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“Don't be afraid to be yourself.” – Carlos BakerToday's featured author is a songwriter, musician, husband, father of 4, ex-pat, and survivor of childhood cancer and adult depression, Carlos Baker. Carlos and I had a fun on a bun chat about his first book, “Songs For Ivy”, raising a family overseas in Germany, the importance of humor, and tons more!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Carlos to be a musicianWhy being an adult doesn't mean letting go of the creative acts that bring you joyWhat helped Carlos during his journey through childhood cancer and adult depressionHow laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and resilienceCarlos' Site: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1CsZnwTsaJkc6DJE6HvFG4?si=l-2iXS_GRLqQpW38uRqTqACarlos' Book: https://a.co/d/aK0YchgThe opening track is titled "Heatsource" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. https://marcusd.net/Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou Might Also Like…Ep. 567 – “The Suffering Guy” with Jim Barnard (@jimmahbarnard): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-567-the-suffering-guy-with-jim-barnard-jimmahbarnard/Ep. 470 – “Holding On by Letting Go” with Heather Hutchison (@hlhutchison): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-470-holding-on-by-letting-go-with-heather-hutchison-hlhutchison/Ep. 385 – “From Wheels to Heals” with Barby Ingle (@BarbyIngle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-385-from-wheels/Ep. 471 – “How to Turn Suffering Into Something Good” with Darci Steiner (@DarciJSteiner): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-471-how-to-turn-suffering-into-something-good-with-darci-steiner-darcijsteiner/Ep. 378 – “Writing Adventures with The Dialogue Doctor” with Jeff Elkins (@Jffelkins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-378-writing-adventures-with-the-dialogue-doctor-with-jeff-elkins-jffelkins/Ep. 379 – “It Is The Pursuit That Matters” with April Metzler (@AprilDMetzler): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-379-it-is-the-pursuit-that-matters-with-april-metzler-aprildmetzler/Ep. 731 – “Big Bold Brave” with Clint Hatton (@clinthatton): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-731-big-bold-brave-with-clint-hatton-clinthatton/
Episode Description: Music Soothes My SoulJoin host Michael Herst as he delves into the profound impact of music on mental health with Heather Hutchison, an Amazon best-selling author and award-winning singer/songwriter. Blind since birth and a mental health advocate, Heather shares her journey through depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, offering real-world strategies for coping with mental illness and disability. Discover how she finds refuge in music and learn how to support loved ones facing similar challenges. Heather's inspiring story of resilience and hope will leave you moved and motivated.Tune in to learn how Music Soothes can soothe your Soul” an enlightening conversation that promises to touch your heart and mind. (originally aired March 2022)Find everything "One More Thing" here: https://taplink.cc/beforeyougopodcast#MentalHealthMatters#MusicTherapy#BlindAndBrave#ResilienceInAdversity#HopeThroughMusic#DisabilityAwareness#MentalHealthSupport#InspiringJourneysThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacyPodcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
There's a massive hoarding problem of animals in Apache County. Heather Hutchison is one of those trying to solve the horrific problem.
It's the first show of a brand new year and we couldn't be more excited to start things off with a bang as Ryan and Rob welcome social media superstar and author, advocate, and musician Heather Hutchison to the show. We talk about how she began her career as a content creator, what it's like material that is both entertaining as well as educating, her passion for music and her albums, and much much more! Show Transcript https://atbanter.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/at-banter-podcast-episode-361-heather-hutchison.pdf Show Notes Heather Hutchison Online https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir https://www.heather-hutchison.com/books Heather's Music https://www.heather-hutchison.com/music AT Banter is brought to you by Canadian Assistive Technology, providing sales and training in Assistive Technology and Accessibility with over 30 years of knowledge and experience. Visit them online at www.canasstech.com or call toll-free 1-844-795-8324. Need repairs on your device? Chaos Technical Services offers service and support on almost any piece of Assistive Technology, while also providing parts and batteries. Visit them online at www.chaostechnicalservices.com or call 778-847-6840.
Heather's life changed drastically when her son began struggling with mental illness issues as a very young child. When he was three, she found herself sitting across from his doctor, as he recommended psychiatric hospitalization. This was the first but not the last time she'd had to do something similar as a result of the extreme behavior and violence that she attempted to manage everyday.All along the way her own guilt around the situation was compounded by other people trying to suggest what was happening was in some way her fault. What followed were 13 hospitalizations, each promising that life would move towards something more “normal”, but the problems remained upon each return. Eventually after some particularly explosive incidents, her son was admitted to a residential treatment program at age 15. She felt such complicated emotions. She didn't want him in that setting, and she also felt immense guilt because she felt a sense of relief. She prayed that maybe someone there would be able to help. What followed was deep depression and a grief process that was incredibly complex all while trying to do what was right for her son and her other children.Today, she and her son have a great relationship and Heather uses her story to help other families not feel so alone in a situation that can feel as lonely as anything. She also shares her story with teachers, clinicians and parents in order to help them understand the unique limitations of families going through something similar.Tune In To Learn About:A Mother's Journey: Tune in to learn about Heather's profound journey as a mother, whose life was turned upside down when her young son began struggling with mental health issues.The Search for Help: Discover Heather's experiences as she sought help for her son's extreme behavior and violence at a very young age, and how this was just the beginning of a long and challenging path.Navigating Guilt and Judgment: Explore the complex emotions Heather faced, compounded by guilt and external judgments that made her situation even more difficult.The Healing Journey: Today, Heather and her son have a strong relationship, and she uses her experience to support other families facing similar situations. Discover how her story helps combat the isolation that often accompanies such struggles.To find other similar episodes by topic, click here.Connect with HeatherTikTok | @heatherhutchison4Instagram | @hhutchgirlEmail | Email HeatherReady to Begin Your Recovery Journey?Complete this form to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor for help and guidance or take the self assessment to evaluate your own substance use.Already in recovery, find an online support community.Connect with The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastYouTube | The Courage to Change PodcastTikTok | @ashleyloebblassingamePodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastLionrock ResourcesLionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-appSupport Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings
Imagine throwing a free party for 2,000 to 3,000 folks. The Schenectady Kids Arts Festival does this each year! Heather Hutchison from Create Community Studios talks about the festival and its many activities coming up on June 3rd. noon to 4, in the streets around Schenectady City Hall. She also explains the importance of creative experession for everyone regardless of abilities. For more information, see https://kidsartsfestivalschenectady.com/ or https://createcommunitystudios.org/. If you go, look for the Sanctuary Radio table! Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.
“Don't wait to be perfect.” - Sabine KvenbergToday's featured bestselling bookcaster is actress, singer, songwriter, storyteller, and Mindset Success Coach, Sabine Kvenberg. Sabine and I had a chat about her books, her Toastmasters journey, and more to help you become your best possible self! Key Things You'll Learn:How she got into show businessHer advice for aspiring authors looking to publish their booksThree major lessons learned from starting her podcastsWhat setback in business led Sabine to create more success Sabine's Site: https://www.sabinekvenberg.com/resourcesSabine's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-How-Succeed-Showbiz-practical/dp/1495304787/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Sabine's Podcast, “Become”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/become/id1565571415 The opening track is titled “Check It Out” by Mountaineer from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/check-it-outLicense code: AR6DFPGVXQ9Q1SSY Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You May Also Like… Ep. 510 - "Lights, Camera, Action" With Amy Scruggs (@amyscruggssd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-510-lights-camera-action-with-amy-scruggs-amyscruggssd/ Ep. 609 - "The Film Director's Bag Of Tricks" With Mark W. Travis (@MarkWTravis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/the-film-directors-bag-of-tricks-with-mark-w-travis-markwtravis/ Ep. 397 – “Make Your Own Break” with Jennifer Lieberman (@iamjenlieberman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-397-make-your-own-break/ Ep. 433 – “Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes” with Ira Rosen: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-433-ticking-clock-behind-the-scenes-at-60-minutes-with-ira-rosen/ Ep. 461 – “Live for Joy” with Anne Scottlin (@AnneScottlin): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-461-live-for-joy-with-anne-scottlin-annescottlin/ 86 - "Stepping Into the Spotlight" with Tsufit (@Tsufit): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/86-stepping-into-the-spotlight-with-tsufit-tsufit/ Ep. 597 – “Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will” with Sarah Elkins (@sarahelkins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-597-your-stories-dont-define-you-how-you-tell-them-will-with-sarah-elkins-sarahelkins/ Ep. 332 – “Her Perfect Life” with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/ Ep. 499 – “Take Center Stage” with Janelle Anderson: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-499-take-center-stage-with-janelle-anderson/ Ep. 579 – “The Power to Speak Naked” with Tyler Foley (@DropTheMicSTF): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-579-the-power-to-speak-naked-with-tyler-foley-dropthemicstf/ Ep. 382 – “Coming Out as Yourself” with Stephanie Lavigne (@stephlavigne): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-382-coming-out/ Ep. 519 – “Jonas and the Mountain” with Janis Harper (@harperjanis1): https://www.podpage.com/going-north-podcast/ep-519-jonas-and-the-mountain-with-janis-harper-harperjanis1/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/ Ep. 368 – “Unfailing Grace” with Julie Carrick (@julie84602521): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-368-unfailing-grace-with-julie-carrick-julie84602521/ Ep. 470 – “Holding On by Letting Go” with Heather Hutchison (@hlhutchison): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-470-holding-on-by-letting-go-with-heather-hutchison-hlhutchison/ Ep. 379 – “It Is The Pursuit That Matters” with April Metzler (@AprilDMetzler): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-379-it-is-the-pursuit-that-matters-with-april-metzler-aprildmetzler/
Heather has been a champion of mental health and suicide prevention by sharing her own story of overcoming crippling anxiety and depression and fighting her own battle with suicide. Heather is an author and musician, and her passion is quite contagious. Please visit her social media sites from her main page, which you can find below. Also, check out her music and her book. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for making Aftersight a staple in the blind and low-vision community. https://heather-hutchison.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Letting-Go-Heather-Hutchison-ebook/dp/B094674YMR https://open.spotify.com/artist/07t3LapcWFZmhrUN5FJ15n?si=UHXzLwBvRX6uM7lBKvsH2g https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-i-could-ep/1602620045
Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveller, she has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. Heather lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. When she isn't writing, playing music or traveling, she can usually be found at the beach, or curled up with a good book and a chai latte. Blind since birth, a once-spirited kid with big dreams now finds herself in a locked psychiatric facility—a wounded young woman in the midst of a global pandemic. This memoir spans decades and continents to tell a story of the beautiful similarities that make us all human. From meeting unlikely allies in the dirty streets of some of Latin America's most impoverished neighbourhoods, to discovering difficult truths about discrimination in her home country of Canada, Heather Hutchison offers poignant insight into mental health awareness, and what it means to strive for an ordinary life when you are often treated as anything but ordinary. At once heartbreakingly honest and strikingly witty, Holding On by Letting Go is the unforgettable true story of one woman's journey through despair to acceptance and hope. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of the light that can be found in the darkest of times.
Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date.old with both heart-wrenching honesty and sharp whit, Holding On by Letting Go chronicles Hutchison's life as a blind person in Canada and Latin America, her hospitalization for psychiatric care in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the refuge she has always found in music. It is a gripping story of courage, resilience, hope, and surrendering for a second chance at life.Hutchison's music explores similar themes. Her album, If I Could, was written in part as a soundtrack to the book. Though both her music and her writing stand firmly on their own, Hutchison sings with the conviction of someone who has lived these stories, and her crystal clear voice commands attention from the very first note. On this album, Hutchison effortlessly crosses genres, from pop-punk to orchestral pop to stripped down solo piano. If I Could is a solid testament to the power of music to heal and transform. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, Hutchison is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. She is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs and renowned podcasts across the globe, speaking and singing to share her message of hope to those who are struggling. In her advocacy work, she has appeared alongside numerous high-profile psychologists, clinical counsellors and other mental health professionals. An avid traveler, Hutchison has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. She lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. When she isn't writing, playing music or traveling, she can usually be found at the beach, or curled up with a good book and a chai latte. So grateful for all the listeners! Check the links below from charities, subscriptions, merch, reading list, and more. Love the show?You can now support the show with a subscription! Click here for all the details.**Want to write a review? Click here for details.** Donate Dachshund Rescue of Houston hereBlog https://tstakaishi.wixsite.com/musicInsta @creative_peacemeal_podcastFB @creativepeacemealpodBonfire Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/creative-peacemeal/Redbubble Merch CPPodcast.redbubble.comCreative Peacemeal READING list hereInterested in Corrie Legge's content planner? Click here to order!
