Which Way Podcast

Most of us have experienced times in our lives in which our voice has been minimized, ignored, invalidated, or silenced. In this podcast, we get personal about how this feels and how to navigate the pain.

If you have a preteen or teenager in your life, this is a must listen! This podcast lists the characteristics of the I generation (those youth born from 1995-2012) and the implications for parents and teachers. It is a difficult time to be a young person in today's world and this talk emphasizes what we can all do to help young people feel safe and loved.

This podcast features Jann's story of resilience and the decision she made to slay the demons from her past and create a new legacy for her family. For anyone who wants to turn the tide of generational abuse, this podcast will leave you inspired and ready to develop a new narrative.

In this podcast, Shari and Jann explain how tapping, as a strategy for dealing with stress, can send a calming signal to the brain. For those looking for additional tools to manage self talk and get to a place of calm; this tool has proven benefits for many.

In this podcast, Shari and Jann demonstrate a therapeutic technique that can help one identify and acknowledge all sides of their personality. When stressed or overwhelmed, we can listen to the parts of ourselves that are the loudest and ignore the sides of ourselves that often have encouragement and calm to offer. This exercise demonstrates how to give equal attention to our own inner wisdom.

EMDR therapy is not for everyone but can be an extremely beneficial therapy approach for many. This podcast explains what EMDR is and offers a personal perspective on how it can help with anxiety and trauma.

Understanding the needs behind behaviors is crucial in understanding how to respond to the people in our lives. This podcast offers an alternative way of looking at what a person is really trying to express and discusses how to respond instead of react.

Today's podcast touches on how easily parts of ourselves can get dismissed and minimized. We have parts of our personality that rise up in our lives when needed. For example, we most likely have a strong/resilient piece of our personality, a playful side, a warrior/protector aspect of who we are. Acknowledging ALL of these parts is key to living a life where we are grounded and...whole!

On today's show, we talk about how to "fight fair". While the idea is so simple, as humans, we often don't have the tools for having a disagreement that is respectful and we react instead of respond. We offer a script for engaging in a conversation that will allow people to express their emotion and be heard at the same time. What would our world look like if we all knew how to Fight Fair?

This podcast is a follow up to "Celebrating The Little Wins" that aired a couple weeks ago. Once we allow ourselves to acknowledge what we HAVE done, it is easier to create realistic goals, objectives and action steps for what we WANT to accomplish. This short conversation provides a pathway to establishing change that is doable.

Today's podcast is about celebrating the little wins in our lives. We often have lofty expectations of ourselves, only to then can get caught in a spiral of shame when we don't live up to them. Take a deep breath because sometimes, we have to simply say..."What I did today was enough".

In this episode, Jann and Shari discuss how social media addiction is not that different from alcohol or drug addiction. We dialogue about ways to 'check in' with oneself to assess whether life is in balance or not.

Connecting to yourself FIRST allows one to respond instead of react. All too often we correct someone before taking the time step back and connect to our breath and ground ourselves. In today's podcast, Shari and Jann talk about how this small act can change a conversation and save a relationship!

Imposter Syndrome is loosely defined as "Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud". In this episode we discuss how common this is and how to cultivate healthier inner self talk.

In this podcast, Shari and Jann talk about loving yourself FIRST before becoming involved in a relationship. When we believe deep down we are lovable and worthy...guess what happens? People who validate that belief appear in our lives and vice versa!

In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. 18 year old Zoey Bekkela joins us to discuss how missing her senior of high school changed everything...in a good way! She reveals the insights and wisdom this year taught her about self care, mental health, checking on friends, social justice and politics. While the negative impact of the pandemic on youth has been a focus in the media; Zoey provides a different perspective. Her positivity is a breath of fresh air and something we all need to hear.

In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. Ten year old ‘Matt’ joins us, along with his mom, to talk about his decision to live in this world in the way he has always felt...male. His words are so simple, yet so poignant, “Just BE who you are.” He goes on to remind us that we would all “just be happier” if we could accept each other.

