk to TJ Butler, the remarkable writer behind the profound book, Dating Silky Maxwell. From a tumultuous childhood marked by domestic violence and alcoholism to being placed in foster care at 13, TJ’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. TJ opens up about her path from working in the adult business to corporate America and eventually finding solace in a creative atmosphere wit...
Oct 26, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Send us a text In this gut-wrenching episode, we sit down with Jesse Riley, the voice of the Voiceless, as she recounts the harrowing journey her family has endured following the murder of her brother, Joshua Daniel Pacheco. The tragedy took place in October 2016, with the wrong man arrested and spending eight months in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Jesse opens up about Joshua's tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, the unsettling inconsistencies in the investigation, and the impact ...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 117