“Your voice makes a difference.” - Eliana GiladToday's featured bonus international bestselling author is a TEDx presenter, motivational speaker, teacher, composer, healing voice mentor, and founder of Voices of Eden Ancient Wisdom and Healing Music Institute, Eliana Gilad. Eliana and I have a fun chat about her book, “Emerge Triumphant: Thrive Through Uncertainty”, how to find your authentic voice, and more!!! Key Things You'll Learn:What Eliana learned about her voice from helping others to find their voiceHow becoming comfortable with uncertainty helps you to growThe two leadership qualities that help you find your authentic voice Eliana's Site: emergetriumphantnow.comEliana's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Eliana-Gilad/e/B073QWTRG9/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dskEliana's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/oJAu3-s9Gb4 The opening track is titled "The Sounds of Heaven" by Asis Galvin. Support the artist by clicking the following link and buying the full track. https://asisgalvin.bandcamp.com/track/the-sounds-of-heaven You May Also Like… #Bonus Ep. - “Touched By The Music”: Dave Combs On Inspiring And Uplifting People's Lives (@DavidMCombs): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-touched-by-the-music-dave-combs-on-inspiring-and-uplifting-peoples-lives-davidmcombs/ #Bonus Ep. – “From Shy Girl to Award-Winning Model” with Lorna Greyling (@LornaGreyling): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-from-shy-girl-to-award-winning-model-with-lorna-greyling-lornagreyling/ #Bonus Host2Host Ep.– “Unleashing the Power of Respect” with Dr. Joseph Shrand (@Drjoeshrand): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-host2host-ep-unleashing-the-power-of-respect-with-dr-joseph-shrand-drjoeshrand/ #M2M Bonus Ep. – “Tragedy to Triumph” with Karuna (@LOKundalini): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-ep-tragedy-to-triumph-with-karuna-lokundalini-1/ 118 - "Living Full Out" with Nancy Solari (@NancySolari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/118-living-full-out-with-nancy-solari-nancysolari/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/ Ep. 460 – “Dangerous Hope” with Mandy Anderson (@mandybanderson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-460-dangerous-hope-with-mandy-anderson-mandybanderson/ 169 - "The Second Wave" with Kerri Hummingbird (@KerriHummingbrd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/169-the-second-wave-with-kerri-hummingbird-kerrihummingbrd/ Ep. 407 – “Financial Alchemy” with Morgana Rae (@morganarae): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-407-financial-alchemy-with-morgana-rae-morganarae/ Ep. 463 – “Crushed” with Linda Bjork (@Linda_Bjork_1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-463-crushed-with-linda-bjork-linda_bjork_1/ 86 - "Stepping Into the Spotlight" with Tsufit (@Tsufit): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/86-stepping-into-the-spotlight-with-tsufit-tsufit/ Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/ 194 – “A Badass Butterfly Conversion” with Rev. Dr. Jane Galloway: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/194-a-badass-butterfly-conversion-with-rev-dr-jane-galloway-chaostoclarity/ 161 - "CodeBreaker" with Sandra Biskind (@TheBiskinds): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/161-codebreaker-with-sandra-biskind-thebiskinds/ Ep. 470 – “Holding On by Letting Go” with Heather Hutchison (@hlhutchison): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-470-holding-on-by-letting-go-with-heather-hutchison-hlhutchison/
We're back this week for another episode of Outlook, another Mixed Bag Monday, Home Edition this time as colds, flu, and Covid pile up. We've been off and on air these last weeks, since Covid finally caught up with us both last month, and as we're transplant patients we've had to give ourselves the time to recover slowly. Happy to be back on air though, since our last live in studio show in early October, to catch up on all that's been going on with us and also all that's happening in the world. That's what Mixed Bag shows are all about around here. With this one we talk Covid up close and getting a better view of the state of Canada's healthcare system, highlight some good things for past guests of the podcast, and Brian's cough was our only guest on this one. Hopefully not for long as we'd rather not share the airwaves with such visitors. In the second half, we talk audio description (an ongoing theme) as Kerry recently worked on a political ad for Vote Now Oregon and their Roe Rage campaign. It makes for a nice brief example for AD critique purposes as it's all a never-ending learning process for those who do it. So tune in to the episode and you'll find the ad Kerry worked on that we've been discussing. Or else you can find it below. During this week where the States holds their midterm elections, we're sharing this ad with AD: https://www.votenoworegon.org/videos Plus go to the following two links to check out two-time Outlook guest, musician, and mental health advocate Heather Hutchison's recent CBC appearances: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93-all-points-west/clip/15935735-musician-author-nanaimo-takes-social-media-share-experiences https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52-radio-active/clip/15934515-what-blind
Today the award winning singer/songwriter and author Heather Hutchison joins Mike at the campfire. For one of the most inspiring conversations to ever be had here at camp. Being born blind and struggling with her mental health from an early age has taught Heather more than her share of life lessons. All of which she happily shares in her music. Now today she shares them with us in a moving and power conversion. Links Heather Hutchison Tuff luck Heathers new single Holding on by letting go Copenotes (use promo code projectoutdoors to save 10%) Renoo Project Mindfully Outdoors
Today the award winning singer/songwriter and author Heather Hutchison joins Mike at the campfire. For one of the most inspiring conversations to ever be had here at camp. Being born blind and struggling with her mental health from an early age has taught Heather more than her share of life lessons. All of which she happily shares in her music. Now today she shares them with us in a moving and power conversion. Links Heather Hutchison Tuff luck Heathers new single Holding on by letting go Copenotes (use promo code projectoutdoors to save 10%) Renoo Project Mindfully Outdoors
As early as now, you have to recognize your gifts and talents. Look deeper into who you are and discover your potential. Develop that enthusiasm to reach for your dreams. Listen to your host Dom Brightmon as he dives into this meaningful conversation with Dave Combs about inspiring, uplifting, and touching people's lives through music. Dave Combs is a songwriter, photographer, entrepreneur, and author with four decades of experience writing songs. His songwriting began with the now popular standard, “Rachel's Song.” In this episode, he shares his life-changing journey starting from the beautiful childhood memories and how the love of music just stuck with him. He explains how he developed the entrepreneurial mindset of figuring out an efficient process to reach customers who want to play and sell his music. He then shares in-depth insights on how to get to the hearts of listeners and make a difference in their lives. Enjoy being touched by the music and tune in to elevate your joy and peace through the power of his uplifting and inspirational story.The opening track is titled "New Perspective" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. http://marcusd.net/album/secret-bosses-unreleased-retrod-beats You May Also Like… Ep. 510 - "Lights, Camera, Action" With Amy Scruggs (@amyscruggssd): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-510-lights-camera-action-with-amy-scruggs-amyscruggssd/ Ep. 519 – “Jonas and the Mountain” with Janis Harper (@harperjanis1): https://www.podpage.com/going-north-podcast/ep-519-jonas-and-the-mountain-with-janis-harper-harperjanis1/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/ Ep. 368 – “Unfailing Grace” with Julie Carrick (@julie84602521): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-368-unfailing-grace-with-julie-carrick-julie84602521/ Ep. 470 – “Holding On by Letting Go” with Heather Hutchison (@hlhutchison): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-470-holding-on-by-letting-go-with-heather-hutchison-hlhutchison/ 118 - "Living Full Out" with Nancy Solari (@NancySolari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/118-living-full-out-with-nancy-solari-nancysolari/ Ep. 379 – “It Is The Pursuit That Matters” with April Metzler (@AprilDMetzler): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-379-it-is-the-pursuit-that-matters-with-april-metzler-aprildmetzler/ Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/ 285 – “Find Your Friggin' Joy” with Belinda Farrell (@Hunababy): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/285-find-your-friggin-joy-with-belinda-farrell-hunababy/ Ep. 338.5 (Holiday Bonus) – “Melanie's Tales from the Roadburn Café” with Melanie Safka (@melaniesafka): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3385-holiday-bonus-melanies-tales-from-the-roadburn-cafe-with-melanie-safka-melaniesafka/
Heather is the Amazon best-selling author of “Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir,” and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date, including her latest, “If I Could” that dropped in January 2022. Blind since birth, she struggled with anxiety from a very young age which, by her early teens, became accompanied by bouts of severe depression. Heather struggled with the total lack of control brought about by the onset of the pandemic, which sent her into a massive depressive spiral and a plan to end her life. A psychiatric involuntary stay at the hospital allowed her to find the strength for that one extra day, resulting in a renewed outlook on life. She's now an advocate who is passionate about educating and connecting with people on the topics of disability and mental health. Connect with Heather at heather-hutchison.com.Contact Us:Email: amgits.reverse@gmail.comInstagram: @brushcreekthriversFacebook: From Survivor to Thriver
Heather Hutchison is an award-winning singer/songwriter, best-selling author, and a mental health advocate on social media all while being blind. My conversation with Heather revealed an incredible story along with an even more incredible human being. I hope you find some time to listen to our discussion and more importantly, check out Heather's links below: Website: https://www.heather-hutchison.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherhutchisonmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hhutchisonmusic Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hlhutchison Want to learn more about Dylan or book a session, check out his website: www.dylansessler.com Dylan Sessler P.O. Box 549 Brookfield, WI 53008-0549 ____________________________________________ Socials: Email: invictus.dev.grp@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan_sessler/ Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@dylan_sessler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylansessler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-sessler-69a29b19a/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dylan_J_Sessler --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Singer/song writer and author Heather Hutchison now, will think of herself during the toughest moments of these last few years, as if it were another girl entirely: “She's been so mean to herself for so long. And if we talked to our friends the way we talk to ourselves, we wouldn't have any.” It's been six months since we spoke with Hutchison about her memoir, released a year ago: Holding On by Letting Go. Since then, the January 28 release of her new EP, If I Could came out, a sort of companion to the book, a soundtrack to the memoir and her experiences in a psychiatric hospital during Covid. During Heather's second time appearing on Outlook, we discuss her presence on TikTok since the release of her book, on the creation of If I Could and its four songs (+ one radio edit), and the great need for more self compassion for us all. At one time, Heather thought she was done making music, but after everything she would go on to write about in Holding On by Letting Go, she would again one day find herself sitting down at the piano. Join us this week with Hutchison as she performs two of the songs found on this EP live from her piano and her Vancouver Island home studio, live into the Radio Western studios. Find more about Heather, social media links included, by visiting her at her website: https://heather-hutchison.com And check out Heather's new EP, If I Could, on all streaming services or purchase on Bandcamp. Nothing beats supporting new music and if you buy from Bandcamp you'll receive a sample from Heather's memoir which was the inspiration for the EP: https://heatherhutchison.bandcamp.com
Blind since birth, Heather Hutchinson, a once-spirited kid with big dreams now finds herself in a locked psychiatric facility—a wounded young woman in the midst of a global pandemic. Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveler, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. During her interview, she shares how anyone can rise above prejudice and disabilities. You will love her story.