In this series, we are highlighting the voices of youth and giving them a forum to talk about what is on their minds. ‘Holly’ joins us for this podcast and discusses what life has been like growing up with a sibling who struggles with mental health issues. She artfully paints a picture of the pain, worry and insight she has gained during the journey with her brother. Holly reminds us all that love is big and messy!

Today’s podcast tackles the topic of isolation (an issue we know all too well as of late) and how it can boar it’s way into our psyche. Prolonged loneliness and lack of connection can impact our thoughts and break down our beliefs. It can then morph into something we become habituated to. In this talk, we feature our favorite author, Tony Garcia, who shares two poignant writings as a springboard for our conversation. Tony has written three books, available on Amazon: Wanna Know a Truth? A Simple Man’s Search for the Truths in His LifeWhispers From My Heart Secrets, Truths & Whispers: Lessons from a Good, Hard LifeHe can be found at: https://bublish.com/author/tonygarcia, http://www.facebook.com/CoachGForce

In part II of our suicide series, Jann discusses the two suicide attempts that left her and Shari reeling for answers. While emotionally difficult for both as they re-lived the emotions they experienced; they felt the need to share. Jann highlights the fact that while suicide is a choice, it doesn’t need to be the final choice if we can help others find a glimmer of hope through connection. Despair, pain and guilt are dissected in this vulnerable discussion as both mother and daughter speak from two very different perspectives. Shari and Jann travel the country speaking on trauma and resiliency. More about them and their book, Which Way? can be found at www.traumaspeakers.com

Given that the world has seen a drastic jump in suicides since the start of the pandemic, suicide expert Paula Fontenelle candidly talks about her personal experience with losing a loved one to suicide. Referencing her book, Understand Suicide: Living with loss. Paths to prevention, Paula discusses the myths associated with suicidality, highlights signs to look for, and provides helpful tips on how to address this topic with loved ones. “Understanding Suicide” is the result of Fontenelle’s journey of self-discovery. Her book and podcast help us understand the complex nature of suicide, as well as its profound impact on those left behind. She can be found at: www.understandsuicide.com.

In this powerful podcast, we talk with Gerry Murphy, author of And You May Find Yourself: A Guided Practice To Never Fearing Death Again. Gerry’s near-death experience, where he felt as though he was “signing his life away”, forever changed the way he lives. Gerry encourages everyone to “practice” death, meaning that if we stop to truly think about our ending, we might find the urgency in changing the way we live. In doing this, he believes we are all given a second chance to create the life and legacy we want. This podcast is particularly relevant in today’s uncertain world and listening to Gerry’s accent is a bonus!Gerry is from Scotland but lives in New York and runs Pentalogy Marketing https://www.pentalogymarketing.com/ His book can be found on his website, at Barnes and Noble, and on amazon https://www.amazon.com/You-May-Find-Yourself-Practice/dp/1734837608

You do NOT want to miss one of the most powerful interviews we have done! Medicating Normal is a documentary film that explores the untold story of what happens when profit-driven medicine intersects with human suffering. In this podcast, Director Lynn Cunningham discusses her hope that Medicating Normal will present one very important and predominantly untold story. Her mission is that, as a society, we can begin a meaningful, informed, nationwide discussion about what it means to be fully human and mentally well.Angela Peacock, MSW, former U.S. Army Sergeant, and subject of the film, Medicating Normal is a mental health advocate, a writer, and a YouTube creator who travels in her RV across the United States in an effort to improve the mental health care system and bring voice to patients who have been harmed by it.Medicating Normal focuses on the predicament of 5 individuals whose lives were profoundly impacted by the medication they were taking. This group – individuals facing trauma and stress were drugged needlessly and made sicker as a result. Understanding the harm that had befallen them – especially in the context of the misleading science and marketing behind these drugs – compelled Lynn, her Co-Director, Wendy and their team to make this groundbreaking film. For more information and community screenings of the film, go to medicatingnormal.com

Join us for a riveting talk with Rhonda Madge, author of the book Hindsight: Seeing Clearly Through the Veil of Deception. In this podcast, Rhonda delves into the murder of her father at the vulnerable age of 17. Trying to cope with the death of such an important figure in her young life set in motion a downward chain of events. Rhonda describes living in “darkness for 20 years” where she started believing in “whispered lies”, never really dealing with the grief of her father’s death. She takes us through that journey and how she ended up on the other side.Rhonda is an author, speaker and blogger and can be found at: https://rhondamadge.com/. Her book is a must read!

