Podcasts about Coping

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Während unsere Generation sich den Feierabend mit einem Glas Wein oder Bier schönredet, greift die nächste lieber zur Tablette: Betablocker vor dem Date, Muscle Relaxer zum Runterkommen nach der Arbeit. Ausgangspunkt für diese Folge ist ein BBC-Artikel über junge Menschen, die verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente zunehmend nicht nur therapeutisch, sondern auch als Freizeitdroge nutzen – nüchtern, kontrolliert, optimiert.In dieser Folge von "Chefin ruft an" sprechen Stefanie Renner, Christin Kohnke und Friederike Oehlerking darüber, woher dieser enorme Leistungsdruck eigentlich kommt und warum Angststörungen unter jungen Erwachsenen so drastisch zunehmen. Ist es Social Media, der Arbeitsmarkt, die permanente Selbstoptimierung – oder einfach eine Welt, die keine Pausen mehr erlaubt? Und was sagt es über eine Generation aus, wenn sie lieber zu Medikamenten greift, die Kontrolle versprechen, statt zu Alkohol, der sie loslässt?Eine Folge über Druck, Kontrollverlust, die Sehnsucht nach Funktionieren – und die Frage, ob "nüchtern" wirklich das bessere Coping ist.Zum BBC Artikel: Young adults are taking prescription drugs instead of alcohol - and it's dividing experts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garza sits down in-person with Lacey Sturm. Vocalist for the alternative rock band FLYLEAF. https://instagram.com/flyleafmusicGet Suicide Silence tickets here: https://suicidesilence.store/pages/tour00:00 - Chris Farley Loves Decaf Coffee02:06 - Coming Back After 11 Years09:23 - Lacey's Vocal Problems10:58 - Coping, Avoidance, Anxiety, Fear & Grief24:00 - Christianity, Faith & Belief25:40 - Moving from Florida to Texas27:56 - Returning to Flyleaf38:22 - Getting Into Bass & Guitarv39:19 - Abandonment, Parents, Trauma & Empowerment48:16 - Flyleaf Early Days56:56 - I'm So Sick1:02:13 - Cassie, Columbine Shooting & Evil1:11:11 - Grace & Forgiveness1:13:50 - Prayer, Sobriety & Change1:16:52 - Reaction to Debut Album1:20:48 - Writing Books & Flyleaf Meaning1:27:30 - Strange Experience w/ Record Label & Charity1:32:22 - Music as an Escape // Fun as a Weapon1:34:06 - Molar Pregnancy1:39:30 - How Pregnancy Affects the Voice1:41:09 - Love for Nirvana & Kurt Cobain1:48:11 - Future of Flyleaf Music1:49:00 - Lacey's 5 Most Influential Albums1:50:35 - Daily Prayer

Being diagnosed with cancer at a young age can feel incredibly isolating. While your peers may be building careers, starting families, and planning for the future, suddenly you're navigating treatment decisions, fertility concerns, relationships, finances, and fears you never expected to face. In this episode of the Wellness Warriors Podcast, De'Ann sits down with Dr. Christina Pozo-Kaderman, Senior Psychologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and co-author of Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood, to explore the unique challenges young adults face during and after cancer. Drawing from more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Pozo-Kaderman shares insights on finding support, advocating for yourself, fertility and sexual health, and family-focused care. She also shares a special gift for listeners: free copies of Coping with Cancer in Early Adulthood for those who need one. You can connect with her through the Dana-Farber Young Adult Program to learn more. And as you support your body through a demanding healing journey, cellular energy matters too. Nano CoQ10, available in the Breast Cancer Conqueror shop, provides CoQ10 to support mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant defenses, making it a simple addition to a personalized wellness routine. Shop Nano CoQ10  

Dr. Laurie Trautman, Director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's been going on for you this week? What are you happy about, and what's making you not so happy? Fearne's here with more chat about what's putting her, Team Happy Place team, and you lot in a good mood, and what's feeling a bit heavier.This is our space to explore what's been on our minds. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne explores:-Why the regular mates getaway is so vital-Why – contrary to popular advice – it's important to talk to strangers-Sitting on a train without looking at your phone-Just bloody wearing the outfit you think is too extra-Coping with ill parents-Trying not to get frustrated with older people taking things slow-Young kids being obsessed with slime (???!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a voice noteIn this Earthkeepers Essentials archive episode, Wes Willison shares his journey from political awareness to ecological engagement, exploring how faith, community, and practical actions like gun decommissioning serve as acts of hope and transformation. In particular, he and Forrest explore ways in which we can resist despair and practice grace for ourselves in a world fraught with really difficult and sometimes overwhelming problems. In that framework, they discuss the importance of sacramental practices in environmental and social justice work, and how surprise and resilience shape our response to a challenging future. Information: Wes WillisonShane ClaiborneThe Simple Way communityKey  Topicso   Wes Willison's background and journey into earth careo   The role of seminary and the Farminary project in ecological understandingo   The significance of sacramental practices in environmental worko   The process of decommissioning guns as a symbol of hope and transformationo   The impact of political shifts and generational perspectives on climate anxietyo   Coping mechanisms for depression and anxiety related to climate changeo   The potential for surprise and new hope in political and ecological contextso   The importance of community, faith, and practical action in shaping a sustainable future Keywordsecology, faith, social justice, gun decommissioning, community, hope, sacrament, environmental activism, mental health, generational change, depression, self-care, Princeton Farminary, compost theology, Norm Wirzba Some TakeawaysSacramental practices can serve as powerful acts of hope and transformation in social and ecological justice.Engaging with the earth through work like composting and farming reveals God's presence in creation.Decommissioning guns and repurposing their parts into art and tools symbolizes hope and healing.Surprise is a key indicator of the Spirit's activity and a source of hope in dark times.Coping with climate anxiety involves intentional practices of rest, community, and engagement. Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple 

Fertility treatment can be an emotional rollercoaster, impacting mental health, relationships, and a sense of self. In this episode, Rachel Goldberg, a licensed therapist specializing in infertility and reproductive health, shares practical tips for building resilience, coping with grief, and maintaining connection with partners. She provides insights into navigating the emotional complexities of fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, and family planning while offering actionable strategies to support overall well-being. In this episode we cover: Common emotional challenges people face during fertility treatment  How fertility treatment affects relationships with partners and oneself  Coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety  Prioritizing mental health while staying focused on treatment goals  When to seek support from a mental health professional Read the full show notes on my website. Find Rachel Goldberg's website here.    Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, September 14 at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask questions live on Zoom. Other ways to connect: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates. Join Egg Whisperer School. Request a Consultation with me. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.

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 Join host Myrna Young and guest Jhiree Davis-Jones, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Cherry Blossom Healing, as they explore the concept of trauma and resilience and its significance in overcoming life's challenges. Coping skills from trauma increase resilience because they help people learn how to properly handle uncomfortable emotions and reactions that result from trauma. Jhiree shares personal insights from her own journey, including honoring her grandmother's legacy and overcoming childhood trauma. They discuss cultural perceptions of therapy, especially within the Black community, and the importance of a therapeutic process beyond mere talk therapy. Gain valuable perspectives on planning, resilience, and personal growth from this insightful conversation. They delve into the importance of building resilience in the face of life's inevitable challenges, offering practical advice to listeners on managing stress and supporting children emotionally. Jhiree shares insights from her counseling practice, Cherry Blossom Healing, and talks about the legacy of her grandmother influencing her journey in mental health.Throughout the conversation, Jhiree emphasizes the importance of having a plan (or, as she calls it, a "Plan C for a Plan C") to navigate life's uncertainties. She explains how this mindset can help people be prepared for unexpected challenges. The dialogue also tackles the continuing stigma surrounding therapy, especially in the Black community, and Jhiree highlights the need for cultural competence in mental health services. Additionally, the episode explores how resilience can coexist with unresolved trauma, offering hope and strategies for those who wish to thrive despite past adversities.Key Takeaways:Emotional resilience involves the ability to remain buoyant in the face of adversity and continue viewing life's glass as half-full.The stigma surrounding therapy, especially in the Black community, is slowly being dismantled with increased awareness and cultural competence in mental health services.Trauma need not dictate your future; understanding and processing past trauma can lead to personal growth and purpose.Jhiree's notion of having a "Plan C for a Plan C" encourages preparedness and resilience, emphasizing that adaptability is key to dealing with life's uncertainties.Therapy is a collaborative effort requiring both patience and participation from the client to foster true healing.Resources:Cherry Blossom Healing: Visit Cherry Blossom Healing to learn more about their services and connect with Jhiree Davis Jones.Social Media Handles: Follow Cherry Blossom Healing on Instagram and Facebook: @CherryBlossomHealing.Book: "My Current Past: From Pain to Purpose" by Jhiree Davis Jones, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Link to Transcript https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761155/19633540-trauma-and-resilience-how-to-thrive-amidst-adversity/transcriptSponsor of this podcast QuinceQuince is not just apparel. Quince also offers elevated essentials for your home, from bedding and bath, to kitchen essentials and furniture.Make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to Quince.com/tym for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns See this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mind/id1144973094Feedspot Top 100 Mental Health Podcast For sponsored Brand interviews and sponsorship inquires please visit Partner With The Transform Your Mind Podcast | Myrna Young Life Coach

Danny Walsh grew up in Texas with a mother consumed by addiction and a father who was never in the picture — and when he and his brother essentially raised each other as teenagers on their own the path toward trouble found them both before anyone was old enough to stop it. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, he shares how an early sentence in the Texas Department of Corrections led him to become a peckerwood and join one of the most notorious prison gangs in the Texas system before a federal conviction in his early 20s handed him 25 years and sent him into the most brutal maximum security federal penitentiaries in the United States. He opens up about becoming a shot caller — the power, the rules, the violence and the politics that position actually involves — what spending years in solitary confinement did to him mentally and what the PTSD that prison produced has made reacclimating into society nearly impossible in ways that the system that put him there has done almost nothing to address. _____________________________________________ #shotcaller #federalprison #truecrimestories _____________________________________________ Thank you to HIMS & FACTOR for sponsoring this episode: Hims: Visit https://hims.com/lockedin to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. _____________________________________________ Factor: Head to https://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until! _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Growing up in a rough Houston neighborhood 04:08 Early drinking and harmful experiences 06:06 Normalizing poverty and abuse 06:55 Time in isolation and breaking down demons 08:15 Fighting to stay un-institutionalized 09:59 The dangers of accepting prison as home 10:40 A bus station lesson in institutionalization 11:40 Refusing to accept a prisoner's life 12:52 Youthful dreams of the military and football 13:48 Arrested and learning the code 15:15 Brother's tough lessons on loyalty 16:32 Drug use and the cycle of incarceration 17:42 Facing federal charges and refusing to snitch 19:43 The deal is a lie: 25-year sentence 22:20 Betrayed by a lawyer and becoming hardened 24:39 Why the excessive sentence? 25:45 Rejecting the state's offer on principle 28:01 Adapting from state to federal politics 29:49 TDC initiation: riots and lockdown 34:05 Surviving lockdown and a cell fire 36:15 Joining a Texas prison gang 38:08 Your gang arrives in the feds 39:37 Taking control and building respect 41:07 The lie of gang philosophy 44:32 The failure of the prison system 46:40 Fighting for resentencing and 11 years over time 48:42 Release: 23 years later and a new world 52:35 Initial struggles with a changed society 54:55 Getting a job and building a new life 58:02 Fired by the state for tattoos 01:00:49 The struggle for identity and self-love 01:02:55 Jail habits that persist 01:04:24 Why not join another white gang? 01:05:43 Misconceptions about white inmates 01:08:12 A fight for respect over a TV 01:13:40 Relationships with other races and gangs 01:18:00 Prison economy and cross-racial business 01:20:18 How did you become a shot caller? 01:23:56 Dispensing justice and avoiding trouble 01:27:10 Sex cases and the white racial code 01:30:40 The meaning behind prison tattoos 01:34:38 Regretting gang involvement and ink 01:36:43 The origins of the Woods and Texas gangs 01:40:22 Are all white guys 'peckerwoods'? 01:41:06 Why did you stay in the gang in the feds? 01:42:08 Treachery within your own ranks 01:45:39 Can the BOP eliminate gangs? 01:49:10 Why the feds keep you divided 01:55:20 The burden of being a shot caller 01:59:40 Becoming an animal and losing yourself 02:02:50 The mental toll and nightmares of prison 02:05:28 Learning to keep your word and integrity 02:08:48 Feeling compelled to violence 02:11:10 Coping with the trauma of solitary 02:14:24 The need for prison reform and support 02:18:15 Released with no help or programs 02:23:52 Job struggles and endless punishment 02:29:36 The ongoing stigma of a felony 02:32:26 Corrupt guards and a lack of control 02:36:10 The chaos of maximum-security life 02:39:20 Debunking the 'sit to pee' myth 02:43:04 You were left alone and the system failed you 02:45:40 Learning to navigate prison safely 02:48:00 Proving yourself and survival instincts 02:50:07 Good guys in bad gangs 02:53:35 A close call with a conspiracy to kill you 03:00:52 Saved from a plot and changing your ways 03:03:39 Why are you here and how did you survive? 03:04:48 The struggle to find a job after power 03:06:48 Women and bad company send men back 03:08:23 Finding peace in a wine bar 03:10:12 Learning to love yourself and move on 03:12:42 Cherishing freedom and family 03:16:32 Advice to your younger self _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

