Speak LOUD

Today I'm talking with Eric Daddario, who travels to high schools to show students how they can immediately change the course of their own lives and the lives of others. His experience lies in watching his brother die of a drug overdose, which is when he realizes the importance of making positive choices. Eric's program shows youth how their decisions can impact long-term consequences in their lives.Speak Up When You Need HelpEric's message is to speak up when you or someone you know is in trouble from alcohol or drug abuse, sexual abuse, or they are suffering from mental illness. His brother struggled when they were teens, and even though they were in the same peer group, Eric didn't go down the path of addiction while his brother did. Eric believes his brother made that choice because of his low self-esteem.Struggling Through Social Anxiety on His OwnEric's brother struggled with social anxiety due to a physical appearance issue which his brother believed others were judging him for. Although he had plastic surgery to change his physical appearance, his brother still believed others were looking at him. Instead of reaching out to their parents for help, his brother turned to drink, believing it would calm his nerves. Next, he tried escaping with oxycontin, other prescription drugs, then cannabis and heroin. Eric decided to align his decisions with the success of becoming a professional hockey player. So although they were both exposed to drugs, Eric decided not to do drugs or abuse alcohol because it didn't align with his goal to be a pro athlete. Of their group of 14 friends, only two of them stayed clean and sober into adulthood - many of them are dead or are still hooked on drugs and alcohol.Your Inner VoiceHe talks about your inner voice and how some people brush off the warning they are given by their intuition that their actions are negatively affecting their life. Eric knew that addiction ran through his family on both sides of his family, so he decided early on that he didn't want to go down that path. In addition, training for his sports gave him the drive and focus to lead a healthy lifestyle to achieve his goals.Podcast Episode Resources to Learn MoreJoin me at Speak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Eric Daddario at Impact TruthSpread the message of the Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Jarie Bolander, an author and entrepreneur whose experience runs from semiconductors to life sciences to nonprofits. He runs his own podcast, “Entrepreneur Ethos,” named after his latest book of the same title. Jarie  works to help clients convert concepts to strategies, but for today's episode, he's here to speak loud about what he calls “manly grief” and the process of grief for men in our society. Caring for a Terminal SpouseJarie first encountered an issue with grieving as a man when his then wife, Jane, died of leukemia in 2017. He recounts the two of them trying to prepare in case of her death but that it's impossible to prepare for something like that. After her death, Jarie felt afraid and confused, and turned to substances to try and fill the void. While grieving, Jarie felt alone and like there weren't many people who were able to support him the way he needed—even he didn't know what he needed. He joined support groups for widows and widowers but found that the majority were women and that their experiences didn't always overlap. Trying to deal with grief as a man in this society made Jarie realize that there was a gap for support for widowers and grieving men. Grieving the ‘Manly Way'Jarie found that expressing his grief and sorrow was liberating, and began to think about how to help others, especially men who went through similar experiences. The idea of “manly grief” came from his wondering of how to deal with grief in a ‘manly way.' He wrote a memoir about his story with Jane, mainly of caring for a terminal spouse and how to help other men who are grieving. Jarie saw a lack of resources from a male perspective and decided  to fill the gap himself. As an entrepreneur, Jarie has to see himself in what he wants to be—which is how his book came along. He thought that Jane would want him to write a book so others didn't feel so alone if or when they went through something similar. The book includes personal accounts of what helped him during his grieving process and focuses on the caregiving spouse. Normalizing Stories of GriefJarie realized that the more he talks about his grief, the less scary it became. His challenge for listeners is to share their story, too: “I think we need to have these conversations and be thoughtful and compassionate with each other.” Cliche as it is, he says that whatever story you have, it's important and needs to be told. Somewhere out there will be someone who needs it, too. By talking about your experiences and difficulties, Jarie believes that it normalizes and lessens the shame and sorrow around trauma. Listen in to learn more about what modalities Jarie has used in his healing process, what was the most helpful for him when he was grieving, and Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Jarie on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loud Podcast and share this episode with a friend!

Today I'm talking with Becca Ferguson, a licensed professional counselor in trauma recovery and an online course creator who brings her love for storytelling and teaching everywhere she goes. Her advice comes from years of both personal and professional experience and her main goal in her work is to make sure people know that they aren't alone. Today, she's here to speak loud for people who don't know what they need—or are afraid to ask for themselves. Seizing Your AutonomyBecca shares that something she's learned both as a therapist and a client is that after experiencing trauma, there's a struggle in knowing how much to tell. One of the reasons why she became a therapist was because of her upbringing. She grew up in a conservative Christian home, where she didn't have a lot of autonomy, and experienced abuse and the guilt and shame that came with it. It wasn't until last year when Becca was seeing her own therapist that she realized that she had PTSD. She was abused in the church, had over-controlling parents and grew up with little to no autonomy. Since then, a lot of her story has come from accepting diagnosis and learning how to grow through it.Getting Real with ClientsBecca's own experiences influence how she approaches her career and her clients. While other therapists don't believe in the power of self-disclosure, she prefers to be real and vulnerable by providing examples of what she's talking to her clients about. She feels that this lets her clients connect with her as they can see that she knows what she's talking about, and also aids in her own healing, as she's able to process her own traumas in a validating way. “Mental health doesn't make sense,” Becca says, which is why she takes a unique approach to every client she has. She works primarily with young adult females, who are often in similar experiences to what she went through. Becca loves relating to her clients, and being a therapist has been a healing experience for herself, as well. Values-Based HealingAlong with therapy, Becca is embarking on a virtual coaching adventure, and is launching her first virtual coaching group in June. Her goal is to focus on a different topic in each course and over five weeks connect with and educate women on that topic in small groups. The coaching groups will also use a workbook, another passion of Becca's that she's discovered, so that clients will have tangible tools to take back to their own therapists. In all her work, Becca wants to create a place where women feel empowered to discover and go after what they need to live their best lives. She works to make her own services as accessible as possible, keeping costs low and classes small. “It's less about the experience that we went through,” Becca says, “and it's more about why we're healing from it.” Her values-based approach is what sets her apart as both a therapist and a speaker. Listen in to learn more about how Becca brings light and humor to her experiences, what modalities she uses for healing in her own life, and to receive a discount for her online courses only for podcast listeners.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Becca's resources on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loud Podcast and share this episode with a friend!

Today I'm talking with Rebecca Heidt, an artist and author of “Acceptance: The Beginning” and “Acceptance: The Reality”, the first two in her fantasy-fiction series. She's won awards both for contemporary fantasy fiction and woman fantasy fiction as well as an LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction award. Rebecca believes in empowering others in not giving up on the life they want and claiming your own voice. Using Fantasy Fiction to Process TraumaOn her first appearance on the Speak Loud Podcast, Rebecca spoke about her own journey with trauma and acceptance, life experiences that influenced her to write her books. She's currently working on the third book in the “Acceptance” series with plans for at least one more after that, along with an audiobook by December 2023.Through her book series, Rebecca's been able to heal from the major traumas of her life, a process that she describes as happening over and over. The fictional setting offers a playground to experiment with different narratives and parts of her life in a way that's both healing and entertaining. She's currently nominated for other awards, though the LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction award remains the most esteemed, in her opinion. Canvas Art and Writing as TherapyRebecca recounts that she turned to writing and art at the same time. After losing a family member in early 2020, she was struggling and found art as an escape.What she likes about canvas art as opposed to writing is that it provides a visual for what she's feeling. She values being able to shut her brain off and let her heart take over. Along with art and writing, Rebecca enjoys meditation as a form of healing, which often translates into her art, as well. Over the course of her father's illness, she'hs taken a new perspective on material things, and has found more peace and joy in prioritizing experiences over possessions. Learning to Be BoldSince her last appearance on SLP, Rebecca has been learning to be more assertive, growing into speaking on her boundaries more vocally, something that can be especially hard for women. “I bring a lot to the table,” she says, “and if you can't sit at this table and handle me, then you can go.” This sentiment is reflected in her writing and art, too, which are unapologetically vibrant and bold. Rebecca asks listeners to reflect on why they're scared to say something, and to remember that the most important thing is to just say it. Opinions only affect the people who have them, so don't worry about what others think. There is so much power in believing in yourself.Listen in to learn more about Rebecca's book series, what makes her feel empowered, and spiritual awakenings happening across cultures today. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Rebecca on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Hildegard Koenig, proud mother of 2 who has dedicated her career to helping others. She's a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse who has a burning passion to give her voice for victims of crime and cancer warriors. Hilde is the co-founder and president of the Ink Against Cancer foundation, a unique 501c3 that connects local artists to provide financial aid for cancer warriors. The Consequences of Domestic AbuseHilde shares that her first experience with sexual assault came when she was a child in Venezuela, and influenced her adulthood when she met her abuser and eventual ex-husband. She stayed in the marriage until nearly losing her life, and left with nothing but her two children—15 months and 2 months old, respectively—and was scared of what would happen. Hilde says she wishes she had known of more of the resources available for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. After sharing her story and getting a protective order against her abuser, Hilde started from the bottom once again. She endured many medical issues, both physical and mental, from the abuse, and still does today. However, despite her doubts and fears as a single mother, she stayed away from her abuser and eventually remarried to someone who adopted her children as his own. Starting a Non-ProfitHilde's passion for helping people overcome cancer led to her nonprofit, “Ink Against Cancer Foundation.” Not only had her mother-in-law passed away from cancer, but Hilde's close-friend shared his frustrations with her about the lack of resources he had to even pay bills or make rent while out of work. Hilde organized an event where many of the artists who tattooed her friend, Wolf, came together and raised funds to support her friend. Wolf, before passing, asked Hilde to continue in his memory. “Ink Against Cancer” is now preparing for its 7th annual event, with over 90 applications from cancer warriors. Hilde and her husband, along with four other board members, work in their offtime to support in whatever way they can, whether it's helping pay for gas, meals, or buying Christmas presents. Uniting Artists Against CancerThe 501c3 provides last wishes for adults as well as children whose wishes weren't able to be fulfilled during COVID-19. “Cancer does not discriminate,” Hildegard says, which is why the foundation works for cancer warriors no matter the age or cancer type. After the fundraiser, artists get to meet the families they're helping and see where their donations go to. Hildegard says that while they only ask artists for 50% of what they make, the majority donate 100%. Hilde and her partners want to make a difference, big or small, in someone's life. She hopes that listeners know that we all have our own story. “And it's your story. No one can take that away from you.” Listen in to learn more about the effects of abuse on families, Hilde's five-year-plan, and how to get involved with “Ink Against Cancer.” Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webLearn more about Ink Against CancerSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Lynn Crook, author of “False Memories: The Deception that Silenced Millions.” After suffering sexual abuse as a child, she sued her parents for damages and won, which led her down the investigation path that inspired her book. Today, she's here to speak loud about encouraging survivors to speak publicly about their experiences, and combating shame with compassion. Uncovering Repressed MemoriesLynn was the oldest of six children who were all molested. Her father forced her to repress the memory after punishing her for talking about it, and over her young lifetime, she eventually forgot about it completely. It wasn't until 40 years later when Lynn was working in a sexual abuse response center that the memories started to resurface in panic attacks and flashbacks. It took Lynn months to speak about and accept what had happened to her, but when she did, she decided to sue her parents for damages due to sexual abuse. She had the means to go to court and wanted to make the world safer, eventually winning her case. However, her interest turned to the concept of ‘false memories,' which her parents tried to use in their defense—attempting to claim that Lynn's memories were made up.Disproving False MemoriesAfter the trial, Lynn's excitement from winning died down as she heard more and more people talk about ‘false memories.' People didn't believe her or sided with her parents, showing her firsthand the impact of the false memory campaign. Over the next decade, Lynn dedicated herself to investigating false memory claims, and deducted that it was a complete scam. Lynn told the story of how the false memory campaign began and decided to put it in her book, believing that if people were able to read it, then they would learn more about how child molesters try to silence their victims. “You believed that?” Lynn will say now. “Really?” Her passion project has now evolved into her published book, after she spent 3 years compiling all the information she had learned over the decade. Living with Confidence Lynn shares that her panic attacks have now stopped, but the childhood trauma will be there for the rest of her life. She says that it's up to the individual to find the tools that work for them in order to live a life that's not impacted by shame or fear. For her, that's seeing her therapist regularly and making sense of things through journaling. Lynn wants readers of her book to gain confidence in coming out about what happened to them—even if someone chooses not to believe them. With that confidence, she hopes people will be able to share their story, awful as it was, and start to stop it. Listen to learn more about where the false memories movement started, the role of women and spouses with child molesters, and what makes Lynn feel empowered today.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Lynn on her websitePurchase “False Memories” on AmazonSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Steve Simpson, an award-winning author, businessman, and volunteer. Steve started writing as a child to escape a traumatic home life, and through his experiences with foster care, therapy, and self-help groups, was able to create a new start for himself. Today, he is here to speak loud about his own experience with abuse and to assure other people that they aren't alone. Living a False NarrativeIn early childhood, Steve describes himself as the opposite of an ‘A student': a ‘Z student.' He was always cracking jokes and interrupting and consistently failed classes because of the physical and verbal abuse he was receiving at home from his father. He recalls being jealous of the ‘smart kids' whose home lives he believed to be perfect. Steve developed the narrative that he was stupid and that it didn't matter how much effort he put in—he would never succeed.Steve says that he started cutting class as early as 3rd grade, and would go to the library and ask for a pen and paper, where he would write poems and short stories. He was always looking for a way to escape. At 11, he attempted suicide, telling people who didn't understand: “I don't want to die—I just don't want to live.” The Power of Self-HelpA turning point came in Steve's life when he entered the foster care system. He stayed in two homes, both of which he recounts as good experiences, but the real trigger for healing was the mandated self-help group he attended. He states that it was the best thing to happen to him. Suddenly, he felt welcomed, and discovered that the so-called ‘smart kids' in his group were fighting many of the battles he was at home. The self-help group supported him not just in his personal life but in school. Steve learned how to study and found himself doing better in school, going from barely passing to achieving high honors. In his teen years, he finally realized that it wasn't his fault, but his circumstances that were creating the negative narrative.  Writing The Survival HandbookAs an adult, Steve has written four fiction novels that he directs towards teens and young adults who are experiencing abuse or considering suicide. The books are works of fiction with abuse victim handbooks hidden inside. Steve wrote the books as a way for the right tools to get into the hands of kids who otherwise wouldn't seek out help or who didn't feel safe. Steve says that he wrote the kinds of books that would have helped him. He wanted the reader to leave feeling better about themselves and encouraged to find help. “If you are an adult,” Steve says, “you are involved.” He believes that it's the adults' responsibility to call out abuse and support victims, especially if they're children. Listen in to learn more about the impact of verbal abuse, the dangers of misdiagnosis in abuse victims, and Steve's five-year-plan. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Steve's books on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Jennifer Morris, a mother and author who decided to share her story of love and loss in order to bring comfort to those who have experienced death in their lives. Her book, titled ‘I Will Be With You Alway' released last June in 2022, and provides children with a story on how to understand and cope with loss. Another Side to TraumaJennifer's mother died when she was 5, and still too young to understand what death was. She recalls sitting at the dinner table and asking her family, “So, after the funeral, is that when Mom is coming home?” Eventually, Jennifer learned that her mom had committed suicide, and as a young girl told herself the story that her mother had left her deliberately because she was not enough. Her father's struggle with alcoholism led to another narrative of Jennifer's: “I'm alone with no one to take care of me.” She spent her life searching for someone to take care of her, willing to be whatever role they needed in order to feel loved. She felt like a ship in the middle of the ocean, with no control over what life brought. Jennifer recounts that it took 20 years for anyone in her family to talk about her mother's death. Deepening Relationships with OthersMuch of Jennifer's healing came in the form of her relationships with her loved ones. She had lived a life where she felt like she wasn't enough to keep her mother alive. She recalls a defining moment of bringing her first daughter home for the first time. She was struck with the realization that her own mother must have been so unwell to do what she had, because Jennifer couldn't imagine leaving her child. It hadn't been her fault. Jennifer always wanted to be closer with her husband and friends, and it took many intense therapy sessions for that to become a reality. Now, however, she feels love and deep joy daily by letting her loved ones know how loved they are, and by ‘going deep' with everyone she meets.Finding Love Where It IsJennifer wanted her book to be relatable for anyone who has had someone pass.Over years of therapy, self-healing and self-love, she's learned that she will always still be connected to her mom. She imparts this journey in her book, ‘I Will Always Be With You.'“Instead of looking for where they were,” Jennifer says, “find them where they are.” She thanks her mother—and father—daily for the magical moments in her life, and feels their presence always. Jennifer hopes that listeners know that whatever trauma they experience is not forever. There is hope. Listen in to hear the lessons Jennifer's learned from writing her book, how her family dealt with trauma and shame, and what advice she has for listeners.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Jennifer on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Jason Hallberg, a friend of many years. He is a new podcaster, from the podcast ‘Rapping Life,' which is currently in its early stages. Today, he is here to talk about childhood emotional neglect and the discoveries he has made through his soul journey. Emotionally Absent ChildhoodJason Hallberg grew up dealing with emotional neglect throughout his childhood. His father was absent from his life and his mother raised him in the same manner she was raised. His mother's boyfriend created an environment of verbal and emotional abuse as well as excessive drug and alcohol use. Jason was quick to lash out and fight in elementary school, and after being expelled in 4th grade and seeing the impact it had on his mother, became closed off and hyper-independent.Jason recalls meeting his best friend in junior high whom he described as changing his life. His friend lived an entirely different lifestyle, with a functioning family and more money than Jason, who felt he didn't bring anything to the table. Growing up poor, he recounts that everything seemed to connect back to money. However, that friend was the beginning of him changing his mindset and accepting that he could be loved and have value as a person, regardless of social status.Noticing and Breaking PatternsJason's soul-searching began about a year ago. He was unhappy at his job, and after he left and went through a breakup at the same time, began to notice patterns in the relationships in his life. He learned about attachment styles, which led to childhood trauma, and from there had a series of epiphanies about his own life and how his early years still affect him in the present day. Most of Jason's healing has been done without a therapist, which he credits to just being honest with himself. He would take early morning walks, starting with affirmations and then later finding meditation. Ideas began to come to him about what he wanted, eventually leading to his podcast. Freeing Yourself From Your ThoughtsToday, Jason is applying the wisdom he's learned to his own life. He accepted that something in his life set him down a different path than the people around him, and from there has made an effort to move forward. “Keep doing something that's uncomfortable,” he says, “until it feels comfortable.” For him, that's been being emotionally vulnerable with his mother and having more open conversations about his childhood. Jason tries to practice honesty with himself and with the people around him. He is aware of how our thoughts shape our reality and what other people tell themselves. In his day-to-day life, he tries to be more uplifting and honest with those around him. If he were able to talk to his younger self, Jason would remind himself that people do care about him and that he is not alone. To listeners, he hopes they know the value of open and honest communication not just with your loved ones but with yourself, as well. Listen in to hear more about childhood neglect, reconnecting with estranged family members, and setting boundaries with the people you love. 

