Hard Knocks Podcast

I was super excited about this episode! I chat with Paul, a gay man about his life. Get ready for some ups and downs and crazy twists and turns! So good! Paul talks about abandonment issues from his mom, coming out as gay to his dad and school, marrying a woman, adopting two kids with his wife, divorce, marrying a man, divorce again and cancer.

In this episode, I chat with Cathy about how she grew up with only brothers, which in turn made her a pretty private person when it came to big, hard things in her life.. Things like struggling with infertility for years and having miscarriage after miscarriage, as well as thyroid cancer and divorce.

In this episode, I chat with Tyler about being unemployed and not being able to find a job, even with several degrees, which led him to be a stay-at-home dad. He also has struggled with a food addiction and then lost 100 pounds!

In this episode, I talk with Corina about how the physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse she endured for 13 years of her childhood affected her in adulthood. Namely in intimate settings.

In this episode, Nancy share about the chronic illnesses that both her and her husband deal with on a daily basis. We also talk a lot about having anxiety and how to do with it, support someone who struggles with it and ultimately live happier!

In this episode, I chat with Kristen about a slew of medical issues she's faced since she was just a teenager. From a car accident resulting in a pulled groin to a breast cancer scare to almost dying of MRSA to being diagnosed with MS and everything in between.

In this episode, I share all about the stats of the podcast from 2019.

In this episode, I chat with Tracy, a mother who shares her daughter's story. Unfortunately, the story ended in a self-inflicted fatality. She shares how it all unfolded, as well as lots of great advice and things that we can learn from.

In this episode, I chat with Emily about a verbally abusive marriage, to which she admits she stayed in for too long. She also shares about her son's addictions to drugs and alcohols, as well as the multiple invisible illnesses her daughter suffers from. On top of that, Emily is now helping take care of her ex-husband as he battles with stage 4 cancer.

In this episode, I chat with Shataya about her parent's divorce when she was 14, depression and an almost suicide attempt, meeting her son's biological father after High School, getting pregnant when she always swore up and down that she never wanted kids, postpartum depression, breaking up with the father, meeting her current husband, helping him deal with his alcoholism, a nasty custody battle with her husband's son that nearly ended their marriage and how she copes naturally with all of these things to stay healthy and sane.

In this episode, I chat with Kelsey about some medical issues she had when she was a child and how the medication caused her to gain a lot of weight, which in turn, led her to be bullied for it. We also talk about the losses she's had, her marriages and divorces and what it's like to be a single mom of twins.

In this episode, I chat with Lindsay about the loss of her father and two older brothers, as well as sexual abuse by one of those brothers. Lindsay talks about her mom's mental health problems, as well as an abusive relationship. All of these things have affected her throughout her life. She shares how she is able to cope with all of it.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Kati about the sexual abuse she endured as a young child, as well as the abandonment she felt by her mom as a child and teenager. Those things together really affected her and the way she viewed herself. She was constantly searching for love and always felt unworthy. After meeting her husband and trying to start a family, they have been on a roller coaster ride. Kati has struggled with infertility and has lost two sets of twins - the last miscarriage nearly destroyed her.

In this episode, I talk with Tasia about life after loss. She did her first episode (#39) where she talked about the loss of her precious baby girl, Holland, to Trisomy 18. Tasia shares about getting pregnant again, what it's like to have to resume life and mom guilt.

In this episode, Michelle shares briefly about her learning disability, a long-term abusive relationship and her infertility diagnosis. It was a combination of all those things that led her to become a self-published author.

In this episode, I answer the random questions that I ask each guest at the end of every episode.

In this episode, I chat with Ty about how the challenges he faced growing up in poverty, as well as being born with a cleft lip and palate. We also talk about how his father came back into his life randomly one day when he was a teenager, then died just a few short years later. When he got older, he became his mom's caretaker and he talks about the challenges that came along with that.

In this episode, I chat with "Isabella" about how her parent's nasty divorce at age 15 affected nearly every aspect of her life. During the divorce, there were literal death threats, as well as lots of other emotional abuse and some physical abuse. Isabella was always a good girl, but found herself doing some things that were self-sabotaging. When she realized it, she worked hard to repair all of the relationships she had lost and kicked the bad ones to the curb. She got pregnant at age 18, married the father, moved away from the small town they grew up in. Isabella shares all the things she learned during those trying times and how she has been able to forgive.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Viva about the abuse, both physical and emotional, she suffered as a child by her mother and the sexual abuse by a well-respected uncle. It took Viva years to be able to realize that the sexual abuse really did happen. She shares how those things have affected all parts of her life.

