THIS Seriously Sucks, the Right podcast when life goes seriously Wrong

The trauma, change or life event you are dealing with, is unique to you. We call it your 'THIS'. In this episode we do some thinking ahead. Nina randomly talk about dogs and your favorite foods. To set the stage for success, Nina shares the stories of some famous people like Oprah, Lady Gaga and Steven Spielberg who overcame some big THIS's. This is the episode where we get real - the bottom line - You don't want 'THIS', but you've got it, you have a choice and it is important. 'THIS' is changing you. Welcome to the team.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

If you don't listen to any other episodes, please listen to this one – so you can protect yourself when you have a 'THIS'. When something really crappy happens in your life, it seems everyone wants to talk to you about it. People you love worry about you and even strangers ask ‘How are you doing?”. When they do, you don't know what to say and you may re-live 'THIS' trauma in your head each time it is mentioned. YOU NEED AN ANSWER! Even the most well meaning people will thrust you back into re-living THIS over and over. This episode is about creating a script to protect yourself. From failure, trauma, and loss to divorce and getting fired, this episode is a must.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

This may be the most serious episode of 'THIS Seriously Sucks'. In this episode we talk about the suicidal thoughts some people having when their life is turned upside down. The crazy things that creep into your mind that we never thought would be part of us. Nina shares some basic science about all the bizarre stuff going on in your head and talk about why you want to get past 'THIS' and what happens when you do. Plus, super random - Jimmy Stewart jumped off a bridge in 'It's a Wonderful Life' – we watch a movie about suicide each Christmas, so let's all get past feeling awkward talking about it.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

If you know where to find a ‘hot tub time machine' or the ‘time stone' please share. The rest of us are trying to figure out how to go forward, because we can't go back and redo 'THIS'. In this episode Nina talks about wanting to go back and do things differently, plus the concept of a YOU before 'THIS' and a YOU after. Nina talks stoicism and shares some of her favorite reads, AND super random – Nina talks about waiting for ‘god to take the wheel' and asks “how's that going for you'?Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

'THIS' is now part of your story and 'THIS' is a seriously sucky part you don't want. In this episode, we talk about your life as a whole and where 'THIS' fits in. Why you can't stay right were you are and how to be sure 'THIS' doesn't define you. We will also geek out and do a little math to put 'THIS' in perspective. Nina talk's about ‘lifetime timeline thinking' – plucked from her book "THIS is Not The End" - it is Nina's favorite concept to share with people in the moments when they feel most defeated. All that plus, super random, Nina's thoughts on Tattoos and 'THIS' - it's some pretty good advice.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

