Surviving the Suck

Welcome to the Surviving the Suck podcast! First things first: you got this. Now, let's learn how to heal together, thrive in the suck, and change the world.DISCLAIMER: This episode mentions bipolar depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Take care of YOU first. I'm here for you.

Chicken wings & creepy things? We're BACK! Kumail Hussain joins me in an amazing conversation about surviving the suck, making yourself a priority, and being yourself -- even when it's hard. Hang in there, you got this.Topics may be sensitive to some listeners.

Yankee doodles and cheesy noodles? You don't want to miss Episode 3 talking with Jake Bishop, Care Manager and Peer Recovery Specialist at Baden Street Settlement in Rochester, New York.Jake has suffered addiction and loss, but has triumphed in his recovery with a goal of helping others overcome their addiction and recovery. Jake now operates Rising Up Recovery, a non-profit that creates sober activities for the recovery community and talks about recovery and addiction on air for the Rochester community on 100.9WXIR.This episode is all about rising from the suck. Topics may be sensitive to some listeners.

I AM THE STORM -- say it with me!Episode 4's guest is Brie Kunstman. Brie is 19 years old and a Stage two cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Stage two Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a blood cancer, at age 18 during her freshman year of college. She shifted from being a super involved student on campus to spending days at the hospital doing rounds of chemotherapy.Rather than hiding her diagnosis, she began an Instagram blog to take people through the life of a cancer patient as well as to explore life post cancer in a realistic way. Brie has become a fierce AYA cancer advocate and she uses her platform to help raise awareness. Now, she is a Psychology and Woman and Gender Studies major with a Spanish minor, and she is 5 months post chemo.You don't wanna miss this episode about surviving the suck.

COLLAB? What what! This podcast would not be here if it wasn't for our episode 5 guest, Hannah Molina.Hannah is a 24 yr old Latina mental health activist from Chicago, IL. She has battled with bipolar depression and anxiety for a decade and uses her experiences to help others, and educate her Hispanic community about mental health.Hannah is also the host of the Laughing Out Of Depression podcast where she has uncensored conversations with a new guest each week about life, hope, relationships, mental health, and healing. Her podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Check out episode 1 out of 2 with THE Hannah Molina.Topics may be sensitive to some listeners.

YOOO, this episode features my bestie, Michael Anthony. Michael is someone who's taught me how to survive the suck over and over again.He went to Augustana College with me, graduating in 2020. Now he's a Tik Tok star with over 641K followers and 52.8K followers on Instagram. He uses his platform to spread mental health awareness because of his own struggle and seeing the people around him struggle. He's a positive person with a huge heart and an even better friend.As said in the Spiderman movie, "With great power comes great responsibility." Michael knows this too well. Don't miss this episode!

You have the power -- give yourself permission to cultivate it. BOOM. When Sarah Stevens says "take up space", we listen. We take up space. We learn our power in survival.In 2016, Sarah left a successful, decade-long career in corporate healthcare in favor of work that better aligned with her passion and purpose. After serving for two years as a freelance consultant to small businesses and start-up nonprofits, Sarah founded The Beautifull Project - a storytelling collective that invites women back to their bodies and into a world where they belong with substance and with strength.Listen to this episode to find not only your strength, but your power, with Sarah Stevens.

This is a very special episode. This week we have Kevin Hines with us -- a man who has become a dear friend of mine and a pure inspiration for millions of people.Kevin gained nationwide fame for surviving an attempt at taking his own life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Since his attempt, he has been committed to his recovery, brain health, and traveling the world to spread a message of hope. Kevin is now a fierce mental health advocate, storyteller, and suicide prevention speaker. He is not only saving lives, but changing the world each and every day.It's because of Kevin's story that The Gray Matters Collective is in existence and why I am an advocate. I'm so blessed to have him on this podcast to share his story and give hope to those who need it right now.Topics may be sensitive to some listeners. (tw // suicide, bipolar disorder)

WE ARE BACK! After a much needed break, I'm back to bring you some positivity with Jaawan Arrington. Jaawan is founder of the 100 Series, a brand that uses everyday people to promote positivity, inspiration, and motivation. He's such a joy to this world.Listen as he shares a bit of his creative journey and finding his way through loss, grief, and (as always) keeping it 100.

Transitioning from season 1 to season 2. I'm excited for this new journey as life continues to change and evolve. Listen to this short episode to hear what has been and what will be. Keep surviving -- I'm rooting for you.