Heather Hutchison has lived her entire life with a disability, as well as anxiety, depression and suicidal inclinations. After a close call which nearly cost Heather her life, she received the help she desperately needed, and did the hard work to reach a place of healing. Today, she has a new mission reaching out to others about victorious living, even with health challenges, and advocating for better mental health options. In this episode, Heather shares her story, as well as action steps we can take to develop a better mental health system. How do people really treat someone with a disability? How long does a typical emotion last? Would you be brave enough to tell someone you were about to take your own life? What can you do for a friend in that position? A very real, gritty conversation everyone needs to hear. Show notes: Holding on by Letting Go, Heather Hutchison
Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date, including her latest release, 'If I Could' (January 2022).Check her out at https://www.heather-hutchison.com/If you enjoy the show and want to help support it, please click the patreon link below. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/douglasrobbins)
Trigger warning: Talk of attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts Error note: we forgot to add the music in between the intro ending and the interview beginning! oops! as a result you'll hear 15 seconds of awkward silence... This week we chat with Candian singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison who shares what it was like growing up blind, struggling with her mental health, and using her music to heal. Heathers book is called: Holding On By Letting Go Heather can be found on IG and TikTok @heatherhutchisonmusic If you're enjoying this podcast, please consider leaving us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts. You can find us online IG @Ididnotsignupforthis.podcast FB @ididntsuft TikTok @Ididnotsignupforthis.pod Patreon.com/ididnotsignupforthis www.ididnotsignupforthis.ca
Heather Hutchison dropped a new EP in January called "If I Could", & joins me on the show to talk about it. We try to stay on topic, yet stray into subjects like mental health, the entertainment industry, and other really good random tangents! Find Heather's music, book, & biography at https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Intro music, "If I Could", from Heather's new EP of the same name. Outro music, "Taxi Driver" from Heather's album Charades. Buy it here: https://heatherhutchison.bandcamp.com/album/charades “Seizure Salad, ~Fustercluck Epilepticus~”, is produced & hosted by Micah Ball Original Logo and Graphic Design by Alba "Lupi" Lopez Thanks for listening! Mad Gratitude, ~Micah Unexpect the Expected
Capturing the imagination of the art of possibilities through the gift of music is something which energizes Heather Hutchison to succeed everyday. She's an Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date, including her latest release, 'If I Could' (January 2022). Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating and connecting with people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. Heather is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs and renowned podcasts across the globe to share her message of hope to those who are struggling. In her advocacy work, she has appeared alongside numerous high-profile psychologists, clinical counsellors, and other mental health professionals. An avid traveller, she has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. Heather lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. When she isn't writing, playing music, or traveling, she can usually be found at the beach, or curled up with a good book and a chai latte. She joined me this week to tell me more. For more information: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Instagram: @heatherhutchisonmusic Twitter @hlhutchison Get the Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Holding-Letting-Go-Heather-Hutchison-ebook/dp/B094674YMR Facebook: @heatherhutchisonmusic YouTube: @HeatherHutchison
Heather Hutchison dropped a new EP in January called "If I Could", & joins me on the show to talk about it. We try to stay on topic, yet stray into subjects like mental health, the entertainment industry, and other random tangents (including banjo jokes!)... Find Heather's music, book, & biography at https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Outro music, "Lock the Door" from the album If I Could by Heather Hutchison. Buy it here: https://heatherhutchison.bandcamp.com/album/if-i-could “Seizure Salad, ~Fustercluck Epilepticus~”, is produced & hosted by Micah Ball Original Logo and Graphic Design by Alba "Lupi" Lopez The song “Seizure Boy” courtesy of Watsky, and used with permission. Find more great music & poetry on his website, GeorgeWatsky.com Thanks for listening! Mad Gratitude, ~Micah Unexpect the Expected
In this episode Mental Health: depression and anxiety, suicidal ideation, life as a blind person both in Canada and Latin America, finding refuge in music and real-world strategies for coping with mental illness and/or disability, and how to help a loved one who is facing these types of challenges. I'm your host Michael Herst and this is That Thing About Music Soothes My Sou My guest in this episode is Heather Hutchison …she is an Amazon best-selling author, an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. She is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs and renowned podcasts across the globe, speaking and singing to share her message of hope to those who are struggling. Heather is an avid traveler, and has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America and now lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. She has an incredible journey of fortitude, perseverance, never giving up and creating a positive outlook on life which we are going to have a conversation about This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with four albums released to date, including her latest release, If I could, (January 2022). Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveler, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. https://www.heather-hutchison.com https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusic https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic https://www.youtube.com/hhutchisonmusic https://www.twitter.com/hlhutchison Hosted by Felipe Blue, LCAS, CSI of More Than Therapy More Than Therapy 301 W Main Street Suite 316 Durham, NC 27701 #984-888-8807 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/morethantherapy/message
Heather Hutchison is a woman I came across on podmatch, and once I read her story, I knew I had to have her on the show. She is a singer/songwriter, she has three albums, and is working on a fourth, she also has spent most of our time in either Latin America or Vancouver Canada. She wrote her memoir which is about her being a blind woman leaving in those countries while also struggling with her mental health. One of the most interesting parts of this conversation is when she realizes that her blindness is permanent, and how a little kid on a playground miss treating her or treating her differently because of her eye condition, she finally felt different and vulnerable. She talks about using her pain as an inspiration for her music. Mental health is a huge focus in this episode because during the pandemic she hit her breaking point and she ends up in a psychiatric hospital. As I've said many times will fall in the show sometimes you can find some very beautiful things in your darkest times, while she was in the hospital, and she came to the realization of wanting to die, she eventually found a reason to go on. I'm very proud of Heather for winning the ultimate bottle against her demons, but also for being so honest to share those dark times to help others not feel so alone. Please check out her website where you can find out all her music , her book, and her social media. https://www.heather-hutchison.com/
Heather Hutchison is a woman I came across on podmatch, and once I read her story, I knew I had to have her on the show. She is a singer/songwriter, she has three albums, and is working on a fourth, she also has spent most of our time in either Latin America or Vancouver Canada. She wrote her memoir which is about her being a blind woman leaving in those countries while also struggling with her mental health. One of the most interesting parts of this conversation is when she realizes that her blindness is permanent, and how a little kid on a playground miss treating her or treating her differently because of her eye condition, she finally felt different and vulnerable. She talks about using her pain as an inspiration for her music. Mental health is a huge focus in this episode because during the pandemic she hit her breaking point and she ends up in a psychiatric hospital. As I've said many times will fall in the show sometimes you can find some very beautiful things in your darkest times, while she was in the hospital, and she came to the realization of wanting to die, she eventually found a reason to go on. I'm very proud of Heather for winning the ultimate bottle against her demons, but also for being so honest to share those dark times to help others not feel so alone. Please check out her website where you can find out all her music , her book, and her social media. https://www.heather-hutchison.com/
Be compassionate to others and have a well of grace for ourselves. Today's featured bestselling author is Award-winning singer, songwriter, avid traveler, and mental health and disability advocate, Heather Hutchison. Heather and I talk about her book, “Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir”, dealing with blindness, and more!! Key Thing's You'll Learn: What 3 main lessons she learned from this pandemic. How to deal with negative self-talk. What helps Heather to stay creative. The difference between songwriting and book writing. Heather's Site: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Heather's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Hutchison/e/B09469F94J?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000 Heather's Music: https://shop.heather-hutchison.com/en/3-music The opening track is titled, "Pure White Field (SfEX2)" by Rukunetsu aka Project R. To listen and download the entire track, click the following link. https://soundcloud.com/rukunetsu/pure-white-field-sfex2 You May Also Like… 118 - "Living Full Out" with Nancy Solari (@NancySolari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/118-living-full-out-with-nancy-solari-nancysolari/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/ Ep. 460 – “Dangerous Hope” with Mandy Anderson (@mandybanderson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-460-dangerous-hope-with-mandy-anderson-mandybanderson/ Ep. 333 – “How to Grow Your Social Media Influence” with Catherine Saykaly-Stevens (@CatherineNetWeb): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-333-how-to-grow-your-social-media-influence-with-catherine-saykaly-stevens-catherinenetweb/ Ep. 463 – “Crushed” with Linda Bjork (@Linda_Bjork_1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-463-crushed-with-linda-bjork-linda_bjork_1/ Ep. 368 – “Unfailing Grace” with Julie Carrick (@julie84602521): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-368-unfailing-grace-with-julie-carrick-julie84602521/ Ep. 452 – “Writing a Penetrating Tell-All Memoir” with Karin Freeland (@KarinFreeland): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-452-writing-a-tell-all-penetrating-memoir-with-karin-freeland-karinfreeland/ Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/ Ep. 385 – “From Wheels to Heals” with Barby Ingle (@BarbyIngle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-385-from-wheels/ Ep. 379 – “It Is The Pursuit That Matters” with April Metzler (@AprilDMetzler): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-379-it-is-the-pursuit-that-matters-with-april-metzler-aprildmetzler/ Ep. 397 – “Make Your Own Break” with Jennifer Lieberman (@iamjenlieberman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-397-make-your-own-break/ #M2M Bonus – “An Alcoholic's Progress from Mayhem to Miracles” with Sharla Charpentier (@The_Llove_Llama) #M2M: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-an-alcoholics-progress-from-mayhem-to-miracles-with-sharla-charpentier-the_llove_llama-m2m/
Be compassionate to others and have a well of grace for ourselves. Today's featured bestselling author is Award-winning singer, songwriter, avid traveler, and mental health and disability advocate, Heather Hutchison. Heather and I talk about her book, “Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir”, dealing with blindness, and more!! Key Thing's You'll Learn: What 3 main lessons she learned from this pandemic. How to deal with negative self-talk. What helps Heather to stay creative. The difference between songwriting and book writing. Heather's Site: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Heather's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Hutchison/e/B09469F94J?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000 Heather's Music: https://shop.heather-hutchison.com/en/3-music The opening track is titled, "Pure White Field (SfEX2)" by Rukunetsu aka Project R. To listen and download the entire track, click the following link. https://soundcloud.com/rukunetsu/pure-white-field-sfex2 You May Also Like… 118 - "Living Full Out" with Nancy Solari (@NancySolari): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/118-living-full-out-with-nancy-solari-nancysolari/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/ Ep. 460 – “Dangerous Hope” with Mandy Anderson (@mandybanderson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-460-dangerous-hope-with-mandy-anderson-mandybanderson/ Ep. 333 – “How to Grow Your Social Media Influence” with Catherine Saykaly-Stevens (@CatherineNetWeb): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-333-how-to-grow-your-social-media-influence-with-catherine-saykaly-stevens-catherinenetweb/ Ep. 463 – “Crushed” with Linda Bjork (@Linda_Bjork_1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-463-crushed-with-linda-bjork-linda_bjork_1/ Ep. 368 – “Unfailing Grace” with Julie Carrick (@julie84602521): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-368-unfailing-grace-with-julie-carrick-julie84602521/ Ep. 452 – “Writing a Penetrating Tell-All Memoir” with Karin Freeland (@KarinFreeland): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-452-writing-a-tell-all-penetrating-memoir-with-karin-freeland-karinfreeland/ Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/ Ep. 385 – “From Wheels to Heals” with Barby Ingle (@BarbyIngle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-385-from-wheels/ Ep. 379 – “It Is The Pursuit That Matters” with April Metzler (@AprilDMetzler): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-379-it-is-the-pursuit-that-matters-with-april-metzler-aprildmetzler/ Ep. 397 – “Make Your Own Break” with Jennifer Lieberman (@iamjenlieberman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-397-make-your-own-break/ #M2M Bonus – “An Alcoholic's Progress from Mayhem to Miracles” with Sharla Charpentier (@The_Llove_Llama) #M2M: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-an-alcoholics-progress-from-mayhem-to-miracles-with-sharla-charpentier-the_llove_llama-m2m/
LTE takes a trip north of the border as we talk with singer-songwriter and author Heather Hutchison. We talk about her new EP, how she got into music and mental health . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveller, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. Links: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ (https://www.heather-hutchison.com) https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusic (https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusic) https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic (https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic) https://www.youtube.com/hhutchisonmusic (https://www.youtube.com/hhutchisonmusic)
Listen to Heather describe her experiences of using music as safety from the negative reactions to her blindness, her lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression which culminated in inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, and her transformation into a light for others. Holding On by Letting Go, by Heather Hutchison "Where the Ocean Meets the Sand" - CD by Heather Hutchison
We've been back, doing Outlook in studio for the fourth quarter of the year, with our final official live episode rounding out these twelve months, second year with COVID-19 in our lives. This one was a musical themed episode to finish off 2021 in style and in creative expression, after recently Brian having Kerry on his music show Chin Music, from music to advocacy with songs from Ski Patrol and recent guest Heather Hutchison. We review some of what Outlook got up to in 2021, (year of the vaccine rollout) including the first attempt at live music to begin the year, last January, with Sky Mundell playing his soothing piano sounds to help us celebrate 100 episodes of this show which we officially marked back in March with our 100 Episode Spectacular and marking the podcast that preceded this one, Ketchup On Pancakes which turned five back during the summer. We had family time with our older siblings, on Family Day, going on to celebrate all April long with other blind sibling pairs like us, the month of National Siblings Day. And we were the hosts of the first all virtual national Canadian Federation of the Blind Convention, an event months in the prepping and then we gathered all the highlights into a two part convention special. This year was the year of There Plant Eyes on Outlook, a book released on June 1 and led to Kerry doing an interview with the author, M. Leona Godin, which was published in print on The Rumpus literary journal back from August. (Find multiple episodes of Outlook involving There Plant Eyes discussions.) This year we spoke about deaf-blindness, about Indigenous disability issues with the CEO of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network On Disability Society (BCANDS), and we spoke with friends, both new and old, to share their outlooks too. What a year, from book reviews to the special accessible Christmas card Kerry received from her yoga teacher to cap it all off. Outlook in 2021 meant exploring tough topics, strongly needing attention, such as the CNIB's 100 year monopoly here in Canada, sexual and emotional abuse and misconduct in blindness orgs and at related events and training centres, and mental health and suicide. (More hard but necessary subject explorations to come next year.) With 45 new episodes this year and 39 guest interviews, we finish 2021 on episode 140 as we produce our wrap up show before a much needed break and we're tying up loose ends, with a great big Christmas beau. Outlook wishing for loads of peace and joy for our listeners, over the holidays and into the new year. See you again, for all new shows, in 2022. Music played in this episode includes “Reason To Stay” by Heather Hutchison who you can listen to and support here: https://heatherhutchison.bandcamp.com “Lighting Up A Dark Season” by Ski Patrol available here: http://soundcloud.com/skipatrolmusic/ski-patrol-lighting-up-a-dark-season And listen to Kerry's recent appearance on Brian's show Chin Music: https://www.mixcloud.com/chrwchinmusic/chin-music-2021-12-17-guest-request-sets-kerry-kijewski/
Stephanie talks to the inspirational Heather Hutchison! This conversation will move and inspire you. Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date.Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. Heather is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs and renowned podcasts across the globe to share her message of hope to those who are struggling. In her advocacy work, she has appeared alongside numerous high-profile psychologists, clinical counsellors and other mental health professionals.An avid traveller, she has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. Heather lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. When she isn't writing, playing music or traveling, she can usually be found at the beach, or curled up with a good book and a chai latte.America's National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255Canada's National Suicide Hotline: 1-833-456-4566https://www.heather-hutchison.com/https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusichttps://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic/https://twitter.com/hlhutchisonhttps://www.youtube.com/user/HHutchisonMusicEveryone has resilience, but what does that mean and how to we use it in life and leadership? Join Stephanie Olson, expert in resiliency and trauma, every week as she talks to other experts living lives of resilience. Stephanie also shares her own stories of addictions, disordered eating, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, and trauma; and shares the everyday struggles and joys of everyday life. As a wife, mom, and CEO she gives commentaries, and, sometimes a few rants, to shed light on what makes a person resilient. So, if you have experienced adversity in life in any way, and you want to learn how to better lead your family, your workplace, and, well, your life, this podcast is for you! https://www.stephanieolson.com/
Today we're going to be talking about real world strategies for coping with mental illness and disability. I'm delighted to welcome special guest Heather Hutchison. Heather is an award-winning singer and songwriter from Vancouver Island, Canada. She is also a mental health and disability advocate, the author of “Holding On by Letting Go,” and she has been blind since birth. You can learn more about Heather, her book, and her music at her website Heather-Hutchison.com.Some of the topics Heather talks about:What are some common misconceptions about blindness?How is it different in different countries?What are the challenges of being blind? What are the positives?What was it like being hospitalized for psychiatric care during the Covid-19 pandemic?What are some real world strategies for coping with mental illness and/or disability?What techniques have worked best for you to help manage depression and anxiety?What words would you share with someone who is struggling with their mental health, or feeling hopeless? And more. Please share, subscribe, visit the Linda's Corner website at lindascornerpodcast.com and follow on youtube, facebook, instagram, and pinterest @lindascornerpodcast.