In episode 385 of The Physical Performance Show, host Brad Beer sits down with fellow physiotherapist Lewis Craig for a lateral ankle sprain masterclass. Drawing on material the pair recently presented at a Gold Coast orthopedic evening, Brad and Lewis cover the burden and prevalence of lateral ankle sprains, the three-part clinical assessment process, key differential diagnoses, rehabilitation phases, and preventative strategies including bracing and taping. The episode explores why lateral ankle sprains — despite their reputation as a minor injury — carry a significant risk of chronic ankle instability, and why a thorough, structured assessment is essential to a smooth recovery. Brad and Lewis unpack the different ligament and tendon structures that can be involved, the red flags practitioners need to rule out, the impairment categories drawn from Jay Hertel's model of chronic ankle instability, and how rehabilitation should progress from protection through to return to sport and long-term prevention. Show Sponsor: Pogo Physio also offers online Telehealth Consultations for endurance athletes managing bone, tendon, or joint issues — book online at https://www.pogophysio.com.au. And... PILLAR Performance is leading a new frontier in the sports nutrition industry through micronutrition innovation. Their Performance Health range is designed to support the crucial hours outside of training and racing, helping athletes return to the start line in peak condition. One of their newest releases is Collagen Repair, developed in collaboration with Gelita Laboratories and featuring the clinically trialled collagen peptide TENDOFORT. For 15% off your first purchase, head to pillarperformance.shop or, for North American listeners, thefeed.com and use the code PHYSICALPERFORMANCE at checkout. Pillar Performance continues to lead the way in sports nutrition through micro-nutrition innovation, now expanding into the Performance Health range. One of their newest releases, Collagen Repair, was developed with Gelita Laboratories (Germany) using a clinically trialled collagen peptide (Tendofort) to support tendon and ligament health in conditions like hamstring tendinopathy, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and patellofemoral pain. Head to Pogo Physio also offers online Telehealth Consultations for endurance athletes managing bone, tendon, or joint issues — book online at https://www.pillarperformance.shop (or https://www.thefeed.com for North American listeners) and use code PHYSICALPERFORMANCE for 15% off your first purchase.   Partners / links mentioned: Ortho Tools (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool / CAIT): mentioned in-episode as the online questionnaire resource Contact: Lewis Craig — l.craig@pogophysio.com.au In this episode, you'll hear: Episode context: Lewis Craig's return to the show after being last on around episode 109, and his progress toward finishing his Sports Masters through the University of Queensland The burden of lateral ankle sprains: why they're the most common musculoskeletal injury in sport across field and court sports, contact and non-contact alike Recurrence risk: why roughly 40% of people who sprain their ankle go on to develop chronic instability, and why the one-year mark is a key risk-reduction milestone Early predictors of chronic ankle instability: the Doherty 2016 study on single-leg landing and drop-jump testing at two weeks post-injury The three priorities of assessment: ruling out red flags and fractures, forming an accurate diagnosis, and identifying impairments Screening for fractures: mechanism of injury, the Ottawa ankle rules, weight-bearing ability, and key bony landmarks to palpate Differential diagnosis: ATFL and CFL sprains (70–80% of ankle sprains), peroneal tendon injuries, bifurcate ligament sprains, deltoid ligament tears, syndesmosis injuries, and talar dome injuries Why getting a clear mechanism of injury from the athlete is critical to an accurate diagnosis Identifying impairments: the ROAST consensus and Jay Hertel's updated model of chronic ankle instability — pathomechanical, sensory-perceptual and motor-behavioural impairments Clinical and objective testing: balance progressions, calf raise endurance and strength benchmarks, and power tests including triple hop, crossover hop and timed lateral hop The role of patient-reported outcome tools: the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and FAAM, and why they're useful for tracking progress and motivation Rehabilitation framework: protection and appropriate early loading, followed by strength, stability and mobility phases Managing specific injury types: use of moon boots, orthotics, low-dye taping and ASO ankle braces depending on the structures involved Addressing dorsiflexion loss: why regaining ankle range of motion is often one of the hardest parts of rehab, and the Torillin infographic on identifying the source of restriction Late-stage rehab and return-to-sport: hopping, change of direction, and integrating exercises into an athlete's normal training week for ongoing prevention Bracing and taping as secondary/tertiary prevention strategies to reduce recurrence Long-term consequences of poorly managed ankle sprains, including links to post-traumatic osteoarthritis and eventual ankle surgery The biggest mistake athletes make: assuming rehab is "done" once they can run, despite still having deficits in power, change of direction and stability Lewis's top tip: get every ankle sprain properly assessed, no matter how minor Quotes / takeaways: "It's just a simple lateral ankle sprain... and then someone who goes missing for months at a time." "Four out of ten people who have an ankle sprain go on to develop a chronic instability." "The better quality of the assessment, the more likely there's an accurate diagnosis." "It's really hard to sprain your ankle when it's really well strapped or with an appropriate brace." "Once someone gets running... you can run in a straight line really well and have really considerable deficits still." "Get it assessed. Understand what you've done and understand what impairments you might have." Time Stamps: 00:17 – Episode introduction and breakthrough experience 00:23 – Episode 385 introduction: lateral ankle sprain masterclass with Lewis Craig 00:50 – Sponsor: PILLAR Performance and Performance Health 01:15 – Collagen Repair: formulation, TENDOFORT and collagen health 01:44 – 15% PILLAR Performance discount with code PHYSICALPERFORMANCE 02:19 – Welcoming Lewis Craig back to the show 02:48 – Lewis's tenure at Pogo Physio and progress on his Sports Masters at UQ 03:45 – Introducing today's topic: lateral ankle sprains 04:37 – How common and burdensome are lateral ankle sprains? 05:36 – The "she'll be right" attitude and why it's changing 07:02 – Lewis's personal history with recurrent ankle sprains 08:02 – Impact on Lewis's own running and trail running 08:28 – The one-year mark and recurrence risk statistics 09:26 – Predictors of chronic ankle instability: single-leg landing and drop jump 09:53 – The Doherty 2016 study explained 10:51 – The three priorities of assessment 11:21 – Ruling out red flags and fractures 12:45 – Why assessment quality drives rehab outcomes 13:14 – Screening for fractures: mechanism, Ottawa ankle rules, bony landmarks 14:39 – Deciding on imaging: x-ray or MRI 15:06 – Differential diagnosis: the many subcategories of ankle sprain 15:35 – ATFL and CFL: the most common ligament sprains 16:35 – Peroneal tendon injuries 17:04 – Bifurcate ligament sprains 18:04 – Deltoid ligament tears with lateral ankle sprains 18:33 – Syndesmosis injuries and mechanism differences 19:31 – Clinical tests for syndesmosis 20:01 – Talar dome injuries and other easily missed diagnoses 20:30 – Why getting a clear mechanism from the athlete matters 21:29 – Identifying impairments: what it means and why it's important 22:51 – Jay Hertel's model of chronic ankle instability 23:48 – Balancing patient education without causing fear 24:17 – Motor outcomes: strength, power and kinetic chain 24:43 – Assessment time and thoroughness at Pogo Physio 25:08 – Objective testing: dynamometers, balance and calf tests 25:38 – Balance test progressions as return-to-sport criteria 26:37 – Strength testing: inversion, eversion and calf raise endurance 27:07 – Power testing: triple hop, crossover hop and lateral hop tests 27:33 – Using objective markers to guide return-to-sport decisions 28:01 – Patient questionnaires: Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and FAAM 28:57 – Coping vs non-coping athletes and objective scoring 29:25 – Moving into rehabilitation: individualised management 29:54 – Protection and appropriate early loading 30:20 – Moon boots and protecting specific structures 31:16 – ASO ankle braces for lower-grade sprains 31:45 – The strength, stability, mobility rehab framework 32:14 – Early loading phase: range of motion, balance and strength 32:43 – Addressing dorsiflexion loss 33:13 – The Torillin infographic on restriction sources 33:40 – Progressing balance and strength exercises 34:10 – Preventative efforts and integrating rehab into training 34:40 – Late-stage rehab and return-to-play criteria 35:39 – Bracing and taping to prevent recurrence 36:08 – Long-term consequences: osteoarthritis and ankle surgery risk 37:34 – Lewis's own experience with taping and bracing 38:02 – The biggest mistake athletes make in managing ankle sprains 39:29 – Lewis's top tip: get every ankle sprain assessed 40:27 – Where to reach Lewis Craig for questions 40:52 – Episode close and sponsor reminder 41:20 – Pogo Physio Telehealth Consultations and closing details THE TEAM: Join the The Physical Performance Show LEARNINGS membership through weekly podcasts here: https://www.patreon.com/TPPShow Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about Telehealth Consultations and book online. Your Hosts:

Along the way, they talk about the comfort of pets, the importance of finding friends who truly understand, why kids with invisible illnesses deserve to be believed, and the hope they've found through the Arthritis Foundation community. Whether you're raising a child with JIA, living with arthritis yourself, or simply want to better understand what these young patients experience, this conversation is a powerful reminder that no one has to face arthritis alone.  Episode at a glance: 00:00 Welcome and JIA Basics 01:05 Meet the Kids 02:38 Diagnosis Stories 06:49 Treatments and Trial Error 11:05 School Friends and Uveitis 15:41 Coping on Hard Days 20:26 Advice for Newly Diagnosed 23:33 What Adults Should Know 26:42 Final Thoughts and Foundation 29:51 Rapid Fire Favorite Books 33:41 Wrap Up and Goodbye Medical disclaimer:  All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode Sponsors Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Although a patient's communication and swallowing goals may change as they progress through their cancer treatment, today's podcast guests say the speech-language pathologist's presence can be one of the most consistent aspects of a patient's journey.When SLP Keely Bill identified patients who needed head and neck cancer services in the region where she worked—hours away from the large academic medical centers or university hospitals where the patients originally had surgery or received radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and specialized cancer care—she began taking steps to meet their needs locally.Bill and her mentor Jen Lutes tell a story of enabling access to care when delivering services to this population in rural northeast Kentucky.TranscriptLearn More:The Value of Prophylactic Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Services in the Treatment of Head and Neck CancerASHA Practice Portal: Head and Neck CancerHead and Neck Cancer in a Rural U.S. Population: Quality of Life, Coping, Health Care Literacy, and Access to ServicesASHA Evidence Map: Head and Neck CancerSupport for this episode of ASHA Voices comes from AMN Healthcare.

Coping with stress, finding the hobby of collecting physical media and I give some movie recommendations.

After years of hearing traumatic birth stories and questioning whether parenthood was right for her, Heidi Gustad entered pregnancy determined to make informed decisions every step of the way. When she was diagnosed with insulin-managed gestational diabetes, debilitating migraines, and a rare umbilical cord abnormality called an umbilical vein varix, the birth center birth she had envisioned was suddenly no longer an option.   In this episode, Heidi shares how evidence-based education, a supportive care team, and careful preparation helped her navigate unexpected changes with confidence. She and Dr. Dekker discuss what it was like to advocate for herself through multiple diagnoses, switch care providers late in pregnancy, and prepare for a hospital birth while still hoping for an unmedicated labor. Heidi also shares the surprising series of events that led to spontaneous labor before her scheduled induction, and how she welcomed her baby after a fast, nine-hour labor.   (01:36) Overcoming a lifelong fear of pregnancy and choosing parenthood (05:13) Navigating migraines, gestational diabetes, and changing providers (08:52) Risking out of birth center care and finding the right hospital (11:11) Understanding a rare umbilical vein varix diagnosis (17:47) Building confidence through education, advocacy, and a supportive birth team (21:59) Preparing for birth with physical therapy, acupuncture, and evidence-based resources (25:50) Spontaneous labor begins weeks before a scheduled induction (32:02) Coping strategies for a fast, unmedicated labor (37:19) Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding (40:42) Heidi's advice on informed decision-making and birth preferences (43:06) Using anxiety and pain-coping techniques during labor   Resources Listen to EBB's Natural Induction Series on Acupuncture, Raspberry Red Leaf Tea, and Nipple Stimulation: evidencebasedbirth.com/category/series/natural-labor-induction-series/ EBB 304 – Q & A on PPD/Pitocin, Delayed Cord Clamping, Nubain, and Placental encapsulation: evidencebasedbirth.com/ebb-304-q-and-a-on-ppd-pitocin-delayed-cord-clamping-nubain-and-placental-encapsulation/ Read the research on Umbilical Chord Varix Fetal intra-abdominal umbilical vein varix: retrospective cohort study and systematic review and meta-analysis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28876490/ Isolated fetal umbilical vein varix and the association with intrauterine fetal death and fetal growth restriction: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and nested retrospective cohort study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38502055/ The Development of the Umbilical Vein and Its Anatomical and Clinical Significance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11954436/ Learn more about Spinning Babies®: spinningbabies.com   For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

An eating disorder is often a coping strategy for deeper distress. It can be a way to gain a glimmer of self-esteem, when you don't feel good enough. It can be a way to find a sense of control, when life feels uncontrollable. It can be a way to numb and distract from difficult emotions. It can become part of an identity as the thin or healthy person. It can be a way to communicate, when it is difficult to communicate through words. Time slots: 4:42 Self-worth glimmers. 6:38 A sense of control. 7:59 Distracting or numbing difficult feelings. 9:33 Giving an identity. 12:51 A way of communicating to others, what cannot be communicated through words. I hope that you find it helpful.  

How do you cope with mental health issues? Do you cope in positive ways such as getting out in nature? Or do you cope negatively with isolation? There are many ways to cope with mental health both positive and negative and we've here to cover both sides.And please remember. This show is a safe haven, we are here to help. You Are Not Alone.Please like, share, and subscribe!  Resources:Headsupguys Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention | HeadsUpGuysMantherapy Man Therapy® | The Manliest Tool for Men's Mental HealthMovember Movember - Changing the face of men's health. - MovemberNAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Our Email Soi.mensmentalhealth@gmail.com

Becky Selbie is a London-based psychotherapist who specialises in motherhood and maternal mental health — and she has a gift for taking the frameworks she uses in her therapy room and translating them into language that actually lands in everyday life.In this conversation, Ashley and Becky cover a lot of ground: matrescence and why the word matters so much, the rule book that high-achieving women carry into motherhood that starts working against them the moment they get there, the mums who look like they're coping but feel like they're failing, the difference between motherhood and mothering, and why the inner critic telling you you're not good enough isn't your voice — it's the noise of a culture that has never held mothers in the regard they deserve.It's one of those conversations that leaves you seeing yourself differently.In This EpisodeHow Becky came to specialise in maternal mental health — giving birth and thinking “how has nobody prepared me for this?”Matrescence — why the word matters, where it came from, and why it took 50 years to reach mainstream languageThe moment Becky heard it for the first time and ran downstairs to tell her husbandSharing the concept with her mother — who had her first child in the 1960s and was prescribed tranquilizers for what was actually matrescenceWhy high-achieving women struggle in motherhood more than others — and the rule book that explains whyMums who look like they're coping but feel like they're failing — and what the swan metaphor gets exactly rightThe “tab open” metaphor — why you never feel fully disconnected from your children even when you're away from themNot loving every chapter — and why that has nothing to do with how much you love your kidsThe problem with parenting content on social media — theory without context, and who pays the priceWhy Becky's clinical supervisor said “well, she will” when a client was terrified of messing up her kids — and why that was the most freeing thing she'd ever heardMotherhood vs. mothering — the doing versus the being, and why we're graded on the wrong oneThe inner critic is the patriarchy — and why turning down its volume is the whole pointWhat fills Becky's bucket: creativity, building community, and the retreat she's planning for mumsQuotes From This Episode“Not loving motherhood doesn't mean that you don't love mothering. Just because you don't enjoy bits of motherhood, there is no connection to how you feel about your kids.”— Becky Selbie“The inner critic is wrong. The inner critic is the patriarchy — it's society, it's all those messages about what motherhood should look like. And it's nonsense.”— Becky Selbie“Motherhood is the doing. Mothering is the being — the relationship, the love, the knowing them inside out. But we're graded on the doing.”— Becky Selbie“Even when you're away, there's a tab open all the time in your head. It's just that as they get older, the tab gets smaller.”— Becky Selbie“Don't compare the back end of your business to the front end of somebody else's.”— Ashley BlackingtonConnect with Becky:Instagram: @_motherway_Website: motherway.co.ukConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/

Welcome to our brand new podcast! This is “BPR Talks” – where we feature the call-in segments of the day. If you're looking for the full two hours with guests,  you can find the full episode right here in the same feed.Today on the show: We start the show by asking listeners about the cyclospora outbreak, how are they dealing with it? Then, we end the show with our Am I The A-hole segment and we ask listeners, is it ok to compliment your coworker's appearance?Listen in for more!