Today I'm talking with Clayne Edward Wayman. He's a sought-after mortgage professional, as well as a speaker, mentor, and founder of the Vasper platform where he shares spiritual insight and mentorship. He's a recent author and a husband and father of four. Today, he's here to share his story and talk about the importance of trust.Growing Up in a Polygamist SectClayne grew up in a Mormon fundamentalist polygamist community. His mother was a first wife of 12, and Clayne was the first of 45 children who were primarily homeschooled. He married his first wife when he was 21, and then remarried after their divorce. Both were members of the same fundamentalist community, based in Arizona. Clayne explains that multiple Mormon fundamentalist groups still practice polygamy. These sects view polygamy as a cornerstone of the religion. Growing up, Clayne thought his lifestyle was completely normal— ‘monogamist' was the worst insult that he knew. However, in 2008 and 2009, he started questioning the environment he was raised in, and by 2017, had left the community entirely. Life Outside ReligionClayne slowly came to realize that his life's direction did not lie with the church. He began testing his doubts when the president of the community read from scripture that God would tell him if one of them sinned. Clayne found this as an opportunity to test it and began experimenting with women outside of his marriage. Not only did the religious leaders not immediately know, but they also called him to say that they wanted to arrange for him what they claimed to be a God-ordained marriage. This was his checkmate. Clayne fully left the community in 2017—with his second wife. He had shared all of his doubts with her before they married and later when he was contemplating leaving. Both times, the trust paid off. His wife left with him, and the two of them were able to step into a deeper and more trusting relationship. Clayne continues to stand, as he says, ‘on the rock of integrity.' Spirituality and Self-DiscoveryWhen telling his president that he was leaving, Clayne recalls the president telling him that he had never found a better way of life. He endeavors now to show people that there is a much better way. Clayne has had several spiritual awakenings and practices the shamanic ancient wisdom. He's used ayahuasca, Psilocybin, and other plant medicines, and has learned to see the signs of divine love and wisdom in everyday life. Clayne's book, “Echoes of Resounding Love,” shares his story as well as techniques for readers to learn more about themselves. He delves into psychology and how to trust your own unique process of discovery. “There are things the heart knows that the head may not even be able to fully wrap around,” he says. Clayne hopes that his readers, as well as the listeners of this podcast, learn to trust in the process—and trust that the universe has better things in store for you. Listen in to hear more about Mormon fundamentalists and polygamy, ayahuasca and plant medicine for trauma survivors, and generational trauma. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Clayne on the Vasper websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Charles Smith, an author, advocate, and lifelong survivor who uses his story as proof that you can overcome the worst that life has to offer. He has been an orphan, homeless veteran, and suicide survivor, and uses his pain as a building block to support others. Today, he's here to speak loud about bringing awareness to complex PTSD. Compounding TraumasCharles' mother passed away when was 6, followed later by his father at age 11. As a child, he moved often, and from the PTSD found it difficult to create close relationships. His sister recalls that he didn't speak for 6 months after they moved in with their aunt and uncle following his father's death. Charles says that he was in shock and depressed, and afraid of getting close to people only to lose them again. As a young adult, Charles joined the army infantry, serving in Cuba and in the reserves. However, after his uncle and grandfather passed away, Charles found himself a homeless veteran. The depression led him to self-harm and an eventual suicide attempt. He was taken to a mental health facility and later bounced between veteran shelters for 5 years. This crucible, he explains, was actually what helped turn his life around. He no longer felt alone, seeing others in similar circumstances, and changed his views. Understanding Complex PTSD When Charles first experienced PTSD, it was known as battle fatigue and thought to only affect veterans. By the time he grew up, it was concluded that anyone who went through trauma could have PTSD. Standard PTSD forms from one specific trauma. Complex or compound PTSD, however, Charles describes as a layered cake. You can't have multiple instances of PTSD, but you can have multiple traumas that manifest in the same illness. After being diagnosed, Charles wanted to learn as much about PTSD as possible and help other veterans receive the support they needed. He offered help to veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as created programs for various organizations to use what he had learned about PTSD. He's written 7 books on a range of subjects, including PTSD, addiction recovery, and financial well-being. Giving and Receiving HelpPresently, Charles is working with Aware Recovery Care, an addiction treatment organization that specializes in in-home treatment. He works with clients for 52 weeks as they battle addiction. This way, he's able to support people in their homes for a longer period.Charles' advice to listeners is to never give up. When he talks about his suicide attempt, he tells people that it was ten years ago and that his son is now ten years old. Without him, his son wouldn't be here, either, along with many other great things he's received since then. Charles says that he would “rather see someone get help than go to another wake.” He hopes that listeners will feel empowered by his story. Listen in for tools on managing PTSD symptoms, accepting the loss of loved ones, and Charles' upcoming book and other projects. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Charles' books on his websiteContact Aware Recovery CareSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Papa Ray Hurst, a husband, father, and personal coach. After surviving two major depressions, he's now leading people to freedom through his work as a speaker, author, pastor, and business owner. Today, he is here to speak loud about absent and abusive fathers and the social struggles that can be traced back to these roots. Returning to Core BeliefsPapa Ray's greatest desire “is to be for the world what the world was not for me when I needed them the most.” His father left when he was 4, and he grew up in a Mennonite community that wasn't equipped to handle the separation. He recounts that his relatives didn't know what to do for him and no one stepped up to fill the space of father-figure, which led to his depressions later in life. Ray talks about the importance of identifying your dominant thoughts and returning to the core imprint of the subconscious, or the core beliefs. Narratives created in childhood—almost always before 10, Papa Ray says—are difficult to shake but necessary to change. A simple step to this hard process is asking yourself through writing, ‘Why am I thinking this?' and digging deeper until you find the root cause. Freeing the MindFrom his own experience and others', Papa Ray says abuse and trauma are never the victim's fault, but holding onto resentment towards the abuser will block healing. He shares that his father was “looking for what he couldn't find” when he left, but that wasn't Ray's fault. By shaming and blaming the other person, you'll never be free. Ray believes that we can overcome any and every trauma we encounter. But forgiveness is key. He leads his own students to freedom by changing their beliefs of worthlessness and being unlovable. The abuser was broken and empty, and while they should still endure consequences, it's unfair to the victim to continue punishing themselves mentally after the trauma has already ended. No one can live a healthy life until they let go of that resentment and blame. Healing Parental WoundsAs a personal development coach, Papa Ray shares his five simple steps to freedom with his clients, as well as his own father's blessing. He shares that more than 90% of his clients were not loved by their fathers and all benefited greatly from his father's blessing, which he shares in this episode. Papa Ray's book, “Daddy Why Don't You Love Me? A Father's Blessing to a Daughter, Healing the Wounds of the Absent and Abusive Father,” also details his own story, apologies, and blessings. No matter how good a parent's relationship with their child is, he says that there are no perfect parents out there, and everyone can benefit from learning how to identify and heal parental wounds. He hopes that listeners realize that they are valuable and loved, just as he did, and that everything is “one thing, one step. We don't jump up mountains.” Listen in to learn more about Papa Ray's 5 simple steps to freedom, his plans for the next five years, and a sample of his father's blessing.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Papa Ray on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Dr. Nghi Dang, a family medical physician of over ten years. He's provided care to all ages for both mental and physical health, giving him a deeper view of the importance of mental health. He's the author and illustrator of the “The Adventures of Max and Friends” children's series and father of 2. Today, Nghi is here to speak loud about responding to mental health proactively rather than reactively and encouraging preventative action. Understanding Trauma and Mental IllnessNghi was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States when he was 6. The culture shock turned his world upside down and he felt alone and outcasted in his new home. Despite his initial struggles with school, Nghi went on to follow his siblings' examples in medicine and pursue a career as a doctor. Nghi explains that mental illness is often diagnosed when patients come in to treat symptoms that seem unexplained. Trauma and stress can affect the body in more ways than we might know, as Nghi explains, and there is a strong connection between trauma and the somatic system—which is a web of chronic symptoms one might feel in the body. Through his profession, he's come to understand the stigma around talking about mental illness. Practicing Mental WellnessNghi believes that love will always triumph over hate and that taking care of yourself is a crucial part of your health and wellbeing. He shares inexpensive healing modalities, other than medication, such as cognitive behavior therapy for those with anxiety. Treatment requires effort and time on both sides of the patient, Nghi says. Yoga, meditation, and other practices that allow you to sort through emotions such as journaling and therapy are also helpful. Nghi also recommends mindfulness meditation which is derived from Buddhist wisdom. It's easily accessible online and for free and, unlike other meditations, encourages the meditator to focus on the moment at hand. Mindfulness meditations are often guided, which Nghi believes is beneficial for those with trauma, guiding thoughts away from triggering subjects and back into the body. Proactively Addressing Mental HealthNghi believes in treating mental health proactively rather than reactively. Often, he feels that we fall behind and are often playing catch-up when it comes to our mental wellbeing. For this reason, he wrote his children's book series, “The Adventures of Max and Friends” to open up a dialogue between parents and children around mental health. Nghi has written 8 books, all on different mental health topics that he gears towards middle ages. One book centers on bullying, for example, and another follows learning disabilities. Through writing and also his medical practice, he hopes to give resources and the avenues needed for parents to talk with their kids about mental health, and address mental illness before it becomes debilitating. Listen in to learn more about starting the conversation about mental health, stigmas around mental illness, and Nghi's beliefs on how grit and failure can lead to success. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Dr. Nghi Dang's books onlineSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Neil McKinlay, a meditation teacher and mentor who seeks to share his lifelong interest and reflection in the practice of meditation. Through his online communities, he offers a range of resources to encourage and empower meditation practitioners to access their inner wisdom and bring it into the world. Healing the Relationship with SelfNeil has been meditating since he was a teenager and has practiced in 2 separate Buddhist communities. However, the community was being driven by the spiritual leader's self-centered impulses, rather than healing and meditation. The manipulation and disrespect that Neil suffered from his teacher caused him to make the difficult decision to leave the community he had been a part of for twenty years.Neil left the community with a distorted relationship with himself and his intuition. He no longer works with a spiritual leader but is still reflecting on those twenty years and sifting through for the golden nuggets and silver linings of things he's learned and taken with him. Finding Places to GatherIn Neil's path to recovery and healing, he continued to turn towards his familiar practices of Buddhism and meditation. He has also gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of community, especially in light of COVID-19. Seeing how others were engaging in their lives with brilliance and creativity was a reminder to Neil of the same resilience and wisdom that lived inside himself. Meditation can offer something to heal trauma, Neil believes, but he also agrees that sitting in silence can be overwhelming for trauma survivors. His advice is to respect that experience of overwhelm as a message that meditation isn't the right tool at that moment. While meditation works for some people, other practices may feel safer and more effective, depending on the time. Neil says that this was part of his own experience, even with his deep connection to meditation. Inspiring Others With MeditationFor someone who's never meditated before, Neil suggests perusing the local library, YouTube, or podcasts for resources until something resonates with you, “like grocery shopping: just check things out based on what speaks to you.” There are many different languages and traditions of meditation, so he encourages listeners to explore what works for them.Neil offers resources of his own through his online communities. The Living Meditation Network is a free community that offers many of the meditation resources he mentions, such as writings, guided meditations, questions, and discussion boards. This and his subscription-based community are meant to be opportunities for people to gather, learn, and give and receive encouragement and inspiration weekly. Listen in to learn more about what happens when we meditate, online meditation communities, and Neil's future book and online curriculum. 

