Podcasts about suicide attempts

Typically, when we vent, it causes more harm than good. How do we vent our emotions in a healthy way?Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

"Eat the apple. Plant the seeds." How does this quote pertain to suicide prevention?Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

What do you do when your mind feels like the Drake Passage—violent, unpredictable, and overwhelming? In this episode, we break down what it actually takes to survive extreme conditions, both at sea and in your mental health.This isn't about powering through. It's about learning how to stay on the ship.What We Cover:Why the Drake Passage is so brutal—and why no one is surprised by itThe myth of “toughing it out” vs. adjusting to real conditionsHow tools like meclizine and scopolamine parallel mental health supportThe “stay low and hold on” strategy for emotional survivalBreaking overwhelming time into manageable momentsWhy asking for help isn't weakness—it's survivalThe core mindset shift: you don't have to control the waves, just don't go overboardThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Peter Mauch explores the early life of Hideki Tojo, focusing on his failed 1945 suicide attempt and the military code prohibiting the disgrace of surrender. Born into a samurai-descended family, Tojo's ambitions were fueled by the perceived mistreatment of his father by a cronyist military system, leading him to excel academically. (9/16)1943

What do you do when depression and burnout disconnect you from the very things that once made you feel alive? In this episode, I explore why progress alone isn't enough—we need rest, play, and purpose to reconnect with ourselves and remember what makes life worth living.Key Takeaways:Depression often shows up as anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure from things you still care about.Like my dog Mila, we can keep “walking” through life but still need play to avoid becoming restless and emotionally depleted.Action often comes before motivation; reconnecting starts with small acts of contact.A sustainable life requires a balance of rest, play, and purpose.Hope can sound as simple as: “I want to be here long enough to find out.”Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

We give, give, and give some more. How do we give back to ourselves?Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, I use The Devil Wears Prada and its sequel to explore the mental health costs of ambition, the hidden support systems that help us succeed, and how to pursue excellence without sacrificing our relationships, identity, and sense of self.Visionary vs. vendorAmbition and burnoutWants vs. needsThe cost of successHidden mentors (“Nigels”)Mixed motives and self-honestyPrint vs. digital attentionSuccess without losing yourselfThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

There's something seductive about starting over. Blowing our lives up seems like a great way to do it. How do we resist that urge?Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

A sensitive content warning: this episode includes discussion of substance addiction, mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and recovery. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or use the online chat through the 988 Lifeline. It supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises, and substance use concerns. To honor May being Mental Health Awareness month we invited Drew Motiv to share his story of transformation through addiction, mental health struggles, and surviving suicide attempts, in this episode. Now a motivational speaker and founder of the Divine Family Movement, Drew opens up about the darkest chapters of his life and how he found his way toward healing, self-belief, and purpose. We explore what it truly means to hit rock bottom, the isolation that can come with addiction and recovery, and the difficult work of rebuilding your identity after trauma. Drew reflects on the internal battles he faced, the moments that changed his path, and how he now uses his lived experience to help others feel less alone. Beth and Cathy also talk with Drew about the emotional complexity of recovery, learning to trust yourself again, coping with lingering anxiety and darkness, and turning personal pain into public advocacy. His story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant for anyone navigating mental health challenges, addiction, or the long road back to themselves. In this episode, we discuss: Drew Motiv's journey through addiction and mental health struggles What “rock bottom” looked like in his life Surviving suicide attempts and the emotional aftermath The role of isolation, honesty, and support in recovery Rebuilding trust in yourself after trauma How recovery is not linear Turning painful experiences into purpose-driven advocacy Founding the Divine Family Movement Redefining strength, especially for men facing stigma around vulnerability What Drew wants listeners who are struggling to hear right now If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the resources below.  Drew's Links: Follow Drew Motiv on Instagram @Drew_Motiv divinefamilymovement.com Resources:  Need support? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. For substance use or mental health treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). For text-based crisis support, text HOME to 741741. Veterans and service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. For non-crisis support and local mental health resources, contact NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 62640.  Connect With Us:    Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today's Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com. 

