Life is a Ride---Overcoming Huge Challenges in Unconventional Ways

Brad Wetzler is author of the new book Into the Soul of the World: My Journey to Healing, a wonderful memoir about his travels around the world and how that ultimately became a powerful, life-healing journey. It's a fascinating conversation! Brad Wetzler is an author, journalist, podcaster, and yoga + mindfulness teacher, and writing mentor. He writes books (and articles) and hosts a podcast about adventure healing, emotional wellness, and faith & spirituality. Brad began his writing and publishing career serving as an editor at Outside magazine, where he worked with some of America's finest nonfiction writers. He later turned in his editor's pen for a writer's and traveled the world writing about adventure and exploration, business, politics, the environment, sports, and wellness. In midlife, after recovering from a long, debilitating depression, he became a certified yoga teacher and began exploring and writing about our inner landscape: psychology, spirituality, meditation, and yoga. 

Michelle Dowd, author of the new boo "Forager---Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult: a Memoir" joins the podcast to talk about her amazing journey.  About Michelle:  As a child, Michelle Dowd grew up on a mountain in the Angeles National Forest. She was born into an ultra-religious cult—or the Field as they called it—started in the 1930s by her grandfather, a mercurial, domineering, and charismatic man who convinced generations of young male followers that he would live 500 years and ascend to the heavens when doomsday came. Comfort and care are sins, Michelle is told. As a result, she was forced to learn the skills necessary to battle hunger, thirst, and cold; she learned to trust animals more than humans; and most importantly, she learned how to survive in the natural world. At the Field, a young Michelle lives a life of abuse, poverty, and isolation, as she obeys her family's rigorous religious and patriarchal rules—which are so extreme that Michelle is convinced her mother would sacrifice her, like Abraham and Isaac, if instructed by God. She often wears the same clothes for months at a time; she is often ill and always hungry for both love and food. She is taught not to trust Outsiders, and especially not Quitters, nor her own body and its warnings. But as Michelle gets older, she realizes she has the strength to break free. Focus on what will sustain, not satiate you, she tells herself. Use everything. Waste nothing. Get to know the intricacies of the land, like the intricacies of your body. And so she does. Using stories of individual edible plants and their uses to anchor each chapter, Forager is both a searing coming-of-age story and a meditation on the ways in which understanding nature can lead to freedom, even joy. 

Teona Ducre has to be one of the most inspirational humans I've ever spoken with. I hope you listen to this conversation about her cancer journey, and how she is helping others deal with this disease.  She's a hero---cancer didn't steal her joy! About Teona: Teona Ducre is a six year pancreatic cancer survivor from Atlanta, GA. She is a single mother of two adult children, Grant (22) and Sydney (19) and works for Pinnacle Health of Atlanta as a Physician Recruiter. Teona was diagnosed at the age of 41 on April 1, 2016 (yes, April Fool's Day!)  Her battle with pancreatic cancer included 6 months of very aggressive chemotherapy that successfully shrunk the tumor and made her eligible for surgery in November of 2016.The day before Thanksgiving 2016, Teona was released to go home and celebrate the holiday with her family and friends.  She then underwent another 5 months of chemotherapy until she was officially declared in remission.   Teona's motto throughout her cancer journey was “Cancer Can't Steal My Joy.”  Soon after getting diagnosed, Teona began volunteering with various organizations including Purple Pansies and  the Pancreatic Cancer Network (PanCAN) to advocate for all those impacted by this devastating disease.   Her volunteer work includes being a guest speaker at the Purple Pansies annual Gala and fundraiser, as well as being an Honorary Board Member of Purple Pansies. She has served as board member and executive director of Destroy Pancreatic Cancer Foundation of Atlanta. She has served in various roles with the Atlanta PanCAN affiliate, including participating in the planning of Purple Stride Atlanta, traveling to Washington DC on multiple occasions for National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill and serving as the Affiliate Chair, Affiliate Co-Chair and a 3 year member of the PanCAN Survivor Council. She also is the author of HealthFULLLife blog and uses social media to spread awareness about her battle with pancreatic cancer. In addition, Teona shares her story through attending speaking engagements and interviews for both print and broadcast media. She has been a guest on several Atlanta radio shows and on Atlanta Unplugged with WNBA player Tamara Young, whose father died of pancreatic cancer. Teona also appeared in a national interview on CBS with PanCAN CEO and President, Julie Fleishman. Teona celebrated a milestone 6 years in remission in 2022 and continues her volunteerism. As a woman of color, Teona is dedicated to educating Black and Brown communities about the disease and spreading awareness with the goal of bettering outcomes for the BIPOC community diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.   Through her involvement with Purple Pansies and other advocacy and health education roles,  Teona was inspired to pursue a career as a physician recruiter. She hopes to eventually complete her MPH degree to work more closely with nonprofit organizations and globally to improve health outcomes for People of Color. 