Today I'm talking with Kimberly Bell, inspirational speaker, minister, and mentor. She's the author of “Epitome of Kimberly: A Memoir of Finding Hope & Resilience.” She has 2 degrees, in Human Development and Psychology and in Theology. Through her books and talks, she inspires others to never give up hope and inspire others to solve societal issues. Today, she is here to speak loud about having the courage to be yourself and embrace your life. Learning to Choose HerselfKimberly describes her background of abandonment and abuse. She experienced abandonment from her parents and all forms of abuse. The ‘broken foundation' started for her when her parents, who were in a physically abusive relationship, left her to be raised by her aunt without explanation. As an adult, she had to accept that it happened but she was not responsible for things adults did to her. She explains how the abandonment and abuse she went through influenced her experience with relationships in adulthood. She always put other people first and focused on what she could offer others, not vice-versa. Eventually, she learned, “I had to choose me and I had to choose my healing.” From there, she began to break the cycle. Breaking Generational CyclesKimberly says that the process of learning love was hard and tiring. As an African American woman, she wasn't encouraged to embrace therapy for her mental health. She had a moment when, in a library, she asked God what direction to go, and looked up and saw a sign for a therapist. She called the number and broke the generational taboo in order to start her healing process. Several years later, Kimberly is single and the mother of 4 daughters and a grandmother. She uses the life lessons she's learned to live in the moment and choose herself. By being true to herself and continuing to push through challenges, she was able to teach her children a better way and is proud to see that they have all had an easier journey. Courageous Enough to Choose YouKimberly shares that whenever she told others her life story, she was always met with the response, “That sounds like a book.” She was receiving the signs to share her story but had to build the courage to go all the way back into her trauma to record it. She soon took the initiative, and states, “You don't have to accept or be defined by your past.” Why wouldn't she share her story and try to help someone else? Kimberly's memoir lays out the foundations of her life and the genuine truth of the lessons she's learned. She hopes that readers will see how she found her voice and be able to do the same. “Through God, nothing's impossible, but we have to go through the process." Kimberly hopes listeners feel empowered and courageous enough to put themselves first and begin their healing.Listen in to learn about Kimberly's journey with forgiveness, how she helps her community, and how to find resources and mentoring on her website. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Kimberly on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Donna Wayles, a wife, mother, and abuse survivor who shares her story of escaping domestic abuse with God's love and grace. She's the author of “I'll Pray for You: A Christian Woman's Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence” and a self-described domestic violence subject expert. Today, she is here to speak loud about being a thriver after domestic abuse and finding life and hope after abuse.Donna met her abuser through a church picnic when she was in her early 20s. She describes that the pressure from the church encouraged her to get married early and young, within 7 months of meeting her then-husband. Though she had been sensitive to the physical abuse he began to demonstrate, she interpreted his controlling behaviors as ‘protectiveness' and being a sign of how much he loved her. As the abuse escalated, however, Donna began reaching out to different avenues for support. Another wife from church dismissed her concerns about her husband's possessiveness and talking with her pastor only put her in more danger after the pastor talked with Donna's husband privately. One night after a conference, Donna was calling a friend for help when her abuser physically threw her out of the house with her 16-month-old daughter and the clothes on her back. Donna, at the time, struggled to understand what she had done wrong, having followed the teachings of her family and her faith. The first line in her book, “How did my life get to be like this?” reflected this. However, she had to eventually learn—through counseling and other modalities—that the abuse she had undergone was not a reflection of herself but of her abuser. Realizing this was the beginning of her healing journey. One night, while pondering what to make for dinner, Donna realized that she could eat whatever she wanted. She could wear and do whatever she wanted as an individual without worrying about what he wanted. She felt like a second life had just dawned on her and she was determined to live that life. She is now remarried and her daughter, 18, is thriving in school studying graphic art. Donna's book, “I'll Pray For You,” was inspired by her domestic violence victim advocate who told her, “The best revenge to your abuser is living well.” Donna published her own story as a way to be her best self and also do for others what wasn't done for her. She describes her process with forgiveness as not a one-time decision, but a journey. She's learned that bitterness won't serve her and has found peace in using her experience to help others. “Resilience is stubbornness, persistence, tenacity,” Donna says. Being determined to live her own life helped pull her out of those dark times. As someone raised to help others, she wishes she could have told her past self to be patient and to put herself first before trying to give herself away to others. She hopes readers of her book and listeners know that leaving an abusive situation is not the end and, in fact, there is something much better on the other side. Listen in to learn more about what modalities Donna used in her healing journey, what makes her feel empowered, and her experience with self-esteem and abuse. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Donna on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Debbie Terry, an author, speaker, and survivor of domestic abuse. She's the host and owner of the Restoration Warrior Women's Conference where she gathers women from all walks of life to share their stories and faith and help others overcome their obstacles. Today, she's here to speak loud about her new book and offer support for other survivors who have yet to step out from their situations. Speaking Up After TraumaDebbie explains that she wasn't aware of the extent of her own abuse because of the love she had for her husband at the time. After a nasty divorce and the separation from her children, her journey in healing began. She explains that factors such as pride and shame encouraged her to stay in her situation but ultimately had to accept that the other individual wasn't going to change. Debbie is now remarried to the love of her life, but she describes that she at first pushed him away because she wasn't used to the level of love and treatment he was giving her. The scars and layers from her abuse ran deep and she had to go back, with God's help, and heal them one at a time. As her husband says, she had to “let it go like water off a duck's back.” She did this by listening to that small inner voice and respecting it as well as her own judgment. How to Choose ForgivenessDebbie says that her true healing began when she realized that she couldn't control what others did. Their actions were not a reflection of her but of themselves. Forgiveness is the biggest piece of healing, in her opinion. When you're able to forgive a person that hurt you, you're giving yourself freedom. A friend told Debbie, “You can either be bitter or you can be better,” and she knew that she wanted the latter, so she chose forgiveness for her abuser rather than holding resentment. She instructs listeners to forgive and then stop revisiting and move forward. Like pruning a rose, letting go of those wilted pieces make room for new growth. Sharing Her StoryDebbie's latest book is called “When Love Wasn't Enough: Because I Loved Him.” Her book was published in March, but she has been working on it (with God's guidance, she says) for several years. She says that God encouraged her to write the story, and though she initially ignored the call, writing it was a healing process for her. Debbie prioritizes helping and connecting with others and hopes that the readers of her book feel seen and know they aren't alone. She started her women's conference for similar reasons, which is going on its 5th year and shares the details on her website. Debbie hopes listeners feel encouraged to pray and discover what their next steps are in starting a new journey after trauma and abuse. Listen in to hear more about the effects of alienation in divorce and families, finding the right person, and what future plans Debbie has for the next five years. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Debbie on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Amy Stein, an herbalist, energy medicine educator, and trauma-informed breathwork facilitator. Her mission is to educate and empower the highly empathetic so that they can live in harmony with their body and their environment by working with Mother Nature's intelligence rather than against it. Today she's here to speak loud about choosing what is best for our bodies and the intersections of the body's intelligence and empathy. Treating the Root CauseAmy shares that throughout her life she often felt misunderstood and not honored when it came to her body. Symptoms such as migraines and blackouts were dismissed or she was told, “Your body is broken, take this pill.” These wounds and limiting beliefs followed her into adulthood as the ailments only increased. Her journey began while teaching geriatric patients coping skills such as meditation as an alternative to medication. However, Amy didn't fully understand the concepts she was teaching and decided to educate and empower herself. The body isn't a car; you can't just treat the symptoms, but must tackle the root cause. It's a life-long journey, Amy explains, but she says that you won't be led astray if you trust your intuition. The Wisdom of Plant MedicineAmy's intuition guided her to plant medicine and she began learning about the different affinities plants have to support her body. She regularly forages and utilizes the innate intelligence of Mother Nature. The earth is resilient and adapting, and Amy has found power in communing with nature and taking advantage of that symbiotic relationship. The hardest part about plant medicine, Amy says, is learning what works best for you. However, it's very easy to get started. She cautions listeners to be mindful of what and where they're picking but even plants in your city or backyard can be beneficial. Herbs such as thyme, lemon balm, and lavender also have great healing properties and can be easily grown indoors.Getting into the Body with BreathworkAmy explains that breathwork is a great and easy way to reconnect with the body. Some people find it more accessible than meditation because it invites thoughts and feelings to be processed and released. You don't need to go into breathwork with an agenda; the body has its own agenda while the mind is quiet. Amy offers breathwork for others through coaching and weekly group sessions. She believes that breathwork can be transformative and easy and it's the modality that has helped her the most in her healing journey. Through her services, she teaches others to show up for themselves and hopes that listeners know that they have the answers within. They are not broken and are encouraged to choose what's best for them and their bodies. Listen in to learn about spiritual energy and intuition, homeopathy, and how to start foraging in your own backyard. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Amy on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Greg Wieting, a healer and entrepreneur who helps others heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain with his unique blend of trauma neuroscience, energy medicine, and somatic and mindfulness practice. He developed this framework, Prisma, during his own healing journey and is here to speak loud about working with pain in a significant way. Rising Above Chronic PainWhat Greg shares with clients is what he's learned from his own 25 years of healing. He has dealt with muscular-skeletor difficulties his entire life but didn't seek healing until finding reiki work after college. That moment was something he never realized he had been looking for and it sent him on a journey to discover more healing modalities for himself and others. Greg says that his early experiences taught him, “I'm not my pain.” Our lives are often organized around pain or trauma, but he realized that this didn't have to be the case. After 8 months in India, he studied bodytalk, yoga, and ayurveda, which led him to teaching trauma-informed healing at a friend's school. Somatic Healing PracticesGreg explains that ‘working somatically' is getting in touch with the body's experience and making contact with the subconscious that's stored in the body. Harboring pain and trauma can stop the ability to feel ourselves and in turn lose presence and agency. Developing a somatic relationship with our body helps us know who we are. Greg describes the process of tuning back in with the body as metabolizing trauma as you gradually digest feelings that were at one point too much to touch. Reiki is one of the practices that broadens the window of tolerance in the body, he explains, giving us the capacity to thaw out and process. Accessing Deeper HealingPart of learning how to heal the nervous system is learning how to develop psychological safety, Greg says. His advice for starting is to locate a safety resource to act as a foundational baseline, such as a comforting memory. Accessing a safe memory and replaying it through all five senses allows the brain to develop a new baseline. Neuroplasticity is an important part of Greg's teachings. By freeing up space in the brain by setting a new, safer baseline, clients and students are able to imagine new possibilities. “Imagination creates the structure of our brain.” He adds that healing is a continuous journey and that he hopes listeners don't do it alone, as he believes that deeper healing happens relationally. Listen in to learn Greg's tips for individual healing, meditation, and his online course and community. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Greg on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Jimmy Clare, a motivational speaker, autism advocate, and author. He's the founder of ‘Crazy Fitness Guy' and became a speaker after overcoming his own personal struggles in life. He had been told he wouldn't be able to walk without braces, bullied, and undergone 9 surgeries, including 3 in one day. Today, he is here to speak loud about proving naysayers wrong.Growing Up With AutismHaving autism affected Jimmy in many aspects of life. He didn't reach many milestones as a kid, though he doesn't like the idea of ‘milestones' as they imply that he was behind in some way. When he was a child, a friend of his mother's told her, “Don't worry about Jimmy not talking at the moment because later in life he'll never shut up.” In a way he was right, as Jimmy is now a professional speaker. Many of Jimmy's struggles stemmed from school. Bullying was rampant and there was less understanding and acceptance for autism at the time. He recalls not being supported or understood by the school district, which often exacerbated situations. He's thankful that there is more awareness and resources for autism now than there was then because of the shortcomings of his school and community in supporting him. Finding His Path in LifeAs a child, Jimmy didn't understand why he was being bullied. He recounts the instances of bullying starting out small and escalating. He would be asked questions that other kids knew he wouldn't be able to answer, as someone in special education, and the humiliation and rejection continued. Students even risked paralyzing him when they would hit him on the back of the neck because of his spinal stenosis. Jimmy's physical condition also brought its own challenges, though many of which he's been able to adapt to. Despite what doctors thought, he never needed braces or crutches. He's able to drive and is pursuing his associate's degree in college. Despite his unique challenges, Jimmy has been adamant in proving others wrong. Spreading His StoryJimmy started producing content through his ‘Crazy Fitness Guy' website, and later created a podcast in order to produce something new. The podcast has been up for 2 years. He has also dabbled in Zoom and is now live-streaming. He loves to speak and has appeared on more than 130 podcast episodes. When faced with challenges in business, Jimmy has learned not to throw things out the window, but to continue trying something new in order to find the right balance. On his podcast, Jimmy talks about fitness, nutrition, self-help and more, specifically for autistic people. He's had amazing guests such as authors, motivational speakers, and nutritionists. The joy of hearing that his content has helped other people has kept him going, and he's reached many goals of his own, such as being featured in a magazine. Jimmy hopes that listeners know that autism is not a disease and it does not have to be cured—and that labels do not define who you are. He recommends resources such as the Autism Society, which provides reliable education and information. Listen in to learn more about Jimmy's experience with technology and media studies, how he balances multiple forms of content creation, and his future plans.