When a devastating event derails your plans for your life, it overwhelms and consumes your life. We call what you are going through your ‘THIS'. Nina asks 'is THIS who you are now?' and shares ideas to move through 'THIS' and get past 'THIS'. Episode 1 is about the scary stuff in your head when you are in the middle of something that is taking your life in a new direction. Nina shares her big 'THIS's' and why we created this ‘sucky' podcast. Plus, we will let you know what you won't hear on this seriously sucky podcast. This is a good episode to start with if your life story just had an unwanted plot twist.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Joe was a big tough college football player who's world changed when he was in a boating accident. Now he's a big tough paralympian knocking the crap out of people from his wheelchair, playing a sport called "Murderball" (Wheelchair Rugby) all over the world. His path to becoming an elite athlete again, started with putting on one sock. Now married with 3 kids and training for the next olympics, Joe talks with Nina about the dark thoughts in the days, weeks and months after being injured. Plus, his mother's embarrassing questions about sex, how he likes to make people uncomfortable, and an analogy about a pile of crap that now Nina can't 'unsee'. Joe Delegrave: Joe is one of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world. Joe is in his 12th year playing for the US Wheelchair Rugby National Team. He truly knows the meaning of overcoming obstacles after sustaining a life altering spinal cord injury on July 10, 2004. With 12 Golds, 4 Silvers, and 2 Bronze medals, Joe's success on the court translates off the court with his authentic, raw, and moving message of resilience. He challenges everyone to find opportunity in their circumstances.Circumstances do not define us, as long as we choose to be a victor over a victim. https://www.joedelagrave.comOpinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Mary Kaye Holmes has been called the 'Comeback Queen". Molested, pregnant at 14, human trafficked, raped, incarcerated, beaten and feeling like she just 'sucked at life' - she survived and taps into that experience to help others through their toughest times. The international best selling author and award winning motivational speaker talks with Nina about her darkest moments, her 5 suicide attempts, and how thankful she is they were not successful. She also shares her connection to the movie Castaway, gets tongue tied on the word 'porta-potty' and drops some knowledge about outliving labels. You are gonna like her post-it-note analogy. Make sure you get to the 14 minute mark to hear her valuable message. Mary Kayne Holmes http://marykayeholmes.com/about-mary/ As a Motivational Speaker, Dr. Holmes is a sought after trusted authority on life after adversity and women's empowerment. A survivor of domestic abuse, molestation, rape, human trafficking, prostitution, incarceration, and multiple suicide attempts, Dr. Holmes speaks from her heart concerning real life issues that plague women all over the globe. As Executive Pastor and First Lady of Triumph Church of Waterbury, she is a testament that when God chooses you before the very foundation of the world, no mistake, setback, or tragedy can dismantle the plan of God on your life! She is an award-winning CEO of Blue Wing and a Prayer, Inc. and Co-Founder of Waterbury Community Action Network, Inc., providing community services to underprivileged and marginalized youth and families. In 2019, Dr. Holmes graduated from New York Law School where she provided pro-bono services to victims of domestic violence and wrongful convictions. She served as a New York Law School Ambassador and Student Liaison for the Faculty Appointments Committee. Dr. Holmes is also an Associate of the Center for International Law, and was awarded the 2018 Public Interest Law Award for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She currently serves as In-House Counsel for a NYC investment and insurance company and she believes that God has raised her up to be an influential triple-threat for the kingdom in the corporate world, the community, and the church.