On this episode of Students of Mind Jayde is joined by mother, mental health advocate, and writer Heather Hutchison. Heather shares her experience with navigating the mental health care system in America with her son, starting from a very young age. Jayde and Heather talk about the dynamics of caregiving, the ways the mental healthcare system in America falls short, and more!Get your free 7 day trial with Squadcast HereGet online counseling with Better Help: www.betterhelp.com/studentsofmindConnect with Our GuestsFollow Heather:IG -@hhutchgirlTik Tok - heatherhutchison4Connect with Students of Mindwww.studentsofmind.comIG: @studentsofmindFB: www.facebook.com/StudentsofMindPodcast/Host IG: @jaydembarberJohn Tyler (music): @johntylersounds
Incredible interview with musician Heather Hutchison! Being born blind was not an obstacle for Heather when coming to music. She has recorded four albums, won awards and keeps making music a priority as it has helped her heal through depression. "The unknown, creates unnecessary fears,"- Heather Hutchison.
INTRODUCTION:Heather Hutchison is the Amazon best-selling author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. Heather is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs and renowned podcasts across the globe to share her message of hope to those who are struggling. In her advocacy work, she has appeared alongside numerous high-profile psychologists, clinical counsellors and other mental health professionals.An avid traveler, she has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. Heather lives on the west coast of Canada with her partner Jordan and their cat Maya. When she isn't writing, playing music or traveling, she can usually be found at the beach, or curled up with a good book and a chai latte. INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE (But not limited to):· Living Life With Blindness and Mental Health Struggles· Misconceptions About Blind People· How People Can Teach Us To Dislike Ourselves· Wrestling With Suicidal Thinking · Life Inside Of Psychiatric Wards· A Lesson On Spiritual Understanding· The Healing Found In Music & Writing · Why Blood Is NOT Thicker Than Water· Getting Over Addiction To Family CONNECT WITH HEATHER: Website, Books & Music: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HHutchisonMusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic/Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlhutchison DE'VANNON'S RECOMMENDATIONS:· Pray Away Documentary (NETFLIX)o https://www.netflix.com/title/81040370o TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk_CqGVfxEso TRANSCRIPT:[00:00:00]You're listening to the sex drugs and Jesus podcast, where we discuss whatever the fuck we want to. And yes, we can put sex and drugs and Jesus all in the same bed and still be all right. At the end of the day, my name is De'Vannon and I'll be interviewing guests from every corner of this world. As we dig into topics that are too risqué for the morning show, as we strive to help you understand what's really going on in your.There is nothing off the table and we've got a lot to talk about. So let's dive right into this episode.De'Vannon: Hello hello. Hello, everyone. And happy friends giving. Thank you so much for joining us today on the sex drugs and Jesus podcast. Today, I am super excited to be talking to Heather Hutchison, who is a bestselling author, and also she has cut three albums and she's also a legally blind. She is the first illegally blind person.Had on my show and I'm excited to talk about how she [00:01:00] lives her life to the fullest and is not letting anything hold her back. In this episode, we talk about what it's like living with blindness and mental health struggles. We talk about some misconceptions about blind people, what it's like to be inside of a psych ward.And, um, we get into the healing found in music and. We talk a lot about why, why it might be a good idea for people to get over this addiction to family. And a lot of people seem to have so help you enjoy the episode. And I hope you enjoy the time with your true family on today's. Heather, thank you so very much for stepping onto the sex drugs and Jesus podcast today, it is such a blessing and such a wonder to have you today. Heather: Thank you so much for having me. De'Vannon: Oh, of course. My dear sweets, of course. So we [00:02:00] are going to be talking a lot today about your beautiful book that you wrote.It's a memoir it's called a holding on by letting go. When I, when I hear that title, it reminds me of how in the star wars theories Yoda was telling aniguns ignorant, stupid fucking ass to He said, you have to, you, you must learn to let go of that, which you fear to lose. And he, and he was cause he was heart aching over, over pad may and everything like that, fucked up the whole galaxy for 20 years Heather: Yeah. That's all right. I thought about that before now. Every time I think of that title, I'm going to think of star wars. De'Vannon: totally, Yoda right there. And I know usually I would start my show and you know, getting my guests to give us a little blurb about who they are and background and stuff like that. But this time I'm going to do it differently because I really, really love the [00:03:00] way the prologue for your book was written.And so I'm going to read your prologue because I thought, I think it was, I I've just never heard of book B, so it's, it's a short prologue, but I felt like the content was. and fresh. And I, and I just really think it sums up a lot of the matter. So I'm going to read your background for you through this prologue.Let we take a moment. So her book opens like this y'all it says, I don't know. When I first realized my life was optional, something I could hold in my own two hands and take away. When I saw fit, as I lie awake in a dark and hospital room, I scan back through the years, searching for answers and reasons. I may never fully understand.Maybe it was exposure to mental illness and suicide at an early age. Maybe it was when the problems at home started or an inability, both to learn and innate to [00:04:00] cope with stressful situations. Maybe it was because the school bullies told me I should kill myself. Or perhaps it was growing up faced with frequent discrimination caused by being born blind.Realistically, it was probably a perfect storm of circumstances that came together with disasters, timing to lead me to this hospital bed. And so I'm going to give you the Nancy Pelosi clapon that line. And with that, I will hush and let, let you tell us anything you would like to personally about yourself,Heather: Yeah. So as you said in the prologue kind of does sum it up. So I'm also a singer song writer. I have three albums out so far and I just released this new memoir. De'Vannon: I think memoirs are fucking awesome. I have mine coming out whenever we finally get it done. No those bitches [00:05:00] that they long time to write Heather: Right. And the writing's like the first dress, the easy part. And then you got to go back through and De'Vannon: If it's been about, it'll be a year about a two year process before it's all said and done with mine. a friend of mine, a good friend of mine, Theresa Hissong, an author, and she's written countless books. She told me when the process started, she was like these much easier to write fiction than, than a memoir.So he was like, this is going to take a while. And she was telling the whole truth. So I commend you on getting yours done and out there for the world to see. Now you have a lot of unique things. You know, you, you were a woman who was living. You know, disabilities, you know, as well as mental health struggles.So I appreciate your candidness, your willingness to, to tell the truth, but you know, so many people want to act like they got it together. They want to act like they don't have problems. They want to kind of skirt the issue. [00:06:00] Or if they do say they're struggling with something, they're very timid about it, they don't really get into the gory details, but you know, the healing comes when we're transparent just by somebody hearing that somebody is going through the same thing that they're going through can encourage somebody to take another step rather than stopping and giving up right where they're at.Heather: I totally agree. De'Vannon: Even without giving advice, just, just by saying, yes, I have this same problem that you do is enough for somebody to catch a second wind. And so go ahead.Heather: no, it's so true. Like, and I think that's why I wanted to write this book because I feel like there's not a lot of info out there really like people, they more want to talk about their recovery, which is great. That should be the end goal. But I remember like when I was going through it, I would read, you know, these posts from influencers or whatever, talking about How they had a really tough [00:07:00] time, but they're better now.And it's like, well, what did, what did that journey even look like? Nobody really wants to talk about the journey.De'Vannon: How do we, how did we get there? And so I want to talk about a story, the opening story in your book, which I found to be incredibly captivating and it's PivotTable and it represents so much of us a thing from this story was about how people around us teach us to judge. You were talking about how you were, I believe on a family vacation.You didn't, you really, hadn't not at this point, looked at yourself like somebody who had a problem, you met a kid on a playground, you were just the best of friends you're running around and everything. And and then he, and then he asked you I'll make maybe like why you weren't looking at something and then it kind of goes from there.Do you want to tell us this story and what you, your experience there?Heather: Yeah. So like you said before, then I never really considered that society viewed [00:08:00]me as different because you know, you're, you're kind of, sort of absorbed as a kid and you're in your own little world and, you know, I would hang out with my brother and cousins and everything and just do whatever they didn't.Nobody really said I couldn't. So then. This family vacation. I was on the playground. Like you said, with this kid who asked me why I never looked at anything. And I told him super matter of faculty I'm blind. Like, cause it never really crossed my mind at that point that it was anything more than like, oh, I have brown hair and blue eyes.And his reaction was so immediate and so stunning. So he actually turned around, I was standing at the top of the side, he turned around and he pushed me backwards. So I fell and he yelled something over his shoulder about me being blind and then got on his bike and left. And we had been hanging out like great friends before that.So it was just this like sudden shift. And I remember laying there kind of going, [00:09:00] wow, like I am different and this is forever. It will never go away. De'Vannon: Well, fuck him.Heather: Yeah. And she's out there and I'm fucking. De'Vannon: You know who you are, you know what you did,Heather: He probably doesn't remember. He is probably an asshole to everyone, but he got it from somewhere De'Vannon: right? So he, you know, and there's something in us that can really recoil at things that are different, you know, people that are different, we don't understand, you know, but when that happens, we have a choice, you know, when that, you know, we don't have to cater to every emotion that rises up in us. So in that moment, whatever made him uncomfortable about you, you know, he could have in, anybody can do this, that he could have said, okay, wow, this makes me feel uncomfortable.Gee, I wonder why, you know, and then he could have maybe asked you, what is that [00:10:00]experience? Like, what can I do to help you today? Is there anything you need? opposed to pushing you as they're screaming, insults and running away, Heather: Yeah. Yeah. De'Vannon: he got, he sounds like a Republican.Heather: Yeah. That's a good point. It'd be interesting to know his political views this point. De'Vannon: Yeah. You probably hanging out with someone who's a Republican Senator now. But you know, that, that's what happens, you know, like in the, in the, you know, the gay community and stuff too, people are different, you know? So then we get rejected. Not because we've done anything, but just because people have an emotion that arises within them and they don't know what to do with it or how to process it.So then it comes out as well. Then we just want to get away from you. Heather: yes, absolutely. De'Vannon: And so. There's not much we can do about people like that. And I feel like that your [00:11:00] audience is similar to mine. It's like, you know, who is out there? Can we help? Who has been hurt as opposed to going after the, you know, like the asshole kid or the asshole Republican, you know, we, you know, we can't, we can't really touch them too much,Heather: Yeah, you're not going to change their mind if they don't want to learn, they don't want to learn. De'Vannon: but I think it's beautiful to be different though, Heather, you know what the fuck is normal any damn way. Heather: True. De'Vannon: So, but explained to me like, so in case somebody out there is wondering, okay, so if you're blind, how are you able to run around and, you know, do stuff, you know, all day with him on the playground.Anyway, if you can't see. So is it like a partial blindness? Like explain to me how you're able to.Heather: Yeah. So it is partial. A lot of people don't realize that blindness is kind of on a spectrum. They think all or nothing, but so I can see [00:12:00] better in low light, like in, at dusk, kind of. And I can see sharp, like stark contrast between light and dark, things like that. I might be able to see that a person's standing there, but I would never be able to recognize them.But I think when you're a kid you're so resilient that it doesn't even really matter. If you can't see anything, you just kind of run and fall and whatever happens happens. So you don't really think about it a ton. I think when you're really little De'Vannon: Right. And that's what, and I'm glad you explained that because you know, blindness is on a spectrum, you know, I think about what is it, is it, is it lady, lady Gaga, his grandmother? I think it was, I may have read a story. Like she has a sort of blind that's like that and And so a lot of the scaffold clad outfits, lady Gaga has, you know, I think caters, you know, from the story that I read or heard [00:13:00] somehow like her, her grandmother can see like the heat signatures and maybe like that, the skin.Heather: Crazy. De'Vannon: And so like, so by her wearing less, our grandmother can actually see her more.Heather: I don't know how some, some people's grandmothers would feel about that, but I guess it's a good excuse to not wear very much clothes. De'Vannon: the grandmothers would totally understand. It's funny, the grandparents, at least, you know, from my experience, the ones that are more open-minded than the actual parents are.