Today I'm talking with Sean Singleton, a good friend of mine for over 15 years. He is an entrepreneur and automotive shop owner from Starboys Auto, who is here to share more of his story in his first ever podcast experience. Today, he'll be speaking loud about overcoming your situation, no matter what it is, and creating your own life regardless of the hand you were dealt.Life Without StabilityWhen Sean was eight, his parents went through a divorce, which was when he learned that his father was not actually his father, but his stepdad. The trauma of that realization and the splitting up of his family pushed Sean into a rebellious era, where his built-up anger and resentment lacked guidance and support. With free reign and no discipline, he was often causing trouble, such as vandalism, theft, breaking into cars, and later drugs. The bad choices continued to escalate from junior high and into high school. Sean continued breaking into cars and abusing harder drugs, such as meth, and was on what he called a ‘path to destruction.' He sold LSD and acid in 10th grade and was at the time one of the biggest dealers in the state. Many of the people he surrounded himself with were older, negative influences who contributed to the bad environment he found himself in. What Sean says hurts the most is the impact he had on others. He was always a leader figure among peers and would often suck other people into the same circles that he was in. Receiving a Wakeup CallSean had a few positive experiences through Job Corps while in high school, but by the time he graduated he still hadn't fully separated himself from the bad influences in his life. At 19 and 18, he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child, but Sean wasn't done getting in trouble. He was working as a handyman and doing road repair on the side, and after biting off more than he could chew, he was charged with 7 felonies that included burglary and identity theft.  Sean was ultimately charged with 2 of the 7 original felonies, and spent 45 days in jail. Right before going to jail, his baby was born. He recounts the turning point in his life being when his girlfriend would bring his child to visit him while in jail. He knew how difficult it had been for him to grow up without a dad, and he didn't want that for his own child. The experience changed him and he still counts his blessings everyday as an adult, knowing that he could have been far less lucky and ended up on a much different path in life.  Changing Your EnvironmentSean believes that we are all a product of our environment. As a kid, he had no one to point him in the right direction, but having his own kid made him step up and change that. He says that having his daughter saved his life, as he would have continued on the same reckless path he was on before. He is grateful for his past as it has allowed him to become the person he is today, which includes being a great dad. Some people don't have the same wakeup call that Sean did, or don't answer it. But anyone, at any point, can decide that they want to be different. “If you don't like your environment, change it.” He believes that your mess is your message. People don't always like to talk about their trauma or mistakes, but you never know how sharing your story might positively affect someone else. He hopes that listeners know that whatever their environment is, it doesn't have to be their story. You can rewrite your story at any day if you take the action to. Listen in to learn more about Sean's experiences in the Job Corps, leadership and entrepreneurship, and his advice for parents tuning in. 

Today I'm talking with Sara Im, who, after surviving a mass genocide in Cambodia that claimed 2 million lives, is a speaker and author of “How I Survived the Killing Fields.” She is a member of the Women's Speaker Association and speaks to inspire listeners to thrive from pain to purpose, from corporate events to churches to schools. Today, she's here to speak loud about never giving up on anything in life. Sara was born and raised in Cambodia, and was attending college at 21 when a military takeover in her country forced her out of the city and into the countryside to work in a labor camp. She experienced extreme exhaustion, sickness, and punishment for 4 years while forced to work in the rice fields. Often malnourished, Sara turned to prayer in her darkest moments, and clung to hope of seeing her family again. After four years, Sara recalls hearing noise in the distance that could have been gunfire or explosions. Though they didn't know what was happening, the laborers—once 1000, and now around 300 people—were moved out of the camp and towards the jungle. Sara knew she had to do something drastic, so she took the chance and escaped with 3 friends. They ran into the jungle and walked for weeks back to Sara's hometown, where she was eventually reunited with her family after seeing the devastation that had come to her home. After Cambodia was liberated, Sara recuperated for a year at home. She had no college to go back to, as most professors and educated people had been killed. After that year, her mother told her that she would have a better future in another country, and encouraged her to escape once more. Sara crossed the border from Cambodia to Thailand and found a refugee camp run by the UN. After registering, she searched for her single relative in the U.S. who would be able to help her get into the country—bringing her to Connecticut. Her relative was transferred before Sara ever arrived, but she was grateful for the church people who helped her settle, find a place to live, and learn English during the difficult transition. Soon, she was on her own two feet and able to bring her family to the U.S., as well. Sara was encouraged by many people to write a book after hearing her story. Once, during speaking, one woman in her group came to her crying, sharing with Sara that she had lost her teenaged son to suicide. Sara was shocked, having naively thought that all people in the U.S. would be happier, and thought that if she could write her story, she could help change people's minds about taking their lives. After publishing her book, Sara received many testimonials about how reading it changed people's lives. “It's all worth it,” she says, reflecting on the change her book has done for people. “Struggling four years in the rice field, now I can save somebody's life.” Beyond writing, she still continues as a professional speaker. Sara hopes listeners know to always H.O.P.E.: Have Only Positive Expectations. Things always change. Listen in to learn more about  Sara's experience with writing and publishing, her religious awakening, and what her plans for the next 5 years are.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Sara on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Seph Dietlin, a psychic and hypnotherapist, who, after experiencing a spiritual awakening in 2002, has set out to help others create their own reality and experience unity. He is constantly downloading and sharing knowledge through his intuitive online course, content, his podcast “Talk to My Angels” and more. Today, Seph is here to speak loud about how to utilize your trauma to become a conscious creator of your own reality.Soul Contracts and AgreementsSeph explains that everybody has the ability to tune in to a higher consciousness and unlock their intuition. It is an amazing tool that can be unlocked easily, even after we are taught to shut it down as we grow up. Seph describes this process as remembering something we already knew, which will allow the skill to unravel and unfold on its own time. Seph also talks about soul contracts and agreements that we make before coming into this world. This could be spouses we'll meet or children that we'll bring into the world as well as hardships that we agree to go through in life before being born in order to meet our higher mission. This way of thinking gives power back to us, in Seph's opinion, and in his work in hypnotherapy he utilizes this concept when working with patients who are exploring their own soul agreements. Creativity and Higher ConsciousnessSeph's advice for people wanting to connect with a higher self is to recognize that we are often in that higher brainwave state. ‘The flow,' ‘the zone,' and many other words describe what Seph is referring to. Creativity is an amazing portal: cooking, painting, or creating in any way is a great access point for higher state awareness, and from there that higher conscious state can be leveraged for healing. Seph also instructs listeners to pay attention to their imagination. Imagination is a portal through which our higher consciousness speaks to us. This can include dreams, ideas we visualize, and manifestation. Clairvoyance is simply allowing yourself to interpret what comes into the mind.Learning On Earth SchoolEvents that happened—and are still happening—in 2020 have moved humanity towards an expanded, creative state, in Seph's opinion. Collective experience and collective trauma pushes humanity towards greater understanding of ourselves and the universe. On ‘earth school,' what we are all learning is how to create our own reality. These skills can be honed with practices such as paradigm shifting, numerology and synchronicity.Meditation is a great place to start for those who want to channel and tap into a higher state. Seph explains that to enter the state, rather than trying to force it, instead remember the state of flow that comes from doing something creative or even just stepping into that shower. We are always expanding from challenges and learning from them, and every hardship is an opportunity for growth. Listen in to learn more of Seph's beginnings in hypnotherapy and intuition, the history of hypnotherapy, 3d and 5d living and astral traveling. 

Today I'm talking with Lion Goodman, who, after a near-death experience at 26, has spent 5 decades researching the nature of consciousness, spirituality, and healing. He has instructed more than 500 healers, therapists, and coaches around the world in trauma-informed therapeutic coaching. His teaching methods have been vetted by the International Coaching Federation and the Association for Coaching. Today he is speaking loud about the role of beliefs in our life and the infrastructure of the human mind. Brushing Close to DeathLion graduated with a degree in Consciousness Studies but ended up as a traveling salesman in order to make money. On one trip, he had stopped to help a man whose car had broken down in the middle of the Mojave Desert. After 3 days of gaining each other's trust, the man attempted to kill Lion and shot him in the head. After many hours, Lion was able to talk to and understand the man, and they came to an agreement: the man would not kill him and Lion would not turn him in. He later went to the hospital alone, where he was told that he was very lucky to have survived—which he says was not luck, but his being blessed. He had been ready to accept death but now wanted to grow and teach from this experience. The Discovery of SelfWhen Lion went through his near-death experience, he recognized that he was not simply his physical body. There was a him that was not his body, and as he says, most people who have been in a near death experience are not afraid of death, knowing that there is something on the other side. When people ask the question of ‘Who am I?' Lion explains how he went about answering that question for himself. As a kid he read and learned as much as possible, and approached his studies as an exploration of who he was. He attended over 100 spirituality workshops and training as an adult. Beliefs are the core of the mind, he says, and finding out who you are is a discovery of the core self beneath those layers of belief. Experience is the best way of informing yourself of who you are. Healing Past TraumasNegative experiences like a broken arm, Lion says. Physical wounds can heal and become stronger as they scar, but injuries of the mind are often not given the chance to heal as the brain forces them down and away. Healing from trauma or bad experiences is simply processing those events in a safe way. But the beliefs we develop from trauma are often what damages us the most, not the trauma itself. Lion explains that we can also carry trauma not just from our own pasts, but from generations before us and potentially even past lives. The environment of friends, family, and media can all be traumatizing. Humans are constantly trying to float above the pool of trauma of our culture, which can include things we've never experienced personally, such as slavey and native genocide. Lion says that we have to start with ourselves as an act of “clearing this on behalf of previous generations.”Listen in to learn more about Lion's books and his multi-dimensionality practices, as well as his approach to rapid, deep-belief healing. 

Today I'm talking with Victoria Cuore, an advocate, speaker, best-selling author and CEO of A Contagious Smile. She is a survivor of domestic abuse and has undergone over 100 operations as a result of the struggles she overcame. Today, she's here to speak loud about fighting for yourself and acknowledging that everyone can get lost in the journey of life. Recovering From Domestic ViolenceVictoria always knew that she wanted to be a wife and a mother, which was the card that her abuser played in order to drive her into a toxic situation. After pushing her to get married, the abuser began physically assaulting Victoria once she was pregnant. Even as the abuse escalated, he continued to deny and gaslight her, to the point that Victoria even doubted herself. Victoria underwent dozens of surgeries and operations and is still affected by a history of abuse. At one point while in the ICU, she was told that she had a 2% chance of making it through the night. Then her daughter was born early, and Victoria found the strength to fight for her child. She soon received a restraining order on her abuser and terminated all parental rights. Letting Go of Hatred After AbuseMuch of Victoria's healing process has stemmed from her daughter. She describes her daughter as a ray of light who is an advocate for other special needs peers. Victoria was encouraged to become an advocate both for those with special needs and abuse survivors and stopping the cycle of abuse with herself and her daughter. Victoria still has ongoing surgeries that are a direct effect of her abuse. Some of the injuries were exacerbated by her refusing medical treatment in favor of treating her daughter's needs first. Despite all of this, she says she has forgiven her abuser and prays for him to this day. Victoria explains that allowing an abuser to hold place in your heart through hatred continues to give them power over your life. Letting go of hatred and forgiving opens up the heart for more love. Spreading Light and Positivity“Every smile has a story,” Victoria says, “and we want to share yours.” This is the goal of her company, A Contagious Smile. She seeks to share light, inspiration, and positivity. A smile is always contagious no matter what it looks like. Who doesn't want to smile? Victoria's website shares resources for those with special needs and people suffering from domestic violence. She also uses her platforms to provide support groups, fundraises, life skill classes, and more. Victoria believes in a world that's full of love, laughter, and life. She encourages listeners to not carry negativity and hate in their heart when they could be carrying love in that place, and she hopes that those tuning in know that they are worth fighting for. Listen in to learn more about Victoria's resources for domestic violence survivors, podcasts for teens and adults, and her work breeding emotional support and service animals. 