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Thomas Dixon says there was no drug he didn't do when he was a young man. His experiences with addiction and incarceration are riddled with life lessons and what-ifs. The prominant political activist, recognized nationally for his work to end violence, talks with Nina about how he got the name ‘Slick Dixon', why he was discharged from the military, and shares his feelings of self-hatred during his 30 years as an addict. Plus, he talks about the moment he finally got down on his knees and begged for change... then stood up, went out and got high. He and Nina also break into singing a little 'Crystal Blue Persuasion' - because Joy is comin' in the morning. Pastor Thomas Dixon https://www.facebook.com/thomas.dixon.391 Pastor Thomas Dixon is a social justice organizer and the founder of a program dedicated to mentoring young men. A product of Chicago's housing projects, he is a former alcoholic, drug addict and ex- offender, Pastor Dixon is now a passionate community advocate who sits on the board of numerous organizations. In 2021 he was awarded the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award for Lasting Contributions to Civil and Human Rights. In 2018, he was awarded the Wiley A. Branton Award by the National Bar Association for his work to end gun violence and serves on the Board of Trustees for: Brady United, (uniting Americans against gun violence). Politics: Dixon is the Chairman of the Charleston County Chapter of the Democratic Black Caucus of South Carolina. In 2016, Dixon ran for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. His platform included Criminal Justice Reform, Gun Violence Prevention and Voting Rights. In 2019, Dixon ran for the office of Mayor of North Charleston. His platform focused on quality public education, wages that match the current cost of living, quality accessible housing, universal healthcare, protection of our natural resources, ending gun violence and over-aggressive policing and racial profiling.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Beth Krom was a two-time mayor, running for congress when her son tragically died. It was a week before his college graduation, so her family's graduation plans became funeral plans. On this episode her kindness and wit come out as shares the surreal moments after losing her son, how she resisted therapy, the inappropriate things people said to her, and having to deal with the narrative that was being written about his death. This is a longer episode, so if you or someone you know is going through loss, please be sure to get 40 minutes in, because she shares some excellent insights and advice towards the end. Beth says “we as a society, are very uncomfortable with other people's pain" and also shares – “One thing I learned right away - Even death has a community – You are not alone on this journey” Beth Krom: http://www.bethkrom.com Beth Krom is a former Irvine, California City Councilmember and was twice elected Mayor of Irvine - During her term as Mayor, Irvine was recognized as the Safest Big City in America four years in a row and earned recognition as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” twice. Beth calls herself an educator, a writer, a creative, a humorist, a public speaker, an advocate, a political advisor, a coach, a networker, a motivator and a “community builder.” Saying each client and project is unique. Currently Beth works with clients, candidates, organizations, businesses and audiences to inspire, amuse, engage, connect and support thier success through coaching, idea generation, creative brand-building, public speaking, workshops and targeted skill-building in the areas of marketing, communication, fundraising, event planning and team building. Raised in Kenmore, NY, just outside Buffalo, she grew up with a dad who was a television anchorman and a mom who was an artist, an inventor, an active volunteer in the League of Women Voters and a former clothing designer. The seeds of her future political life were no doubt sewn by my experience growing up in a time of great economic, social and political change. With nearly two decades of experience as a candidate and an elected official, Beth Krom has earned a reputation as a determined campaigner, a prodigious fundraiser and an effective leader.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