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. They can be. That's true. De'Vannon: Because it was my grandmother. When I was young, I would put on my love talking about like three, four or five years old. I would put on my mother's heels or little pumps, a little, two inch ones, whenever my parents were gone. And I would put on like an oversized shirt, which is pretty much what I wore. And I put on one of her belts and tied around my stomach and make me a dress Heather: Yeah. De'Vannon: I put on her shoes.And I would run around the house, the little shack we lived in, you know, you can't even call that a house. And I would just [00:14:00] like be a girl and my mother shoes and my grandmother would keep a lookout at the door in case my parents were coming back and give me the signal.Heather: That's awesome. Grandparents. They just want to heck whatever makes you happy. De'Vannon: Yeah. They've lived long enough they're over this shit. It's like, Heather: Yeah, it's true. De'Vannon: Okay. So, so then let's, let's talk about like, so you mentioned. being admitted for psychiatric treatment. What, what exactly are your mental health diagnoses?Heather: So I struggle with major depression, anxiety and OCD. De'Vannon: Okay. Wow. Okay. Major depression, anxiety. Yeah, I've had, I've had all three of those too. And Hmm. So much to work with there. How do you well, tell him, tell him, tell him, tell me what was it like for you being in the mental hospital and what led you there?Heather: Well, [00:15:00] it's, it's hard to put into words really, as I'm sure people can relate to who have been there and everybody always asks you, is it like in the movies? And I mean, yes and no, there is a lot of drama that goes on, but it's not like constant, there are moments of, of calm, but I mean, you, your freedom is taken away, you know?Get to make any decisions really for yourself. You have somebody always watching you, especially for the first few days, if you come in on suicide watch. And so I ended up there because in November of 2000, it's kind of a long story, but in November of 2018, I entered into a major depressive episode that just went on and on and on for months, it didn't end. My hair was falling out. I wasn't eating, I wasn't sleeping. And I arranged an emergency meeting with my doctor in June because it [00:16:00] just was getting to the point of no return. And I was actually able to stay out of the hospital that time. They just played with my medications. Got me more. Outpatient mental health supports, but then when the pandemic hit, it was like, you know, nobody was seeing people in person anymore.My doctors and therapists weren't even seeing people on video call. It was just like regular phone calls. So they never really saw how I was deteriorating and they never you know, it was harder to reach them. So there was a lot less support. And I think I just, wasn't far enough into recovery that I could manage that on my own.So I started to think with the uncertainty of everything and my Dick and troll everything that I couldn't, that the one thing that was left that I could control was how and when I would die. But before I did [00:17:00] that, I decided. You know, as a promise to unspoken promise to my loved ones, I was going to go to the hospital.And if I wasn't admitted or if I didn't feel better, when I got out, I would kill myself and I didn't really expect or want to get better, even it was more going for absolution, I guess. So that when I was gone, my family and friends would kind of think, well, she tried, but, so I figured if I did get held at all, I didn't think I would, but I figured if I did, it would be, you know, at the most the 24 or 48 hour psych holds you usually hear about.But no, it didn't quite work out that way De'Vannon: How long were you in for?Heather: nine days. De'Vannon: Yeah. That can be a lifetime. Cause you you've never been to jail or anything like that before Heather: No, no. So nine days, yeah, it feels like a long time. De'Vannon: yeah. That, that, [00:18:00] yeah. It's like, so y'all what she's saying. Can't be, they can't be overstated when your freedoms are taken from you. I, I think I was in the mental hospital for 12 or 14 days and it's it's Just imagine you're not able to come and go as you, please, if you want to go get a Sprite or a glass of wine, the answer is no, you know, you can't walk down the street, Heather: In the psych ward. De'Vannon: right?Like you, you, and then you know, you around people who are far more crazy than you are know a lot of times. And so, you know, so you're like, damn, I know I got some problems, but that motherfuck over there really fucked up.Heather: Yeah. And it's all out there. They're a lifer. They're not getting out of here. I hope. De'Vannon: I remember they had all the, it was this big, huge plastic, like Mario brothers Lego land furniture, bolted to the ground. Heather: Yeah, [00:19:00]De'Vannon: nothing's movable. Heather: no. De'Vannon: There's one guy there that the tiles that like colored little checkers in it and he was trying to move the COVID checkers. Like, yeah, I think he was seeing in 3d everything really in like Wendy and the standing on the couch, talking to people who weren't there, you know, you had the guy of course shitting on the floor.I think you have those in like every , psych ward.Heather: I think so. Yeah. And then sometimes they play with it. Anyways, just taking that too far. De'Vannon: You can never go too far. When I was in jail one time, this one girl was telling us that she was definitely a medical case. I think someone had come to see her or something. And then she decided this shit into a water bottle. Cause she didn't like this person and throw it either on him or in his direction.And then, then she coined the term, the itty bitty shitty committee.Heather: Oh, gee, [00:20:00] why is it always shit? I don't get it, De'Vannon: Hey, it's organic,Heather: I guess. Yeah. It's all you got, I suppose when they take everything else away. De'Vannon: No sharp pencils. No nothing. So no pointy objects. Heather: no No, cell phone chargers, no shoes. De'Vannon: No shoelaces Heather: No. De'Vannon: nothing like that. So you, so we mentioned that the like blind is being on a, in a way, first of all, I'm very glad that you're still alive and that she was still with us. I'm glad that your, your absolution plan was interrupted that way. And also even more to the point, glad that you understand that, you know, your deliverances and your struggles are not something that had to be kept secret.I'm glad you get that. You made it out so you can help others make it out.Heather: yeah, totally. And that's part of the reason I made it out.I think De'Vannon: I think so too with me as well, my sister. So what are some of the other common myths misconceptions about [00:21:00] blindness you've explained to us that it's actually on us, a gradient, like on a scale on a spectrum, you said, is there anything else that are some misconceptions about blindness.Heather: Are there a ton. But we have super crazy senses. I think like when the movie Daredevil came out of that kind of ruined my life. Cause everyone's like, oh, do you see butter in the rain or whatever? I can't even remember it. Cause I don't actually even think I saw the movie, but I think it was something like that. So senses, no, we don't have these like crazy, super human senses. They're not really any better than yours. They're just way more developed. We learn to use them more effectively, but they're not like super human I wish. Cause that'd be cool.De'Vannon: So you can't hear a pin drop in the water, like a mile away.Heather: No, probably not. I can smell a Starbucks from a few blocks away.though. De'Vannon: Okay. So then, so like all the senses are heightened [00:22:00] relative to somebody who would have them all, but in different blind people. So like somebody might have stronger smelling, you might have stronger here and somebody else might have stronger, you know, touch. So even amongst the line, people there's, you know, one might develop even more, you know, in somebody. Heather: Yeah, I think so. And it's just, it's just practice. That's all it is. We're not like born with something different than everybody else says. De'Vannon: Yeah. All right. So with that, any other misconceptions?Heather: Gosh, how can you pick just one that we don't dream. De'Vannon: are, you can talk about as many as you would like my dear. You said you don't dream.Heather: Yeah. That's I don't know a lot of people think that, but yeah, we do. And people always ask, do you see in your dreams? No, but it's kind of weird because in my dreams I'm like, never, like I can be in these unfamiliar environments, but there'll be like totally familiar to me, like my own house. So I never use like a cane or a [00:23:00] dog or anything in, in my dreams, even if I'm in like a place.I don't know. So that's kind of weird.De'Vannon: So you're saying you do. Heather: Oh yeah, totally. Yeah. De'Vannon: do during the misconception that some people think blind people don't dream. Heather: Yeah, De'Vannon: Okay. So I guess, I guess some people think since you can't see anything, you wouldn't have anything from which to form a dream. But what you're saying is that even though you don't see like other people do or in some blonde people, can't see it all you dream you're dreaming and perfect clarity.Heather: yeah. Not so much visually. It's so hard to explain, just, you know, I don't need there's none of those barriers. So I don't need, maybe it's just lack of like total inhibition. I don't know. But there's none of that, like, oh my God, I need, I need my cane right now. Cause I'm gonna like fall over or some shit or something like that.I just know in my dreams, it's really weird. De'Vannon: All right. [00:24:00] Cool. So. Until we say. So we've talked about getting, you know, checked into the mental hospital and everything. The plan to do the suicide, which didn't happen. Can you tell me though, when you first have it started having struggles with depression and anxiety, what was going on in your life to, to, to bring you down to that?Heather: Yeah. It started super early for me. I would say by seven, the anxiety was pretty well developed. There were some family struggles. My dad had cancer and then he actually left. And so there were things like that going on as well. I was starting to really realize that?people were not, not all people, but that there were some people that were uncomfortable around me.My classmates were kind of starting to realize it as well at that age. So I would get sick a lot at school and have to be sent home. [00:25:00] I would have panic attacks, but I didn't know what they were obviously at the time. And the depression, I think kind of started in my early teens as a reaction to that anxiety because who wants to feel like that all the time.So you're kind of looking for a way out of it. De'Vannon: Yeah, I mean, Growing up, you know, with all the hormonal changes and things like that that are going to naturally happen. And then I have, you know, you know, blindness thrown in on top of that, and then, you know, a parent to abandoned you, you know, as well, you know, do you feel like all of these struggles have made you stronger though?Heather: I think so. Yeah, because I mean, I'm pretty grateful for where I am today and, you know, he kinda think about it like a, choose your own ending book and like, wow, if I'd turn that page, what would have [00:26:00] happened differently? Where would I have been? And I think that to lead me to this point, when, you know, I've gotten to do quite a few things that I wanted to do, you know, I released three albums.I wrote this book and things like that. You know, I needed material to write a vote for those albums and for the book and things like that. So I think, yeah, I think all of that was kind of leading to, to this moment and to get to do those kinds of things. De'Vannon: Oh, absolutely. And the beautiful thing Heather about it, you know, now that you have the book written in the music, you know, those things will outlive you. So it's a, it's a great testimony. So people, as long as this earth remains, you know, your voice will be a contributing factor to people's healing and deliverance.And so it's, it's a gift that keeps on giving, Heather: yeah, I hope so. De'Vannon: And so, but when [00:27:00] did you first know that you wanted to, to write a book though? Like when did it hit you? Like, you know what, it's time to put this pin in the paper for this.Heather: So people were telling me for years, like, oh, you should write a book. And I'm like, what the hell would I write a book about? Like, I didn't really feel like I had anything to say. And then a couple months before I went into the hospital, I was talking to my therapist and I was like, you know, I could write a book about all this stupid shit people Do and say, because I'm blind and he, he kind of looked at me and went, well, maybe you should.And I kind of dismissed it. And then I was in the hospital actually, and I was laying awake one night. I couldn't sleep. And somebody was brought in by air, ambulance in critical condition. And so I'm laying there listening to all this stuff going on, you know, there was the code blue called and everything like that and kind of going like.Those peoples that, that person's family must be [00:28:00] having one of the scariest nights of their lives. And then I thought, well, how come I can feel so much compassion for their loved ones? And like, I know that the choice that I want to make will devastate my own and you know, this person in the bed would, they want to trade places with me if they could, because I have a choice and they're fighting to live right now and I'm fighting to die.And it just kind of was like at this cross rate roads of like I knew in that moment that I had to make a decision, I was either going to live or die. And if I was going to live, I had to make this pain mean something. I had to turn that pain into purpose to try and help other people, because I think the most painful thing of what I went through, honestly, I was thinking about somebody else having to go through that as well.So, you know, if I could reach even one person and, you know, take away a little bit of [00:29:00] that pain for them, then, you know, living was worth it. So that's when I started actually trying, you know, working with the doctors and therapists actually being an active part of my treatment plan and things like that.So I could get well enough to leave the hospital and tell my story in this bookDe'Vannon: Do you feel like maybe that individual had whatever happened to them and it was airlifted and all that code blue happened, you know, in part to get your.Heather: kind of. Yeah. Like, I don't know. I, you know, some people might say, oh, that's crazy or whatever, but I think, I think things. Do sometimes happen for a reason. I hate when people say that when there's like some awful tragedy and somebody dies or something and oh, everything happens for a reason. But I think some things are, I think some people get put in our paths right when we need them.And I think this person did for me. [00:30:00] And fortunately I was at a moment where I was ready to receive that because I think if somebody else had told me about that, or if I had read that in the news or something, you know, it wouldn't have affected me So, much as actually being there. So yeah, I do think that fortunately, that person was there and I was fortunately in a place that I was ready to receive that, that lesson or that message.De'Vannon: So, what we're talking about here is a, is like having spiritual understanding. So to what we're talking about is like the one person might look at what happened and say, okay, well, people are gonna drop into emergency rooms all the time. You know, you're in a hospital anyway, how could that be assigned to you personally, but for people who have spiritual understanding and who can listen to the signs and who have their hearts open to receive such things, you know, that I [00:31:00] can look at this and go, okay.I don't believe that that was accidental, that you were in the hospital that night. When somebody in a circumstance with your state of mind came in, puts you on a different trajectory. Heather: Yeah, absolutely. De'Vannon: So somebody, you know, what spiritual understanding is going to look at that and go, okay, God made that happen. Or, you know, some spiritual force that they, they don't want to believe in God or whatever, you know, the notes say, you know, this is a spiritual thing.You know, it happened this way for a reason, this was not an accident. Look, she's had three albums and a book now, you know, this was a pivotal moment for her. And, you know, in the, and they're in, is a different. So so I encourage people to check this, you know, their level of spiritual understanding and perhaps consider looking at things from different perspectives and finding, you know, connections there and see what's speaking to you when you have unusual things happen to you. So talk to me about what it's like [00:32:00] being blind and living in different countries, because in what all countries have you lived in.Heather: I've lived in Peru and I spent a lot of time in.Mexico. I feel like I've practically lived there because I like I'll spend three weeks here a month here, that sort of thing. But I actually lived in Peru for an extended period of time. De'Vannon: So do people treat blind people differently? They have is you have a different experience where they nicer, where they meaner, what I mean, you kept going back. So I guess it was good.Heather: Yeah, probably wouldn't go back if they were meaner. I'm going to make some huge generalizations here and there only generalizations, but I think like I'm in Canada and I think the U S is pretty similar in that people tend to have one of two responses when they meet me either they try to completely avoid the topic of me being blind.And it actually gets to the point where it's [00:33:00] like uncomfortable, because you can tell that they want to ask and they want to know more, but they won't, or they try to pretend they're totally cool with it by cracking jokes and things like that. And I like a good blind joke as much as the next person, but I've heard them all a thousand times.People are not actually that original, but in contrast people in Latin America, they tend to observe far more. So Yeah, in general, they can be more intuitive, I guess, and kind of Intuit what I might need and how I might need help or not need help without making like a big awkward deal about it. They're just way more like casual about the whole thing and way more casual about differences.I think in general, they, they kind of are more accepting of adversity and willing to meet people where they're at.De'Vannon: So basically they just have a natural flow about it. [00:34:00] Do they teach you.Heather: yeah, exactly. De'Vannon: Unless this is something since situation might warrant some sort of change. But other than that, they just there's just cause they're just cool about it.