Today we talk to Madeline Vosch, author of "Undead: A Memoir of My Suicide." We discuss: complicated truths of surviving a suiciderethinking concept of suicide preventionhow access to basic needs keeps people aliveThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

SPONSORS: 1) MIZZEN & MAIN: Get 20% off your first purchase at https://mizzenandmain.com with promo code JULIAN20. 2) AMENTARA: Visit https://amentara.com/go/JULIAN and use code JD22 for 22% off your first order. 3) PROTECT MY DATA: Go to https://protectmydata.com and use code JULIAN for 30% off all annual plans. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey CLIPPERS DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8QmWEKJ3BT (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Chad Robichaux is a former Force Recon Marine and Department of Defense (DoD) contractor with eight deployments to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Task Force. CHAD's LINKS: IG: https://www.instagram.com/resilientshow/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCW73J_l3IHmtyNqJvPQujag BOOD: https://www.tyndale.com/p/riptide/9781496488756 WEBSITE: https://chadrobichaux.com/ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://x.com/juliandorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 - Patriotism, 9/11 Doubts, War Profits, Ukraine, Aid Politics 10:14 - Afghanistan Collapse, China, Lithium, Bagram, Kabul Chaos 20:23 - Taliban Funding, Executions, US Aid, Media Silence 30:15 - DC Corruption, Term Limits, Military Complex, Lobbying 40:43 - System Corruption, Insider Trading, Political Wealth 50:19 - Veteran Disillusionment, War Ethics, Regime Change 01:01:17 - Iran Debate, Tribalism, DC Money, Outsiders 01:10:28 - Epstein Theory, Espionage, Moral Gray Zone 01:19:31 - War Atrocities, Mass Graves, Corruption 01:30:46 - Upbringing, Marines, 9/11, Recon Path 01:42:02 - Family, Faith, Recon Marines 01:51:09 - Undercover Police, Shooting, Trauma 02:03:28 - Shooting Aftermath, PTSD, Emotional Fallout 02:12:04 - Contractor Path, Taliban, Moral Questions 02:22:45 - War Futility, Tier One Ops 02:31:25 - Bin Laden, Motives, Interrogation 02:41:44 - Capture, PTSD, Identity Loss 02:50:55 - Suicide Attempt, PTSD, Family Impact 03:00:29 - Faith, Redemption, Veteran Mission 03:08:58 - Chad's work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 412 - Chad Robichaux Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A real-time look at what it feels like when everyday costs jump overnight—and how I keep my footing when the math stops working.Key Points:Prices rising faster than paychecks creates emotional, not just financial, strainThe difference between failing and being squeezed by the systemShifting from convenience to control (small, practical swaps)Stabilizing mindset: survive first, optimize laterSeparating self-worth from financial pressureFinding leverage: negotiate, share, and speak upThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

This episode explores the difference between interrupting thoughts and suppressing emotions—and how trying to control what we feel can quietly keep us stuck. I share how I've learned to stop feeding the mental loop while still allowing emotions to move, instead of shutting them down.Why interrupting thoughts can accidentally suppress emotionsThe hidden ways we avoid feeling (and why they backfire)How to let emotions exist without making them biggerA simple, real-time process for breaking ruminationThe shift from controlling feelings → allowing them to moveThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, I break down the difference between comparing and studying — and why one leads to despair while the other leads to growth. We're going to talk about how comparison quietly attacks your identity, and how to shift into a mindset that builds strategy instead of shame.In this episode:Why “comparison leads to despair” is psychologically trueThe difference between ranking yourself and studying patternsHow comparison turns into identity damageWhy studying others builds skill without shrinking your self-worthA simple mindset shift you can use immediatelyStop asking, “Where do I rank?” Start asking, “What can I learn?”Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

0:00 — Intro / The Egg Bit1:55 — Breaking Down the New Janelle Grant Filing6:05 — The May 2020 Incident (COVID Timeline)21:59 — Brock Lesnar's Alleged Involvement Begins25:38 — The Beating & What Vince Did to "Prepare" Her32:33 — WrestleMania 3 Weeks Out — What a Mess44:57 — "Hi, This Is Polish Joe" — The Texts Begin1:00:46 — The Suicide Attempt & Vince's Response1:09:21 — Chris Jericho Returns to AEW1:19:08 — John Cena Called Back to Host WrestleManiaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