Prayer for Choosing Healing Instead of Coping for her Daily Spiritual Espresso published on August 6, 2026 which you can access here: https://powerofloveministry.net/managing-and-coping-isnt-healing/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've been wondering why does nothing I try actually work and what to do instead, you're not alone. Learn why calming the nervous system—not trying harder—is the key to lasting change with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, creator of Regulation First Parenting™ and a leading expert in childhood emotional dysregulation.Parenting a dysregulated child can leave you questioning everything. You're trying so hard, yet the meltdowns, arguments, and emotional explosions keep happening. If you've ever thought, "Why does nothing I try actually work?" this is for you.This episode shares why the missing piece isn't another parenting strategy—it's understanding the nervous system. You'll learn why Regulation First Parenting™ changes everything and how calming the brain before correcting behavior creates lasting change.Why does nothing I try actually work with my child?When parents feel stuck, it's easy to believe they need a new therapist, a better consequence, or a different parenting method. But often, the strategy isn't the problem—the order is.It's not bad parenting—it's a dysregulated brain. When a child's nervous system is overwhelmed, they simply can't access the skills they've already learned.Key takeaways:Behavior is communication.Skills disappear when the brain shifts into survival mode.Regulation must happen before learning can happen.Example: Your child knows how to use deep breathing in therapy, but after a fight with a sibling, they completely forget it. That's not defiance—it's nervous system overload.Why does my child forget coping skills during a meltdown?Many parents wonder why therapy seems successful in the office but falls apart at home.The answer is simple: an overwhelmed brain can't access its thinking skills. When children enter fight, flight, or freeze, logic and emotional regulation go offline.Reward charts don't work if the brain isn't ready to learn.Consequences alone won't build regulation.Coping skills need to be practiced during calm moments—not only during crises.

Upgrade to the Ad Free Premium Podcast Experience - https://rachelhollis.supercast.com Get your copy of Rachel's Book Here: Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon, Bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices In this edition of Ask Rach on The Rachel Hollis Podcast, Rach answers listener questions about changing careers to better fit a new season of life, balancing multiple goals after a difficult setback, and knowing what to charge when starting a new business. She encourages listeners to make decisions based on their current priorities rather than other people's expectations, focus on becoming the person they want to be instead of trying to solve every problem at once, and recognize the value of their time and expertise as they build a sustainable career. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rob and Kelvin tell us why Kevin Durant likening the 2017 Golden State Warriors to the 2026 Philadelphia 76ers is blatant copium, and explain why Chicago Cubs all-star Pete Crow-Armstrong might be the biggest conspiracy theorist in sports. Plus, Dodger Blue executive editor Matthew Moreno swings by to discuss the fallout from the Tarik Skubal trade, the narrative that the Dodgers are the villains of baseball, what’s ailing Kyle Tucker, and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diaz Aguilar grew up in Compton California raised by a single mother who struggled with addiction — and when the streets filled the gap the Vice Lords became his family. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, he shares how a trip to Chicago pulled him into the Vice Lords, how a trip to Mississippi ended with a manslaughter charge for something he says he did not do, and what losing at trial and being sentenced to 20 years in Mississippi's most brutal maximum security prison actually felt like for a Vice Lord from Compton who knew he was innocent. He opens up about the prison politics inside Mississippi's worst facility, what life as a Vice Lord inside those walls actually required of him, and what 22 years of wrongful incarceration really does to a person before they find a way to keep going. _____________________________________________ #wrongfulconviction #TrueCrime #prison _____________________________________________ Connect with Diaz Aguilar:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diaz_santiago_55?igsh=MTZvMWkxM2U4MDB6dA== _____________________________________________ Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZYDGM5J?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_apan_dp_Y0MGDT0AZRAAQKJ14QC9&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_apan_dp_Y0MGDT0AZRAAQKJ14QC9&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_apan_dp_Y0MGDT0AZRAAQKJ14QC9&bestFormat=true&fbclid=PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaccY68BMUhqLOhGfqVyG5b0jFGHckUvPBwgIetA_Sm_iCFscImzCEQEJWavmA_aem_mhRhsWedJChoBH70P-GvTA&utm_content=link_in_bio&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ig ____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Diaz Aguilar's Story 00:18 Growing Up in Compton 01:41 Mother's Addiction & Early Hardships 03:59 Friendships & Finding Family 05:04 Reflections on Mother-Son Relationship 07:36 Childhood Trouble & Gang Influence 09:01 Neighborhood Gangs and Associations 10:03 Joining the Vice Lords 13:13 Gang Symbolism & Identity 14:55 Dreams, Aspirations, and Early Outlook 16:18 School Life and Influential Teacher 17:52 Writing Inspiration & Starting a Book 21:02 Adoption, Family Changes & Moving to Mississippi 25:31 Troubled Adoption and Feeling Isolated 28:44 Mississippi: New Beginnings and Trouble 31:31 The Incident: Manslaughter Charge 38:12 Court, Trial, and Sentencing 43:03 Life in Mississippi State Penitentiary 50:12 Gang Dynamics and Prison Politics 01:00:19 Economics of Prison: Protection and Extortion 01:08:45 Adapting and Surviving in Prison 01:13:15 Solitary Confinement and Mental Health 01:17:51 Struggles for Justice & Maintaining Innocence 01:23:00 Life After Release: Reentry Challenges 01:24:47 Relationships, Intimacy & PTSD  01:26:34 Making Peace and Coping with Trauma 01:33:32 Thoughts on Gang Life Now 01:34:12 Wisdom Gained: Reflections on Life 01:35:50 Life Today: Work, Books & New Beginnings 01:38:40 Closing Thoughts & Farewell _____________________________________________  To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka

#158: On today's episode, Han sits down with MJ Gray, content creator and host of the Maneater podcast, as she shares her personal healing journey: discovering the power of her mind and learning how to reprogram the beliefs that had shaped her life.After years of trying to get sober, and living through what she describes as a continuous dark night of the soul, MJ realized sobriety would require more than willpower. MJ and Han unpack manifestation, addiction, childhood trauma, people pleasing, self-love, accountability, decentering men, and why accepting the discomfort of life may be the key to finally finding peace.The girls get into:the power of your mind and reprogramming deeply rooted beliefs and childhood conditioningWhy changing your life can initially feel irrational or delusionalHow addiction and unhealthy coping mechanisms can change formsMJ's spiritual awakening and relationship with manifestationUsing meditation and mindset to create a different realityHow the expectation to always be happy makes us unhappyTaking accountability for your healing without invalidating your traumaMoving beyond victimhood while maintaining compassion for yourselfLetting go of guilt, jealousy, anger, and self-hatredHealing patterns created by narcissistic or emotionally unhealthy parentsBreaking free from people pleasing and the need to be likedLearning to genuinely love yourself and embrace who you areHow unresolved trauma can recreate familiar relationshipsDecentering men and creating fulfillment outside of relationships& MORE!This episode is for anyone navigating sobriety, childhood trauma, people pleasing, self-doubt, or a difficult mental health journey. It is for the woman learning how to reprogram negative beliefs.TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 — Introduction00:05:32 — Getting existential and questioning everything00:05:44 — How sobriety led MJ to social media00:06:18 — The desire to feel seen and understood00:06:48 — MJ's sobriety journey00:07:05 — Experiencing a continuous dark night of the soul00:09:58 — Why addiction can change forms00:10:26 — Coping with the discomfort of being human00:11:17 — Why expecting constant happiness makes us unhappy00:12:26 — Childhood trauma, victimhood, and personal accountability00:14:33 — Falling down, trying again, and releasing guilt00:15:07 — Why guilt can create more self-hatred00:15:41 — MJ's spiritual awakening after getting sober00:16:16 — Discovering meditation and spirituality00:16:55 — Relapse and discovering the power of the mind00:17:28 — Applying manifestation and mindset to sobriety00:17:44 — The day MJ quit drinking and smoking00:18:12 — Convincing herself she no longer liked alcohol00:19:03 — Reprogramming beliefs created by a narcissistic parent00:20:00 — Why transforming your life can feel delusional00:20:57 — Resetting your childhood programming00:23:25 — Does MJ care what other people think?00:24:10 — Why people pleasing never worked00:24:53 — Self-love, insecurity, and genuinely liking yourself00:25:19 — Learning to water the lawn you already have00:25:44 — Releasing the things you cannot control00:26:07 — Why peace has to begin within you00:27:13 — Life gets easier to carry00:28:56 — Where your attention goes, your energy flows00:29:17 — Moving beyond rumination and self-pity00:29:35 — Why traumatic patterns can feel like home00:30:04 — Taking accountability for repeated patterns00:34:08 — Why women need to start decentering men00:34:47 — Creating fulfillment outside of relationships00:35:56 — Loving men without centering them00:36:12 — The risks women face within relationships00:36:34 — Expecting romantic partners to add value to your lifeCONNECT BELOWFollow MJ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow MANEATER hereCONNECT with HAN:follow Han ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow HOW I SEE IT ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠follow Han on Substack ⁠here⁠watch HOW I SEE IT on YouTube ⁠here⁠work with Han: howhanseesit@gmail.com

When do our coping behaviors go from necessary survival needs to reliance on avoidant behavior? In this week's episode, Bridgette and Lindsey dive into how coping mechanisms of any kind can turn into negative feedback loops or quick-relief systems. While coping mechanisms allow us to process trauma over time, understanding the boundaries between healthy versus reliant makes the healing journey an ever-changing process.Key TakeawaysCoping is necessary for survival and processing trauma over time, but our behaviors can lead to overreliance on immediate satisfaction.Behaviors can include what many people see as “healthy” or “productive”, but could still be a way to avoid processing our emotions.Research shows that we seek relief when undergoing stress; this need can lead us to build quick-acting behaviors over sitting with and acknowledging our discomfort.Avoidant coping behavior may lead to a disconnect from our bodies, communities, and long-term healing journey.Finding professional support to understand the difference between coping and processing trauma provides benefits throughout our lives.Resources MentionedGabor Maté's research on coping skills, trauma, and stress.Connect and Learn More☑️ Bridgette Stumpf | LinkedIn☑️ Lindsey Silverberg | LinkedIn☑️ Volare | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook☑️ TraumaTies Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBrought to you by Volare, TraumaTies: Untangling Societal Harm & Healing After Crime is a podcast that creates space and conversations to dissect the structural and systemic knots that keep us from addressing trauma.Rooted in a belief that survivors of crime deserve respect for their dignity in the aftermath of victimization, Volare seeks to empower survivors by informing them of all of the options available and working to transform existing response systems to be more inclusive of the diverse needs that survivors often have after crime.Volare also provides free, holistic, and comprehensive advocacy, therapeutic, and legal services to survivors of all crime types. Visit our website to learn more about how to access our trauma-informed education training and how to partner with us to expand survivor-defined justice.