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. It's not even something they really think about. De'Vannon: So I wonder what that speaks to the internal nature, you know, cause you know, we can't give away what we don't have. So in order for them to be that cool and that chill with you, that lets me know that they're, that they're strong and well composed on the inside, you know, for them fucking Americans and.Heather: and Canadians. De'Vannon: Well, I'll let you say that. I haven't been, I haven't been off of a plane in Canada. I've been through, through there on planes before. So you could say fucking Canadian and my gosh now I'm getting, I'm getting South Park flashbacks. Sheila Broflovshi south park, the movie, she hated the Canadians.They had the whole blame, [00:35:00] Canada, blame Canada, things like everything's gone wrong since Canada came along.So that whatever that speaks to the, like the internal state of being with Americans, you know, in Canadians, you know, sometimes it seems like some of the richest countries, which, you know, America is just like, like the most fucked up character.Heather: Yeah, it's true. I mean, I love Americans, but yeah, it's a little, a little messed up. De'Vannon: Oh honey, this, this country has a long way to go in terms of actually showing love to a diversity of people.Heather: Yeah. And so it is Canada. De'Vannon: You know, the love of country, the big, big thing with people, especially Latin Americans, Heather: [00:36:00] Yeah, De'Vannon: love of country, and futballHeather: yeah, yeah. And food, De'Vannon: of,Heather: they take food pretty seriously. De'Vannon: I take food pretty seriously.Heather: I do too, but I don't know, like compared to like Mexico or the rest of Latin America, like we got nothing. Like what food do we really have? That's like ours, like hamburgers or grilled cheese. I don't know. De'Vannon: American. Yeah. Hot dogs, popcorn, baseball type shit.Heather: Yeah. Same here. De'Vannon: I don't know. I eat everything off the ocean myself. I love a lot of seafood.Heather: Oh, sushi. Do you like sushi? De'Vannon: Yes. I love everything. Japanese I'm studying Japanese. I that's that's that's the country. I would move to whenever I get ready to abandon this, this, this, this, this place here. And so what are some of the [00:37:00] positives of being blind? I don't think that when people look at blindness, they really think very much a good can come out of it.So what, what are some of the positivesHeather: I can put makeup on without a mirror. De'Vannon: you hear that? And drag Queens, no mirror needed.Heather: No, exactly. I think there's, there's lots of things. You get, I don't know, like you maybe learn to be not, not every blind person, but maybe we learned to be a little bit more empathetic. We had to ride the bus for free in, in most places. We, what else we get to skip in lines a lot, which like, I don't really know how I feel about that because on one hand we want to be treated just like everyone else.But on the other hand, we get special accommodations and I, I kind of [00:38:00] struggle with that one a little, but I guess that could be seen as, you know, one of the positives. De'Vannon: Yeah. Hey, you got to take what you can get in this life.Heather: It's true. It's true. Like, I don't ha I don't need a nexus card to cross the border, which is nice. Cause those things are expensive, but I get to go in the next, this line anyways. De'Vannon: You see them there, there, there could be somebody blind out there who didn't know about those Heather: yeah. Maybe or someone who's going to go on the internet right now and buy a white cane. No, don't do that.De'Vannon: And so his comment, his knowledge is, you know, not, it's not really, you know, that doesn't mean necessarily when knows it, you know, so little stuff like that. I didn't know, you know, that blind people get the ride, the bus for free and most places are about crossing the border hat. And I had no idea.And so when there could be a parent of a blind person out there trying to figure out, you know, what to do and how to do it, and that information that you gave them, [00:39:00] my just opened some new doors for them.Heather: Yeah. There certainly are little perks you learn about them. De'Vannon: Those things can go a long way, especially somebody who's struggling financially. I've been broken up before when I was homeless, I couldn't afford the 50 cents or a dollar 15 or whatever it was to catch the bus.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. That's true. De'Vannon: You know, it's a Heather: Other, there are definitely people who do fake it. De'Vannon: oh, you don't, you're not necessarily carrying some sort of credential, like a, I dunno if there's a way to prove it or anything.Heather: Supposedly there's a card. I have it mine's like five years expired. Nobody ever asked me for it. They see the cane and they're like, oh no, you're good. De'Vannon: And so you mentioned a white cane, is that, is that a color specific for people who are blind?Heather: Yeah, it's kind of the most recognized symbol, I guess the, the white cane [00:40:00] means blind person. You can, I think get different colors now, but it's just like super recognizable, you know, somebody sees a white cane and they're like, oh yeah, that person's blind?De'Vannon: Okay. That's another thing I didn't know. But I suppose I could, you know, maybe could have figured it out in the situation, you know? Cause when I hear white cane, I'm thinking like, you know, a pimp walking in the club and you know, with like a white fur coat and a whiteHeather: Very different interpretation. But yeah, I didn't see that. De'Vannon: perspective is everything.So how did, how do, how did, how has your music helped you with your, you know, desire depression and anxiety and everything like that over the years, talk about how your [00:41:00] music has been therapy for you and what techniques have worked for you the best to help you manage your mental health.Heather: So, I mean, I kind of grew up singing. I would take like this old heavy tape recorder around with me everywhere when I was like five and just like make up songs all the time. And it was always kind of helpful to like exist in my own little world, I guess when things got to be too much and kind of live in that fantasy world of writing songs and stories and things like that.And then as I got older into my teen years and I felt more isolated. I started writing, I guess, more serious songs. And it was just, it's very therapeutic, very comforting to sit down at the piano and really talk through, I guess, what I was feeling. And then when I was 15, I entered a talent competition and one of the judges for [00:42:00] the finals actually came up to me backstage and was like, Hey, I'm a producer.We should do some recording together. I didn't actually think it would ever happen. But three weeks later we were in the studio recording and the studio like that first day in the studio was like, my God, I finally found my place in this world. And so it was, it was a huge comfort to me as I was going through those tough years to get to be in the studio and be with, I think, musicians or another group, for whatever reason that are just like super cool with people who are different.So none of them really ever questioned me. You know, I was just this girl who played music and loved music. It wasn't, you know, the blind girl who plays music, it's just a person. So how was really comforting. And I don't, I don't know what I would have done, honestly, with that. Music and without kind of that intervention of that producer, because I was still really [00:43:00] struggling and that gave me purpose and something to live for and to fight for.So if I didn't have that, I don't know, honestly what would have happened. De'Vannon: Well, I'm glad you found it. Family. It sounds like amongst the music, the musical crowd,Heather: Yeah. Yeah. They really are. De'Vannon: and you see, this is something that I talk about often is how sometimes our natural blood family and the people who we are raised around, they don't always pan out to actually be the best family for us. Sometimes, sometimes blood is not really a sticky thick is water.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. I think that's very true. And it's cool with friends that you actually get to choose your family when you're, when you're super close with somebody and you can totally feel like their family, even if they aren't related. De'Vannon: I mean related family. I really want people to get out of this dependence [00:44:00] on related family because of how destructive family can be. You know, you, you, you, you sat there and you see people go through the greatest stress. They end up with strokes and in hospitals, because they're worrying about something about blood family.Say it to them, it's doing to them going to accept them, people in the LGBTQ plus community. You know, we go and kill ourselves because you know, our family has rejected us. know, know our blood family has rejected us, but people, you know, when one door closes, that just means you have an opportunity to go through another one, you know, so we can go and pick other family.And the, and the Hebrew Bible says it like this, that there's a friend that sticks closer than a brother and better a friend near than a brother far. So, you know, no matter how you believe, whether you believe in God or not, surely you can see the wisdom in what and what those texts they're saying. Heather: Yeah, totally. De'Vannon: reach out to who you [00:45:00] can, you know, for family, instead of trying to force your blood people to act ways that they don't want to act.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. I think that's so true because there so many people, you, you see who put up with such shit from their family members because they're family And you wouldn't put up with that from anybody else on the planet, but it's okay because their family, well, no, it's not.De'Vannon: And they'll even say those words, there'll be like, you know, we'll go through this and you know what, we'll put up with it. Why? Because we're family and I, and I, and I'm sitting there thinking that's exactly why you shouldn't because there's, that means they're taking it sounds all great. And rosy and sweet.Oh, it's family. And it's such a nice warm platitude and everything, but nobody should treat you bad and disrespect you. I don't give a fuck who they are.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. What is family really mean? Like why? I don't know. I've never understood that.De'Vannon: Mom, dad, sister, brother, family, is the people who [00:46:00] accept you unconditionally and show you love no matter what family, like when I got arrested, it was not my family who came and bonded me out. It was my bartender. I was a drug dealer as well. So we had a symbiotic relationship, but the point is, you know, the blood family was not there first, you know?And so Or, or the second time I got arrested, I, I don't know what was going on. I was so fucking high. And so, and so, but gosh, I've seen it. You know, friend of mine, they got, you know, she was getting married, you know, she's come from a strong Catholic or, you know, the, the Catholic cold as I call them background, you know, he's not Catholic.I don't think he really believes in anything. It was a whole thing. You know, the family was like, oh, I can't believe you're marrying someone. Who's not Catholic and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Not, you know, he treats you, well, he loves you. He respects you. And all of that, you know, let's focus on this one thing that we don't like about him because he's not like us or [00:47:00] how we think he should be in.Let us make that cause you stress. Heather: yeah. De'Vannon: That's the type of bullshit that blood family will try to impose upon you here. Meanwhile, if you're at your drag mother's house or at your gay family's house or musicians, they're going to be like, cool, welcome in the story.Heather: Yeah, exactly. And, if they're not, then, you know, you just stop hanging out with them because apparently there are no family, so you don't, you don't let other people treat you that way.De'Vannon: And, and so why would blood family feel like they could call somebody stress over that? Because they assume that that blood family person will always be there no matter what. Heather: Yeah. De'Vannon: And, you know, we don't go to work, acting a fool because we know that we don't always have to keep that job. We can dismiss that employer, or they could dismiss us in blood family.There's this, this is a lie that people believe like you always have to be their people. You have the [00:48:00] right to divorce your blood family. You can walk the fuck away from them. Or if you want to, you don't have to deal with them for the rest of your life.