In today’s podcast, we interview Rachel, a foster mom who has opened her home to many children over the years. Rachel delivers a powerful example of selfless love as she talks about the rewards and challenges of being a foster parent. In a world where countless children need a loving home, Rachel lives by the philosophy that “they need to attach more than anything I need”. She expertly describes the keys to successful foster parenting and emphasizes that the children she has cared for taught her far more than she ever taught them. Rachel is a Social Worker and is foster mom to a 8 month old, 13 year old and 18 year old. She relishes time with what she refers to as her “sweet little family”.

Today we welcome back, guest Amy Newmark! As Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul, she introduces her two latest additions to the Chicken Soup collection, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Teens and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Preteens. Amy gives listeners a glimpse into some of the inspirational stories in these two amazing books that are geared toward topics teens and preteens are struggling with today. Every young person needs these in their stockings this year!!Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-seven-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant. Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark and look for books and more at: www.chickensoup.com

Author of One Foot in Heaven, Sheila Preston Fitzgerald joins us for this inspiring conversation. In this podcast, Sheila talks about the fateful night when a tragic motorcycle accident changed the course of her life forever. What began as a near death experience, and grueling medical journey, turned into a hope-filled story of grit, determination and soul searching. Listeners will fall in love with Sheila’s attitude and are left wanting to know more about the miraculous events that brought her face to face with God. At a time when we all need a little inspiration, Sheila’s jaw dropping story is balm to the soul. When she’s not speaking about her journey or writing; Sheila enjoys life to the fullest with her “tribe” of friends and family. Sheila resides in the beautiful, rolling hills just south of Nashville, Tennessee. She can be found at: www.OneFootInHeavenOnline.com and her book is available on Amazon.

In this podcast, Sheila Preston Fitzgerald finds the courage to discuss the very recent passing of her beloved brother who became a quadriplegic in a diving accident at the young age of 19. Jake Preston was a gentle giant who suffered unimaginable obstacles, only to move past his own pain and develop a life that touched and healed others. After more than three decades as a quadriplegic, Jake passed at the age of 49. Despite all the odds against him, Jake lived a very full life. He married the love of his life, completed his doctoral education, became a sought after professor, enjoyed hunting, and sharpened his heart and mind into his greatest tools. Jake’s life and legacy is one of gentleness and faith in a God who orchestrated everything!

As a police officer and black woman, Corporal Alisha Zellner speaks candidly about what it feels like to live in two worlds. During a time in our history when outspoken advocates for change are rising up and taking to the streets, Alisha took her emotions about racial tension and demand for change to the streets...literally. Logging 564 miles on her bike, Alisha initially set out on her own but quickly gained a group of followers who wanted to make a statement in a way that promoted mental AND physical health. Alisha chronicled her journey, while challenging followers to think beyond themselves and look back at what history has taught us. This podcast is incredibly inspiring, due in large part, to Alisha’s positive outlook. Her message of love and acceptance is one everyone needs to hear! Alisha’s story has been picked up by magazines and radio stations across the nation. She is pursuing her Masters in Social Work, loves biking on the Colorado trails and is using her platform to create positive and lasting change. She can be found at: https://instabio.cc/Bike4BlackLives

In this latest podcast, we feature a local author whose touching work is gaining momentum and making a significant difference in others. As an educator, marathon runner and author, Tony Garcia not only shares his work but highlights the importance of words in a world that desperately needs hope right now. Beginning with journal entries chronicling his first Boston Marathon run; Tony has evolved into a sought after writer, with a large following. His gift?.. an ability to turn words into powerful messages about difficult-to-express emotions, how we treat others and how we can honor ourselves. At times allowing an outlet for his own pain, Tony’s writings have inspired, challenged and validated many who are looking for a way to make sense of their world. Tony has written three books, available on Amazon: Wanna Know a Truth? A Simple Man’s Search for the Truths in His LifeWhispers From My Heart Secrets, Truths & Whispers: Lessons from a Good, Hard LifeHe can be found at: https://bublish.com/author/tonygarciahttp://www.facebook.com/CoachGForce