Episode 62: What Is Prosopagnosia? – features Dr. Brad Duchaine, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College, exploring the science, social impact, and neural mechanisms of face blindness.Episode Summary: This episode features a conversation with Dr. Brad Duchaine, a researcher with over two decades of experience studying face perception. Listen as Dr. Duchaine breaks down what prosopagnosia is, how the brain calculates facial measurements, the distinction between perception and memory deficits, the visual distortion condition known as PMO, and how face blindness impacts everyday social interactions.In this episode we discuss:00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Brad Duchaine and the question of prosopagnosia01:17 – Pronunciation of prosopagnosia and Dr. Duchaine's early interest in the condition02:31 – Specialized psychological mechanisms and entering face recognition research03:27 – How the brain processes person recognition and measures facial characteristics04:57 – Perceptual precision deficits vs. memory/indexing impairments in prosopagnosia07:39 – Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) and active facial feature distortions10:48 – Causes of face blindness: Acquired prosopagnosia vs. developmental prosopagnosia12:53 – How the internet expanded research access and public awareness14:12 – Coping strategies, non-facial identity cues, and contextual recognition16:03 – Testing for face blindness online (Cambridge Face Memory Test and famous face tests)17:42 – Diagnostic thresholds and normal distribution of face recognition ability19:03 – Current gaps in understanding neural computations and information processing20:33 – Prevalence of developmental prosopagnosia and findings from public reach-out22:03 – The "prosopagnosia epiphany" and validating past social experiences23:51 – Social implications, interpersonal misunderstandings, and emotional costs25:21 – Practical advice for navigating face recognition challenges with others26:24 – Resources for learning more and participating in research27:35 – ConclusionResources:⁠⁠Face Blind ResearchThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