Actor, photographer, meditation teacher and now book author Jeff Kober joins the podcast to talk about all things meditation. Check out his new book EMBRACING BLISS: 108 Daily Meditations, found online wherever books are sold. Jeff can be reached at jeffkober.com

Dr. Paula C. Perez, author of the new book "49-Year Old Virgin: Delayed Not Denied" joins the podcast to talk about her unique story of waiting until the age of 49 to lose her virginity. It's a fascinating talk, with lessons for everyone. Dr. Paula C Perez is an author, educator, speaker, and leader committed to teaching, equipping and challenging people to live triumphantly, especially in the area of relationships.  She has worked with students of all ages. Paula is a retired principal. Currently she is an adjunct professor at the State University of New York in New Paltz. Dr. Paula works alongside her husband at their church in upstate New York. In addition, they are SYMBIS (saving your marriage before it starts) certified coaches. Last month, Dr. Paula published her memoir, 49-Year-Old Virgin: Delayed Not Denied. She is currently working on a companion workbook for individual and small group study entitled, Delayed Not Denied: A Relationship Guide. Paula can be found at www.paulacperez.com

Tim Gager joins the podcast to talk about his vast writing career, how addiction and recovery informed his writing (pre- and post-recovery), and discusses his latest two books and a potential upcoming limited mini-series.  Timothy Gager has published 18 books of fiction. He has had over 1000 works of fiction and poetry published, 17 nominated for the Pushcart Prize. His work also has been twice nominated for the Massachusetts Book Award, The Best of the Web, The Best Small Fictions Anthology and has been read on National Public Radio. Currently, a screenplay for his novel is under production consideration. Tim can be reached at: http://www.timothygager.com https://timothygager.blogspot.com/ Tim's books can be found on Amazon and other major online retailers, as well as at the following independent book store site: https://bookshop.org/p/books/joe-the-salamander-timothy-gager/18530606?ean=9781952232695&fbclid=IwAR3JPN_UUUQFqJs7bsUGVxN3CORAQ_PphZRkRxs1uCIHL3j58kyAwcGaPrw

Magic mushrooms for mental and emotional health? You betcha'!  Nicole Treadaway joins the Life is a Ride podcast to talk about the  healing and medicinal power of the plant medicine psilocybin. If you're interested in this treatment modality, please listen!About Nicole Treadaway:  Nicole travels the world assisting others in connecting to and remembering the love within their own heart… she helps her clients to heal the woundings they hold there… to melt away the walls they have built… the chains they are bound with… to open up to the love which she believes is the truth we are all created from. Nicole weaves in many healing modalities with her clients both online and in person… including sound therapy, intuitive channelled activations, coaching guidance and works deeply with the Sacred Plant Medicine, psilocybin.Nicole can be contacted at:Email        nicolegaia111@gmail.comInstagram    @nicolegaia111Facebook    Nicole Treadaway 

Shuna Morelli, author of the new book "Deactivate Your Survival Trances: Three Ways to Restore Your Life After Trauma" joins the podcast to talk about the work she is doing to help clients deal with and overcome trauma. BodyMind Bridge Institute Founder, Shuna Morelli is the author of three books in the BodyMind Bridge series, a professionally trained teacher, licensed massage therapist, and registered hypnotherapist with the Washington Department of Health. Shuna has developed the BodyMind Bridge System of Healing in response to the need for a more complete understanding of the effect that mind and emotion have on our physical healing.  Shuna can be reached at shunamorelli.com

Lisa Parker joins the podcast to talk about how and why she created Trilome, a truly unique experience not being offered anywhere else. It is a new process of bringing balance within the physical, emotional, and spiritual by using bodywork and psychedelics together in the same session. This work is  inspired by her own journey in finding healing from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, nightmares, and more. Check out this episode---Lisa is doing some pioneering work, stuff that most western medicine caregivers can't or won't do, or don't even know about. Lisa can be found at https://trilome.com/ ***This episode is not intended as a substitute for health, wellness, or medical advice. The listener should consult with a healing or medical professional in matters relating to their health and well-being, particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require immediate diagnosis or medical attention. Further, while this podcast is intended to provide unique stories and/or healing modalities that are not necessarily widely discussed, it is not an explicit endorsement of the practices, tools and methods discussed with each podcast guest.***     