The death of a loved one is a life-changing event and Meghan has had a lifetime of these events. She lost someone close to her as a toddler, a teenager, and a young adult. In this episode she talks with Nina about how she coped with loss and her continuous mental health journey with death. An advocate for therapy, she says picking a therapist is like dating, taking a med can be life changing, and then she and Nina get on a 'food-therapy' tangent about buttery chardonnay, Ben and Jerries ice-cream and popcorn. Her kindness and wit come through as she shares helpful insights on trauma, saying “when you are physically injured you go to physical therapy – so my brain is in physical therapy”. Meghan Judge - is not ‘judgy' at all, in fact, she is well aware that we are all dealing with our own mental struggles. She talks about where she is on her own journey. Tune in to hear here what she wishes she had known when she was younger and why she loves butterflies. Meghan Judge: After college Meghan Judge went to Hollywood to be a star, then married her best friend and found success in Corporate America, before leaving to host her own podcast and take care of her two girls. She is the host of the podcast "Judging Meghan' where she shares her journey through dark and tumultuous times through humor and levity and engages in conversation with others sharing their own stories of despair and triumph. find Meghan here: Instagram - @judgingmeghan https://www.instagram.com/judgingmeghan/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/meghan.judge.96 Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Talking about Sexual Assault is difficult, but Survivor, Psychotherapist and Trauma expert Amy Carpenter literally wrote the book on talking about it. Actually 2 books! In this episode the creator of the Be Strong/Be Wise book series talks with Nina about the blame, shame, sexual ethics and how the conversation is evolving. Most of us don't have a language for sexual safety but once we find the words and say them out loud, we have the power. Tune in as she and Nina talk about all the crazy shit in ours heads and what to do with it. Amy Carpenter: Amy Carpenter is the owner and founder of the Be Strong, Be Wise safety education program. A psychotherapist, former youth worker, writer and life coach, Amy brings twenty-five years of experience to her new book, Be Strong, Be Wise in the Age of #MeToo. She has two previously-written books, Glen Stone, a middle-grade novel and Channel-Crossing, a parenting book. Her articles have appeared in PsychCentral, the Asana International Yoga Journal, and 3HO.org, where she's a contributing blogger. She lives in Rockport, Maine, with her husband and daughter. Find her at: amycarpenter.net. You can also email Amy at: amycarpenter458@gmail.comOpinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Heather thought that everything that went wrong in her husband's life was her fault. She spent years walking on eggshells and terrified something would set him off. Now a Registered Psychotherapist, with a training background in trauma assessment and treatment, she shares that experience with Nina. Tune in to hear insights into why people don't leave an abusive relationship, how her husband turned her family against her, how she finally left and how she healed. Kent is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of the books "Heal From Your Narcissist Ex" and "I Left My Toxic Relationship – Now What?" Much of her professional practice is focused on helping clients through the process of recovering from the trauma and PTSD of abusive relationships. Having survived her own experience in an abusive relationship. Heather Kent: Heather Kent is a Registered Psychotherapist and Canadian Certified Counsellor from Nova Scotia, Canada, with a background in trauma assessment and treatment, and she is the author of the best-selling book, I Left My Toxic Relationship – Now What? Working with clients locally, nationally, and internationally, much of her professional practice is focused on helping women through the process of ending abusive and toxic relationships, and re-building their lives after they have left. Heather is excited to bring her skills from her clinical counselling practice to the public, through her online program, workshops, speaking engagements, and retreats. ​ https://www.heatherjkent.com https://www.facebook.com/heather.joanne.1/ Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Brian's coach saw him scratching his arm in an uncomfortable moment and asked him "how long have you had a death wish?". On this episode, author, lifestyle coach and body language expert Brian Johnson talks with Nina about his journey from being a high school kid who felt he had to work out be safe, to the college kid with a broken heart and a deathwish, then to an influential lifestyle coach and author. This is a great episode to open your mind and let in new ideas. Nina and Brian talk about boys not being allowed to feel thier feelings, ugly crying in public, and the origin of words like job, wake and earn. Tune for a reminder that if "you don't make time for your wellness you will make time for your illness", and grab a tool to make tough situations "fun and easy'. Oh yeah - they also talk about 'editing' tatoos, a subject Nina loves to dig into. Brian Johnson: Brian Johnson is helping millions of people across the globe thrive through ‘holistic human optimization'. He runs a group called ‘high performance habits for entrepenuers and business owners. And - He's the author of Think Great – Lose Weight. Brian is a body language, conscious language and nutrition expert. Brian says - "If you don't make time for your wellness, you will make time for your illness" https://brianjohnsoncoaching.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrianjohnson/ Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