Next of Kin After Stroke: When Your 19-Year-Old Has to Decide For You Kylie Ralston was 56, living alone in Sofia, Bulgaria, and getting back into shape after a divorce. Three mornings a week she ran. On the morning everything changed, she was doing a local park run with her friend Rebecca when she slowed to a walk, then tried to run again and couldn’t. “It was like the message wasn’t getting through from my brain to my legs,” she says. No headache. No fatigue. Nothing that felt like an emergency. She finished the run, registered her time, and went home. It wasn’t until she collapsed getting out of the car that anyone understood what was happening. By the time Kylie reached hospital, she had suffered a left frontoparietal haemorrhagic stroke, a spontaneous brain bleed roughly 7.5cm across, with none of the usual risk factors. No high blood pressure. No cholesterol history. No aneurysm, no AVM. She was placed in an induced coma for four days. When she woke, she couldn’t move her right side, and she couldn’t speak. What “Next of Kin” Really Means When a Stroke Hits Abroad Kylie was a permanent resident of Bulgaria, not a citizen, divorced from her daughter’s father, and living on her own. When the hospital needed someone to authorise emergency surgery, there was exactly one person available to make that call: her daughter, then 19 years old, splitting her time between her separated parents’ homes. It’s a detail easy to skim past, but it sits at the centre of this episode: next of kin isn’t a role most of us think about until a hospital needs an answer immediately. Kylie hadn’t nominated her daughter out of any formal planning process; it simply fell to her, because she was the only adult relative in the country who met the age threshold. A 19-Year-Old Signing Consent-to-Operate Forms Kylie’s friends contacted her daughter directly. She rushed to the hospital, and unconscious, unable to advocate for herself, her mother’s care now depended on decisions made by a teenager under enormous duress. Kylie’s first memory afterward is her daughter arriving in the ICU in a hairnet and scrubs, holding her hand, telling her she loved her. It’s the kind of moment that rarely makes it into conversations about stroke recovery, because the focus so often lands on rehabilitation milestones: walking, speaking, returning to work. But before any of that, someone has to be legally empowered to say yes to surgery, and for Kylie, that someone hadn’t expected the responsibility for another few decades. The Gap Between Acute Surgery and Real Rehabilitation Bulgaria’s acute care, Kylie and her friend Nicole Nott both stress, was world-class surgery within roughly two hours of the stroke, the kind of outcome her friends still describe as a miracle given the size of the bleed. What came next was a different story. In the public hospital, physiotherapy visits totalled two sessions. There was no speech therapy. After 14 days, still unable to move her right side or speak, Kylie was expected to go home. Her partner, Guido, refused to accept it, and the couple began privately funding rehabilitation themselves. This is a distinction worth sitting with if you or someone you love is navigating stroke recovery in a country or even a region with limited public rehab funding: acute survival and functional recovery are not the same fight, and they are not always resourced the same way. When a Friend Becomes the Rehab Team Nicole Nott, an occupational therapist and Kylie’s friend since they were 16, found out about the stroke through a message she initially suspected was a scam. Within days she’d cleared her schedule and flown from Australia to Bulgaria. What she found in the private rehab hospital was a caring but under-trained care team, kind staff with, as Nicole puts it, “no rehab expertise.” Nicole spent close to two weeks restructuring Kylie’s room and routine around basic stroke rehabilitation principles: approaching from Kylie’s affected right side to address her spatial inattention, built-up cutlery to force use of her weaker hand, a balloon tapped back and forth for shoulder strength, word games layered on top for speech practice, pegs and curtains repurposed into arm exercises. She also pushed back hard against hospital staff who tried to stop her from helping Kylie transfer to a shower chair or toilet, at one point being told outright she wasn’t permitted because she was a woman. Her single goal before flying home: get Kylie toileting independently again, for dignity as much as mobility. Kylie called her from Dubai airport, mid-transit, to tell her it had happened. Living With Aphasia Fourteen months on, Kylie’s right-side weakness has largely resolved. What remains, she says, is the hardest part: expressive aphasia. “I can’t express myself like I used to.” It’s a small, telling detail of the condition that even the phrase “I can’t” is itself shaped by the aphasia; the words available to describe the loss are affected by the loss. The Unexpected Gains Both women point to what came out of the crisis alongside the hardship: Kylie’s relationship with her daughter deepened. Her circle of friends in Bulgaria proved itself in ways she hadn’t anticipated. And in the rehab hospital, her partner Guido proposed something; he told her he’d already decided before the stroke but simply hadn’t gotten around to asking. If this episode raises questions about who is legally positioned to make decisions for you and whether that person actually knows it, it may be worth a conversation with your own family before a crisis forces the issue. For a deeper account of navigating identity, recovery, and unexpected transformation after stroke, Bill’s book The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened is available at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. If this show has helped you, you can support it at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Kylie Ralston: Stroke, Bulgaria, and the Friend Who Flew Across the World When Kylie had a stroke abroad, her 19-year-old daughter became her next of kin, and a friend flew in to help her recover. Bill’s Book: The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened Support the Recovery After Stroke On Patreon Highlights: 00:00 Introduction – Next of Kin After Stroke03:47 The Day of the Stroke08:55 Rehabilitation Challenges in Bulgaria16:32 Coping with Language Barriers22:08 Reflections on Healthcare Systems32:50 Setting Goals and Achievements38:29 Family Dynamics and Support Systems45:36 Finding Meaning in Recovery54:44 The Impact of Caregiving58:22 Reflections on Recovery and Gratitude Transcript: Introduction – Next of Kin After Stroke Bill Gasiamis (00:00)And one of my first horrible thoughts was, is this a dreadful hoax? Is someone, you know, is this some horrible scam? And it made me feel quite sick actually And then I rang her son who lives in Australia and he’s like, Yeah, I’m so sorry. I haven’t told you. Yes, it’s true, mum’s had a stroke. Bill Gasiamis (00:16)Welcome back to Recovery After Stroke. I’m Bill Gasiamis, and today I’m joined by two guests, Kylie Ralston and her friend Nicole Nott. Kylie was 56 living in Bulgaria when she suffered a left frontoparietal hemorrhagic stroke, a spontaneous brain bleed with none of the usual risk factors. Nicole is an occupational therapist and one of Kylie’s closest friends since they were teenagers. And when she found out what happened, she got on a plane to Bulgaria to help. In this episode, we get into what it means to have a stroke far from home in a country where you don’t speak the language, and public rehabilitation funding barely exists. We talk about who becomes your next of kin when you least expect it, what it’s like to advocate for a friend inside a hospital system that won’t always listen. And what recovery actually looks like 14 months on, before we get into it, if you want a deeper look at identity, recovery, and unexpected transformation after stroke, my book, The Unexpected Way That Stroke Became, the best thing that happened, is available at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And if this show has helped you And you can support it to keep me on the path of getting to a thousand episodes, you can do so At patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke Bill Gasiamis (01:37)Kylie Ralston and Nicole Nott, welcome to the podcast. lovely to be here, Bill. Thanks for having us, Bill. Kylie, tell me a little bit about what life was like before the stroke. I was very active and I had a full life and I was working full time. and I was living in Sofia in Bulgaria, in my on my own, in my own apartment. I was renting, actually. and I was getting back to fitness. So I was g getting I was running regularly. So two two or three times a week I was hitting the gym and hitting the tr the treadmill. And that had been happening for like a few month like six months or something like that. but before that I was very fit and active. What kind of work were you involved in? I was a HR work. I was a ha HR leader and so I had my own consultancy I had a team of people that I’ve managed. I had thirty five people, so and that they were people in Germany, Poland, Czechia, Portugal, France, so everywhere in in Europe, basically. Yeah. Wow, how how does an Aussie end up in Bulgaria with staff or clients in that many countries? short answer is I came here with my family, so with my ex husband. and shortly after I arrived we separated and and ultimately got divorced. and I stayed on because my daughter is here. So she was only eleven at the time and I could just couldn’t leave her. The Day of the Stroke So you were living at home with your daughter? she was sharing her time between between us both. Yeah. got it. Okay. So both parents are there. So your daughter was going backwards and forwards. On the night of the stroke or on the day of the stroke, can you take us through that? What were you experiencing? Was there anything unusual that happened that made you think something was wrong? How did it go down? I was with my friend Rebecca. And she was running ahead of me as she she was faster than me, so sh and she often often ran ahead of me. and I’d slowed down to a walk and when I started to run again or try to run again, it it was like the message wasn’t getting through from my brain to my legs. And I thought, that’s strange, that’s that’s really odd. ‘Cause I didn’t feel like tired or anything and I didn’t have a headache and well stuff like that. and I just walked through the rest of the park run. And then when Rebecca saw me coming to the finish line, she waved me over and she said, come on, let’s go register your chip. and so I did that. and she said afterwards that there was a little bit of fumbling with with my phone and there’s a there was a little bit of fumbling when I put my jacket on, but other than that, I just seemed exhausted from a run. do you recall after the experience of feeling exhausted from the run where you ended up? Did you need help? Yeah, I do. So so she didn’t notice that I wasn’t talking because I n I’m normally an endless talker, so I she didn’t notice that I wasn’t talking. And she said that that that is one thing that should have alerted her to what was happening. but it it didn’t. And so I’d caught the bus to the park run and her husband was there and so he drove me home. And I j I remember the journey home and when when we when I went to get out, I just couldn’t. And so and Mark came around to my side of the car and help tried to help me out and I just collapsed against him. And so then that so then they said, quick, something’s wrong something’s I don’t remember what they  They they said, you know, they basically took me straight to the hospital. Yeah. And also rang Guido, my now fiance, but my partner at the time. Uh-huh. So you you went from the run, attempted to go home, and then from that attempt to get you out of the car, actually into your home, it was pretty clear that that wasn’t gonna happen and you ended up in hospital. so Did you guys drive to hospital? Do you recall that? Yes. Yes. We do how far is it from your home? it’s pretty close. I don’t know about kilometres or time, but it’s but it’s like ten or fifteen minutes. Yeah, so it’s not too far. But they didn’t know what was going on, of course. They just knew something wasn’t right and then they figured one of the best things to do is just get it to a hospital. You get to the hospital Do you know what happens after that? Do you get admitted? do you get tested for anything? I suppose what I’m asking is when is the first time you realise that that you’ve had a stroke? When do they report that back? When I came out of the coma. So I was put I was put into an an induced coma straight away. so I I obviously don’t remember anything of of that. and but Rebecca’s told me afterwards. so she’s filled in the f filled in the filled in the blanks for me. and by that stage her husband thought it was a stroke. So she’s he said he said to the staff at the hospital, we think she’s having a stroke. And so yeah. So how long were you in the coma, do you know? Has somebody told you how long it was? Yeah, four four days. Four days, okay. And do you know what kind of stroke you had? Yep. I had a left Frontoparietal hemorrhagic stroke. Wow, that’s a good effort. So you had a brain bleed. Yep. Do they know what caused it? No. It was spontaneous and I didn’t have any of the risk factors. So I didn’t have high blood pressure, a history of high blood pressure, but admittedly I’d hadn’t tested my blood pressure immediately before the stroke. but you know That’s un that’s unlikely to be the cause. And I didn’t have a hi a history of high cholesterol. and so they just and I didn’t have an aneurysm and I didn’t have like what’s the other thing? The An AV AVM. AVM, yeah, I didn’t have any of that. And how old were you? Fifty six. Okay. So you had a spontaneous Bleed in the brain. That happens. People do have that happen from time to time. And sometimes they don’t have any symptoms leading up to it or anything like that. and this is the bizarre nature of like there’s an unlimited number of ways, unfortunately, for people to have a stroke. Now, you woke up in hospital four days later. What kind of deficits did you have? I couldn’t move my right side and I couldn’t speak. Okay. Now I’ve got an idea of well, I haven’t got an idea, but my mind immediately kind of says like if you’re in hospital in Bulgaria, that’s not a hospital in Melbourne. That’s not the Royal Melbourne hospital where no shit is unreal, like it’s perfect and it’s got the highest technology and it doesn’t matter how many things we can bitch and moan about the system being here like compared to Bulgaria, my expectation is that we’re world class. Perhaps that’s not the case in Bulgaria. Would you agree with that statement? I would have agreed before and my my my expat friends here would have agreed before, but now we’re all saying maybe Bulgaria is better than we thought. That’s brilliant. Awesome. Okay, so Rehabilitation Challenges in Bulgaria As far as like medical interventions and all that type of stuff, you felt like that was handled like any other world class hospital would have handled it. Yeah. In that in that s it in that stage it was. but there’s no like that was a public hospital and there’s no there’s no public funded rehab after. or or very li very little. So so that’s where that’s where Australia is ahead. So when you knew you had deficits, was there any rehabilitation whatsoever? Did you get any of that while you were still in hospital? Minimal. So the the physio came to see me twice. and so that’s so that’s all and I got no speech therapy and stuff like that. and but when I was discharged from the public hospital here and went and so they they expected me to go home from the public hospital. And so Guido said she just can’t like like what what the fuck? After how many days? After how many days, how long? Fourteen. Wow, your right side was still offline and you still had problem. Yeah. Okay. So we we just paid for paid for private rehab. got it, right. Yeah. And how long were you in private rehab for? another like two months or something like that. Right. Okay, that’s pretty cool. So i even though you couldn’t access it publicly, you were still able to Access a private now. Are you a citizen in Bulgaria? Not a citizen, a permanent resident. Okay. So do you have are you as a result of the fact that you’re a permanent resident and not a citizen, do you have different things that you are able to access because of your status? No. no. I’m it’s I have the same rights as a citizen. The only one the only right I don’t have is I’m I’m not able to vote here and I’m not I’m not able to work in other EU countries. Got it. Okay. So that’s pretty traumatizing, the whole experience, and then to have to deal with overcoming your left side and your speech deficits after the two month mark, roughly where were you at where you where you are now? Because you kinda sound pretty good. Okay. No, yeah. no and and the other thing the other thing that I must say about Bulgaria is I don’t speak Bulgarian. very very little. So that was a problem. Yeah. I can imagine, yeah. so maybe you can come in here, Nicole, and and talk about where I was at when you came to see me, because that was very very very early on in my in in the private rehab hospital. Yeah, Nicole, tell me a little bit about what it’s like to receive a phone call to find out that your friend has had a stroke. I was absolutely hellish. the way I found out is I got a message through social media from someone saying, Hey, I’m a friend of Kylie’s and she’s in hospital in Bulgaria. And one of my first horrible thoughts was, is this a dreadful hoax? Is someone, you know, is this some horrible scam? And it really, you know, it made me feel quite sick actually thinking this is that’s not someone I know. It does look like a name I’ve seen in Kylie’s kind of social media world. And then I rang her son who lives in Australia and he’s like, Yeah, I’m so sorry. I haven’t told you. Yes, it’s true, mum’s had a stroke. and I was kind of beside myself because by training I’m an occupational therapist, but Kylie and I have known each other each other since we were about 16. and it was really hard to get the information that I wanted as a friend, but also as a health professional. I was wanting to understand what kind of stroke is it? Where is it? What’s the rehab? What can we do? How’s it going? And at that stage the information that I had was that you know, it was really seriously affected the speech part of the brain and obviously the hemiplegia, the weakness down the right side and knowing that Kylie was right handed. so, you know, it’s the friendship part that your heart’s breaking and it’s also the therapist part that’s wanting the information to be able to, you know, reconcile it for myself, professionally what that was going to look like as a consequence for Kylie. Yeah, and you’re so far away, so you really can’t do anything and kind of have to like take information second hand, third hand, and be kind of in a position which is really uncomfortable for, I imagine, a friend, but also a therapist, right? So as an occupational therapist, that’s not the information you work on. You work on actual facts, scans, reports, like a whole bunch of things. So are you also playing it out in your mind? Are you kind of Doom thinking it, like are you how does it affect you personally? I think for me I was all I was really very conscious of not stressing other people. So like friends, family, because sometimes when you are a health professional, you know, you have knowledge and information and you know, you sometimes you you’re keeping that to yourself to some extent because you do know what can happen to people and you do know what consequences can be. So I was really trying not to ask too many questions of people as well. but I was seriously desperate for information. And so I remember I’d gone to a party and I didn’t really want to go because I was actually, you know, upset and stressed for Kylie. And I did end up going to a party and during the party I was really kind of outside having a bit of a downer really by a campfire. but I got a phone call or a message to say that I think you’d said some words, Kylie, and were kind of waking up. so you’re still in the acute hospital then and that you’d been able to move your leg a little bit, I think. Yeah. And you know, joy in that moment. And yeah, I felt very, very far away. And then What happens over the next few days? Like do you guys continue to communicate somehow? Do you keep getting information? Are you being updated? Yeah. Yeah. I wasn’t able to get my into my phone or my any of my devices. So I wasn’t able to able to because I couldn’t remember my password, right? And so and and I tried like d different ones and I you know I just got locked out. So and when I was able to get in then that made it it made it easier t because I was able just text short messages. So so Nicole and I kept in touch that way. and before English-speaking Before you came, Nicole, I think I was talking, but not not not as well as I am now. Yeah. So was it, Nicole, in your mind, you were always going to fly over to Bulgaria and beath your friend? Or did you guys have to work that out? Like what happened now? It’s so cool that you get to have a somebody in your corner that is also a Fred, but also a medical professional in the exact field that you’re struggling with now. Right. Like how do you just drop everything and go overseas and be with your friend? Yeah, well, very grateful that I had an up to date passport. So that was that was a good thing. Kylie, it was interesting because the texting, like if I go back and look at that history, it’s like you can see the progress in the texts. So you can see that Kylie was using kind of more single words and having struggles with spelling and putting sentences together. And then over time, you know, they became more fluent. but the thing that happened was that Kylie and I were talking and she was able to you know, she got some speech back and we were talking. And she was just saying about the rehab care that the the the kind of caring staff just seemed to have no rehab expertise. So the physios were amazing. I think they were great. There was no active speech therapy for Kylie. I think we ultimately found an English speaking speech therapist but who still had Bulgarian as a first language. And there’s very few occupational therapists in Bulgaria, seems to be some expats. And Kylie was talking to me a jab about just you know, really basic things like not being taken to the toilet. and that’s probably what broke my heart. It’s like I cannot leave her in bed, not being able to go to the toilet. I just can’t do it. And so I just said to my partner, I think I just need to go to Bulgaria. And luckily I’m self-employed. So I just kind of cleared my schedule, got on a plane and yeah, I was just I suppose I’m incredibly grateful to have the skill. incredibly grateful to have the financial ability to do it. and yeah, and the skills to do it. And you know, you don’t always get an opportunity in life to do the right thing, or sometimes you don’t make that decision and later you think, Why didn’t I do X, Y, and Z? I try not to live my life like that. I try to actually do those things. So, yeah, I got on a plane and basically arrived at the airport, got on a train straight out to see Kylie at the Rehope Hospital. You’re a real superhero. I’m very grateful to Nicole. Yeah. I rec you know, my story is kind of well, it has a similar kind of thread to it. I one of my best friends is a radiographer and he was a radiographer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital where I was a patient for nearly two and a half years because I was in and out with a number of brain hemorrhages. I had three in total in the same spot, but over two and a half years, then I had brain surgery. And I can’t tell you how many scans I had, but being a radiographer, he was the one who was in the room taking the photos through the MRI. Yeah. And then he would come out. And he would tell us what he saw in the RI, which was against the rules. that’s why I won’t name him. But but that meant that we didn’t have to wait a month to get our results and the the meeting for the results was just more of we’ll go through the process and and have the meeting. Yeah. And and and it was like and I regretted my life when at school I used to throw his books on the roof of the canteen just to mess with him going to s to class late to get in trouble. and I’ve apologised profusely for that and thanked him every day for the fact that, you know, he was able to lend his well, you know, he was able to be in the room. He was able to have that conversation with us and he was able to ease our minds. over that two and a half year period and then you won’t believe it. Like his daughter had an AVM at seventeen. And she went through that and and has recovered from that somewhat now in the last few years. and I got to be I mean I hate that I had to be this guy, but I got to be the guy that supported him through that really acute phase and There is just nothing to describe what it’s like to be able to a repay the favor. and then but B, when I was in that situation to have somebody kind of well, you know, like put their arm around me and really walk me through every stage. Me and my wife and my family walk us through every stage of that part of it, other than intervening as a brain surgeon. But he was the one that put us in char in in touch with my brain surgeon. like Everything that happened was just the most amazing experience to be able to be guided like that. And I know it’s a privilege and many people don’t get that opportunity. so I see Chris, I haven’t told him this in person. I see him as like a bit of a superhero, but he doesn’t know that. I’ve told him I love him in the way men tell each other that they love each other by s abusing him and swearing at him and telling him that the team that he follows is terrible and all that kind of stuff. Reflections on Healthcare Systems so you arrived in Bulgaria. take me from the airport to the hospital. Like what happens? How is that? Actually the flight was really good. Customs was pretty easy. There was some annoying folk in front of me who I wanted to punch in the face and tell them to hurry up, but I was just, you know, needed to to get there. Kylie’s daughter met me at the airport. And then we got the train together out to the hospital. So, you know, obviously I’m seeing my first sight of Bulgaria. I’d never been there before. so not really taking a tourist route at this point. so went out to see Kylie. And, you know, when you just eyeball someone and I, you know, just thank God I’m here, I’m in front of her. Her she’d had a shaved head. she had some pretty spectacular surgical scars, a couple of very big scabs still on her head. she looked skinny, she looked pale, she had started doing a little bit of movement and the hospital room was really kind basic and crazy. Her friends had funded a pressure mattress for her that didn’t exist. And some of these things I had been liaising with Kylie’s friends in Bulgaria about what could we do, how you know, what do we want to prevent? So we want to prevent anyone pulling on from. Her weak shoulders and like don’t let anyone pull her by the arm. this is how I want, you know, to help her with posture in bed or in sitting. and you know, like speaking in single kind of actions at a time and just take your time, say something, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Just allow Kylie’s brain to, you know, take that information on board. Don’t speak for her. and when I got there, it was really clear that. She had an inattention to the right hand side as an effect from the stroke. So then I was a bit of a ball breaker, rearranging the whole room. No, no, no, no, no. Where, you know, everyone come from the right, everyone sit on the right. no cutler, you’re not allowed to have your phone in your left hand, you’re having your phone in your right hand. I’d taken some things with me from Australia to Bulgaria that I thought she might need. like some built-up cutlery, because I wanted her to use her right hand to feed herself. I took a couple of kind of activities that I thought we could do to look at some retraining for the right arm. what I’ll still bring with me, try to remember now. Benjamin. So yeah, just try kind of going into early stroke rehab principles. Yeah. Did you go there well you went there as a friend. But when you were there, were you able to be a professional and also have a conversation with the local team? Kylie and I laughing. Do you want to tell that story, Kylie? Which one are you thinking about? Where I got told off. No, I don’t remember that. well, Kylie was in act like, you know, there was still quite a lot of weakness, but she was also so determined for her own rehab. And in the system there their carers really don’t have a rehab focus. They have a I’ll provide you a meal focus and I’ll occasionally do some cleaning and I’ll occasionally change the bed linen and but really not a rehab focus. So I’ve personally found it quite easy to help Kylie to like stand move. And so the very first weekend I was there, it was a long weekend and what I didn’t realise later was that they were actually quite understaffed. Which worked in our favour because I was helping Kylie to get onto a shower chair, taking her to have a shower, us taking her to the toilet, because prior to that time they were just, you know, using pads for toileting because Kylie couldn’t stand up or move on her own. And because I’m trained, I found it very easy. She’s a lightweight person and she and I just work together and I could do that. I think it was the Tuesday, person who I refer to as Nurse Ratchet. remembering now kind of intercepted me bringing Kylie back from the bathroom to her room and just like, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope, nope. What are you doing? Stop that, stop that, stop that. and you know, she and I are having a bit of a a discussion. And basically she’s refused and I’m allowed to move Kylie. So Kylie is sitting out in the corridor. I think I’d luckily kind of covered you up for privacy. and she’s like, No, you’re not allowed to move her. I’m gonna go and get the physio. I think at least forty minutes went by and then she comes back, well, okay, and I said, Look, I am a trained person, it’s easy, it’s safe. no, I’ll think about it. And then after I think another fifteen minutes she pushed your chair into the bedroom. And then I think it was probably another fifteen minutes where she just decided to move Kylie herself at that point. even though that was out of policy and the physios had to do it. And then it was all this discussion with me that you can’t do it. And in the end it was you can’t do it because you’re a woman. Not strong enough, you know. so yeah. Then Kylie and I kind of would go on clandestine missions because again, from a rehab point of view, being able to stand transfer, it’s putting all the weight through the leg, it’s giving feedback to the brain. I really wanted to make sure Kylie’s bladder and bowel were gonna work properly. And you know, sitting in bed and that’s just not ideal. So then Kylie’s like, Nicole, I want to go to the toilet. I was like, I’m banned, I’m banned, Mother Nurse Ratchet, I’m not allowed to take you. And I was like, shit. So I would go on a little mission, go look down the corridor, make sure she was nowhere to be seen. And then I quickly stole the shower chair and then I found a bucket. And so Kylie and I were doing secret Wii missions in the bedroom. until w on one of our missions I just hadn’t quite got the bucket in the right place. And so then I it was also then later on a cleaning mission. So it was it was a pretty crazy environment. yeah, just for that lack of t whole team approach to rehab. Whereas, you know, in Australia the nurses would all be rehab trained. They would be transferring someone physios would come in, speech would be coming, OTs would be coming. So I was kind of desperately trying to convince Kylie or to get her rehab to a standard where she’d be able to come back to Australia to get some more rehab. You know what’s good about this conversation other than the hilarious nature of it also is that I as an as a person who hadn’t had a stroke before my hadn’t known anyone who had a stroke before my experience, if I had come across somebody who had had a stroke, I wouldn’t have known what to look out for and what to say to support them in a situation where perhaps something was being neglected. Because I don’t know what I don’t know. I’m not a professional, right? Just like those nurses and therapists that weren’t specifically trained. Yeah. In certain things. I mean, you may as well be not only talking a different language, but you may as well be making it up as you go because as far as they know, now this is what we do for stroke patients. This is how we handle that. is it a lack of understanding of what r stroke rehabilitation requires, or is it a lack of resources, or is it a little bit of both? Do you feel in Bulgaria when you were there? I think I think it’s a lack of of all all of that but it’s the lack of maybe money. So it’s a lack of training. So th there’s there’s not enough there’s not the the nurses or the orderlies or whatever they’re called here, are are aren’t paid very much. So they so And t just like, even though I was in a private rehab hospital, so you would have expected that more. It’s you would have expected more, but I just think that they just don’t have the money to to train those people. Yeah. it wasn’t really a role, was it, Kylie? Like they really were more like housekeepers in a sense. It was more like cleaning a meals. I have to say the physios were excellent. and a lot of the physios had good English as well, which was for your rehab was so important. because again a lot of the carers they would come into the room and you know, again, just from a speech therapy point of view, in Australia, say if someone came into the room who was the person who did the menus or filled up the water bottles or the cleaners, Kyler could have spoken to all of those people and had   incidental communication the whole day in English. But because of all of those p incidental people coming in didn’t speak English, you know, reasonably in Bulgaria. it just for me, I was worried about the lack of just exposure to English language as well. So not even speech therapy, just incidental language through the day. Which is very helpful and people don’t realise how helpful it is to be able to speak to a nurse about how you’re feeling or what’s happening. Yeah. And all the usual stuff. And Kylie’s chatty and friendly and she would have just been having conversations galore, but it just it it it couldn’t be. Yeah. Yeah, it’s another another barrier. so you know when you go overseas, it’s your friend and you’re a professional. How do you handle that? Because you know, like are you emotional? Are you trying to put a lid on it? Are you allowing yourself to Gonna be emotional. How does that work? We had some killer laughs, didn’t we? I mean, I’m a joker anyway. And so, like the first time Kylie got to do a poo on the toilet, I just did a poo dance for her. So I I felt half my job was you know, cheering her up and keeping it light and having fun and chatting about stuff we would just always chat about. as well as doing as much rehab because it was very exhausting because, you know, p after a stroke, it’s very fatiguing. you know, so to Kylie was really tired and needed lots of rest. So and because I had just you know, obviously dropped tools to go over quickly, I was just working sometimes. So I just have my computer and if Kylie was asleep I’d just stay with her and and her partner Guido as well, who was there with her as well. So just, you know, emotional support wise. But Yeah, I do some work. And I stayed in Kylie’s apartment. So I w was I just stayed at her place and I I train out to see her each day at the hospital. W how many hours would you spend in hospital with her? What do you think, Kylie? you would often arrive at like ten in the morning and you wouldn’t go till like five in the evening or six in the evening. Yeah. So technically visiting hours kind of finished at six. So I just try and stay most of the day. A full shift. Yeah. Yeah. Unpaid. Unpaid labour. Slave driver. Yeah. yeah. But nah. That’s what friends are for. I very what I very much wanted to stay the whole day because I did really, really wanna like especially the toileting thing. I just really wanted that. Setting Goals and Achievements I had this bit of a goal for myself for Kylie that she would be able to take herself to the toilet before I left the country. So just from a dignity point of view, from a mobility point of view, transfers, you know, bladder control. So yeah, that was one of my big goals. And she rang me when I was in transit at Dubai Airport on my way back to Australia and said, Nicole, I just took myself to the toilet. Wow, that’s cool. Yeah. Yeah. And and I was having physio two physio sessions a d a wi a day. So I was having other than Nicole. So I was having like about one session about of about an hour in the morning and one session of about an hour in the in the afternoon. Got it. You Kylie seem like pretty mm chill, pretty calm. how are you handling it though, emotionally? How’s the aftermath Treating you because there’s a little bit of you know, there’s all that acute stuff. It’s awesome when your friend is there, but then your friend goes home, right? So how how does that transition kind of happen? Yeah, I might start crying. because I’ve just recently spent seven months in Australia. So I I went to Australia in October last year and I came back in just in May. and I had more rehab there. So I had I had student led rehab at at first and then I got in got accepted into Birch, which is the brain injury rehab community and home in Ad in Adelaide. so that’s that is is a whole team of people. So I had I had physio and I and a occupational therapist and a a e exercise physiologist and a speech therapist and stuff like that so I th that’s really good. now the most frustrating part for me is the aphasia so I I can’t I can’t express myself like I used to. Yeah. You know what I love about interviewing people who have aphasia is when they say I can’t in a sentence to describe something to me it triggers the part of the condition which doesn’t allow the words to come out. It’s so interesting. That happens so so often. And it’s just a for me, I noticed this I’m saying it just from a perspective is maybe I can’t is not the right word. I don’t know. You might remember this, you might not, but maybe I can’t is not the right word. Maybe the right word is Something that helps you get to the word that you need to get to. And okay, now that’s just me, the uneducated stroke survivor on a phasia guy. Like I don’t know about that. But it’s so interesting, it happens every time. but then Nicole goes home, you go home, your partner is kind of now taking over the caregiving role, and you still have some deficits. phage is one of them. what about your right side? How offline was it? I I also moved in with Guido after the after the stroke. So so that was that was a has was ha was and has continues to be a challenge because we’re still getting used to living together because we weren’t living together before. and I was very in very independent before. And I was living in Sofia and he and he and I now live in a in a village. So I live in in a village just outside of Sofia. And I’m not driving yet. but I was medically cleared to drive in Australia before I left. So I’m going through the process here. so anyway, all of all of those things together make it very challenging. don’t get me wrong, I I l I love him, but but you know, and and I d and and I made that decision because my apartment is was was on the fourth floor and th there was no lift. Wow. Yeah. So back to your question. When I was when I was when I came here, when I was discharged, I continued with as an outpatient and and the physio continued to come at home twice a week. So I was having more physio maybe like five times a week. and like it were ha had started to come my right side had was all already back online, but I would I was just working on building strength and and I would get still very tired. Yeah. And did your daughter end up coming to live with you as well? No. but she she at the beginning she she was my next of kin. So at the ripe old age of nineteen, she signed the consent to operate forms. yeah, so that was that was very difficult for her. I didn’t know that at the time, obviously. but yeah. And did that happen, did she become your next of kin because your former partner, her dad, and you had separated and then his that role wasn’t gonna be his anymore. It’s just passed down to the person who was the closest to you. Like how did that happen? Family Dynamics and Support Systems We’re divorced. I I’m divorced from her dad. Yeah. So he’s definitely not my next kin. Right. So that ha changed after the divorce and she was the only person you could nominate because she was over is there an age limit to the next of kin? Eighteen. Yeah. Okay. So she had hit that criteria, you nominated her and then at nineteen she got to make a decision. Which she never and you never would have expected ever for that to be a thing. I didn’t nominate her, it would just happen. So I was I I was unconscious at the time that she signed those forms. So yeah. So my friends actually contacted her. and she she rushed to the hospital. so it was all under duress. It was like this is what happened to your mum, you’re her Next of kin, whether you like it or not, you have to decide. Yeah. Far out. Okay, that’s pretty full on for a 19 year old. Yeah. Yeah, seems like she did a good job. How did she handle this whole mum’s not well situation, this stroke thing? Like how did she deal with it? she was very good. my first memory actually is of her coming into the ICU with with the with the whole, you know, the whole like the the hairnet and the mask and the and the and the what’s it called the scrubs. Scrubs, yeah. and she held my hand and said t that she loved me. so that was pretty special. And incidentally I have an a another memory of Guido coming into the ICU as well and singing singing to me. So he he said that he said that I always wanted him to sing and he refused before. And so did did I want him to sing to me now? And I squeezed his hand or on the on the left he’s was holding my left hand and I squeezed his hand and so he knelt down beside my bed and started singing. Wow. Can he actually hold the tune or is he hard to hear? Yes, see he’s he’s very musical. Okay. Thank God. If my wife had asked me to sing a w if I had asked my wife to sing, it wouldn’t have been a good experience at all for either of us. Yeah, he was he was a busker in i in his younger years. Yeah. and now he decided to come good. Fair enough. Well that that’s important. You know, things like that are important. It lightens the the mood and it makes Yeah. You kind of feel like your family’s around and that you know you know, maybe kind of things might be all right. Like it gives that glimmer of hope. Is that how you received it? Yeah, I did. yeah, but I’m also very, very determined. So I’m a I’m a very normally very strong woman and so everyone said to me that if if well not to me, but w we had a we had a group WhatsApp chat so and I was added to it later and everyone said in that that if anyone can get through this, Kylie can. Yeah. So you know when you’re told you’ve had a stroke, you wake up with all the deficits and everything. Are you like how do you take it? I woke up, couldn’t use my left side. I I did not for one minute. It did not cross my mind like for one minute that this is not a good thing. Like I mean, clearly I wasn’t able to move, etcetera. But it never kinda went a lifesaver, I’m fucked. Like I never had that happen. Me as well. yeah. I I’d I’ve never thought that. I don’t know whether I even thought that It was n like you said, that was not a good thing. I just put one foot in front of the other and or not literally, but the Yeah. Metaphorically. Yeah. Metaphorically. so one foot in front of the other and just got on with it. Yeah. Nicole, like you come across in your work, you come across a lot of different versions of patience, right? Like you get people who might just be by design more negative to a bad experience and then people that are half class full to a bad experience. Just from a professional perspective, what’s the difference like when you’re trying to rehabilitate somebody that has kind of that different mindset? From perhaps what Kylie and I described. Yeah, I mean I’m probably in the last half full camp as well. So as an OT, I suppose we always meet people where they’re at. because everyone is a combination of their past experiences, aren’t they? So and cultural things, like there’s a very significant cultural differences in how people respond to pain or disability and expectations of kind of family and I suppose cultural expectations in Australia are even about you know, what what what should be publicly available. So, you know, from an expectations point of view, I think a lot of it is based on, you know, previous experience. So as a therapist, we’re obviously there to support, you know, emotional well being, physical well being, and try and find the things for people that connect with them. So meaningful, like OTs are our absolute core is meaningful occupation. So how do we find something that’s meaningful to that person that we think is going to get them from kind of, you know, here to there and it’s gonna be very different different motivators, you know. Kylie is probably, you know, very self motivated as described. Sometimes it’s about people really have a d strong desire to get back to work, or people have a really strong family structure that they want to be able to get back to do something with their family. So finding the way or the thing hopefully that’s going to motivate them. But we certainly work with people who you know, have a high level of distress from what’s happened to them and and on an ongoing basis. One of the things I’ve got a little quote on my desk that you can’t see here, but it says, I’m still me, just a different version of me. And it’s what someone one of my clients told me recently who has MS. and often we find need to find the new version of someone. and the new meaning for someone if that, you know, needs to happen. So that’s our great challenge, I suppose. That’s a big job, especially very early on when identity is so tied up into who they were literally days ago. You know, like a week ago. The mobile person, the working person, the money making person, the father, the mother, the whatever. Finding Meaning in Recovery And then, you know, you’re dealing with a physical crisis, the existential crisis, the identity crisis, like you’re dealing with it all in the one moment, and you’re trying to get them to sort of see, well, you know, you’re still you and how we’re gonna move forward with the still you person, like we’re still gonna move forward with that person. And then later does come an adjustment of what that you looks like. did for me like it’s a massive adjustment into what me looks like. But my identity wasn’t so much tied up in a one label specifically, although, you know, I s I was the person who felt like they needed to be the main breadwinner, you know, that you know ran a business that did all these things. I I had a big strong identity. But I think one of the things this is going to sound weird or might even sound logical depending on like w who you are and why you’re listening to this podcast. But for me, the fact that my brain went offline was a really good thing because it and that allowed my emotional side to come to the fore. Like it really enabled me to see things with a different intelligence, you know, and access part of me that my emotional intelligence perhaps that I hadn’t that I perhaps suppressed previously, you know, and just battled through things. And that kind of allowed my identity to come with me, it allowed me to leave some stuff behind and allowed me to bring into my identity this emotional side of me, you know, which who cried, who got excited about new and different opportunities, you know, that my head didn’t convince me out of. You know, so there was a lot of silver linings that I didn’t I wasn’t able to iterate back then. I wouldn’t have been able to tell you that it was a silver lining. But now and a few years later, after it all happened, I was definitely able to talk about those silver linings. Kylie Do you you’re fourteen months or so out, right? So maybe you’re not there yet, I don’t know. But are there some silver and I know a hundred percent Nicole was one of those silver linings, I get it. but do you see some silver linings in this whole saga? Yep. I do. my relationship with my daughter got stronger. Yep. So that was all s that was definitely a silver lining. and you know, I I’m was very grateful before, but it cemented how g how grateful I am for my circle of friends. Yeah. Kylie’s friends were amazing. Yeah. Your friends were amazing. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Big family still in Australia is is there a big family in Australia, Kylie? Not not a big one, but my mum and dad are still still alive. So they’re they’re in Melbourne. and my sister is in on the Gold Coast and my brother is in Melbourne as well. Yeah. And my and my son is in Adelaide. Okay. So you still have some family here, but then you were able to create a community in the years before the stroke in Bulgaria. Yeah. you you were doing it a little bit tough after the stroke. Yeah. Correct. Yep. So that’s spot on. Did you Nicole tag team with some of those people as well? Yeah, so Kylie’s friends were beautiful and they were looking after me too. So When I was in Bulgaria, they were looking after me, you know, giving me dinner and what have you, and kind of giving me emotional support as well. And I think they were grateful that I was there from a skills point of view, like they were doing a beautiful job of supporting Kylie emotionally. But and I did kind of train them up a little bit in in some rehab as well, you know, how to help with approaching from the right and how to communicate and also just even doing some activities. Kylie and I had the balloon and we were tapping it back and forward to each other for strengthening up the right arm. And then we’d play some kind of word games as we were doing that for some speech therapy. So I was educating her friends around that kind of stuff. But the other thing, Kylie, that you and I have spoken about is, you know, after the stroke is knowing what’s important and how to let some sh shit go that would have been, you know, annoying or you know. focus on something and now it’s just you you just know it’s just not important. Yeah. Being able to just let crap go. Correct correct. and the other silver lining is that I got engaged. Yes. Did he propose soon after? Yes, in the in the rehab hospital. what a romantic Yeah. But he but he said that he’d already decided before the stroke that he wanted to marry be ma be married to me. So he just hadn’t got around to asking me yet. Yeah, fair enough. That stroke has a way of interrupting people’s plans and the things that they think they’re gonna do. so Nicole you normally treat your patients. They get to a stage. Usually they’re a lot better than they were when they first met you. And part of what you do is you send them off into the big wide world like a kid. I’ve grown you know, I’ve raised them, you know, like they know how to comb their hair now. And you kinda send them off and it’s kind of bittersweet, I imagine, but also a very important part that the people who you’re helping get better actually go off into the world on their own. And stop needing to be supported by you. I know there’s some people who need more support and that continues for longer and some people who don’t get enough and it and it’s never enough. But what’s it like knowing the job is not done, but you still have to leave and go home? that was heartache. I mean, Kylie and I both balled our lies out. it was a long flight home. Yeah. Yeah, it was a long flight home. with lots of reflections. I suppose the good thing at that point was Kylie was easily able to speak on the phone or message each other. So and also, you know, I think at that stage maybe I got to see the brain scan and I was just like, my god, how have you even survived this? ‘Cause I think was it about a seven centimeter bleed, Kylie? Yep. seven and a half. Yeah. To be precise. It truly felt like a a miracle. And again, full kudos to the surgeons in Bulgaria, truly, for that acute care. Because I think Kylie, I feel like you were in surgery in about within about two hours or something after the stroke, which is phenomenal. And, you know, your friends really saved your life. taking you straight to the hospital and prevented like, you know, more serious outcomes from the stroke. So yeah, so for me, I was proud of myself as well. and I, you know, I like to live my life by thinking I can look myself in the mirror. And I felt like I can really I’ve got a tear, really look myself in the mirror. Yeah. Doing the right thing. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. You came to the need of somebody who was in need and needed specifically not only your love and support as a friend, but also your skills. Like you had the complete package for them at that time. How long did you end up staying in total? Was I ra away about just under two weeks probably with the flights and everything like that? So yeah. so yeah, leaving was leaving was horrible. But the goal of being able to go to the toilet was met. and also just the skills for, you know, skilled up a few other people and Kylie, you know, had her good networks. I also went out to Kylie’s property out in the village to have a look at any home modifications. So that was another kind of OT type role that that was done. and she’s got an amazing property out there, but it is kind of needs a bit of love and so that was also just reassuring her partner too, like reassuring Guido that no, look, Kylie’s got this. There were a few times where it was like, Nicole, I don’t want her to do this. Like I’m like Guido, she’s safe. She can do it. She’s got sitting balance. She’s okay to sit over the side of the bed. She can wiggle sideways. But he was anxious. And so again, part of my job was to reassure him to make sure that he let her do things. and didn’t step in too quickly. And so as an O T, we’re all used to like sitting on our hands and taking time and letting people struggle a bit. And it was hard for him to let Kylie struggle. So to just encourage him to let her struggle a bit so that she could do it herself and just wait. Just take the time, especially with communication. so yeah, I I kind of obviously knew there was a lot more rehab to be done, but I also had seen Kylie’s determination and that, you know, she kind of knew what to do. and and so that was I I was grateful again for that. Kylie, what was it like when your friend had to leave? I was heartbroken. The Impact of Caregiving I felt like she was a lifeline and I felt like that that had been cut because obviously she speaks English and obviously like Obviously we have a really good relationship. and I felt like I was in a like how do I describe it? In a in a sea of not n of people not understanding. So yeah, not my friends, but the hospital staff, basically. So not the not the physios. Like Nicole said, the physios were exceptional. but, you know, just the hospital staff. Yeah, just generally speaking. So did you feel like she had put you on the right path? Were you more confident with kind of where she left you as opposed to where you guys started and was that enough to kind of give you the foundation for what you needed to take responsibility for when she left? Definitely. yeah, definitely. Yeah. Man, w what a kind of interesting whole situation. You know, if this was fifty years ago, there’s no way anyone’s going anywhere to help anyone with anything. you know, like your hospital s experience in country like Bulgaria after what they’ve been through would have been completely different. You know, your s the chance of surviving telling your story is probably s you know, very much decreased. I know this is gonna sound weird, but like it’s never been a better time to have a stroke in in most of the world. Like let’s face it. the the possibilities are just endless. I’m a miracle from all the medical professionals that put all their time and effort in. I am eternally grateful to my occupational therapists and physios and surgeons and people who invent X ray machines and people who make C T scanners and The plastic bottles where drips go in, like every single thing is just an an absolute miracle of God or medicine or science or I don’t care what, like whatever you want to call it. And it just to me, it you know, here’s a really terrible situation and here and and but look at all the amazing things that came out of it. Somebody from the other side of the planet to be able to come over and intervene in that way, train people up. Like, man, it’s the Perfect like feel good story, you know. Everything’s going okay, things turn shit, and then something good comes out of it and yeah hopefully there’s more good to come, you know. Like, man, it’s just an amazing experience. I just feel really privileged to be able to hear it and share it further. No, not not not me, personally. but now that you say that I will s I will think about it now. the most thing that that Nicole and I reflect on is, you know, like like we’ve already said, how good was that my friends got me to the hospital quickly? How good was the the surgeons the surgeons because it could have all gone wrong. or gone gone a different way. so that’s the stuff we reflect on more. and just just like my amazing recovery. Reflections on Recovery and Gratitude Because I recovered so quickly and so well, like I’ve thrown everyone away here. So so my new my neurologist, my my physios, ever everyone here is like well, back then was like really surprised. So we it’s when I first walked into the n neurologist, she said, like, wow, No one expected you to recover that quickly from such a severe stroke. Yeah. That’s such a good outcome. I like to I like to think that those things wouldn’t have been possible without your most amazing superhero friend Nicole. Nicole, your final thing I’d like to kind of run by you is that your whole career you’re working towards making things better. Yep. Like for people who are going through all really difficult times. have you had you ever dealt with a family member who needed your intervention or family friend or someone like that that needed an intervention with your specific skills before this? man. yes. So when I was quite a young therapist, probably in my early twenties, my dad told me that his One of his like great aunts or cousins elderly relative had had a stroke and she was in hospital and I didn’t really know her. Like she wasn’t someone in the family that I I had knew had known. And I said to Dad, I’ll go and visit her in hospital. And and so I went to the hospital and I found out she was in this room and I walk into the room and there were four people. And I see this gorgeous little old lady who is all crumpled in her chair and squashed and nearly falling out. And I I just walked in and I was horrified. And I just walked straight over to her. And I just said, look, can I help get you more comfortable, get you into a better position? And then I realized it was it was my own relative. and I said to her, I’m Nicole, I’m John’s daughter. you know, dad’s asked me to come and see you. And and she just said the most cutest thing ever. She said, when you walked into the room. You just look so lovely and I hoped you were here to see me, but I I wouldn’t have known what I could have done to deserve that or something something dead cute. anyway, she’d had a very dense stroke and they were basically saying that she wasn’t a candidate for rehab and that she should go straight to a nursing home. And her daughter was a nurse. And she said, Nope, Mum’s not going to a nursing home and she ended up taking her home and I used to go every night after work and do rehab with her. she ended up being able to walk quite with a pretty awkward gait and a and a stick. but she got back to, yeah, walking and living at home and I just again always think that if she didn’t have her daughter, the nurse and myself, she probably would have ended up not not walking. Yeah, being in a nursing home. It’s not that quality of life. So there’s people who definitely go through that. And what I love about you sharing that part of the story is there’s people listening and they’re paying attention and maybe they haven’t been given the amount of therapy that they feel they deserve or need. And maybe that’s going to trigger people to go, you know what, stuff this, I’m gonna find a way to get more therapy, I’m gonna ask. I’m gonna hassle some people, I’m gonna be a pain in the butt to some people, I’m gonna do more. for myself to get me further. I love that you shared that part of the story. That’s kind of the unique experience that a that a a seasoned occupational therapist can kind of impart on us who are early on in the recovery about like how you need to advocate for somebody or yourself for more physical therapy. And and even if you Can’t access that people listening and watching YouTube channels. Go to YouTube. There are a ton of awesome therapists on YouTube showing people how to do exercises at home. Yeah. And I mean, I just took some really basic things. We s I, you know, stole some things out of Kylie’s flat to take in. And Guido’s son gave me some toys and we use those like stacking things to, you know, do rehab with Kylie’s hand. I took some pegs from her house and we made an activity of pegging up the curtains to do shoulder and arm rehab. So you can often do a lot without, yo