Danny Carroll, a thriver/survivor of several different cancers, joins the podcast to talk about the role of trauma as a cause of cancer, his skepticism about western medicine, and how he believes Germanic New Medicine helped him and why this approach can be explored by anyone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Danny can be found at www.danny-carroll.com

Hayley Dubin joins the Life is a Ride podcast to talk about the role of cancer coaching in an integrative treatment plan. Hayley discusses her own cancer journey, and what prompted her to seek training to become a nutritional specialist and a cancer coach.  She also offers some key tips for those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer.   Hayley can be reached at revivewellness.com Her highly recommended podcast "The Cancer Liberation Project" is on all podcast platforms; the Spotify link is: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jiyOlHeS4fqsVDd9HyihH?si=06da262c6eb94351 To sign up for her workshop "The Cancer Thriver Summit", go to:  https://www.cancerwarrioress.com/cancer-thriver-summit

Long-time yoga teacher Bryan Kest joins Chris for an interview on the Life is a Ride Podcast. In addition to discussing how he got into yoga (when he was 15, and he's 57 now), Bryan talks about the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga. He also offers practical tips and advice for first-timers who are exploring yoga and meditation. More info on Bryan can be found at poweryoga.com

Stacy TenHouten---yoga teacher, writer and podcaster---joins the Life is a Ride podcast to discuss her journey as a yoga student and teacher, and how it led her to teach a trauma informed yoga practice. Stacy teaches yoga with an intention of offering tools to help navigate and alleviate stress, depression and anxiety, tools that students can implement in their daily lives as a means for healing trauma and maintaining a sense of well being. More about Stacy at: https://www.stacytenhoutenyoga.comhttps://santamonicayoga.comThe book "The House with Two Stories" can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578940582/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_2KTP5XC1K78Q2G49G9HF 

Musician, author, singer/songwriter...Cid Bullens has had quite the career over the decades. Our talk focused on the loss of Cid's daughter Jessie in the mid-90's, and the subsequent album "Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth" that emerged from Cid's grief. (Please note that there are a handful of sound issues, but they only last a couple of seconds each.) More info on Cid: https://www.facebook.com/cidnybullenscidnybullens.comtherefugeesmusic.com

Dan Schneider is a pharmacist and long-time advocate whose journey to avenge the death of his son – shining a bright light on the opioid epidemic in the United State in the process – is detailed in the 2020 Netflix docuseries, “The Pharmacist.” Dan's story shows how one person, after suffering a tremendous loss, can find a modicum of healing through the act of trying to save others. Dan's story is nothing short of amazing, and I hope you watch the Netflix series either before or after listening to this interview. Says Dan: “Some people watch things happen. Some people make things happen. And some people say ‘What happened?'” More information on Dan can be found at tunnelofhope.orgThe Netflix series "The Pharmacist" can be found at https://www.netflix.com/us/title/81002576?s=i&trkid=13747225&vlang=en&clip=81573487The Netflix series was based on the article in the New Orleans Times Picayune. That article can be found at https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_934b7d20-a78a-535a-8691-26cfc7f9bee7.html

Kimberly Kaye joins the Life is a Ride podcast to discuss overcoming a deadly illness that she was diagnosed with over 20 years ago, and how she used that experience to find  a way to help others struggling with their health.  Kimberly and Chris also discuss the state of the American health care system, Covid and obesity, and how Americans can find ways to improve their health and well-being. Kimberly is a certified functional medicine health coach, functional nutritionist, and trainer who works primarily with people who have complex, multi-system inflammatory conditions. She fell into this work by accident while struggling to get correctly diagnosed and treated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder which effects every organ system in the body. After 20 years of misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting, Kimberly finally received the correct diagnosis in 2018, and decided to become one of the few EDS and Dysautonomia-literate practitioners in the American health care system. When she's not working with patients or ruining BBQs by telling friends “you shouldn't eat that,” Kimberly is a professional musician, patient advocate, and community organizer based out of New Orleans. She believes strongly that a combination of affordable patient education and direct mutual aid to lower income communities is the only way out of the current American health care crisis. More information on Kimberly can be found at https://www.patreon.com/chronicallychill This podcast was produced by AJ Joseph.  The song "Life is a Ride" was written by Paul Sanchez, Alex McMurray and Chris Joseph.