Today I'm talking with Debby Kruszewski, a coach, consultant, and author of “Soul Meets Body: Six Degrees of You” and several other books. After being ‘dream crushed' by corporate America, Debby decided to listen to her inner voice, leave the corporate world, and begin writing. Today she's here to speak loud about self worth, respect, and integrity. Being Dream Crushed As a woman in an executive position in corporate America, Debby had dealt with more than her fair share of sexism in the workplace. One instance stands out to her, when a recruiter belittled and gaslit her about being a woman in her job position. At a certain point, Debby had to stop and reflect. Who she was was more important than a job. So, she left the corporate world, and began to write. Debby never thought about becoming a writer before, but when she left her job, she heard a voice telling her, “Leave, and I'll take care of it.” She listened, and the storylines began pouring out. She fell in love with the characters who were mirroring her own life and experiences and wanted to share those moments and lessons with others. Choosing Self Respect“How many situations is it easier to take the hit for the greater good?” Debby asks. When faced with uncomfortable, disrespectful, or belittling behavior, oftentimes we think it's better to suck it up and keep the peace. However, she explains that there is a difference between being a nice person—and being abused. Debby encourages listeners to leave the situations in which you're treated this way and find something better, as she did. Finding the courage to stand up to people treating you wrongly is not an overnight process, Debby explains. Recognition, self-healing, and forgiveness are the ‘first draft' — from there, it's a long path, but incredibly worth it. Acknowledging the situations where, how, and why you were being treated wrongly allows you to unveil what's holding you back. Forgiving yourself for the things you weren't able to do at the time will release the weight you're holding onto from those situations, and let you identify what you want, so that you can start building that path to your dreams. Rising Above Negativity Much of Debby's teachings revolve around self-confidence and self-worth. One little step at a time, she believes that anyone can rise above and overcome the things that are putting them down. Even in a powerless phase, you have the autonomy to say goodbye to negativity and release the things you couldn' control. Inner strength and confidence comes out of refusing to let negativity dictate your life. Debby hopes that listeners know that everyone deserves to live a wonderful life and that this conversation helps people know that they are all capable of getting out of situations that no longer serve them. Listen in to learn more about Debby's inspirational blog, how her books offer a look at truth and tragedy, and her exclusive offer for Speak Loud Podcast listeners. 

Today I'm talking with Mandy Capehart, author, speaker, and certified grief and life coach. She's the founder of the restorative grief project, an online resource for grievers looking for growth and healing. Today, she's here to speak loud about grief literacy, and the language needed to navigate grief for ourselves and others. The Unalignment of GriefMandy recounts having lost someone to death almost every year of her life. While she was grieving almost constantly, she says that she wasn't doing so in a good way. She coped with humor and by minimizing herself to service others. The first eye opener came in high school, when her senior class shared a loss of another classmate and Mandy began to realize that not all of the methods used to move through grief were effective. In 2016, Mandy's mother died 4 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Mandy had just had a baby and had planned on her mother being with her to help take care of her grandchild. After taking the time needed to process, Mandy began exploring what she recognized as the unalignment of thoughts, emotions, body, and spirit when someone is grieving. Since then, she's been speaking publicly and educating herself and others. Be Heard, Known, and LovedPart of Mandy's goal is teaching people how to be heard—and how to listen to others. Bearing witness, as she explains it, is more than just holding space for someone. It's experiencing the honest truth of what they're going through without judgment or advice on how to ‘fix' a situation. For someone going through grief, Mandy says it's important to know yourself and your support group. Who would you call if you need an ear or a hug and who would you call if you need someone to organize your linen closet? It's okay to be specific. The same goes for supporters. If there's something that you can offer, let your friend know. Trauma survivors know how tough they are. Sometimes they need the space to be heard, known, and loved rather than having someone try to fix the situation. Grieving Outside of ChurchWhen Mandy's mother died, Mandy had been leading a worship at church. After that loss, she didn't know how to work through her feelings within the faith. Many people within the faith minimized her pain by supporting a religious agenda or their own beliefs. She stepped down as a worship leader, knowing she couldn't lead herself, let alone others. Mandy's book came from this time of reflection and exploration of what faith means in this new world. She realized that the church did not know how to support her and also noticed that it wasn't able to support people through the pandemic. Her book offers a guide for people within the church realms to move past scriptures and lean into the practical element with daily prompts and quotes and practical resources to revisit whenever needed. Listen in to learn more about the Restorative Grief Project, the cyclical nature of grief, and how to start talking about grief in your life. 