In this episode, I chat with Meghan about dealing with depression and anxiety. She believes it started when she was just 10 years old and bullied for her weight. Meghan was officially diagnosed with depression about 15 years ago and went through a ton of medications before she found the one that was right for her. A series of toxic relationships led her to have a huge mental breakdown. In turn, she lost her job and insurance. Her mom called a crisis team and after lots more trial and error, she was finally able to get the correct help she needed.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Emily about going through a three year divorce and how they ended up being friends in the end. Emily shares the other things she struggled through during that time and the things people said to her that helped her get back on her feet.

In this episode, I chat with Annie about her son's drug addiction that started when he was just a Junior in High School. Annie's own mother fed into her son's addiction by covering for him, keeping secrets for him and even taking him to get pills. This episode is a mother's perspective on her child's drug abuse and the great lengths Annie went to to investigate and prevent his addiction from going any further.

In this episode, I chat with Brandy about how growing up very sheltered and gendered (meaning girls did only certain things and boys did only certain things) affected her life as she got older. Once she was 18, she did all the things she'd never been allowed to do. Shortly after that, she found herself pregnant and in a sexually abusive relationship. After a chat with her therapist, she worked up the courage to leave him. She was still doing many self-destructive things and landed in jail. It was after she found out that her daughter had been sexually abused that she finally began to change. Brandy went on to remarry, have two more kids and get her Master's degree in Social Work.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Instagram Facebook page If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I read a story that an anonymous guest wrote in about her experience with abortion. She shares about when she found out she was pregnant, how she felt, how she tried to work through her tough feelings, but ultimately chose the decision of getting an abortion. She shares her raw and real feelings on this topic.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Instagram Facebook page If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Emily about the project she started called - The Kindness Matters Project. There are eight different shirts to represent the word "kindness" and they each say something different, but encouraging. There is also a wonderful message on the back of every shirt. Emily's goal with this project is to help others - kids, parents, teachers, etc. - to recognize the good. For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Instagram Facebook page If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Kirsten about two sexual assaults that happened to her - one that she hid for nearly 40 years. We also talked about her husband's porn addiction and the shocking truth that it revealed about her. Kirsten also talked about her experience with a miscarriage. She offers lots of great advice on how to make your marriage strong and how to get through a pornography addiction.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode I chat with Katelin about what it's like to be the single mom of two daughters only 14 months apart by two different fathers. She shares the struggles that she faces with her own self-image and how she has overcome some things that people, including one of the fathers, has said to her.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Kenzie about having Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) while pregnant. I am so glad she reached out to me offering to share her story about this because it is not something that is widely known or talked about. Kenzie shares about how she lost nearly 35 pounds, was throwing up 15-20 times a day, constantly passing out, being put on Home Health, getting a feeding tube and being so sick and miserable that at some points, she just wished she could die.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with an anonymous guest that we'll call Ava. Ava tells her story of being molested by multiple people - a neighbor, her father and brother. Because of all this, she suffers from depression and anxiety. In 8th grade, she started cutting herself and later in life she considered taking her own life. Ava became addicted to drugs and partying at 16 and then found herself pregnant. She is now a single mom of a child with Autism.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, you'll meet Natalie. She talks about how she was able to get out of her marriage with an alcoholic, finding a new husband and suffering with infertility, including a stillborn son. You'll also hear Natalie talk about the loss of her sister, the shocking story behind what led her to home-school her children and at the end, how all of this led her to become an author.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

Marty himself was abused and became an abuser. He was a narcissist through and through. When it came time to choose between this behavior or his son, he chose his son. He was desperate for help. For someone to speak up about this. But there was no one that could relate to him directly. "There was lots of help for people who had been abused. But there was none for people who had been abusive." Marty is changing the waves by speaking out and showing that it is possible for a narcissist to change if they want it bad enough.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Rebecca about how at 18 years old, she finally learned the truth. The truth about the man she had always known as dad. He wasn't really her dad. To the outsiders, that was totally obvious because he was black and she was white, but she had grown up always thinking this was her father, despite the differences in their skin color. This led to an identity crisis and some anxiety. Michelle has struggled with all of the unknowns.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with an anonymous guest that we'll call "Olivia." Olivia shares what it was like to be married to a narcissist and how she was manipulated and made to believe that she was crazy. Olivia was finally able to realize what was going on in her marriage and filed for divorce.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my friend McKel about several things. First we started out talking about how she found out that her dad was actually her step-dad. She later did find her biological father and several siblings. McKel shares about a very toxic and emotionally abusive relationship she was in. She was pregnant before marriage and once she did marry, she became a Military wife. McKel shares the struggles that come along with that. She also gets into her anxiety and lastly, a miscarriage she suffered.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Michelle about the murder of her sister. Michelle feels like the news stations did not do a good job of portraying who Melanie really was. She was more than just a drug addict. Michelle shares how they did their own detective work because the cops weren't taking the situation too seriously until a couple months after they had reported her missing. You'll hear the sad truth of what really happened.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I share all the questions and answers that I asked you amazing supporters a bunch of parenting-related questions on Instagram. Thank you to those who participated and responded!   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Carolina (care-oh-lee-nuh) about how she grew up in poverty with her mother, who also suffered from OCD and bipolar disorder. Carolina always knew she was a mistake and carried a lot of blame around from things her mother would say. Carolina suffered sexual assault by her grandfather, moved out of the house when she was 16 with two garbage bags and eventually cut ties with both of her parents.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

