Unbroken the Podcast

Today on the podcast Carrie Ritch, mother of Maddox Ritch, tells her story for the first time. Maddox’s story made headlines in 2018 when the 6-year-old vanished from a park under his father’s watch. After an excruciating 6 days of searching, Maddox was found dead a mile from the park. This is the first time Carrie has done an interview about the tragedy that took her son’s life.

Today on the podcast Kristin talks about the struggles she faced growing up. She even lived in her car for a while. But she pushed forward, persevered, and focused on what she could change, and now she’s created a nonprofit community that’s encouraging people to do the same. Learn more at hellopieces.org! 

Today on Unbroken The Podcast Sarah talks about finding out her dad was gay. She says there was a lot of lying and betrayal involved that impacted her life in a big way as she got older. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains references to self-harm. Listener discretion advised. 

Today on Unbroken The Podcast Travis Haney, analyst for UNC Charlotte Football, shares his story of the roller coaster of having career highs and lows, and redefining passions. Travis' love for sports led him into an impressive career with ESPN, but he was included in a mass round of layoffs at the company in 2017. Travis shares his encouraging story of having what you thought was your dream slip through your fingers, only to find a brand new one. 

JC's daughter has PANDAS, a syndrome that "involves sudden and often major changes in personality, behavior, and movement in children following an infection." It occurs primarily in children, and the symptoms can be both shocking and devastating. Today on the podcast JC shares the story of her journey to find answers for her daughter, and so many others. 

NYPD Sergeant Rodney Gillis was on the 21st floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower on September 11, 2001, evacuating the people inside when he made his final radio call. "Clear the ar--," he said.  Then silence, as the building collapsed. On today's episode, 18 years after his death, Rodney's two daughters and their mom tell the story of losing their hero.

Tiffany, a mother of three young children, was off snorkeling on vacation when a shark attacked her. It latched on to her arm. She struggled and fought the shark alone – no one was close enough to see what was happening. She made it out alive and joins Unbroken the Podcast today to tell her story of survival and faith.

Kelley was 8 months pregnant with her first child when she and her husband got the worst news possible -- doctors couldn't find the baby's heartbeat. Kelley talks about being slammed with a nightmare, learning to cope with the unfathomable, and finding joy in life again. 

On today’s episode, Katie O. comes on to talk about her husband’s seemingly sudden and unexpected decision to leave her – and her awful luck that followed. Now a licensed therapist, Katie has great insight about accepting, healing, and moving forward even when life keeps dealing you blows.

Five years ago in a moment of desperation, Abby boldly filmed herself illegally administering CBD oil to her dying daughter. Since then she’s changed laws and pushed through seemingly impossible obstacles. On today’s episode Abby talks about the struggle of having two children with special needs, about finding the strength to push forward, and about learning to accept what we cannot change. 

Nichelle opens up about her battle with infertility and experiencing numerous miscarriages. She's now using her platform as Mrs. North Carolina to raise awareness about just how common fertility issues are, hoping to offer comfort to other couples going through the same struggle. 

Megan was in the UNC Charlotte classroom a gunman targeted on April 30. Six of her classmates were shot, two killed. Megan was trampled in the panic, but was able to escape. She discusses what happened that tragic day, coping with survivor's guilt, and her hopes for the future.

When Casey's mom became pregnant with him, Casey's father said he didn't want a child and abandoned them. To this day, Casey has never met or spoken to his dad. He comes on the podcast to discuss the process of eventually realizing how much growing up without a father impacted him, in ways good and bad.

Kelly says facing, accepting, and defining her mental health struggles has been a huge battle. She bravely talks openly about being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, in the hope that people suffering silently with mental illness may find comfort. National suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Ulunda suffers from hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition she describes as a "monster" that looks like severe acne, but it's untreatable. She discusses the struggle of learning to embrace her imperfections and scars, and has a message for anyone struggling to do the same. 

Renea grew up in a strict religious organization (for everyone's safety, the name of the group has been redacted from this episode). She suffered isolation, abuse, and abandonment, but eventually escaped and found her own way.

30-year-old Kate has special needs. She and her older sister Dana recently lost their mom to cancer. In their grief, they found a way to grow closer together and turn a dream into a business. 

Kristi was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukema, which can be fatal. Thanks to BeTheMatch.Org, Kristi found a blood stem cell donor. With her transplant days away, Kristi comes on the podcast to talk about her journey of battling cancer and hope for the future. 

Jen lost her husband to cancer in November of this year. She's now learning how to live life without him, while raising their twin 5-year-old sons. 

Peggy's husband of 47 years died of Pancreatic cancer. While she was building a train museum as a legacy to him, she received her own heartbreaking diagnosis. 

Erika had a seemingly perfect life: great husband, six-figure job, beautiful house. Then it all came crashing down and she realized she wan't living the life she truly wanted. She left her husband, found minimum wage work, and started all over. 

Derek was on a bus with his pregnant wife when they were hit by a drunk driver. Derek survived but his wife and unborn daughter were killed. He's since found an inspirational path to faith and healing. 

Liz had a very difficult childhood (trigger warning: physical and sexual abuse). It led to her rebelling in her teens with drugs and crime; she was in and out of jail and even dropped out of high school. When she hit rock bottom at a juvenile detention center, she had a revelation and completely changed her life. 

Leigh's only child, 19 year old McKinsey, died in a tragic car accident in 2016. When the shocking cause of the wreck was revealed, Leigh channeled her grief into passion and set out on a mission for change on the state level. 

Katie was 11 when her father had an affair with her babysitter. It led to her parents going through a difficult divorce, with Katie stuck in the middle trying to make sense of a heartbreaking situation. 

Emily called off her engagement to a man who was unfaithful, emotionally manipulative, and controlling -- he even tracked her location. She had to find the courage to leave and start her life all over.