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. De'Vannon: Sometimes people need to just hear what we're saying, Heather, they go in and cuss their mom out one last time. But then don't talk to the bitch again. You know, if she's got you fucked up, not customer my dad out a couple of years ago, I was, I was across the street, you know, buying some crack rocks and whatever.And so he decided, you know, he was waiting in his, his front then his driver, when I got out to yell at me for buying the crack. And everything. Cause this drug dealer, he had a crush on me so I can get a lot of rocks for him, from him, you know, for like cheap. And so, yeah, I don't smoke crack anymore, but you know, I don't, you know, rest in peace, Whitney, I feel you girl, you know, I feel you girl.And so but you know, so I had [00:49:00] to cuss him out because you know, this is a man who's had, you know, not one but two affairs, you know, and a couple of other things and I'm like, oh, well, Hey, I'll tell the no, you're not about to judge me about my crack rocks when you can keep your Dick in your pants. Oh no,Heather: Yeah. One of these things is okay, but the other isn't De'Vannon: it's not going to happen like that, sir. No, from that day forth, he's treated me a lot better. We have a completely different relationships. If he got cussed out one good fucking time.Heather: really that's awesome. That is able to be that 180. Cause I think sometimes it's, it's not like family members just fall back into old patterns, so that's, you must have been very effective. De'Vannon: Oh, I'm sure that they heard me all up and down the street, a few blocks over because that was some pent up rage and aggression that I had been having at him for a long ass time. And it was my grandmother that told me about the first affair that he had when, when [00:50:00] my mom was pregnant with me, Heather: Ooh. De'Vannon: it's some, some men like to cheat on their wives when they're pregnant with their babies, for whatever fucking reason, it's a certain type of evil that I do.It's just lower than low because she's vulnerable in already in super emotional. And all of this is going on. And during this time, some men are more attracted to their women when they're pregnant. And then you've got scoundrels like how my dad was, who were like, Hey, you know, now I'm going to go skip across town while you're here with this child in your belly.And the other three that you already have.Heather: yeah. Yeah. Even though you know that you were a part of that you helped to create this, you should probably, you know, stick around at least still it's born. Hopefully afterwards, De'Vannon: You think so, but honey, whom the whom the son sets free is free. Indeed. Families are not meant to be [00:51:00] a burden yourself from anything that is causing you, stress that maybe you can't walk away immediately. Then you can establish a plan. Start to think about it. I started to pray about it, meditate about it.If you don't care to, to do something called prayer, then that's fine. You know, meditate about it or something and see what you can do to identify the causes of the stress and then get away from it.Heather: Yeah. Yeah. Which doesn't happen all at once. Often, you know, sometimes it's small steps of putting in little boundaries at first. De'Vannon: And a little bit goes a long way, you know? And then it grows from there. I mean, but have a, your story in and of itself has peer encouragement. Cause you know, some people think about blind people, they can't do anything you've traveled. You've written your You've written your three albums. You've written your memoir.You've lived in other countries, you know, and you're still promoting yourself and [00:52:00]everything like that. You know, even though you have blindness and also you have mental disability that you're, that you still struggle with every day and you're still doing the damn thing. And that's what I love about your story because you have all of this, but you're not letting that hinder you.So how do you, how do you tell yourself a mantra everyday to get up and to move forward? How do you keep from focusing on what the problems are and focusing on what you can.Heather: I think my mantra is turn pain into purpose. So do one day, one thing every day that makes this world better and it can be like the smallest thing, but one act is going to do so much for self-worth. And then when you have that self-worth you can do more. Cause I think as you, as you said, there is this another kind of misconception that a lot of people have that, you know, blind people leave this lead, this.[00:53:00]Boring depressing life. And it actually hindered me from reaching out for help for a long time, because I was worried that if I did people would just be like, oh, you're blind. Like, of course you're depressed, but there's so much more to it. But no, generally, like we lead very full lives. De'Vannon: Absolutely. And so in case there's somebody out there who is. Blind or even if they're not blind, but suffering from mental health issues or perhaps there's something, you know, that you said did they, that they can identify with, you were able to channel your pain into, into writing. So can you explain a little bit about what the process was like for writing a book and how it differs and what the process, how it differs from and what the process is for like writing songs?Maybe somebody might want to start with.Heather: Yeah.no, you totally should. Even if you don't share it with anyone, it can [00:54:00] be such an outlet. And then if you do feel like sharing it with people, it's so wonderful to get that response of, oh, me too. You know, I feel that way too. Or this happened to me and this song really helped me. Like, that's kind of what, what we live for as musicians and the songwriting process.I think for me writing the book was, was a little bit different because songwriting, I guess I tend to hide behind metaphors a little bit more, or you can say, oh, you know, like I'm talking about the song isn't necessarily about me or this part of the song isn't necessarily about me, but in a book it's all about you and you don't get to hide behind metaphors because then there's no point in writing it.If you're not going to be raw and honest, You know why I do it. So that was really challenging. There were a lot of like sleepless nights of, oh my God. Like, what is this person gonna think? Or what if this person. Thanks. I meant this thing a [00:55:00] different way, or, you know, like all of these, like how are people going to react?Because you're writing about people who are still alive as, as I'm sure you're going through right now, De'Vannon: Yeah. Heather: is challenging because you have to like, are you going to let them read it ahead of time? Are you going to allow them to influence what you write? You know, all these questions, you know, are you doing it for the right reasons?That was a big one for me. Cause I know some people who kind of doubted initially what I was doing were like, well, is this to get revenge? So I really had to think about that one. And I was like, no, like it, it definitely isn't because the people I'm talking about in this book who have done me wrong, I couldn't care less if they read it.So, no, it's not about revenge. It truly is about telling my story and hopefully helping other peopleDe'Vannon: And there's also. I it's been unexpectedly healing for me to both host this [00:56:00]podcast and talk about things and also to write, I knew it would be, but it's, it's been more profound than that. And and just like Heather was saying, sometimes you have to start small. So, so she's not saying sit down and bust out a whole memoir tonight or crank out three albums right now.So you may start with one line, just write how you feel that they may be in a journal. You know, it's just something healing and writing. It's a form of therapy. That's practiced in mental health circles, all around the world. W all kinds of writing and stuff like that. It's something about putting pen to paper.Are you going to click away on a keyboard somewhere or on an iPad or whatever it it's. It just, it does it just heals, man. I don't know why.Heather: I think it's easier to. Thoughts and feelings out on paper or virtual paper. It's so like, oh, that's how that happened. You know, you can see maybe a [00:57:00] bigger picture that you can't just see in your mind until it's actually out there on a piece of paper. De'Vannon: And then writing is also another form of expression in the sense that maybe there's something you would like to tell somebody and you can't invoke a lot. Like when I got HIV, I couldn't tell anybody. It was something about if I couldn't find the words, I don't know if I thought it would make it really real.I'm going to always, I think I already knew it was real. I don't think I mentally could have handled it. So I texted my friend and attorney and then I, I let my boss listen to the voicemail of the ratchet as a doctor who left my positive HIV diagnosis on my voicemail. I left, you know, the white while it's I'll let him hear it.I couldn't vocalize it. And so writing is a way to still communicate, you know, maybe you can find the words locally. There's another way for you.Heather: Yeah. Yeah, that's so true. And even [00:58:00] when I was doing the recording for the audio book And I had to read some of those passages out loud for the first time, it was like, I can't do this. This is so hard. It's way harder than writing it. So I totally get what you mean about how vocalizing can be so much more challenging than just writing it down.De'Vannon: And as far as the real life, people who are married mountain, my book, you know, they don't really have a choice in the matter, you know, I changed the names Heather: Yeah. Yeah. De'Vannon: of everybody. So if you sort of, they want to go and make a big deal about it and be like, yeah, I'm the asshole that he's talking about over there on page 42.Okay. Well, that's you, I, you know, I tried to change the name, but if you wanna, you wanna Heather: going to admit to that, right? Like, oh yeah, I screwed you over. Yeah. You're talking about me there. Aren't like, nobody's going to admit to that. Those kinds of the points I got to in my book was like, well, [00:59:00] these people aren't going to actually do anything because they'd have to admit having done something. De'Vannon: Right.And then and that require all kinds of corroboration to, it's just not worth it. It's just be glad that you've made it in somebody as final edit and beagle glad with that. And so,so, so just, I'll let you have the last word. I think we've talked about a good bit today. That will be super beneficial to people. Not just people who are blind, people who know people who are blind and people who are struggling with mental health issues and people who know people who are as well, hear this interview, share this interview.All of Heather's contact information and everything will be included in the show notes. As I always do with direct links to her website or music or books and everything like that. So you can find this woman and ask her whatever [01:00:00] the fuck you want toHeather: there you go. Yes. Do it. De'Vannon: say with Heather: away. De'Vannon: Heather, I'll give you the last word, reading, any kind of words of encouragement you have. So there's a glow, but anyone struggling with the things that you have or anything at all, whatever you'd like to say.Heather: Yeah, I'm not gonna, you know, offer you if you're struggling a whole bunch of bullshit about how tomorrow's another day and it gets better. And things like that, because I know when I was going through it, when people said that kind of stuff to me was the exact moment I stopped listening to them. But what I will tell you and what I can promise you is that there will come a day when you'll stop in a moment and you'll feel such profound joy in that time.And you'll be so you'll think to yourself, I would have missed this and you'll be so glad that you hung on for it. And I hope that you will hang on for that day. De'Vannon: Well eight men. That, that, that, that was that real shit. That wasn't that [01:01:00]bullshit. What'd you do that right there. Thank you so much for joining us today. Heather was, this was a, this was a very helpful episode. Heather: Thank you so much for having me.De'Vannon: Thank you all so much for taking time to listen to the sex drugs and Jesus podcast. It really means everything to me. Look, if you love the show, you can find more information and resources at sex, drugs, and jesus.com or wherever you listen to your podcast. Feel free to reach out to me directly DeVannon@sexdrugsandjesus.com and on Twitter and Facebook as well.My name is De'Vannon and it's been wonderful being your host today and just remember that everything is going to be all right.
Content Warning: This episode of Outlook On Radio Western contains discussions of major depression and talk of suicide. We at Outlook believe these things need to be talked about more, but wish to remain sensitive to possible triggers others may have. It's where the ocean meets the sand, where a total lack of control (like during a pandemic) can lead to a moment of clarity and the daily (or overnight) reminders of what truly matters. This week on Outlook we speak with singer/song writer/musician/author Heather Hutchison about her book “Holding On By Letting Go: A Memoir”. The journey of one's blindness is different for everyone, with such varied factors, but this is a story of where one person's feelings about themselves as being blind, being different than other people, where that intersects with their experiences with anxiety, depression, and suicide. In the pages of this poignant memoir on mental illness, disability, and mental health and finding one's purpose, Hutchison shares on her early experiences trying to fit in, in her discovery of her gifts and outlets through music and its associated communities, and following her on her travels to Peru for one year and back to Canada again. From a hurtful experience on a playground slide at age five to the insensitive comment of an airport official which reminded her why she'd left Canada to begin with. On seeing red, on tipping points and moments of clarity, “Holding On By Letting Go” is an honest revealing look into the work required for a life well lived. With Heather, we talk bullying, the only one guide dog club, and on removing the stigma of a psych ward by sharing her diary of the time she spent in one in the middle of a pandemic. Find links to Heather's book, music, and more on her website: https://heather-hutchison.com
Want to know more about Heather, refer tot his link: https://sheblurbs.wixsite.com/sheblurbs/post/let-s-talk-with-heather-hutchison --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Get her book here...Connect with Heather Hutchison:Website: https://www.heather-hutchison.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusicYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/hhutchisonmusicTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/hlhutchison Connect with me via...Website: LifeArtists.meFacebook: Rodolfo De AngeliInstagram: Rodolfo De AngeliJoin my BRAND NEW Facebook Group: Life Artist Mastery here...See if you qualify for Life Artist Mastery CoachingGet a FREE Copy of my BRAND NEW Shortcut to Success Pack HERE...Feeling kinda stuck? Get my 9 Tips to Help You Move Forward With Your Life HERE...Want to share your story? Send me an email here...
Blind since birth, a once-spirited kid with big dreams now finds herself in a locked psychiatric facility—a wounded young woman in the midst of a global pandemic. Heather's journey through despair to acceptance and hope. Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing.
Award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison sits down to talk about her recently released book, "Holding On By Letting Go": https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ -a memoir of her life as a blind woman, her adventures through Latin America & the treatment from her fellow Canadians upon her return, as well as finding herself locked in a psychiatric ward in the midst of the pandemic. ~Part 5: Future Plans & Digital Nomads~ Check out Heather's bio and some of her music below! https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/bio.html The song "Seizure Boy" courtesy of poet/rapper Watsky. Catch up on his tour, or explore his projects, at https://www.georgewatsky.com/ ! **New Logo Design in the works, courtesy of Alba Lopez-Najera! More to come...
Award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison sits down to talk about her recently released book, "Holding On By Letting Go": https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ -a memoir of her life as a blind woman, her adventures through Latin America & the treatment from her fellow Canadians upon her return, as well as finding herself locked in a psychiatric ward in the midst of the pandemic. ~Part 4: No one wants to be in the audience anymore, everybody wants to be onstage...~ Check out Heather's bio and some of her music below! https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/bio.html The song "Seizure Boy" courtesy of poet/rapper Watsky. Catch up on his tour, or explore his projects, at https://www.georgewatsky.com/ ! **New Logo Design in the works, courtesy of Alba Lopez-Najera! More to come...