An episode you've all been waiting for! I chat with Colton, the husband of Jenessa (from episode 16, who admits she had an affair), to hear his side of the story. Colton also shares other things from his life, such as a nearly fatal motocross accident, being suicidal, serving a partial LDS mission and then, of course, about his marriage.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Amanda about what it was like to be 17 years old, seeing a fertility doctor. From there, we talk about her diagnosis of PCOS, infertility, a very sad miscarriage and how she and her husband heal through this hard season of life.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Heather from @divinelysensitive on IG. She shares what it's like to be a highly sensitive person and how she deals with it herself, as well as with her children. Heather also talks about different types of empaths (I'm really curious - which type are you??) and intertwined throughout are ways to find beauty in life.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I talk with Stacie about the severe emotional and physical abuse she endured as a small child, by the hands and mouth of her step-dad. Stacie shares how it has affected her to this day and what triggers her PTSD, as well as an abortion she had as a teenager. Please note that this episode is sad and very raw. You will for sure need tissues.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Breanne about the loss of her brother as a teenager, her parent's divorce that shortly followed, sexual assault of her friend by her father and finding herself while trying to navigate through all of this. For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

After four years of trying to get pregnant, a miscarriage and five failed IVF cycles, Anita had basically given up. In this episode, Anita tells us about all the things she tried and did to get pregnant for years. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out what ended up working for her, not once, but twice!   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

Here's another amazing and super informative episode! I was excited to chat with Rebecca, a Social Worker, who specializes in Trafficking and Exploitation. Rebecca shares an experience of her own, as well as ways people are recruited and trafficked and what to look out for.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Jess from @jessisandgetsreal on IG. Jess talks about her two children that have several special needs, as well as her having some both mental and non-mental illnesses. Jess also attempted suicide in October 2018 and she shares her story on that and about her time in the psych ward.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

I absolutely loved this opportunity with my sweet son. This is an episode I will forever cherish. His answers were completely candid. I did not tell him any of these questions beforehand. His little voice. His stories. He even sings! Man. Ever since I started doing this podcast, Karsyn has been begging to do one. I had someone cancel, so I had a free day and he was happier than a pig in you know what. Every couple of days since we've recorded, he's asked if it has gone live yet. He's going to be thrilled this time when I can say yes! For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I talk all about business. I know it's not really considered a "Hard Knock" in life, but running your own business is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be super hard, but also super rewarding. Listen to the lessons I've learned as well as some tips and tricks that I share. For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Micah. I found her through a hashtag on Instagram. Micah shares her story of how she always had the heart for people with special needs. She knew that was her calling in life. Micah also shares about how it affects her marriage and biological children, as well as what she does for her foster children and how she ended up adopting two of them. If you are a foster parent, have adopted a child, have a child with special needs, or just want more info on any or all of these subjects, this episode is for you! It was very informative. For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Bre about being raised by a single mom, moving as a teenager and the struggles that came with that, being in an unhealthy relationship with someone who was mentally and physically abusive and a marriage that ended in divorce, which led to her being a single mother. For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with Tasia about the loss of her sweet baby girl, Holland. She had Trisomy 18 and lived only a couple days. Tasia also talks about the loss of her grandpa, whom she was very close to. This is an episode where you'll definitely need tissues.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.

In this episode, I chat with my sister-in-law, Bailee. We talk about how she didn't know who her dad was until she was about 4 or 5 and what led to her meeting him. We also talk about how she was constantly in between houses growing up, as well as her young marriage right out of High School.   For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com. Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast Like the Facebook page FB.com/hardknockspocast If you have your own story to share, please send me a DM or email (hardknockspod@gmail). I would really love for you to sign up for email notifications on the website, as well as rating and subscribing to the podcast so that others can find the words they need to hear.