In this episode, I reflect on my time leading a cottage at a group home and how stepping into a leadership role challenged my identity, anxiety, and desire to just be the “fun guy.” I unpack the psychological shift from being liked to being responsible, and how consistent structure reduced chaos, stress, and mental overload — ultimately allowing me to lead with both authority and warmth.Why I initially hated being in charge despite caring deeply about the kids and staffThe internal conflict between being the fun, relational leader vs. enforcing rules and boundariesHow anxiety, rumination, and self-doubt intensify in leadership rolesThe realization that structure (being “the law”) creates the conditions for fun and connectionHow consistency and staff alignment helped the environment run itself over timeWhy silence, avoidance, and unclear expectations increase stress for everyoneA key reframe: you may not hate leadership — you may hate unstructured chaosPractical takeaway: clarity, consistency, and support reduce mental load and make leadership sustainableThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

The Kelsey Fitzsimmons begins with opening statements from both sides.The Kelsey Fitzsimmons trial is underway in Essex Superior Court in Massachusetts. Fitzsimmons, a North Andover police officer, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly pointing her service weapon at fellow officer Patrick Noonan during a restraining order service at her home in June 2025. Prosecutors say she raised the gun at Noonan and pulled the trigger — the gun did not fire because there was no round in the chamber. The defense maintains Fitzsimmons was in the grip of a postpartum mental health crisis and the gun was turned on herself, not on Noonan. She has waived her right to a jury, leaving her fate entirely in the hands of Judge Jeffrey Karp.True Crime Today delivers real-time trial coverage as it happens — key testimony, critical cross-examinations, and the moments that matter. No waiting for nightly recaps. Watch the case unfold live.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/ Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#KelseyFitzsimmons #KelseyFitzsimmonsTrial #TrueCrimeToday #LiveTrial #NorthAndoverPolice #MassachusettsCourt #TrueCrimeNews #CourtTV #TrialWatch #BreakingCrime

The Kelsey Fitzsimmons bench trial rests on a question of specific intent — and the answer to that question determines whether she faces up to five years in prison or walks out of court free.Fitzsimmons, a law enforcement officer on documented medical leave for postpartum depression at the time of the incident, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon following a June 30, 2025, encounter with officers who arrived at her home to execute a restraining order and remove her infant. She sustained a gunshot wound and spent 53 days hospitalized with a collapsed lung. Her position is that she was attempting to take her own life. The responding officer's account is that the firearm was directed at him.With no neutral third-party witnesses and competing sworn accounts from the two individuals present at the moment of discharge, the evidentiary core of this case is a credibility determination. The bench trial format places that determination entirely in the hands of a single judge, removing the lay jury that is typically the finder of fact in criminal proceedings.That waiver is legally significant. The defendant's mental state at the moment of the alleged offense is central to her defense. Postpartum depression and documented psychological crisis are part of the record. Whether a single judge applies the appropriate analytical weight to those clinical factors — compared to twelve lay jurors, some of whom might have personal experience with postpartum mental health — is a strategic question with no clean answer.Also unresolved: the alleged conduct of her ex during her hospitalization, including home entry, account access, and removal of a document favorable to the defense. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges. That decision is part of the legal context examined directly in this conversation.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#KelseyFitzsimmons #BenchTrial #TrueCrimeLaw #AssaultWithADangerousWeapon #SpecificIntent #PostpartumDepression #JenniferCoffindaffer #TrueCrimeToday #CriminalLaw #LegalAnalysis

In this episode, I talk about what it really means to be touch starved — not in a dramatic way, but in a nervous-system way. I break down why safe, consensual touch matters for our mental health and how we can get more of it in simple, intentional ways.What “touch starved” actually meansWhy lack of touch increases stress and anxietyHow we used to experience touch vs. nowSmall, practical ways to get healthy touchThe surprising ways people try to replace itAre you stressed… or do you just need a hug?Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