It's SEASON 2 time and I'm letting the light in. More joy, more color, more beauty. Isn't that what life's about? Join me in a conversation about starting over, the healing journey, and (most importantly) surviving the suck.

Ben Bruster is one of my favorite people. He's an author, a creative, a comedian, and a full-time world changer. By his example, he's taught me how to survive the suck by allowing himself to be seen for who he is, exactly as he is. So, let the light shine. Remember, storms don't last forever.Check out his blog piece referenced in this episode: https://benbruster.com/2021/06/26/what-ive-always-wanted-to-say/

Eric Kussin is the founder of We're All A Little "Crazy", a 501c3 non-profit. As a 15-year professional sports executive, Eric uses his experience to bring together athletes, celebrities, and expert practitioners to be part of societal change. After a successful career that started at the NBA League Office (and led to senior management positions with a number of professional sports teams) Eric's mental health took a sudden and rapid decline. Due to unresolved personal life traumas, Eric developed a severe bout of PTSD, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression. This fall came essentially “out of nowhere” and left him almost permanently in bed, and with severe cognitive impairment, for just over two and a half years. Once he found a way to climb out of his abyss, he vowed to spend the rest of his life focused on changing the global conversation through mental health advocacy.Check out his organization here: https://samehereglobal.org

Rumaisa Khawaja, also known as Coach Ru, is a warrior and survivor. She's Certified in Social Emotional Intelligence for Leadership and Coaching and is a First Generation Indian American. When Rumaisa was very young, her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression. Growing up in this environment affected Rumaisa's perception of self and the world around her, but it also pushed Rumaisa to seek help and later motivated her to assist others in developing positive relationships. She has built her career helping people achieve dynamic, positive changes in their lives by providing them with meaningful tools to implement day-to-day. Rumaisa has over seventeen years of experience across the country honing her expertise in life and relationship coaching. She's just an incredible human. Not to mention, she's a WARRIOR because she's in her battle with breast cancer as we film this episode. She's strong, insightful, and a force to be reckoned with -- even in the suck.Trust me, you don't want to miss this one.

WOW. Talk about a powerful episode with one of my favorite people, Kevin Atwood (founder of Foster's Voice - Suicide Awareness).Foster's Voice was created in the memory of his beloved son, Foster Atwood, who he lost to suicide in 2017. Kevin is a fierce leader and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He won't stop fighting for an end to suicide and invites you to join him. He lives each and every day to be Foster's voice and to spread love, kindness, and joy to all those who hurt. Because one day, he hopes to see a world without suicide so we may never lose another soul like Foster's.Listen in as Kevin shares his story, Foster's story, and how we can change the world together. Topics related to suicide loss, suicide ideation, mental illness.

Caitlyn Lecour is a young scientist, philosopher, writer, and model. After graduating from Augustana College in 2020, she began working on her career and making preparations for graduate school. At the same time she was preparing for her future, she was surviving in her abusive childhood home. She managed to leave in the winter of 2020 and began therapy during the process. Since leaving, she has cut contact as necessary with her abusive parents and sibling and established her chosen family. She now continues towards her goals of a successful career in science and breaking the cycle of abuse.Please welcome Caitlyn as we learn to survive the suck together. *disclaimer: this episode discusses childhood trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges

Ketsia Faraja is such a light to this world. She is truly one of the kindest, loving, genuine people I know. She was there for me through some of my darkest moments and I can't wait for you to hear from her. In this episode, she teaches US how to survive the suck, be genuine, be intentional, and find what we're looking for on the other side of fear.

Warning: emotional episode I had a horrible day and this was one way I could cope with it. You are on this journey with me, so I felt it was only fair to share the reality of "the suck" with you. Keep fighting, I'm right there with you.

Isaiah Raya's favorite quote is: "Everything happens for a reason." So that means he's on this episode for a reason. To discuss mental illness, social media, and living with mental health issues in today's world. We laugh, we dive deep into hard topics, and we discuss real world issues in this episode.Listen to episode 9 with my good friend, Isaiah, out now.

Balance is key -- right? In this episode, my good friend Ainsley and I talk about finding balance in unstable times. Especially as we enter into a new year, we talk about navigating loneliness, self-care, child-like faith, and being a young adult today. 2021 wasn't easy, but we survived the suck. I'm proud of you!NOW, 2022, please be good to us... Maybe this year, we will thrive in the suck. Who knows -- we can only hope. And there is always hope.