Send us Fan MailWhat does resilience really look like when pressure keeps building?In this Best Bits episode, Angela Malik and Kristian Lees-Bell revisit some of our most memorable conversations about resilience, stress and recovery.Featuring insights from Dr Amanda Potter of BeTalent by Zircon; Martin Hewitt, founder of Adaptive Grand Slam; Figen Murray OBE, campaigner behind Martyn's Law; John N Cooper, Chief Connection Officer at Thomas International; Lucy Becque, Group Chief People Officer at Coventry Building Society; and Professor Jo Yarker of Birkbeck, University of London and Affinity Health at Work.Together, they explore why resilience is more than simply coping or pushing through. The episode covers the neuroscience of stress, the difference between persistence and resilience, why high resilience scores do not always create stronger teams, and how relationships, leadership and working environments shape our ability to recover and adapt.From personal adversity to sustained organisational change, these conversations challenge us to think differently about who is responsible for resilience and what people really need when the pressure does not let up.Go deeper and listen to the original conversations:Martin Hewitt in Ep. 5Lucy Becque in Ep. 78Figen Murray in Ep. 86Professor Jo Yarker in Ep. 93John Cooper in Ep. 94Episodes are available here https://www.thecpo.co.uk/ To follow Zircon on LinkedIn and to be first to hear about podcasts, publications and news, please like and follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betalent-by-zircon/ To access the research white papers mentioned in this and other podcasts, please go to: https://www.betalent.com/research For more information about the BeTalent suite of tools and platform please contact: Hello@BeTalent.com