Nancy Szakacsy of The D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome Foundation and author of "Hannah Was Here" joins the Life is a Ride podcast to discuss the death of her daughter Hannah from an adverse reaction to a commonly prescribed prescription drug. After Hannah tragically died from Minocycline induced D.R.E.S.S. with multiple organ failure and myocarditis in 2011, Nancy became determined to create awareness of this horrific illness and the dangers of certain medications.   This episode is produced by AJ Joseph. The song "Life is a Ride" is by Paul Sanchez, Alex McMurray and Chris Joseph.

Samantha Perkins joins the podcast to talk about overcoming alcohol addiction and how she shared her journey with others through book writing. Samantha is the best selling author of "Alive AF-One Anxious Mom's Journey to Becoming Alcohol Free", and a contributing author of "The Epiphanies Project."  Samantha uses her book and her blog (Alive AF) to highlight the role that alcohol plays aside from addiction. Samantha found that, although she was not clinically addicted and had no “rock bottom,” alcohol was having a big impact on her happiness, contentment, and overall anxiety. Samantha speaks openly about her journey to help others discover the role that alcohol plays in mental health, physical health, parenting, stress, and more.  Samantha can be found at https://www.spaliveaf.com/ Samantha's TedX talk can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgHMR-pbB_U  This episode is produced by AJ Joseph; the song "Tears of Healing" is by Paul Sanchez and Chris Joseph.

Episode 6: Josie Breger, a psychotherapist in private practice (and who also happens to be my cousin), joins the podcast to discuss the loss of her infant child 16 years ago. Josie talks about her horrible emotional pain, how she dealt with it (and continues to deal with it), and provides practical advice for others who have been in a similar situation. Josie can be reached at http://www.josiebreger.com This episode is produced by AJ Joseph; bumper music is from the song "Tears of Healing" by Paul Sanchez and Chris Joseph.

Episode 5:  New book author Barbara Legere joins the Happy Ending podcast. Barbara's new book is titled "Keven's Choice: A Mother's Journey Through Her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide".  Barbara talks with Chris about her journey with Keven, the lessons she's learned, the messages she hopes that readers of the book learn, and also offers advice to other parents who may be embarking on a similar journey. This episode is produced by AJ Joseph; bumper music is from the song "Tears of Healing" by Paul Sanchez and Chris Joseph.

Episode 4:  Chris interviews Brad Willis, author of "Warrior Pose: How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life". Brad was diagnosed with terminal/4th stage throat cancer over 20 years ago.  Through yoga, meditation, dietary changes, love, connection and purpose, Brad found a way to not just survive but thrive in his life. Brad's book can be found at: Warrior Pose: How Yoga (Literally) Saved My Life https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937856690/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_H2NTMHBFN8NW96F3NT04 My book: Life is a Ride https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951407296/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_G64FB8XQPPTCEADRBT5P

Episode 3: Bailey O'Brien was diagnosed with 4th Stage melanoma cancer back in her college days. Eleven years in remission, Bailey joins the Happy Endings Podcast to talk about her journey, and the alternative treatments she used (and still uses) to regain her health and live a thriving life. Bailey can be found at:  https://www.baileyobrien.com/ The "Alternative Cancer Treatments and Clinic Reviews Facebook page can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1083255155142750 My book, "Life is a Ride: My Unconventional Journey of Cancer Recovery" can be found at: Life is a Ride https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951407296/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_S9GXHQ8AWGHB8JBS6FBA

Episode 2: Internationally-renowned yoga teacher and author Dr. Larry Payne talks with the Happy Endings podcast about how he used yoga to cure his back problems.  Larry is also the author of "Yoga for Dummies" and is the founder of the Yoga Therapy program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Larry can be found at www.samata.comTo read more from Chris Joseph, go to https://linktr.ee/chrisjoseph_author 

Episode 1: Join the Happy Endings podcast for our interview with Stephanie McCarthy, who has thrived after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer over 5.5 years ago.   Stephanie shares her secrets on how she hasn't just survived, but has continued to thrive and live life to the fullest.

Welcome to my new podcast! I'll be interviewing individuals from all walks of life who have overcome a great challenge, and did so in ways that may have not been conventional. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Chris Joseph---author of Life is a Ride: My Unconventional Journey of Cancer Recovery.