We are edging the end of season 2 and I know many of you are -- dare I say -- in the suck. Don't worry, I am too. That's why I'm bringing a good friend of mine on the pod, Ryan Nesbit.Ryan is the co-chair of Iowa's Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is a QPR suicide prevention trainer, and founded "Alive & Running Iowa" for suicide awareness and prevention. For most of his adult life, Ryan has worked tirelessly to bring suicide prevention strategies to communities across Iowa. He and his best friend, Rodger, grew up on farms in northeast Iowa, near Dunkerton. In 1991, at age 15, Rodger died by suicide.Through Ryan's own hills and valleys, he's worked hard to get to where he is today. He's survived the suck and he's here to tell you how.Listen closely. Topics may be sensitive to some listeners

Hang in there. Life IS beautiful -- remember that. Love is everywhere.Ellys Stasinski is living proof that recovery is possible. You can recover from mental illness, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, It IS possible. Don't forget it.If you need extra support, listen to this episode. Call the suicide hotline if you need to. Talk to someone. People are here for you.You can survive the suck. You. Matter.Disclaimer: This episode contains topics related to mental illness, eating disorders, self-harm, suicide ideation

You've heard it -- season 2 has officially come to its end. But don't worry.... I'll be back. Faster than you might expect. With some HUGE news.Stay tuned...

Season 3 is here. Let's do more than just survive. Let's move in the light.

I am thrilled to announce season 3 is launching with the one and only, Zak Williams.When Zak lost his father, Robin Williams, to suicide, his mental health struggles went into overdrive. His wife, Olivia June, turned him on to amino acid therapy after she had success regulating her mood with amino acid dietary supplements that her doctor recommended. Zak and Olivia spent the next two years working with food scientists to discover a formula that tasted delicious and worked fast to support feelings of stress and overwhelm.Zak started to feel better - more balanced, calm, in control, and more like himself again. Zak and Olivia decided these safe, effective and natural solutions needed to be more accessible to others. Together, they created PYM (Prepare Your Mind) so you can be proactive and prepare your mind to handle everyday stressors and life events that take a toll on mental health. PYM's mission is to provide safe, natural and effective mental hygiene products to promote self-care and end the stigma around mental health. Visit PYM here: https://youcanpym.comIn this episode, Zak and I talk about mental hygiene, trauma, healing, and more. Thank you, Zak, for making the time to share your story with us. I am so eternally grateful to you!

Yasmin Irfani is a Pakistani Muslim American currently serving as Program Manager of Counseling Services at ICNA Relief in Southern California. She received her M.S in College Counseling & Student Services in 2019 and has been working in the non-profit world since. Prior to ICNA Relief she was serving as Youth Programs Director at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in San Fernando Valley, as well as Dignity Health Northridge Hospital. Yasmin is a certified instructor for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is also a QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer where she certifies community members and empowers them to lean into the difficult conversations about suicide. A couple of her favorite topics to facilitate are self compassion and social emotional learning for kids. Join me for this incredible conversation with an incredible human being!

I'm BACK with an icon: Ryan Jenkins. Ryan is one of my best friends. We met at Augustana College, the home base of The Gray Matters Collective NFP. He is now an Anchor and Enterprise Reporter for TMJ4 News, the NBC-affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He currently leads TMJ4's weekend evening newscasts.Ryan is new to Wisconsin, but not the Midwest; he was born in Elgin, Illinois. He comes to TMJ4 after spending time in the Illinois/Iowa "Quad Cities" as a Multimedia Journalist and Fill-In Anchor at WQAD-TV. Passionate about storytelling, inclusion, diversity, and representation across multiple platforms, Ryan's love for news stems from a desire to better understand and connect with the people in the community around him.

Jake and Joe Sharp are two young brothers who are fitness coaches in Arizona, They are identical twins who are in their early twenties, but have experienced much life in their young years. As we all have, they too have learned to survive the suck. Jake and Joe lost their little brother, Sam, to suicide when he was sixteen. They took to Tik Tok to share Sam's story and the outreach has been incredible. I am so excited to share this story with you, as the Sharp brothers talk about laughter, healing, finding joy in the small things, and what it means to be an advocate. Life's a climb, enjoy the view. You don't want to miss this -- listen now!