Award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison sits down to talk about her recently released book, "Holding On By Letting Go": https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ -a memoir of her life as a blind woman, her adventures through Latin America & the treatment from her fellow Canadians upon her return, as well as finding herself locked in a psychiatric ward in the midst of the pandemic. ~Part 3: The follow-through. || Bullshit motivation isolates more than motivates.~ Check out Heather's bio and some of her music below! https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/bio.html The song "Seizure Boy" courtesy of poet/rapper Watsky. Catch up on his tour, or explore his projects, at https://www.georgewatsky.com/ ! **New Logo Design in the works, courtesy of Alba Lopez-Najera! More to come...
Award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison sits down to talk about her recently released book, "Holding On By Letting Go": https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ -a memoir of her life as a blind woman, her adventures through Latin America & the treatment from her fellow Canadians upon her return, as well as finding herself locked in a psychiatric ward in the midst of the pandemic. ~Part 2: The Psych Ward.~ Check out Heather's bio and some of her music below! https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/bio.html The song "Seizure Boy" courtesy of poet/rapper Watsky. Catch up on his tour, or explore his projects, at https://www.georgewatsky.com/ ! **New Logo Design in the works, courtesy of Alba Lopez-Najera! More to come...
Award-winning singer/songwriter Heather Hutchison sits down to talk about her recently released book, "Holding On By Letting Go": https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ -a memoir of her life as a blind woman, her adventures through Latin America & the treatment from her fellow Canadians upon her return, as well as finding herself locked in a psychiatric ward in the midst of the pandemic. ~Part 1: Introductions and the lead-up.~ Check out Heather's bio and some of her music below! https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/bio.html The song "Seizure Boy" courtesy of poet/rapper Watsky. Catch up on his tour, or explore his projects, at https://www.georgewatsky.com/ ! **New Logo Design in the works, courtesy of Alba Lopez-Najera! More to come...
Inner Voice – a Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan on KMET 1490 AM / ABC News Radio. In this segment-Balancing internally & Externally - Dr. Foojan shares the Tip of the Week about how parents and teens can have better communication. Dr. Foojan chats with Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. www.heather-hutchison.com Dr. Foojan shares with you how to stay balanced internally to handle your plans while an emergency shows up. Then She brings you Dr. Jon Kolkin is an internationally recognized artist with a lifetime of experience pursuing his passions while simultaneously maintaining a healthy balance between his personal and professional life. His unique strategies have allowed him to achieve a high level of success as a professional fine art photographer, physician, educator, global humanitarian, and international speaker. Kolkin's images have won numerous awards, are widely published. He has served on the faculty of the prestigious Maine Media Workshops and is a frequent guest lecturer at major universities and other venues worldwide. They will talk about his first book: INNER HARMONY. www.kolkinphotography.com. Check out my website: www.foojan.com
Award-winning singer/songwriter and author, passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through music and writing. Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveller, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. You can check out her book and music at www.heather-hutchison.com
Release date 10/15/21 In this episode I talk with the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and award-winning singer/songwriter, Heather Hutchison. Blind since birth, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. We talk at length ALL of this and Chris shares way too much in the introduction... again. Listen on Apple podcasts https://apple.co/3lblMRb or anywhere podcasts are found. SUBSCRIBE TO THE BRAND NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL! https://tinyurl.com/6zehkv7m Want More Heather? www.heather-hutchison.com Support my show for 3 months and get an exclusive MUG as a thank you! www.patreon.com/coffeeoversuicide *** Crisis Text Line: 741-741 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #dramedy #Comedy #depression #suicide #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcast #mentalhealthpodcast #coffeeoversuicide #HoldingOnbyLettingGo #indieauthor #disabledauthors #blind
Heather Hutchison is a singer/songwriter and author of the new memoir, Holding On by Letting Go. She shares her story of life as a blind person both in Canada and Latin America, her struggles with anxiety and depression, the unique challenges of being hospitalized for psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the refuge she has always found in music. It is her story of choosing life. Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveller, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America. 3 top tips for my audience: 1. Give yourself grace and compassion, change can be gradual. 2. If you feel like your current situation is unresolvable and you can't go on, there will come a day when you feel so much joy, and you'll stop in that moment and think ‘I would have missed this.' Hold on for that day. 3. Lean on your support networks to help find the help and professional resources you need. Reaching out over and over to find supports on your own can be hard. www.heather-hutchison.com Facebook: @heatherhutchisonmusic Instagram: @heatherhutchisonmusic Twitter: @hlhutchison Youtube: hhutchisonmusic Wait, there is more!!! Have a look at www.mystepstosobriety.com to see which other books and projects I am involved in! And follow me on Instagram, Podcast, Facebook and Linkedin! https://stephanneff.podbean.com/ https://www.facebook.com/stepstosobriety/ https://www.instagram.com/stepstosobriety/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-neff-author/
Welcome to Splash of Ash, the podcast with Ashley Parker. Today Ashley is joined by Heather Hutchison, who is an author and singer/songwriter. Get ready to be empowered because they talk about turning your pain into your purpose, strategies to cope with anxiety and depression and what it's like to choose to live another day with perspective, joy and grace. Enjoy! Her site: https://www.heather-hutchison.com Website: https://www.splashofash.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/a_splashofash/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asplashofashh Email: Hello@splashofash.com
Heather Hutchison is a singer/songwriter and author from Vancouver Island. She shares her journey through a major depressive episode, living in Canada and Latin America, and being hospitalized during the pandemic in her book Holding on By Letting Go. As a blind person, she advocates for a more inclusive world. Heather's website: https://www.heather-hutchison.com Find Heather on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07t3LapcWFZmhrUN5FJ15n Heather's Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B094674YMR?tag= Support the podcast: patreon.com/introducingmepodcast Have a question or want to guest host? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett
Motivation and Inspiration Interviews with Professor of Perseverances
Heather Hutchison is the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir, and an award-winning singer/songwriter with three albums released to date. Blind since birth, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. Website: https://www.music.heather-hutchison.com/index.html Website: https://www.heather-hutchison.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherhutchisonmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlhutchison Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HHutchisonMusic To learn more about James, visit Professor of Perseverance. You may also contact him through email, James@professorofperseverance.com or call 615 – 336 – 2181
Heather Hutchison is an award-winning singer/songwriter and the author of Holding On by Letting Go: A Memoir. Blind since birth and having struggled with mental illness from a young age, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health through her music and writing. An avid traveler, Heather has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America, and her memoir catalogs her story - "Being blind since birth, a once-spirited kid with big dreams now finds herself in a locked psychiatric facility--a wounded young woman in the midst of a global pandemic. This memoir spans decades and continents to tell a story of the beautiful similarities that make us all human. From meeting unlikely allies in the dirty streets of some of Latin America's most impoverished neighborhoods to discovering difficult truths about discrimination in her home country of Canada, Heather Hutchison offers poignant insight into mental health awareness, and what it means to strive for an ordinary life when you are often treated as anything but ordinary. At once heartbreakingly honest and strikingly witty, Holding On by Letting Go is the unforgettable true story of one woman's journey through despair to acceptance and hope. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of the light that can be found in the darkest of times." For more on Heather - checkout: https://books.heather-hutchison.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/07t3LapcWFZmhrUN5FJ15n?si=yC-WPZbPSHmzXqtOTIp8lA&dl_branch=1 https://www.youtube.com/user/HHutchisonMusic https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchisonmusic/ https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Letting-Go-Heather-Hutchison-ebook/dp/B094674YMR
Singer/Songwriter and Author of "Holding On By Letting Go," Heather Hutchinson joins me to discuss:challenges growing up blindhow to forgive others and ourselvesovercoming suicidal ideationsutilizing CBT and journaling for resiliencecoping with losing a friend to suicidereframing the "all or nothing mindset"learning that life is not black and whiteletting go of guiltwhat creates more anxietyBIO: Synopsis: Blind since birth, a once-spirited kid with big dreams now finds herself in a locked psychiatric facility—a wounded young woman in the midst of a global pandemic.This memoir spans decades and continents to tell a story of the beautiful similarities that make us all human. From meeting unlikely allies in the dirty streets of some of Latin America's most impoverished neighbourhoods, to discovering difficult truths about discrimination in her home country of Canada, Heather Hutchison offers poignant insight into mental health awareness, and what it means to strive for an ordinary life when you are often treated as anything but ordinary.At once heartbreakingly honest and strikingly witty, Holding On by Letting Go is the unforgettable true story of one woman's journey through despair to acceptance and hope. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of the light that can be found in the darkest of times.Heather Hutchison is an award-winning singer/songwriter and has released three albums to date. Through her music and writing, she is passionate about educating people on disability and mental health. An avid traveller, she has spent time living and teaching English in Latin America.Link to the book trailer: https://youtu.be/_ibrafM7-W4Book website: https://books.heather-hutchison.comNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline800-273-TALK [800-273-8255]1-800-SUICIDE [800-784-2433]Teen Line (Los Angeles)800-852-8336The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth Hotline)866-488-7386National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-SAFE [800-799-7233]Crisis Text LineText "Connect" to 741741 in the USALifeline Chathttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/International Suicide Hotlines: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.htmlhttps://www.nowmattersnow.org/skillswww.suicidesafetyplan.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What a JOY it was to speak with Heather Hutchison. We covered topics such as challenges of disabilities, fitting in and finding her voice through writing.She is an award-winning singer/songwriter and author from Vancouver Island, Canada who has been blind since birth. She is the author of Holding on By Letting Go, reached number 5 on Amazon's Hot New Releases for memoirs, as well as appearing on several Amazon best sellers lists.I encourage you to hear her music, as her voice is such a gift!Heather's Website, Instagram, YouTube, AuthorIf you enjoy this podcast, please leave a 5 star review, as this helps this podcast reach those that could benefit from it =)Connect with me!email: Bettina@intherising.com Pinterest: Facebook
"I would take the weekend to prepare, either for hospitalization or death." Episode 58: This week we're straight talking blindness with award winning singer/ songwriter/ author Heather Hutchison. Blind since birth, Canadian Heather talks about her experience of depression and social anxiety, the downside of having a guide dog, the bullying she experienced in school for being blind, she also tells us about her book "Holding On By Letting Go" and her music. Heather also opens up about her hospitalisation as "absolution" before planning on killing herself. Allan & Kamron are riled about indoor dining being delayed again in Ireland, we discuss Bill Cosby, Britney and... Lil Dicky. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, email hello@stmhpodcast or check out www.stmhpodcast.com
In this episode, we depart a bit from our usual format and welcome a guest to the show. Heather Hutchison is a singer/songwriter and author of the new memoir Holding On by Letting Go. Heather has been blind since birth and one of the things she hopes to do through her music and writing is educate people about disability and mental health. One of the concepts she explores in her book is this idea of Radical Acceptance, a term that Brock introduced in our recent episode on coping. So we thought it would be great to have Heather on the show to talk more about that. Please enjoy this conversation between co-host Brock Armstrong and Heather Hutchison.
Eps. 28: Today the Two Mics Up crew is joined by Kristopher Riddick and Heather Hutchison to share their views as voters on the upcoming 2020 elections. We take some time to delve into topics regarding race relations in America. Is there a possibility for change? Healthcare and Covid-19 and the stances that both party have taken through out this election cycle. This episodes intent is to address some of the "CORE" questions that we all face as Americans here in this so called UNITED State of America. Hope you enjoy... listeners you can also watch this episode and some of our others on our YouTube Channel - https://youtu.be/GdsJB6I7Xz0 Guest Panel: Kris Riddick Heather Hutchison --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/twomicsup/support
Eps. 22 Part 2: Today the Two Mics Up team continues its candid conversation with Heather Hutchison, Founder of The SoundMind Collective. We dive further into the broken race relations, education, and work to identify ways to collectively work together to improve our fractured communities. The ultimate mission of The SoundMind Collective is to create a sustainable culture achieved through education and action that will serve every member of our community with intention and integrity. This is a must listen episode, so come with an open mind as we discuss issues that are impacting us all here in Broken America. Featuring Heather Hutchison - Founder of The SoundMind Collective --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/twomicsup/support
Eps. 21 Part 1: Today the Two Mics Up team has the opportunity and pleasure to sit down and have a very open and candid talk with Heather Hutchison, Founder of The SoundMind Collective. We discuss race relations, education, and ways to collectively work together to improve our fractured communities. The ultimate mission of The SoundMind Collective is to create a sustainable culture achieved through education and action that will serve every member of our community with intention and integrity. This is a must listen episode, so come with an open mind as we discuss issues that are impacting us all here in Broken America. Featuring Heather Hutchison - Founder of The SoundMind Collective --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/twomicsup/support
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