In seventh grade Christopher went from middleclass to Living in his mom's car with more than a dozen cats. On this episode he shares the moment he knew there were only 3 ways out for him - death, prison or make own choice. His story includes 2 suicide attempts and other bad choices, to getting a college degree and creating his own success. Now a Speaker-Author-Coach-Comedian, he's called the no excuses coach who skips the self-help fluffy bullshit, as he puts it (so yes, there is some explicit language in this episode). Chris and Nina discuss writing your own eulogy, going back to visit his middle school, what we each tolerate, and then they randomly talk about toilet paper, refrigerators and the IT guys who never get thanked. Tune in to be inspired and look at your life in new ways. Christopher Rausch: www.ChristopherRausch.com Christopher Rausch is a transformative leader with over 20+ years of expertise in leadership, management, and mindset mastery skills that propel companies and its people to the next level of success. Passionate about boosting team morale and developing a company culture that rocks! Christopher holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Management and has heavily invested into his own personal and professional development and turns to the principles that he's studied, taught, and lived by for more than 3 decades to partner 21st industry leaders/teams/individuals to heightened levels of performance. He has earned a reputation for straight talk, no-bullshit delivery, and a ‘No Excuses' philosophy and has become a passionate and outspoken advocate for accelerated productivity be that individually or at an organisational level. here is the video Chris mentions on this episode Steve Harvey – jump https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-952IaLtKMOpinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Our guests share what they wish someone had said to them when they were in a really dark, really tough moment. This episode is a mash up of some of the best insights and advice our guests have shared on the show. Nina pulled together a few minutes of the most valuable things guests have shared. If you or someone you know is struggling with a big 'THIS' in thier life, this is a great episode to share. Ten minutes of 'hang in there' from people who thought about ending it all and are so glad they didn't.Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Queer interfaith minister and spiritual counselor, Erika Allison joins us to talking about coming out as Gay in the 90's in Texas, conversion therapy and identity harm. Reverend Erika is the author of the best-selling book ‘Gay the Pray Away', A survivor of conversation therapy and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She is passionate about helping teens find spiritual liberation, restore belonging and heal from identity harm. In this episode Nina and Erika get into, "why can't hugs be first", when do you get to say 'I'm over this, and share strategies to go on when things get dark. A great episode for those in the LGBTQ+ community, anyone who is struggling to accept or just plain struggling. you can follow Erika on Facebook at @reverikaallison Get her book - https://www.amazon.com/Gay-Pray-Away-Relationships-Conversion/dp/B08TL5VTXL/ref=asc_df_B08TL5VTXL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475792900934&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13929110991904494036&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010490&hvtargid=pla-1166069409035&psc=1Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Sometimes failures lead to the best parts of your life. Professional musician and successful songwriter and producer, Jonathon Mookie Morant shares his journey with the music industry and parenting. It was "part me leaving and part me being left by the music industry" that lead to the most important things in Morant's life. He talks with Nina about growing up bi-racial, his hunger for success, his kids, and his passion for gratitude. Sharing his thoughts on 'Whatever is facing you, keep going' and 'Worry is not your friend', He and Nina also talk about doughnuts, snorkeling and his time with Backstreet Boys. Morant is a keynote speaker and inspirational leader. He has to his credit: 30 Million Units Sold-Gold & Platinum Songwriter/Record Producer, Publishing/Licensing Deals with: Universal/WarnerBros/Sony Worldwide/Interscope/Atlantic/BMG/ Dreamworks and more, and Movie Soundtrack Deals w/Disney and Buena Vista Inc. & Radio Disney. With a background like that, Morant uses music analogies to empower audiences to continue moving forward in thier lives and to move forward in the discussion on race. The biracial child of a Jewish world-class cellist and a famous black Jazz musician, Mookie has 5 children of his own (the youngest diagnosed on the autistic spectrum) and devotes his work in this effort to their future. to learn mmore about Jonathon Mookie Morant check out: https://www.instagram.com/themagnumdrummer/ https://www.nclusionspeak.com Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Panic attacks can both mentally and physically shut you down. Ramses Rodriguez talks with Nina about being a young Puerto Rican kid (the chubby kid) being rased in a conservative family, so it wasn't until college that he came out as gay to his parents. Plagued by panic attackes much of his life, he got a Master of Science Degree in Developmental Genetics, and is now the CEO and Founder of Panic Freedom Academy. In this episode, Ramses shares his struggle to figure out what was wrong with him, the missing pieces of the puzzle, some of his reasearch, and some strategies from his two books. Listen to think outside the box and learn holistic modalities. Maybe you are an empath or an HSP (highly sensative person), or maybe what you think is your problem, is not your actual problem! For more about Ramses or to get a free copy of his book - go to www.PanicFreedomBook.comOpinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk

Sometimes being all you can be means listening to yourself. Sunshine Bella Goodman is a speaker and advocate for full acceptance. A powerful transgender woman coming into her own, living her most authentic life, she also helps others be all that they can be. On this episode she talks about moving to LA to go after her dreams and the struggle that followed. A master stylist and entrepenuer, she has good days and bad days and believes in showing up as your best self. She and Nina talk about a 'hella hot' women's march, soft serve ice cream, and some tips from Sunshine's first book. Sunshine also shares her thoughts on trusting yourself, talking to your parents and her message to keep going no matter what you are going through, "Through means there is another side, you have to believe the other side is going to be golden". Tune in to this fun converstion between friends and be ready to take a deep breath, to give whatever you are dealing with, some time. To follow Sunshine: find her on Instagram and Facebook @SungshineBellaGlobal Opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Nina Sossamon Pogue and her guests, they are not a substitute for professional advice. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts – call 1-800-273-talk