In this powerful podcast, Aaron Bekkela talks about the difficult decision he made to leave a family business weighted with obligation and expectations to follow the pull of his heart strings. Being born into a family business that owned and operated several strip clubs, Aaron struggled with the addiction, darkness and pain that was ever-present in the industry and made the life changing decision to sell the business and see it come to life as a church and community resource center. How Aaron’s heart led him to obtain his degree and become a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Clinical Director of a teen residential treatment center serves as a testament to the power of making decisions that ultimately change the course of not one, but many lives. For more information about the former strip club turned church, contact the Genesis Project at: 970-682-2289 or https://genesisfortcollins.com/

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD skillfully describes the personality traits of a narcissist and the chaos they can bring to a relationship. During these unsettling times, the last thing we need is the confusion a narcissist can unload. She gives helpful tips for surviving the ‘craziness’ and how to acknowledge our need for personal boundaries. Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, The Relationship Help Doctor, offers urgent and ongoing care for relationships in crisis through consulting, speaking, video, and podcasting. She particularly focuses her expertise on the partners, ex’s, adult children, and co-workers of the relentlessly difficult, disturbing people she calls Hijackals®. Working with people struggling with life, death, and relationship for over thirty years in Canada and the United States, Dr. Shaler has brought hope, comfort, strength, new direction, and success to countless people who honestly believed it was impossible. Even the United States Marines have used her services!

Dr. Mark Goulston discusses the power of truly “seeing, hearing and feeling” the people in our lives, especially during stressful times like the one the world is experiencing right now. What everyone needs right now is connection and Dr. Goulston’s words of wisdom offer a template for how to begin a heartfelt conversation. Dr. Mark Goulston is the co-creator and moderator of the suicide prevention documentary Stay Alive and has a podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network. Originally a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 25 years, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, Dr. Mark Goulston's expertise has been forged and proven in the crucible of real-life, high stakes situations. An influencer who helps influencers become more influential, his unique background has made him an indispensable and sought after resource and change facilitator to Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs and educators across the nation. 

Sex and Intimacy coach, Julie Sibert provides helpful advice for navigating intimate relationships and cultivating emotional connection during a time in which tensions are high. Her thoughtful suggestions open a door to the healthy reconnection so many couples are needing right now.

Parenting Coach, Aaron Huey gives a riveting perspective on how to parent from a place of emotional regulation during this stressful time in our world. He offers helpful tools and strategies for self care and tending to ourselves “first” so our parenting is thoughtful and compassionate.

There is power in people’s narratives and the world needs more inspirational and uplifting stories right now! Join us as we talk with Amy Newmark about Chicken Soup for the Soul. Amy is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published more than 170 new books, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today. She is also the author of Simply Happy, a crash course in Chicken Soup for the Soul advice and wisdom that is filled with easy-to-implement, practical tips for enjoying a better life.Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational, true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-five-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.When Amy and her husband Bill, the CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul, are not working, they are visiting their four grown children and their grandchildren.Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark and look for books and more at: www.chickensoup.com

On day 60 something of quarantine to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, Shari and Jann discuss grief and the importance of allowing ourselves to “feel”. In the busyness of our lives, we often distract ourselves from feeling anything that makes us uncomfortable and the problem with that is the inevitable mental, emotional and physical ramifications that befall. During this time, we need to be especially kind and nurturing to ourselves and one way to do that is to allow the feelings to come over us, embrace them and then let them go. Shari and Jann travel the country (when not quarantined), speaking on their book, Which Way?, mental health issues and the power of our stories.