Coping With the Heat and Prepping Join Jim as he talks about surviving the heat and drought and the conditions that will affect our food supply and budget

Clark Frederick's life changed forever after years of grooming and sexual abuse by Dennis Pegg, a Boy Scout leader and sheriff's lieutenant trusted by his family and community. Decades later, after struggling with addiction, gambling, broken relationships, PTSD, and silence, Clark encountered his abuser with another young boy. The sight triggered a devastating spiral that ended with Clark confronting and killing the man who abused him. In this episode, Clark explains how he avoided a life sentence, why other alleged victims began coming forward, what happened during his three years awaiting trial, and how he ultimately received a five-year sentence for manslaughter. He also shares how prison therapy, meditation, faith, sobriety, and speaking openly about his trauma helped him rebuild his life. Today, Clark is an advocate for survivors, the author of Scarred, and the host of the Free Like Me podcast. This conversation includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, violence, suicide, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised. Clark's message is clear: revenge did not heal him. Survivors do not have to sacrifice the rest of their lives because of what was done to them. Breaking the silence, seeking support, and doing the work to heal can create a different future. Check out Clark's book and podcast on his website: https://www.freelike-me.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction & The Boy Scouts Scandal 01:45 Clark Frederick's Early Life 06:00 Grooming & Abuse Begins 12:10 Community Deception 19:00 Escalation to Abuse & Secret Files 25:00 Coping, Shame & Silence 33:00 Long-Term Impact & Struggles with Addiction 45:50 Decades of Trauma & Encounters with Abuser 59:00 Seeing Abuser with New Victim & Breaking Point 01:03:00 The Confrontation and Aftermath 01:17:00 Jail, Trial & Public Reaction 01:31:00 Healing, Advocacy & Changing the Law 01:39:00 Redemption, Family Loss & Life After Prison 01:44:00 Breaking the Silence & Moving Forward 01:47:00 Closing Reflections & Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you know how to cope without using eating disorder behaviours? For many (or most) the eating disorder becomes their only means of coping. This means that part of recovery is about learning other ways of coping, and that's what this episode is about.

In this episode of Derapy, he still going

For the first time EVER, all four of The VBAC Link hosts are together in one episode! Founders and original pod hosts Julie Francom and Meagan Heaton join current hosts Lily Wyn and Paige Lloyd to answer your live VBAC questions. With more than 15 years of combined doula experience and hundreds of births attended, this episode is full of wisdom, evidence-based tips, and so much love for our listeners who have been with us all of these years.  Topics include:How to decide between a VBAC and repeat cesareanPreventing PROM and chorioamnionitis 39-week induction recommendation early in pregnancyEngaging baby's head before laborHow to trust your intuition Coping with fearTips on practical birth prepMeagan's Website: Tiny Blessings Doula ServicesJulie Francom Birth StoriesLove Wyns Doula Services The Birth Narrative Doula ServicesThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Have you ever felt like your anxiety was preparing you for the worst, only to realize it was keeping you stuck?In Part 2 of our conversation about BPD and anxiety, Xannie, Carys, Katja, Céline, and Dan share the strategies that genuinely helped them manage anxiety over time. From panic attacks and rumination to avoidance, self-doubt, and fear of difficult conversations, they talk honestly about what made the biggest difference in their recovery.In this episode:* BPD and anxiety* Rumination and overthinking* Avoidance and exposure* Panic attacks and physical anxiety symptoms* Self-soothing and distress tolerance* Coping ahead and journaling* Mindfulness and acceptance* Building confidence through practiceIf you've ever felt like anxiety was making your world smaller, we hope this conversation reminds you that change is possible, even if it happens one small step at a time.This season, we're discussing BPD through the lens of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD). To meet criteria for BPD in this model, a person must have difficulties in at least two areas of personality functioning (Criterion A): identity, self direction, empathy, or intimacy, along with four or more pathological personality traits (Criterion B): emotional lability, anxiousness, separation insecurity, and depressivity (which are sub-traits of negative affectivity), impulsivity and risk taking (sub-traits of disinhibition), and hostility (a sub-trait of antagonism).In the first two episodes of the season, Dr. Carla Sharp, Dr. Frank Yeomans, and Dr. Alex Stein explain what the AMPD is, how it changes from the current categorical model, and how the BPD diagnosis is changing. In case you missed it, here are the links:Watch part 1 hereWatch part 2 here___

Within just a year of being diagnosed with breast cancer, lawyer mum and so-called ‘midlife-hipster' George made the deeply personal decision to restart HRT.This episode isn't about advocating for or against HRT after breast cancer, and it certainly isn't about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do. Instead, it's about understanding one woman's journey and exploring the thoughts, emotions and experiences that shaped her decision.This conversation also goes far beyond HRT. George speaks beautifully about something I know many women will recognise: feeling invisible in midlife. Long before she made the decision to restart HRT, she had already begun finding ways to reconnect with herself. We talk about "Sparkly Fridays", bright lipstick, embracing colour, finding moments of joy and slowly rediscovering her confidence. It's a wonderful reminder that getting your mojo back isn't always about one big decision; sometimes it's the many little things that help you feel like yourself again.When I first spoke to George, she was right in the messy middle. She had restarted HRT but, for the first time, found herself feeling anxious about that decision. I know so many people in our community are asking similar questions, often without straightforward answers.My hope is that today's conversation helps us take some of the emotion out of these discussions and instead become a little more curious about one another. We don't all have to make the same decisions, but we can learn so much by listening without judgement.In this episode, we discuss:George's decision to restart HRT after breast cancerLiving with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisionsAnxiety, confidence and trusting yourselfFeeling invisible in midlife"Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everydayWhy there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancerThe importance of listening to one another's stories without judgementEpisode Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:53 Building an online community10:58 Early breast cancer diagnosis story14:10 Discussing HRT decision after cancer19:19 Anxiety about cancer recurrence20:34 Discussing menopause and shared decisions26:10 Discussing hormones and health choices29:38 Reflecting on past struggles34:41 Considering future HRT plans37:40 Heart and bone health after cancer42:14 Coping with difficult decisionsNext week, you'll hear from another breast cancer survivor whose story is completely different. HRT isn't something she would personally consider, and that's exactly why I wanted to share these conversations side by side. Every experience is unique, and by hearing a range of perspectives, my hope is that we can all feel a little more informed, a little more understood, and a little less alone.Enjoy!Follow George here: https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/Dani's links:Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming' on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageBuy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer': https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallengeSet up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideasConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallengeSubstack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

When Gothamist and WNYC culture editor Matthew Schnipper lost his baby son to a tragic health condition, he felt lost in his grief. Writing, and music, slowly started to help. Schnipper discusses his new memoir Rise Above, which recounts his life-changing experience with profound loss. Cover art courtesy of the publisher Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the behavior you keep trying to stop is not the real problem, but a signal pointing to something deeper?Bestselling author and speaker Pam Dwyer joins I Am Refocused Radio for a powerful conversation about The Pattern Beneath, exploring what may be happening underneath overeating, overworking, overspending, over-giving, emotional reactions, shutting down, and other repeating coping patterns.Pam shares insights from her forthcoming book, Delay the Binge, a compassionate guide centered on the power of the pause. Rather than relying on shame, extremes, or another promise to start over, she explains how slowing down in the moment can create space for curiosity, awareness, and a healthier response.This conversation explores emotional triggers, relationship patterns, exhaustion, boundaries, self-trust, and how small delays can lead to meaningful change, one urge and one decision at a time.delaythebinge.com