Today I'm talking with Donna Tashijan, a life mastery coach and founder of the Vibrant Living International nonprofit. Donna specializes in turning baggage into luggage, accelerating transformations for people across the globe. She's the author of 4 books and is known for having a “knack for turning fear into excitement” through speaking and coaching. Finding Support EarlyAt 14, Donna was assaulted and became pregnant, giving birth to her first child by 15. The judgment of teenage pregnancy caused feelings of shame, resentment, and anger. She developed a fear of failing as a mother before even starting her own life and had to learn to rise above. For someone who might be in a similar situation, Donna says that she wishes she had spoken to herself differently. Self-talk can be an important tool for healing. She also encourages people to look for support, and that there is more help available than you might think. Helping Women's TransformationsThe focus of Donna's nonprofit, Vibrant Living International, is “to help people to rise above the pain and disappointment that life can bring so that they can live the life of their dreams with confidence and ease.” Vibrant Living was established 10 years ago when Donna was considering what she could do that would both support her and Donna has been a life coach for more than 25 years, but has always been a supportive ally for friends in need. Her oldest daughter has told her that for as long as she could remember, “women have been on the couch crying and you were helping them.” Through Vibrant Living International, her podcast, and 4 books, Donna has shared that advice and care with thousands. Turning Baggage Into LuggageAs a life coach, Donna has developed the phrase, ‘turning baggage into luggage.' ‘Baggage-thinking' includes thoughts and feelings of low self-esteem, vengeance, resentment, negative self-talk, and so on. These are legitimate and valid feelings, Donna says, but luggage-thinking is what brings about change. ‘Luggage-thinking' happens when someone begins to see their past or trauma not as their entire life story, but as a single chapter, page, or even paragraph. At 15, Donna felt like what had happened to her was the end of the world, but now she stresses the importance of looking for the gifts in the pain. How will this help me grow, now? It's a gift wrapped in sandpaper, Donna says, not a pretty bow. Listen in to learn Donna's 4 steps for transformation, what modalities she uses for healing, and her future plans for herself and her business. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webVisit the Vibrant Living International websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the Post-Betrayal Transformation Institute, holistic psychologist, and personal development expert. She's a best-selling author and award-winning speaker, appearing on Fox, CBS, and TedEx, and is dedicated to helping people heal from past betrayals. Learning the Effects of Betrayal Dr. Silber has been in the business for 30 years, starting with a focus on health and personal development. After a series of betrayals, she decided to return to school for her Ph.D., knowing that something had to change. Her degree was in Transpersonal Psychology, in which she did a study on betrayal and what it does physically and emotionally.Dr. Silber has made and confirmed three discoveries: betrayal feels different than other traumas, such as disease and death; a collection of common symptoms make up what is now post-betrayal syndrome; and, by healing the betrayal entirely, you can come out the other side an entirely changed person. The Stages of BetrayalIn the Post-Betrayal Transformation Institute, Dr. Silber and her certified coaches help clients identify and move through the stages of betrayal. Most people get stuck in Stage 3, where survival instincts take over after the build-up and the trauma itself. Small self benefits of having sympathy or someone to blame are often what keep people in this stage. Stage 4 involves willingly moving on and finding a new normal. This, Dr. Silber explains, already begins to turn down the stress response and mitigate the damage done by Stage 3. Then, in Stage 5, the transformative rebirth happens as you're finally able to see more clearly and feel grounded. The Transformation of Overcoming BetrayalDr. Silber wants listeners to know that betrayal trauma can be overcome. “Just because this has been your experience,” she says, “doesn't mean it has to be your sentence.” Betrayal is just one chapter in someone's entire life story. Dr. Silber describes how a completely new person emerges from Stage 5, after fully healing and embracing their new narrative. She's seen new levels of health and relationships in the people who have passed through her institute. The beauty of betrayal, she believes, is in that transformation. Listen in to learn more about the effects of betrayal, the different healing processes after betrayal, and how to know if you have post-betrayal syndrome. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webLearn more on the PBT websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Sivan Hong, author and illustrator of the “Super Fun Days Books” series. Her work focuses on inspiring neurodiverse children in overcoming challenges with perseverance and bravery. Sivan is here to speak loud about the power and benefits of neurodiversity and how cool it is to be different. Supporting Kids with NeurodivergenceSivan believes that books are incredibly powerful tools in helping someone feel that they're not alone. The structure of her books was based on social stories that are often used in special education, taking the educational framework and bringing it home for families. Sivan's first book was published three years ago, based on a true story she shared with her oldest son. Sivan doesn't want her children to grow up with the challenges that her generation did when it came to neurodivergence. Rather than seeing their struggles as a failure of their ability, she wants kids now to know that “Different is OK,” and know that they have the support they need. Identifying Neurodivergence EarlySivan's first two books featured her two sons, but her last two have had female characters. This was intentional, she explains, as girls are identified with ADHD much later in life than boys—in their middle age as opposed to a boy in second grade. Girls of color have the lowest level of diagnosis. Sivan hopes to help the underserved population of neurodivergent women by offering representation through her books. Rates of ADHD in adults have also been going up, Sivan explains, because of increased diagnoses in children. This was how she identified her own neurodivergence, seeking a diagnosis after seeing similarities between herself and her kids. Sivan believes the best way to help is to share the message with kids when they're young so that they can bring confidence and self-understanding into their adult lives. Functioning With NeurodivergenceLife with neurodivergence is all about finding what works. Sivan shares that audiobooks opened up the world of literature for her after struggling with reading and spelling in school. As an adult, she's developed her own unique structure that allows her to function day-to-day. Neurodivergence manifests itself in a spectrum and can look different from person to person. Sivan believes that a diagnosis alone can help with someone's mental health: understanding and having a name for the way your brain works can give a sense of peace and clarity. She hopes that listeners know that there is power in being neurodiverse and that it is okay to be different. Listen in to hear the story behind Sivan's first book, her upcoming projects, and where to seek out a medical diagnosis for neurodivergence. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Sivan's work on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Anissa Hudak, a registered yoga trainer who works with PTSD, trauma, and the military. She volunteers with soldiers to provide yoga and other therapies, she founded the Trauma Healing Yoga Therapy program, which uses science-based yoga and holistic techniques to treat PTSD and trauma. Discovering Yoga-Based TherapyAnissa found her current calling when she started taking yoga teacher training classes. At first, she wanted to have the skills for her own journey, but after the class ended found opportunities opened up for her. She loved that this new profession felt like sharing a gift rather than teaching. After taking classes geared towards PTSD survivors and veterans, Anissa saw that she had an opportunity to take these gifts back to her community. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran and the wife of an active duty combatant, she feels a special connection to those in the military and their families. From there, her journey went from one of self-discovery to helping others recover. What Does PTSD Look Like? PTSD presents in many different ways, which can make diagnosing it difficult. Anxiety, depression, and troubles with sleep are more recognizable symptoms. But sensitivity to light and trouble hearing can also be signs of PTSD, Anissa explains, since PTSD is an inflammatory illness. Many factors make up PTSD before it happens, as well. The stress levels of a person before a traumatic incident, their childhood, and any pre-existing mental illnesses can determine why one person may return from an event traumatized while another doesn't. Anissa explains that PTSD is the body saying, “I need a reset” in the central nervous system. PTSD starts in the body and manifests as a mental health issue. How Does Yoga Help PTSD? Anissa stays away from saying PTSD can be ‘cured,' but does believe that it can be healed. Yoga allows practitioners to stay in the moment, which is helpful when facing PTSD triggers that try to take you back to the past. Anissa's practice utilizes yoga to help reset the central nervous system. The more someone does it, the longer they're able to stay in the upper echelon of their brain, rather than in the fight-or-flight response. Anissa specifically curates her practices for people with PTSD. Slowing down can be triggering for some people, which is why Anissa's classes are interactive and engaging. The body is allowed to move slower while the brain remains occupied. By sharing her practice, Anissa hopes that more people can start to understand what PTSD is, where it lives in the body, and how it can be treated. Listen in for Anissa's tips on meditation, the relationship between PTSD and memory, and how to find a yoga therapist for your own needs. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Anissa's practice on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Renaye Thornborrow, a child life coach whose worldwide movement helps bring life coach training to kids with a story-based curriculum. She has worked in the industry for more than 10 years, sharing her teachings with other coaches, educators, and counselors to help children soar in life. Repurposing Coaching for KidsChildren's mental health has recently been declared a national emergency by 3 pediatrician institutions, making Renaye's work even more crucial. She's worked as a child life coach since 2013, having been interested in personal development since graduating college. She became interested in applying those skills to children when she had kids of her own. Life coaching is about giving support as a preventative measure. Renaye created her company and curriculum to help share skills with her own kids, and from there, the vision grew into helping others. She now has coaches in more than 30 countries, helping children develop skills such as confidence, positive self-talk, resiliency, and more. Developing a Kids' Coaching CurriculumRenaye's curriculum includes 27 different mindset skills that are taught through stories, games, and flexible coaching. When she had more and more people coming to her to learn more, she created her certification program to allow coaches, educators, and therapists to use her work in their practices. The stories are often 5-8 minutes and typically for children between 6 and 12. These stories are designed to show children these different skills and, with the coach's support, apply it to their own lives. For kids in elementary and middle school facing serious challenges for the first time, these skills are vital. Teaching Kids ResilienceRenaye offers a book on positive self-talk on her website, where anyone can read and learn about the skill. Resiliency is another skill that the program focuses on, which is taught by learning to reframe the way we view experiences that happen to us. Renaye calls this, “Wearing your power goggles,” with kids. Even when something terrible happens, there's a way to take something empowering from it. To Renaye, “empowerment is when your power comes from inside.” Our most powerful tool is our mind and our thoughts shape everything in our world. Empowerment is learning how to create the lives we want. One of Renaye's goals with her program is to help kids feel empowered so that they're confident about tackling any challenge that comes their way. Listen in to learn more about the tools Renaye's program uses, how life coaching helps trauma, and some of her favorite stories of helping kids develop positive life skills. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind more on Renaye's websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Rebecca Heidt, an artist, entrepreneur, and author of “Acceptance: The Beginning,” the first work of a trilogy that chronicles and teaches the journey of self-acceptance. She's worked in management and finance but has always had a love for the arts. Rebecca is here to speak loud about how to remain your authentic self when surrounded by society's boxes. Growing Up LGBTWhen Rebecca was growing up, she had no one to talk to about being LGBT. Her childhood was full of uncertainty and chaos as she explored her feelings. It wasn't until college that she felt comfortable being open about her relationship with another woman, as she was still navigating homophobia and a lack of representation in her community. While her family had their struggles with accepting her, Rebecca is in a much better place now, happily out and married. She explains, “The only way to benefit me was to be who I was.” She knows that being LGBT is not a lifestyle or a choice, but a part of one's identity that deserves as much respect and acceptance as anyone else. Spreading the Word of AcceptanceRebecca's book, “Acceptance: The Beginning” came from a place of deep loss. During the pandemic, she lost four loved ones, and amongst the heartache and turmoil came growth and art. She felt she was receiving a message telling her that she could get through this and that she could help others do it, too. In writing down her thoughts and feelings, a book was formed. Rebecca's book—the first in a prospective trilogy—is a vehicle for sharing the messages she wants other people to hear. Things that she wanted to say to others or to herself but never had the chance to are communicated through the book's characters. The first book, ‘Acceptance', allows people to face the emotions they've shut down, while the second will help them face the trauma now that it's been unlocked. Art As HealingThroughout her childhood, Rebecca was always drawn to art. When she lost her job as an adult during the pandemic, she rediscovered art as a hobby and a love. Art is healing, to Rebecca, and she loves that it's able to bring others color and joy as well as herself. With her art, she hopes to extend that extra bit of help and light to people who need it. Her purpose is to share a message of peace and positivity, knowing that we will be okay if we do it together. Listen in to learn more about Rebecca's books, her advice on self-acceptance and the journey, and what makes her feel empowered. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Rebecca on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with D. Neil Elliott, author of “A Higher Road: Cleanse Your Consciousness to Transcend the Ego and Ascend Spiritually.” Despite appearing outwardly successful, Neil had his own challenges behind the scenes that led him to discover a high road to transform his life. His entire life view changed and now he desires to help others empower, transform, and bring peace, love, and joy into their lives. Connecting Science and SpiritualityNeil read hundreds of books and attended countless self-help courses, never finding one that fulfilled his needs. As an engineer, spirituality and self-help books—while giving great processes—didn't give him the key he needed to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. Through a spiritual undertaking, Neil discovered the process necessary to understand the truth and connect to source. “When you change your beliefs, you change what you see,” Neil says. His understanding is that everything we see in the world is a reflection of our beliefs and that the electrical and magnetic impulses that make up our thoughts and feelings create a blueprint for the experiences we call into life. Starting the Spiritual JourneyNeil's book outlines the seven steps he took on his own spiritual journey: expand consciousness, unveil new truths, reflection, cleansing beliefs and thoughts, rebuilding consciousness, meditation, and repetition. The process explained in his book will take about a year and will radically transform your life, according to Neil. “Every thought you think creates a like event you manifest in your life,” Neil explains. Understanding this is one of the key tools for transforming your life. His understanding of how the universe came to be and its mechanics, the creation of experience in our life, and the science-based understanding of it are all things that Neil learned.Practicing Enlightenment Daily When striving for enlightenment, Neil first recommends meditation. He meditates first thing in the morning as part of his daily ritual when his brain isn't so busy with the external world. External factors often drive our thoughts and actions in life, but through meditation, you can learn to live ‘from the inside out'—allowing your inside voice to drive what you say and do. Neil spent years listening to audiobooks in order to train his brain to take in auditory information, which he says has allowed him to focus while meditating. Along with these practices, he recommends cutting out anything that doesn't align with the message of unconditional love, and not let fear motivate your journey to enlightenment. “No matter where you are, you can change your life,” he promises.Listen in to learn more about the role of Ego in enlightenment, Neil's golden aspirations, and the Great Awakening happening in our world today. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Neil on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Christine Malek, the founder and creator of “The SASSI Coach” program for women in or recovering from abusive situations. She is an advocate for women against domestic violence and uses a unique coaching approach to bring out the strength and light in every woman she works with. Her life mission is to help others “ruffle some feathers and blow some minds” as they identify and reach their goals. Shining a Spotlight on AbuseChristine experienced every abuse in the book. Her defining moment was in 2018 when her abuser shot her in the back of the head after an altercation. She remembers the night vividly and recalls her thoughts at the time the gun went off: “Fuck, I'm not dead,” and, “Oh, I'm not dead.” She was described as ‘lucky' that her abuser must have tilted the gun to only graze her at the last moment, but Christine knows that this moment was her angels stepping in. This was what forced Christine to admit that something had to change. The abuser wasn't worth her life or freedom. Her guides had set her down a new path, one that meant shining a spotlight on the subject of abuse and those suffering in silence. She had to put her foot down—first for herself and then for others. Following Your Own PathChristine emphasizes the importance of having a plan when escaping an abusive situation. “I don't care how lame the plan is,” she says. It's more important to have one. 1 in 7 women never escape their abuse. The small steps—setting dollars or even coins aside, stashing go-bags with important items and records—are crucial in leaving an abusive situation. Ironically, Christine's journey as a coach was unplanned. But it was soon clear to her that this was her path in life. As a business consultant, she had clients tell her that she should be a coach. Eventually, she signed up for a virtual program, planning to use it for her consulting business, but during one session, the lightbulb went off. “Oh,” she thought, “this is what I'm supposed to be doing.” Now, it's Christine's goal to help everyone she can and end domestic violence. Finding the SASSI Sisterhood“SASSI” stands for “Strong, Assertive, Sexy, Smart, Independent.” Christine chose this to represent women as more than just “strong and independent,” as the phrase often goes. Through her programs and podcasts, she's helped an innumerable amount of women by spreading the love and the word.Part of that mission is attacking the stigma of women who are abused and the judgments they face when coming out with the truth. The key is communication: you have to tell someone. If not a family member or close friend, Christine recommends a church—any church—a police station, a school counselor, or a hotline. Just as those suffering abuse need to talk—those who they confide in need to listen. Listen in to learn more about the SASSI Program's ‘Seven Steps to SASSI,' Christine's eye-opening experience with her guides, and her future plans as an abuse advocate. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webReach out to Christine on The Sassi CoachSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Michael Thornhill, co-founder of Casa Galactica, an ayahuasca healing and evolutionary retreat based in Peru. He's a traditionally-trained plant spirit healer and professional advocate for trauma-informed care. With Casa Galactica, Michael and his wife blend Eastern medicines with Western mindsets to transform years of suffering into an empowered state of mind. Michael's journey with plant medicine began with his journey in healing from addiction, trauma, and abuse. His struggle with substances began young and continued into his late 20s when he started to explore meditation and sound healing. From there, he was drawn to ayahuasca. For Michael, ayahuasca was able to address the root cause of his addiction, alerting him to the fact that the life he lived was out of line with his deeper self. Following the medicine to Peru, Michael learned with indigenous teachers and found a deeper calling in guiding others to the same freedom and liberation he experienced. “There's more to your life than just healing trauma,” Michael says. “It's waiting for you.” Ayahuasca refers to the ayahuasca vine and the leaves of the chacruna plant. The plant has a high concentration of DMT, while the vine acts as an MAO inhibitor. allowing for a deeper journey with the medicine. Journeys can last from 3-6 hours, in which the “veil of illusion dissolves,” allowing you to dive deeper, reframe repressed trauma, and heal past events. Ayahuasca ceremonies are part of the national heritage of Peru, stemming from a long history of plant medicine wisdom. Ayahuasca is not only legal in Peru, but encouraged and protected as a form of healing. Other indigenous cultures throughout the world have lost their practices with plant medicine. Michael explains that ayahuasca is not a ‘drug,' but a plant medicine, as it is something that helps you heal. Drugs are to escape. Plant medicines let you look closer,  Casa Galactica advocates for trauma-informed plant medicine journeys, sharing shamanic wisdom in a context that's empowering and accessible for Western mindsets. Michael and his wife's 10-day retreats consist of 4 ceremonies, which they found was enough time to get the most out of the plant's healing. 10 days at Casa Galactica can catalyze life for the next 10 years, in Michael's opinion. Sitting with ayahuasca can be a difficult experience, especially when repressed trauma is surfacing. That's why Michael and his wife focus on holding a safe space and being with their clients every step of the way. They pride themselves on transparency and intention, providing as much information and preparation as they can leading up to and throughout the retreat. Despite the difficulty, Michael says that sitting with the medicine “has always been worth it.” Even after ‘bad' ceremonies, he himself came out feeling like a different person. Michael hopes listeners learn that there are different options for healing and that while plant medicines are less known or understood in the western world, they are an option. “It's all going to be okay,” he says as something he knows for certain. Listen in to learn more about the medical and diet guidelines for ayahuasca journeys, the cost of Casa Galactica's 10-day retreats, and how to book a free 30-minute consultation with Michael and his wife. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webLearn more about Casa Galactica Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode

Today I'm taking the time for a solo episode to talk about a few topics that have come to mind as I approach 40-years-old. A few conversations with friends and online interactions have brought inspiration for this episode of talking about how childhood trauma follows a person all the way into their adulthood behaviors. Reflecting and Reminiscing As I approach my birthday, I've been reminiscing and reflecting on the last and the next 40 years. I recently made a post on Facebook on the signs of high-functioning anxiety. On the outside, a person may appear as hard-working, organized, and someone who can work well under pressure—but beneath the surface, they may be overwhelmed, burnt out, and set unrealistic expectations. All of this resonated with me greatly. To a stranger, my need to be busy might make me look like a hard worker rather than someone who doesn't like to sit alone with their thoughts. The age-old adage, “You never know what someone else is going through,” still rings through, especially through the lens of social media. Acknowledging Trauma-Based BehaviorsI recently did a poll asking, “What are some things you don't realize you're doing because of childhood trauma?” I found myself resonating with many of the answers and thought it would be helpful to share some of the responses. Childhood trauma can manifest in strange ways, such as attention-seeking behavior or a fight-or-flight mindset. I, for one, find myself wanting to be recognized and heard. I often catch myself being too much of a people-pleaser or striving for perfection in order to be acknowledged. These were things I learned because of trauma, but there are ways to turn these behaviors into strengths. For example, since I work in hospitality, that people-pleasing thoughtfulness actually has positive impacts on my career. Recognizing trauma-related behaviors is the first step to healing the inner child. Learning to Be VulnerableHaving done this soul-searching leading up to my birthday, I think it's important to say that it is okay to be vulnerable and share your struggles with others. You're not alone in your suffering, and everyone—myself included—needs to know that it's okay to have things that still need to be healed. Being a bit more honest with your struggles can, I think, lead to better conversation surrounding childhood trauma across the board. Listen in to hear more on dealing with the repercussions of trauma as an adult and other ways childhood trauma manifests as unconscious behaviors. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webSpread the message of Speak Loud Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Nathan Osmond, keynote speaker, actor, entertainer as well as humanitarian. He's had 4 consecutive hit country singles, won the John C. Maxwell Leadership Award 2 years in a row, and been the recipient of Honorary Command Sergeant Major. He uses his music and platform to recognize non-profits and to make a difference. Nathan is here to speak loud about being your own friend in the mirror through self-talk and resilience. Nathan has had his struggles with self-talk and self-image. Not long after returning from his mission abroad, he was cast in the leading role in ‘You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.' He made extensive efforts to get into character but realized he may have internalized too much when he noticed self-esteem issues out of character. He had a heaviness that he couldn't explain. Nathan knew he had to be still and figure out what was going on with him, so he went to the temple where his parents were married to think and pray. Sitting in his car, he swears he heard a voice ask, “Why don't you love yourself the way that I love you?” as if someone was in the passenger seat. Nathan decided then that he would love himself, be his own friend in the mirror, and stop taking himself so seriously. When Nathan was a child, he was shy in the spotlight while the rest of his family was comfortable. After a nerve-wracking talk show appearance, his father told him that people wanted to hear what he had to say. Sometimes, Nathan recounts, you have to believe in someone else's belief in you. He later went on to do more and more talk shows and eventually become a motivational speaker and podcaster. During the pandemic, Nathan was affected by the change and uncertainty and started experiencing episodes of panic and worry. He even visited the hospital to see what was wrong. Eventually, he called his uncle, Donny Osmond, to tell him what was happening, who just laughed and said, “Welcome to the club.” Talking with his uncle, Nathan learned something: to stop seeing things as black-and-white and to live in the gray and let those feelings go. Own your moment. To Nathan, there's nothing that says, “This is how life has to be.” He's found that he helps himself by helping others and listening to his own advice. “You're speaking because you know what you need to hear,” he says. He wants to leave his mark on this world, whether it's through music, speaking, or just being a father and husband. Sometimes you just need to ‘take a bit,' as actors say, and pause to breathe before stepping into the spotlight. Nathan knows that we're all human with unique challenges, and hopes that listeners find value in what he's shared, whether that's loving themselves more, learning to laugh at themselves, or finding peace and joy in the journey. He encourages everyone to be their own friend in the mirror, and to ask, ‘What are you saying to yourself?' and ‘Would you say it to someone else?'Listen in to hear Nathan's thoughts on seeing messages from a higher power, finding identity in who we are rather than what we do, and books he's discovered in his journey with self-image. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Nathan on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking about Jeff Soelberg, an amputee peer visitor, activist, and founder of the Jeff Giving a Hand Foundation. After losing three of his fingers in an industrial accident, Jeff has become a prominent advocate for amputees and how amputation affects all aspects of a person's life. “Life happens when you adapt,” according to Jeff, and he believes in the resilience of the human spirit. On July 6th, 2016, Jeff was in an industrial accident that resulted in the loss of three of his fingers, along with tendon and nerve damage up to his elbow on his dominant hand. He had been shining a pump shaft when his glove got caught and his hand was pulled in to the wrist. Despite his shock, Jeff was able to instruct his coworkers and the on-site nurse on what to do and was soon taken to the hospital for surgery. Jeff underwent a total of 9 surgeries, 7 of them in the first 9 months. He recalls looking at his hand while waiting several hours in the hospital, knowing that his fingers weren't there but not registering where they were. He describes the shock response as a sort of tunnel vision, and after leaving the hospital he was forced to relearn everyday functions while also dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of his accident. Fingers are medically labeled as cosmetic, not essential. Jeff's responds that anyone with ten fingers can't tell him what is or isn't essential. It may only be a finger, but we do so much with our fingers from dawn to dusk. Part of his work has been advocating to insurance agencies in order to increase the availability of prosthetics for amputees, without clients paying thousands of dollars. Recently, Jeff had the opportunity to go to London and educate a group of doctors on the necessity of finger prosthetics. Despite the advancements in prosthetic technology, the majority of hand surgeons are completely unaware of what prosthetics are available for the people they treat, and therefore won't even think to prescribe a prosthetic. Jeff asked the group, “Where would you be without your fingers?” Education is a simple but incredibly important part of advocacy for amputees. The Jeff Giving a Hand Foundation has an emphasis on physical fitness and living life as an amputee. If life has handed you a challenge, it's an opportunity to step back and figure things out. For those struggling mentally, Jeff advises the basics: just try. Go for a short walk, do something to elevate your heart rate, as sitting at home will only take you to dark places. Looking to the future, Jeff plans to continue doing everything he can to make prosthetics available to everyone who needs them. When Jeff first lost his fingers, he was unable to look at his hand when the doctor removed the bandage. Months later, he showed the same doctor a video of his most recent deadlift, and the doctor replied, “I always knew you had it in you.” Jeff hopes listeners know that a dark situation can be turned into something better, and encourages them to meet everyone with empathy and acceptance, whether their impairments are physical or invisible.Listen in to learn more about para-athletes and competitions, types of finger prosthetics, and how Jeff adapted and adjusted to life after his amputation. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webReach out on Jeff's websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer 

Today I'm talking with Mary Jean Winn. Mary Jean grew up in northern Utah and has spent a lifetime she describes as not recognizing her own self-worth. She has 6 kids and 12 grandkids. Mary Jean is a business owner and a writer, and is starting a non-profit to help others find their own empowerment and identity.Being Silenced on Abuse Mary Jean shares that she's repressed the early parts of her childhood as a result of her abuse and has struggled to piece together how that early programming has affected the person she is today. She had a father who was physically abusive to her, her siblings, and her mother, and one of her earliest memories is of abuse witnessed at 9 years old. Throughout her childhood, Mary Jean didn't go to therapy and didn't speak about what was happening to her. People didn't talk about abuse. Physical discipline was more common, but the line between discipline and abuse was often in question. Everything was silent, according to Mary Jean, and no one ever came to help. In her opinion, the worst thing that someone can do while abuse is happening is to be silent. Speaking Her Truth As an adult, Mary Jean has found comfort in writing about her experiences. She has filing cabinets full of journals that she uses as a healing modality. Being in survival mode for the majority of her life, she found there was a lot for her to process.Mary Jean's book, “Lessons I Learned On a Dirt Road,” is a project 30 years in the making. The title was inspired by the clarity she feels while out in nature on a dirt road, where she feels the most grounded and closest to God. Although she struggled with the structure of the book, she hopes to begin the process of publishing in September. There is a need for her to tell her story. “You have your own roadmap,” she says and encourages listeners to make sure they're not following someone else's. Connecting People in NeedMary Jean's nonprofit “Building Connextions” aims to create an empowerment center for at-risk people. She calls it a connection center where people can learn how to find their voice and live their truth in a safe, comfortable environment. The nonprofit is in its early stages, but Mary Jean is excited about the amount of potential it has. Mary Jeans wants to be a guide for people who are struggling, helping them find their best path in life. She's in the process of putting together programs and growing the nonprofit into her dream, showing others how to live the life they've never lived before.  Mary Jean hopes listeners know to never give up, even in their darkest moments. If they keep putting one foot in front of the other, eventually everything will pass. This is a lesson she has taught to her kids and herself. Listen in to hear more of Mary Jean's journey, why she decided to write her book, and what modalities she uses to stay on the right path in life. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Mary Jean on her website Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Stacey Dash, an accomplished actress, author, and healthy-living advocate. Stacey is a mother who has navigated many waters, overcoming obstacles to raise her children and remain in the film and TV industry. She recently celebrated 5 years clean and is here to speak loud about balancing family, health, and careers while holding onto your vision in life. Focusing on the Future Stacey believes that the future is more important than the past. “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,” she says, but still details how her childhood affected her life. Both of her parents were addicted to drugs, and Stacy grew up angry as a result of her dysfunctional childhood. At age 8, Stacey knew she wanted to be an actress after acting in her first play. An actress was able to escape the life they were living, she realized, and be someone else. She landed her first job at 18 after leaving home, but still struggled with self-worth all the way into adulthood. It wasn't until her son was born, after Stacey grappled with the decision of abortion, that she says her life began. Battling Opioid AddictionIn her adult life, Stacey struggled with an addiction to opioids, after being prescribed them for pain management. Everything that happened to her, she believed happened for a reason. At the time, opioids allowed Stacey's brain to ‘slow down' enough so that she could function. No one in Stacey's life knew about her struggle with drugs, aside from her sister. She accomplished many things, including contributing to Fox News for 2 years, writing a book, and being a good mother. But after collapsing in pain because of organ shutdown, Stacey spent a month in the hospital and was told that she would die if she did any drugs again. After being released, she was suddenly on a plane to Utah to go to rehab. Addiction, as Stacey explains, is not a choice. It's a disease, and a painful one, and getting clean is one of the hardest things to do. Never Too Late to Dream When it came to being a mother, Stacey considered what she had wanted as a little girl, and worked to give those things to her children. She had wanted to feel loved and safe and knew she had to give that life to her kids. “It ends with me,” she said, deciding that her future generations would not know abuse, instability, or loss.Stacey hopes that listeners come away from this episode with a greater sense of empathy and understanding. She is not a victim of her past or her circumstances. Even now, after being five years clean, she's pursuing a passion project of interior design. Her goal is to create sanctuaries for people, both in-home and in worship, even if it means starting from the ground up. Stacey hopes that listeners know, “It's never too soon and it's never too late.” Whatever their vision is, it is still possible.Listen in to hear more about Stacey's upcoming book, how her relationship with God empowers her through her struggles, and how she's found patience and endurance in adversity.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webFind Stacey on her website Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Carl Bowcut from Orem, UT. Carl has degrees in both Psychology and Education and was an educator in the LDS church for 33 years. He's a father of 6 and a grandfather to 14 and is here to share information about his and his family's experience with balancing the brain using Cereset.Exploring Treatments for Depression and AnxietyCarl believes in speaking loud about mental illness. His wife has shown him that even high functioning individuals from stable backgrounds can suffer from anxiety or depression. Her questions of “Am I good enough?” and “Can I do this well enough?” have opened his eyes to mental illness, a topic that was much less talked about when they were growing up. Carl always remained supportive of his wife, but in his words, “Spouses are terrible therapists.” Despite having the constant support of her husband and family, Carl's wife knew that there was still something missing in her journey with depression and anxiety. Many people suffering emotionally and mentally may assume the problem is only with them, but that's not the case. Using Cereset for Sleep, PTSD, and DepressionOne day, while watching a podcast on YouTube, Carl's wife came across a testimonial from a celebrity whose family member used something called “brain echo” while experiencing depression and anxiety after addiction. Lee Gerdes, the developer of Cereset, developed a process that converts electromagnetic brain waves into sound waves and that play back to you in real-time. Hearing itself, according to Cereset, allows the brain to correct itself. Carl, his wife, and their oldest son all tried Cereset, a 4-5 day process of 1.5-hour sessions. After the sessions, Carl's wife came out a different person. She describes her experience with her ‘new brain' “like the center part of me used to be fractured… and it's been lined up.” Profoundly impressed with the process, Carl and his wife began developing the franchise in Utah, where there are now three locations for Cereset. The Process of CeresetCarl explains that the process begins with a baseline scan of the client's brain, focusing on 2 main lobes: the frontal and temporal lobes, which are the emotion center and stress response centers of the brain. This gives a sense of how healthy the brain's responses to stress and emotion are so that a comparison can be made after treatment. The treatment takes 4-5 days, with an hour-and-a-half session each day. This allows the brain to create the necessary neural pathways to treat itself. The process itself is painless: clients just have to sit with their eyes closed and listen. Many often fall asleep during the session. Afterward, Carl always makes sure to keep in touch with clients to see how they're doing post-treatment. The answer is almost always a resounding, “Amazing.” Listen in to learn more about Carl's personal experience with Cereset, how right and left brain imbalances affect emotion, and the difference between sound wave frequencies and Cereset. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webLearn more on the Cereset website Spread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm talking with Denise Dixon from Atlanta, GA. Denise is a life coach with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, author of several workbooks and journals (with an upcoming book about surviving breakups), and a mother. Denise believes in the power of speaking loud about what we're experiencing in life so that others don't feel so isolated. The Struggle to Understand Mental Health To Denise, mental health is deeply personal. Therapy is valuable, but it's important to find the right fit. Denise was a serial therapist hopper, and as a high functioning person, she struggled to find someone who was able to see through her to what she felt was truly wrong. Eventually, Denise found out she had depersonalization disorder, finally giving her the name for what she was feeling. Denise pursued her Master's in order to figure out herself, but in the process realized she had a gift for identifying issues in others. “Trauma knows trauma,” she says, and she decided to put those skills to use. From her own experience, Denise believes in looking at things from the client's perspective. Transitioning from Therapist to LifecoachAfter getting her Master's, Denise planned to be a traditional therapist, but life had other plans. That particular career path didn't fall into place, but she also knew that the type of conversations she loved having with people were conversations she wouldn't have in a traditional setting. Denise enjoyed that space of accountability and made the natural transition from therapist to life coach. Denise offers in-person and virtual coaching, along with workshops, classes, and retreats. As a life coach, she doesn't simply give her clients a pat on the back or a high five. “My rates are too high for that,” she says. As a life coach, she's an excavator, pulling out things in life that aren't needed, so that her clients can meet their goals. Denise feels that this is truly her life's work, and has had clients leaving who tell her that they've met someone who is doing what they're meant to do. Reclaiming Childhood With Her ChildrenAs a mother, Denise is breaking the cycle with her own children, now 26 and 17-years-old. She loves that they're able to have the childhood that she didn't, and is able to experience that childhood with them. She taught them early on that what happens in their heads is important, and that they should do what makes them happy, not what others expect from them. Denise had to learn how to trust as a parent. She believes that kids aren't a possession, and parents don't own them. They're a gift, and even if she does her very best, she can't control everything, so she focuses on raising human beings that can navigate the world on their own. Even in her absence, she knows she's doing her best and gaining as many lessons as she's teaching. Listen in to hear about Denise's methods for living with depersonalization, conversations to have with trauma survivors, and more about her upcoming book about her own survival story. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webContact Denise on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Roger is a Seattle native and has joined the life of a nomadic traveler for an adult gap year. He decided to take a year off to travel to find and fulfill how he wanted to live his life. Currently, he is in Italy and is a writer, fellow podcaster, and adventurer; and he loves to cross-off items from his bucket list. Roger is keen on spreading the message about the importance of finding your self-worth focused on who you are as a person. This decision came about after a heart attack during quarantine, which gave him the chance to reflect on his life "and put a reset in."Finding your self-worth is a process of looking at the 168 hours in a week and seeing if the hours we spend in our activities reflect and share our value as a person. "There's almost a societal pressure that you're expected to find self-worth in your job." In addition, many people in society have accepted that certain professions are underpaid, overworked, and devalued - all of which have been accepted in our social fabric.As a teacher, he was often told that he was doing this job for the kids. "At some level, it's extremely abusive." Selling your labor is OK, but it should never be acceptable to give away your worth or value in exchange for money.The remaining 70 hours a week that you have to utilize after sleep and work needs to be time spent doing activities for what you can be known. After his heart attack, he decided to be the person known for how to cross off items on a bucket list. "What I really want to be known for is how I live my life and who I integrate into that space with."Listen in to discover how he came up with his bucket list of activities that brought him joy, how he is maximizing what he can do for himself using his own labor, and why he has refused to live up to other's expectations of how he can live his life with a regular 9 to 5 job.Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webListen to The Crossing It Off PodcastSpread the message of Speak Loud Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!Please review our podcast disclaimer on our website