Don’t miss our guest Karuna Schwartz, Executive Director and Founder of Mind Oasis, a nonprofit, online service that provides group meditation (free through June, 2020), yoga and classes that offer a deeper study to support meditative and spiritual life. Karuna offers listeners specific and tangible practices that take a few seconds each day to help manage anxiety and enhance a feeling of grounded-ness, even amidst a global pandemic. Her eloquently told story of grief turned into a meditative practice that ultimately saved her life is inspiring! But the story doesn’t end there. Karuna’s new lifestyle morphed into a worldwide, online platform that allows hundreds of people the ability to engage in yoga and meditative practices from the comfort of their own homes. Karuna (Kelly Schwartz) has two decades of experience in nonprofit management and brings unique insight to Mind Oasis from running nonprofits varying in budget size from 250k – 13 million. Her passion is bringing the timeless benefits of meditation to practitioners worldwide. Her Masters in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University coupled with many years experience as a Director of Development and Executive Director make for a powerful intersection in leadership of philanthropy and wisdom. For more information on pricing and to sign up for a free group meditation class, visit www.mindoasis.org

CBD?!?! Is it addictive? What are the benefits? How do I know if I’m getting a product that is pure? Join us as we talk to Sanjeev Javia, CEO and Product Formulator of www.Proze.com In this podcast, Sanjeev reveals the benefits of CBD for mental issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and more. With his team, Sanjeev has created a proprietary blend of the most potent medicinal and performance nutrients such as essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and spices. all rooted in organically grown, legal & certified hemp.Sanjeev and CSO, Dr. Jim Silliman offer pure CBD oils, isolates and topicals for a path to optimal performance. Their products become a helpful treatment protocol in conjunction with counseling, medication, mindfulness, etc. Sanjeev obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and Biopsychology and a graduate degree in Business Administration. His goal with Proze is to show that your path to optimal performance doesn’t have to be difficult to understand and navigate. Proze’s products combine the forces of nature and nutrition PLUS educational enlightenment to help you on your wellness journey be simple and sure, so you can achieve your highest potential.To purchase Proze products, visit https://www.proze.com/shop-all/. Which Way listeners will receive an unlimited 15% off, by typing the PROMO CODE: whichway15

Does your family need a timeout to find ‘normal’ again? Are the current COVID restrictions adding more stress to your family? Is the family tension escalating? Join our guest, Laurie Klith, Executive Director of The Center for Family Outreach, as she talks about services The Center provides to help youth and families. The Center’s employees, therapists and case managers specialize in treating family conflict, substance abuse, mental health issues and defiance. In a time where our world is forcing families to be in close quarters with one another, Laurie provides valuable online resources, such as individual, family and group therapy. Living the motto: Relationships Change Behavior, The Center has been responsible for changing the lives of countless youth in Larimer County over the last 20 years. For more about The Center and how they can help, call 970-495-0084 or visit: www.tcffo.org

This candid podcast features guests Catherine Brown and Christina Tinker who struggled with eating disorders earlier in their lives. While the details around their stories differ, both women agree that to begin to turn the tide of unhealthy body image issues, the dialogue around dieting needs to change. Revealing that eating disorders have very little to do with food, they both stress the need for engagement and connection when interfacing with someone who possesses an eating disorder. Catherine and Christina provide helpful suggestions for anyone who battles with their own negative body image or knows someone who does. Catherine and Christina co-edited their book, Hope for Recovery: Stories of Healing From Eating Disorders. To find out more about them or how to order their book, please visit: https://www.hoperecoverybook.com/ Catherine is currently writing her second book and is interviewing professionals who work in various capacities to foster body positivity. She is collecting essays from people who have found ways to make peace with the bodies they are in and can be reached at: https://www.catherinebrownwriter.com/book-submissions Christina is a corporate speaker and courage cultivator and can be found at: http://www.christinatinkertalks.com/

“You're too much.” "You’re not enough.” “You’re too short.” “You’re too tall.” We’ve all heard the negative messages. This podcast is special for many reasons, one of which is that Megan is a new member of our family! Bias aside, she speaks unabashedly about battling a shame narrative that began in her youth, then manifested as body image issues and continues to affect her pursuit of healing as an adult. Social media plays a profound role in how we see ourselves, as do the subtle messages we receive throughout a lifetime ("enduring vulnerabilities") that annihilate our sense of worth and cause deep wounding. Megan candidly reveals her journey of self-acceptance with an insight that is both relatable and inspiring.Megan lives in Colorado. Aside from working as a blogger and educational development liaison, she is active in church ministry alongside her husband, Hunter.