John Krupinsky grew up in Danbury Connecticut in a law enforcement family — his father and brother were both cops. He followed that path starting in Ridgefield before joining the Danbury Police Department where he spent 45 years working undercover becoming a sergeant and a detective running drug busts and working alongside federal agencies. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, John shares the complete truth about what 45 years in law enforcement really looked like — from policing in the 80s and 90s to undercover work to drug busts to the city's relationship with federal agencies to his take on local cops working with ICE to why it is harder to be a cop today to dealing with social media and first amendment auditors to massage parlor busts to encountering Ian personally when he owned a club in Danbury to going viral to the Black Lives Matter movement. _____________________________________________ #cops #police #truecrimestories _____________________________________________ Thank you to GLD & FACTOR for sponsoring this episode: GLD: New customers get 40% Off with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/ _____________________________________________ Factor: Head to http://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). _____________________________________________ Connect with John Krupinsky: https://www.instagram.com/johnkrupinsky/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to John Karpinsky 00:54 Growing Up in a Policing Family 02:27 Starting a Career in Richfield and Danbury 05:48 Life and Work in Small Town Policing 07:41 Homelessness and Community Solutions 10:54 The Evolution of Policing Culture 14:04 Changing Crime Trends and the Drug Epidemic 18:48 Danbury's Unique Crime Profile and Law Enforcement Tactics 21:52 Gangs, Task Forces, and Major Cases 27:03 Undercover Work and Policing Methods Then vs. Now 34:44 Tech Advancements & Challenges in Modern Policing 39:35 Working with Federal Agencies & Major Takedowns 47:00 Cooperating with ICE and Local vs. Federal Law Enforcement 01:00:44 Navigating Police Department Administration and Patrol 01:04:38 Stories from the Danbury Nightclub Scene 01:11:28 Dive Team Dangers and Notable Local Cases 01:15:01 Drug Busts, Asset Forfeiture, and Ongoing Enforcement 01:20:27 Massage Parlors, Prostitution, and Community Issues 01:23:50 Most Impactful Cases and Coping with Trauma 01:32:00 Community Policing, Respect, and Building Relationships 01:37:07 Going Viral and Entering the Media Spotlight 01:44:42 Career Reflections and Lessons Learned 01:53:00 First Amendment Auditors and Modern Challenges 01:58:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Krupinsky grew up in Danbury Connecticut in a law enforcement family — his father and brother were both cops. He followed that path starting in Ridgefield before joining the Danbury Police Department where he spent 45 years working undercover becoming a sergeant and a detective running drug busts and working alongside federal agencies. In this episode of Locked In with Ian Bick, John shares the complete truth about what 45 years in law enforcement really looked like — from policing in the 80s and 90s to undercover work to drug busts to the city's relationship with federal agencies to his take on local cops working with ICE to why it is harder to be a cop today to dealing with social media and first amendment auditors to massage parlor busts to encountering Ian personally when he owned a club in Danbury to going viral to the Black Lives Matter movement. _____________________________________________ #cops #police #truecrimestories _____________________________________________ Thank you to GLD & FACTOR for sponsoring this episode: GLD: New customers get 40% Off with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.gld.com/ _____________________________________________ Factor: Head to http://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). _____________________________________________ Connect with John Krupinsky: https://www.instagram.com/johnkrupinsky/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to John Karpinsky 00:54 Growing Up in a Policing Family 02:27 Starting a Career in Richfield and Danbury 05:48 Life and Work in Small Town Policing 07:41 Homelessness and Community Solutions 10:54 The Evolution of Policing Culture 14:04 Changing Crime Trends and the Drug Epidemic 18:48 Danbury's Unique Crime Profile and Law Enforcement Tactics 21:52 Gangs, Task Forces, and Major Cases 27:03 Undercover Work and Policing Methods Then vs. Now 34:44 Tech Advancements & Challenges in Modern Policing 39:35 Working with Federal Agencies & Major Takedowns 47:00 Cooperating with ICE and Local vs. Federal Law Enforcement 01:00:44 Navigating Police Department Administration and Patrol 01:04:38 Stories from the Danbury Nightclub Scene 01:11:28 Dive Team Dangers and Notable Local Cases 01:15:01 Drug Busts, Asset Forfeiture, and Ongoing Enforcement 01:20:27 Massage Parlors, Prostitution, and Community Issues 01:23:50 Most Impactful Cases and Coping with Trauma 01:32:00 Community Policing, Respect, and Building Relationships 01:37:07 Going Viral and Entering the Media Spotlight 01:44:42 Career Reflections and Lessons Learned 01:53:00 First Amendment Auditors and Modern Challenges 01:58:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections _____________________________________________ To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/LockedInWithIanBicka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon is a trained counselor specializing in the psychology of behavior change, with certifications including motivational interviewing, solution-focused, DBT, CBT, and trauma counseling.She's the author of numerous books and accredited nutrition, sleep, stress, and recovery courses. She is our go-to performance psych and works one-on-one with many of our clients seeking to sharpen the mental and emotional skills needed to handle some of the toughest training courses in the world.She's an invaluable resource for our clients and has played a critical role in the careers of many special operators. In this episode, we're talking to KSD about the grieving process. Typically, we think of grief as the emotional state following a loss like the death of a friend or loved one, but the process is surprisingly similar to other forms of loss, such as the emotional impact of losing out on a major career aspiration, washing out of a selection course, or getting divorced. Additional Resources: What to Know About Grief and LossMore about KSD:Website - kristascottdixon.comCoaching for SOF personnel - https://www.buildingtheelite.com/performance-psych-coaching/KSD's latest book, Applied Nutrition Coaching and Counseling - https://amzn.to/4xXhp0tTimestamps:00:00:22 Introduction to Dr. Krista Scott Dixon00:01:24 Processing Grief in Death/Grief in Setbacks00:11:47 Dealing with the Nature of Death00:18:54 The Brain's Ability to Adjust to Loss00:23:14 Clichés are Infuriating During Grieving00:28:22 Excepting a New Reality 00:31:50 Exposure to Grief in the Military00:36:04 Unhealthy and Problematic Ways of Coping with Loss00:41:57 Chemical Avoidance and Numbing in Grief00:45:19 Communicating Death to Children00:51:37 Advice on Helping with Others' Grief00:58:20 Guidelines for Dealing with Grief from Selection01:04:00 Curling into a Ball or Crawling into a Hole01:06:01 The "What If"s and "If Only"s of Loss01:08:02 Survivor's Guilt01:13:43 Face, Accept, Float, Let Time Pass01:16:21 OutroSend us a message

Send us Fan MailWilliam Bissett is the founder of Portus Wealth Advisors, a firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to helping small business owners navigate complex financial landscapes. After overcoming a turbulent childhood, tragic family events, and early academic failures, William built a resilient career in financial planning. Launching his own firm in 2019, he has since grown it into a multi-million-dollar operation. William is also an active angel investor, a dedicated husband and father, and a passionate advocate for leading businesses from a place of abundance rather than fear. Key Discussion Highlights & TakeawaysRedefining Failure: Why failing is only permanent when you give up, and how muscles—like people—must reach failure to build true strength. The Catering Epiphany: How serving figures like Alan Greenspan at a catering job in D.C. inspired William to return to college, study economics, and turn his life around. The Danger of a Fear-Based Mindset: How William realized he was building his business out of a fear of bankruptcy—mirroring his father's tragic struggles—and the steps he took to shift to an abundance mindset. Stepping into the CEO Role: The difficult leadership transition from being a financial planner who controlled every detail to becoming a true CEO who empowers his team. Giving Up Control: William's ultimate advice on why realizing you have zero control over life is the first step toward true personal and professional freedom. ⏱️ Show Timestamps & Chapter Markings00:00:00 - Welcome to The Remarkable People Podcast & The Meaning of Failure 00:03:19 - Sponsor Read: Hunter's Blend Coffee00:04:21 - William's Childhood: Divorce and Living Out of a Suitcase 00:13:00 - Coping with Trauma and Family Tragedies 00:24:00 - Failing College and the D.C. Catering Job Wake-Up Call 00:27:00 - Finding Financial Planning and Rejecting Predatory Sales 00:37:00 - Earning His Own Firm: Launching Portus Wealth Advisors 00:46:00 - Shifting from Fear to Abundance in Leadership 00:54:00 - The Struggles of Delegation and Trusting Your Team 01:03:00 - Final Advice: Why You Must Give Up ControlSupport the showTHE NOT-SO-FINE-PRINT DISCLAIMER: While we are very thankful for all of our guests, please understand that we do not necessarily share or endorse the same beliefs, worldviews, or positions that they may hold. We respectfully agree to disagree in some areas, and thank God for the blessing and privilege of free will.For more Remarkable Episodes, Inspiration, and Motivation, please visit https://davidpasqualone.com/remarkable-people-podcast/ now!

When Caitlin noticed that her daughter, Kennedy, wasn't meeting developmental milestones, she trusted her instincts—even when others reassured her that everything was fine. As both a former Child Life Specialist and mom of a child with ADNP syndrome, Caitlin shares her family's journey from early concerns and endless appointments to receiving a diagnosis for a condition so rare that only about 500 cases have been identified worldwide. In this conversation, Caitlin opens up about navigating uncertainty, advocating for her daughter in healthcare settings, finding support through rare disease communities, and balancing the joy and grief that often coexist when parenting a child with complex medical needs. Whether you're a parent searching for answers, raising a child with a diagnosis, or supporting families through difficult seasons, Caitlin's story is filled with practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to trust your instincts when something feels different about your child's development • What it was like receiving a rare disease diagnosis • Why finding the right medical providers matters • How parents can confidently advocate for their children during medical procedures • The importance of community for rare disease families • How Caitlin and her husband navigate the emotional challenges of parenting together • Why joy and grief can exist at the same time Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:41 – Meet Caitlin 02:48 – Early developmental concerns 05:27 – The search for answers 07:24 – Receiving an ADNP syndrome diagnosis 10:05 – What is ADNP syndrome? 11:10 – Coping with the diagnosis 12:50 – Supporting your marriage through caregiving 14:50 – Advocating for your child in healthcare 15:27 – Preparing for medical procedures 17:52 – Parents are part of the care team 21:07 – Family planning after a rare diagnosis 24:09 – Welcoming a second child 27:16 – Joy and grief can coexist 29:20 – Caitlin's favorite part of being Kennedy's mom 30:59 – Resources for rare disease families 32:52 – Different Together Co. 34:35 – Hope, resilience, and final advice   Resources Mentioned: • National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): https://rarediseases.org• Different Together Co. (Caitlin's Instagram) Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources   Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family.   Keywords: ADNP syndrome, ADNP Syndrome diagnosis, rare disease, rare genetic disorder, rare disease awareness, developmental delays, child development, developmental milestones, autism, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonia, genetic testing, pediatric neurology, medical parenting, parenting a medically complex child, special needs parenting, child life specialist, child life, patient advocacy, parent advocacy, healthcare advocacy, medical procedures, hospital coping, pediatric healthcare, VCUG, medical trauma, parenting after diagnosis, genetic counseling, early intervention, physical therapy, rare disease community, disability inclusion, family support, caregiver support, chronic illness parenting, special needs family, navigating a rare diagnosis, trusting your instincts, medical journey, pediatric diagnosis

Scott Galloway breaks down what SpaceX's rocky debut means for the looming OpenAI and Anthropic IPOs, how to approach celebrities and CEOs without being "that person," and what a lifetime of panic attacks has taught him. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send a voice recording to officehours@profgmedia.com, or drop your question in the r/ScottGalloway subreddit. Plus, you can now call or text Scott a question at our new Office Hours hotline: ‪(201) 472-3656‬. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're heading into the summer holidays. Hands up if you're already a bit anxious about any mum guilt creeping in...?Fearne definitely is, so she's reflecting on the Happy Place episodes that explore how different women are choosing to navigate working and parenting. No judgement here gang – we all need to take the pressure off being perfect in every area of our lives!In this episode –-Entrepreneur Emma Grede chats about why parenting isn't that deep, and why it's important for her kids to see her fulfil her own dreams-Artist Sophie Ellis-Bextor explains why she's stopped minimising the importance of her career, and how she includes her children in her work day-Olympic Rower Helen Glover explores how having children encouraged her to get back into a career she thought she'd retired from-Artist Paloma Faith wonders just how much of a toll the silent emotional load of working both in and out of the house is taking on women-Broadcaster Ruth Langsford reflects on how she chose between being at home or at work in her early days of parenting, and what she tells young mothers in the sameposition-Actor Joanna Page remembers the times she had to breastfeed on TV sets and explains why motherhood now ultimately comes before her careerBy the way, tickets for the 2027 London Happy Place festival are on sale now! Just head to happyplaceofficial.co.uk to get your tickets.Listen to the full Happy Place episodes –Emma GredeSophie Ellis-BextorHelen GloverPaloma FaithRuth LangsfordJoanna Page Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a new car is becoming more expensive, and Americans are compromising by taking on larger, longer loans. Director of Insights for Edmunds Ivan Drury joins FBN's Lydia Hu to discuss what's accelerating this trend, and if consumers are reaching a breaking point. Plus, a rapid-fire lightning round with essential tips, including the dos and don'ts when buying a new car. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marsha is struggling with disappointment in her late-life marriage after her husband failed to keep his promise to quit smoking. Got a dilemma? Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com Follow on social media: Facebook.com/DrLaura Instagram.com/DrLauraProgram YouTube.com/DrLaura Join the Dr. Laura Family!! >> Receive my weekly newsletter, perks, and more! Sign up now, it's FREE > DrLaura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anita is struggling deeply after the suicide of her 40-year-old son and is finding it difficult to move through her grief. Got a dilemma? Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com Follow on social media: Facebook.com/DrLaura Instagram.com/DrLauraProgram YouTube.com/DrLaura Join the Dr. Laura Family!! >> Receive my weekly newsletter, perks, and more! Sign up now, it's FREE > DrLaura.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.