Today I'm celebrating the 100th episode of the Speak Loud Podcast! I'm recapping some of my favorite episodes so far, and what I've learned in 100 episodes. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent messages about how they've resonated with the podcast. This show is for you, after all, so I always love hearing your feedback and ideas. The Speak Loud Podcast is about sharing a message of hope, but we all have to get through the dark parts to reach the light. I've learned how to use my past not as a crutch, but as a stepping stone for my future. After 22 years, my book Throwaway Girl is out this fall, and in that memoir, I cover details from Episode 1 in my own story of triumph and hope. Some of my favorite episodes have been with friends or people in my close circles. In “Speak Up and Speak Loud Against Abuse”, my talk with my aunt opened my eyes to generational trauma in my family. Scott Clover, my dear friend, and somatic healer helps clients remove emotional blockages and connect to their authentic energy in “Intuitive Trauma Healing.”Another one of my favorite episodes was “Why Resilience Matters with Em Capito.” Em was my first TedX speaker, and resilience is one of my favorite words. Resilience is about turning adversity into strength and triumphing over a challenge, which is the message I want to share on the Speak Loud Podcast. Many episodes have been deep-dives into the brain and body after trauma. “How Trauma Affects the Brain with Joe Dennis” is one of the most listened-to episodes, where Joe brings valuable insight from his career as a clinician. “How To Use Creativity to Heal from Trauma with Lauri Schoenfeld” has excellent information for finding a different outlet for your healing. In “Exploring the Complexities of Trauma”, Michelle Binion, certified mental health clinician, enlightens us on why we work the way we do after trauma. I've had great guests whose stories are full of light and hope. Rena Romano, in her episode “Overcoming Shame After Sexual Abuse,” shares how she's become a “sur-thriver” and found endless possibilities in life. If you want an uplifting episode, check out “Giving Sunshine with Jason Clawson.” Jason is a clinical therapist and father whose movement “Giving Sunshine” sends therapeutic care packages to families struggling with grief, illness, and other struggles. Thank you for tuning in and for continuing to believe in the Speak Loud message. As always, you are worthy, you are enough, and keep on shining your light. Speak Loud Podcast on the webSpread the message of Speak Loud Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**

Today, I'm joined by Shannon Earley, a fellow podcaster who produces her show called Mama's Need Love. She is the mother of two children and has been married to her “bestie” for 12 years. Shannon is a Christian and has a passion for reminding other mommas how important and beautiful they are. In addition, she reminds abuse survivors that although you've been through abuse, you can still be deeply loved.Remember That You're a Beautiful CreationShannon is here to remind us that, as women, and especially mommas, we are all beautiful creations! Sometimes, it's hard to remember that we are loved and amazing because of our abusive history. However, Shannon reminds us that we are unique human beings inside, no matter what abuse we have endured!Escaping One Abusive Situation to Fall Into Another Abusive SettingShannon was sexually abused by an older teen for six years. Never having told her parents, she moved out at the age of 19 with an older man who continued the abuse for more than two years until she finally left the relationship. Many of the emotional trauma Shannon suffered still lives with her today. In her late 30s, Shannon experiences traumatic setbacks and triggers which remind her of specific instances of abuse. This primarily affects her when she is intimate with her husband, and her past history of abuse comes up during special moments.Listen in to hear more about what she needed to learn to adapt to her Autistic children, how she drew on her strength to get through her abusive family life growing up, and how Shannon is reversing the cycle of abuse and taking care of her family by creating a loving environment for them.Resources MentionedSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Shannon on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**

Today I'm joined by Lauri Schoenfeld, a writer, speaker, and mother of 3. She hosts her own podcast, “The Enlightenment Podcast” and has recently released her novel, “Little Owl.” Lauri is a returning guest here to speak loud about embracing your inner weirdo. We often leave traumatic situations with traits and quirks that others may not have. When Lauri was younger, her best friends were her Barbie dolls--but when she was 12, her parents decided to throw them all away. After this, Lauri struggled to connect with wonder and curiosity, and for many years tried to be who she thought she was supposed to be rather than who she wanted to be.Lauri says not to judge yourself for traits you have as a result of trauma. Instead, lean into them with curiosity. The differences, in her opinion, are what make us fascinating as human beings. The curiosity of understanding why we are the way we are without judging should be embraced with ourselves and with others. As an adult, Lauri used to refuse to show she was hurting. She kept a bandaid on but eventually had to ask herself what she hadn't been doing. The answer to that was, she hadn't been loving herself and investigating what was hurting her. She had to rip off the bandaid and look under the surface, which is what inspired her book, “Little Owl.” The book was a journey of walking through her trauma. Doing so can be difficult, but Lauri engaged with her inner Nancy Drew and found a way to investigate her past in a wondrous, playful way. She was curious about what events had shaped her and what made her who she is today. Growing up, Lauri had a special connection to music. As a teenager, whenever she was angry, she had a go-to playlist that she would put on while driving as fast as she could through backroads. She created a safe space for herself to scream and be angry when it wasn't allowed in the house. As an adult, Lauri has found different ways to cope, not only for herself but for her children, too. She still turns on her angry music, but now puts that rage into a punching bag. Her children all have different ways of engaging with anger that she engages in, whether that's going on a run, having a punching bag session, or smashing plates and using the pieces to create something beautiful. Lauri's made a point to invite anger and rage into her home--without directing it at each other. Listen in to hear more about dealing with abandonment, reflecting on unhealthy behaviors as an adult, and the process of writing a book and building a website. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Lauri on InstagramSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**

Today I'm joined by Mark Smith, a “curator of the bigger vision within” and a podcast host from, “The Process Podcast.” Mark is a self-described “work in progress who believes success is limitless,” with the desire to share his life journey in a way that resonates with everyone--personally and professionally. Change is okay, Mark believes. This concept has always resonated with him, but became his passion in 2018, when he started writing a series he called, “Process”. After losing his father to cancer, going through a divorce, and a career change, Mark had to ask himself how to embrace change rather than wallow in what was. Mark's grandfather once said, “All storms don't come to hurt you, some storms come to clear your path.” Mark believes that change comes to push down a cleared path, one where we can move to the next level in life. Without change, we would never reach what we're truly meant for. “It can be hard at first, messy in the middle, but rewarding in the end.” This is how Mark has chosen to approach change. When it comes to adapting to change, he's collected a few key tools. First, he has to look at the bigger picture--or attempt to, at least--and embrace that what happened, happened. From there, he asked, what is this teaching me? What messages were there all along? After his father died, Mark went through all stages of change--difficulty, messiness, and eventual reward. He lost jobs, ended up divorced, and spent years asking his father why he had done this to his son. Eventually, he was able to look back and embrace the lessons that his father's passing taught him: enjoy and embrace life, live without regrets, and let your loved ones know you love them. Mark created “The Process” podcast when he was told his job position at the time was going to be eliminated. He had to decide what he wanted his core message to be, and found three components: he had to believe that this story had the potential to change someone's life, that his story was worthy of sharing, and that someone out there would resonate with it. Since he first started writing, he has completed six messages and hopes to publish a book with number ten, reaching more than 100,000 people. He loves that he's able to offer people a blueprint when they might need it. If everyone he interacts with ends up bitter or better because of him, Mark chooses to make that person ‘better.' Listen in to hear more about Mark's ongoing projects, what empowers him on a daily basis, and his five-year plan for the future. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Mark on his websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**

Today I'm joined by Cindy Wallace, author and mental health therapist, who is here for her first podcast to speak loud about healing from PTSD. Cindy has a bachelor's in English and Creative Writing, as well as a master's in Social Work, and as a writer has had more than 15 published articles and award-winning prose. Cindy describes that trauma often cuts life into a clean ‘before' and ‘after.' She was 16 when she was kidnapped and abused over 24 hours, while no one knew she was gone. When she returned home, she was “catatonic,” and felt she was watching someone else live her life through a lens. Her brain kept telling her to survive, and Cindy did so by pretending she was someone else. She was eventually diagnosed with severe dissociation and chronic PTSD but had blocked the trauma out completely. She had no idea why she had changed or what had happened to her for another 15 years. At 31, Cindy's trauma resurfaced while writing a story for creative fiction, resulting in a psychotic break and a 2-week admittance to in-patient. From there, she put in an incredible amount of work to rebuild. Cindy was determined to keep moving and doing things with her life. She has three kids, and at the time, they were her driving force to persevere. While recovering, Cindy learned to use mindfulness as a way to get through the day. “All you have to do is put one foot on the floor,” Cindy told herself, continuing like that throughout the day. Everything went one step at a time. At first, Cindy rejected the “everything happens for a reason” narrative. She constantly questioned what happened to her, and why. Eventually, she realized that she created her own reason, and decided on a career that gave her purpose. She has been a therapist for 6 years now after completing her master's in social work.Cindy explains how she processes everything through writing, and over the past year has finished writing her book on her journey. Some of the scenes took months to write, as she had to revisit everything that happened to her. When the pandemic hit, she experienced another breakdown, but this time found a community within the pandemic who supported her. Cindy's journey has been an amazing one, but she notes that trauma is often not as ‘big' as many people think. “Trauma is defined as anything that surpasses your ability to cope,” she tells listeners. Cindy hopes people know that they're never too far gone and that they can start healing from where they are right now. Listen in to hear more about Cindy's healing journey, her experience as a therapist, Ayahuasca retreats, and other healing modalities. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Cindy on her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**

Today I'm joined by Jason Clawson, a clinical therapist and father of two boys, and co-creator of “Giving Sunshine”, which sends therapeutic care packages to families or individuals struggling with grief, terminal disease, and more. Since the death of his wife three years ago, Jason has started to look at life differently and is here to speak loud about finding hope after tragedy.From an early age, Jason was drawn to support others in difficult situations. His natural inclination led him to a residential treatment center shortly after college, where he was able to give support and encouragement to others daily. Jason's career in therapy felt like the natural progression of his life. He's gravitated towards helping people with addiction, as well as trauma and grief. He values being more than just a sounding board for his clients, but being someone who will walk the path with them. Three years ago, Jason's wife passed away from stage 4 colon cancer. At the time, it felt impossible to calm down with so many fears and uncertainties. During treatment, a doctor told him, “Cancer has a way of enhancing your life,” and while he refused the notion at first, those words have stuck with him.Jason recalls how, after the funeral, he felt incredibly alone. He continued to work for 9 months until he realized that he needed an intervention. So, he set one up, texting more than a dozen people to invite them to his house to help. People want to help, he says, but often don't know how. 3 weeks later, Jason quit his job to spend the whole summer with his boys. “We need to make some happy memories so that we can be happier again,” he told them. Jason's idea for sunshine boxes came as a result of a lemonade stand with his kids and a basket of yellow things that his wife received while in treatment. In raising money to create and send out boxes, Jason was able to not only help others through pain but watch his sons do the same. The boxes come with fun yellow things to bring happiness, as well as therapeutic tools to help in difficult times.Jason and his partner have sent the sunshine boxes to 21 states, and hope to do all 50. “This is what my wife would want to do,” Jason says, and details how he's able to keep his wife in his life every day. The “Giving Sunshine” kickstarter is now live, and Jason has many plans for spreading sunshine in the near future. Listen in for advice on counseling loved ones, how to find resources for therapy, and the story of the Giving Sunshine movement. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webDonate to the Giving Sunshine KickstarterSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast and share this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.** 

Today I'm joined by Nikisha Timms, a creative and empowered woman dedicated to sharing the light with others. Her movement, “The World Is a Better Place Because YOU Exist” is all about spreading love to those who need it most. She is a mother of 2 and an intuitive healer who is here to speak loud about her journey from the dark into the light. Choice Over Circumstance Nikisha grew up in an abusive home riddled with generational trauma. Both her parents were addicted to drugs, which sent Nikisha and her brother into foster care. She suffered from sexual abuse while in the system, along with other traumas.From her childhood, Nikisha learned to be a product of her own choices, not her circumstances. Despite her struggles, she started to unpack her emotional baggage, so that she could fill that luggage with something better. Healing Generational Trauma“By passing down generational trauma, you're saying that the trauma that was done to you was okay,” Nikisha says. Her mother was sexually abused, and the traumas have persisted in Nikisha's life and her son's. Nikisha is now a mom of two boys and actively gives them tools to break the cycle. She's adamant about giving her children a voice and leaning into trust. She also teaches her kids anatomical language, in order to accurately describe any possible abuse.Making the World a Better Place “The World Is a Better Place Because YOU exist” started as a small, one-woman movement, with Nikisha putting sticky notes on 3 people's cars every day. She started the movement in hopes of stopping even one person from committing suicide, and soon that movement rippled out to her close friends, and later an entire community.Nikisha describes the process as passing the torch: spreading your light from one person to the next. Along with her movement, Nikisha provides abundance healing sessions and group workshops, where she gives others tools and coping mechanisms, helping them connect with their higher self.Listen in to hear more about Nikisha's energy work and intuition, her journey with weight loss, and what healing modalities she uses. Resources MentionedJoin Me on Speak Loud PlatformSpeak Loud Podcast on the webConnect with Nikisha on Instagram or through her websiteSpread the message of Speak Loudly Podcast andshare this episode with a friend!***Disclaimer: All content found on Speak Loud Podcast, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Material contained on Speak Loud Podcast website, podcast, and social media postings are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice. Information on this podcast and guest comments, opinions, and content are solely for educational and entertainment purposes. Use of this information is at your own risk.**