What does it take to go from standing at the edge of a highway at 2 a.m.—ready to end your life… to receiving a miracle heart transplant and living with radical faith?In this powerful episode, we sit down with our dear friend Phillip Gornail to unpack a story that honestly left us in awe of God's grace.Phil opens up about the night he drove the wrong way onto a highway after losing his marriage, his identity, and what he believed was his purpose. Divorce. Financial collapse. Shame. The kind of dark night of the soul that many people silently walk through. And then—God intervened.But that wasn't the end of the story.Years later came cancer. Kidney failure. Chemotherapy. Heart failure. And eventually, a heart transplantAnd yet through every diagnosis, every loss, every moment where fear could have taken over, Phil chose something different: surrender. Trust. Faith in God's authority over his life.This conversation isn't just about survival. It's about transformation.Chapters00:00 Podcast Preview01:33 Topic and Guest Introduction04:46 Meet Phillip Gornail: A “Recovering Know-It-All”07:04 Landmark Forum & The Blind Spots We Can't See09:38 Reflections on Early Life and Family Dynamics13:55 The Mask of Arrogance & Feeling “Not Enough”15:38 Faith Lessons from the Roman Centurion18:35 Marriage, Trauma, and Learned Behaviors24:04 Divorce, Financial Collapse & Identity Loss28:24 The Night God Intervened on the Highway30:44 Men's Ministry and Spiritual Recovery31:50 Reconcile Your Past, Navigate Your Present33:08 Coping Mechanisms & Emotional Awareness35:27 Cancer Diagnosis & Refusing Chemo38:39 Kidney Failure & Radical Forgiveness39:44 Heart Failure at 15% & Transplant Stats42:30 Why He Asked People Not to Pray for Him44:50 Meeting His Donor's Family46:08 Trusting God's Bigger Story48:42 Men's Ministry & Living With a New Heart49:58 Give Away AnnouncementResources mentioned:

My HoneyDew this week is former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer! Be sure to check out Erik's book, The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving a Suicide Attempt, Conquering Depression, and Living with a Purpose. Erik joins me to Highlight the Lowlights of his incredible comeback story. After the devastating loss of his son to an overdose, followed by his mother passing away just eight months later, Erik fell into a deep depression that led him to attempt to take his own life. Miraculously, he survived the gunshot and began the long road back while recovering from a traumatic brain injury. But the story doesn't stop there. As Erik tries to rebuild his life, things take another wild turn when a con woman enters the picture and spends years secretly stealing money from him without his knowledge.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Lisa Sabey and Alison Paine, two courageous mothers, share how they are using documentary filmmaking as a catalyst to revolutionize mental health education and care in the United States. What began as personal journeys navigating their own families' mental health challenges has evolved into a mission to transform how mental health is understood, taught, and supported across the country. These women are working to bridge the long-standing gap between clinical care and lived experience. While traditional mental health education often centers on diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, their films elevate real stories—raw, honest, and human. By centering lived experience, they are creating resources that resonate not only with professionals but with parents, educators, students, and communities seeking deeper understanding.     •Parents to Parents Website: https://www.parentstoparents.org/    •EDC/Zero Suicide site with the film Parents to Parents: After Your Child's Suicide Attempt: https://zerosuicide.edc.org/resources/resource-database/parents-parents-after-your-childs-suicide-attempt    •Matters Media:  https://mattersmedia.org/    •National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

In this intense episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland speaks with former British Army sniper Ted Shirley about his 2009–2010 Afghanistan tour. Ted recounts mile-long confirmed kills, massive air assaults, close calls with enemy snipers, the combat high—and the brutal aftermath: severe PTSD, nightmares, aggression, addiction-like urges around killing, suicide attempts, and medical discharge. A raw, honest look at the psychological cost of being a sniper and the struggle to come home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm taking a short hiatus from the podcast to rest and reset. In the meantime, I encourage you to stay connected to at least one person, keep a small daily routine, and revisit the few episodes that truly helped you instead of consuming everything at once.Build a simple support list, do one meaningful thing each week, and please reach out to professional or crisis support if you're struggling — this podcast is support, not a substitute for care.I'll be back soon. And more importantly, I want you to be here when I return.Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

When someone says, “Everyone would be better off without me,” it sounds selfless — but what if it's a distortion built on the wrong currency of worth? In this episode, we unpack the hidden assumptions behind that belief, from perceived burdensomeness to shame, control, and the quiet fear of being irredeemable.Why “better” is often measured by productivity, not meaningHow depression turns imagination into certaintyThe difference between removal and redemptionThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

The 12th Arrest That Changed Everything with Samantha Jurado | The Hopeaholics Podcast In this deeply emotional episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Samantha Jurado shares her unfiltered story of trauma, addiction, loss, and long-term recovery—from surviving childhood abuse, early suicide attempts, and meth addiction, to becoming a young mother, experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and the devastating loss of her daughter in a car accident that changed the course of her life forever. Samantha opens up about the years of self-destruction that followed, the spiritual awakening that finally broke through after her 12th arrest, and how sobriety became possible when she chose to fully show up as a mother to her son. She also speaks candidly about navigating grief in recovery after losing her son years later, enduring divorce and isolation during COVID, and rediscovering her identity beyond trauma, labels, and addiction. This episode is a raw testament to resilience, accountability, faith, and what it truly means to survive the unimaginable and still choose to live, heal, and recover out loud.#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarieJoin our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:02:32 - Growing Up Moving State to State00:04:15 - First Blackout and Suicide Attempt at 1400:06:08 - Childhood Sexual Abuse Revealed00:07:49 - Abuser Sent to Prison00:09:34 - Abuse in Father's Home00:11:44 - Safety and Stability With Grandmother00:13:10 - First Time Using Meth00:13:54 - Leaving Home and Addiction Escalates00:14:33 - Becoming a Mother at 2000:18:23 - CPS Knocking and Losing Stability00:19:26 - Homelessness and Active Addiction00:21:50 - Last Meth Use and 12th Arrest00:23:14 - Mistaking AA for a Club00:24:46 - Choosing Sobriety to Be a Mom00:26:45 - Daughter's Fatal Car Accident00:28:31 - Charged in Daughter's Death00:30:03 - Years of Destruction and Incarceration00:35:41 - Spiritual Awakening in Jail00:38:19 - Deciding to Stop Drinking Completely00:39:03 - Getting Sober for Her Son00:45:48 - Long-Term Recovery and Family Healing00:50:05 - Son's Death During Recovery00:51:19 - Grief, Divorce, and COVID00:52:44 - Rediscovering Identity in Recovery

What does it mean to feel like the outsider in your own family — the one who gets blamed, ignored, or quietly cast as “the problem”? In this episode, we explore the psychology of scapegoating, why families assign roles, and how to stop seeking validation from a system that may never give it. It's about moving from exile to self-acceptance — and building belonging on your own terms.In This Episode:What family scapegoating actually is (and why it happens)The emotional cost of being “the identified problem”How family systems protect themselves — not necessarily the truthThe difference between alienation and individuationGrieving the family you hoped forFinding acceptance without needing unanimous approvalThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Is the real crisis today economic — or architectural? In this episode, we challenge the idea that loneliness and despair come from a broken ladder of upward mobility. What if the problem isn't that we can't climb… but that we were taught to measure our worth by climbing in the first place? Drawing from Middlemarch, modern work culture, and personal experience, this conversation explores why craftsmanship, authorship, and daily building may be the antidote to vertical despair.In this episode:Why the “career ladder” mindset fuels anxiety and comparisonThe difference between climbing and buildingHow craftsmanship creates internal pride (and hunger)What Lydgate's crisis in Middlemarch teaches us about collapsed ambitionWhy being seen — not promoted — can save a lifeThe power of asking: “Am I actually in danger right now?”Moving from passive consumption to generative actionHow to build meaning even when the system feels unstable

A Clare TD has told the Dáil that her nephew was forced to wait for treatment for hours on a chair at University Hospital Limerick's Emergency Department after a failed suicide attempt. Shannon Deputy Donna McGettigan has made the contribution during a debate on a Sinn Féin motion calling for the Dáil to note a Mental Health Commission report which reveals "international best practice" isn't available in EDs in Ireland. Data recently released to the party by the HSE shows the Midwest doesn't currently have a mental health clinical nurse specialist. Deputy McGettigan says families like hers have felt let down by inadequate mental health services.

In this episode, we explore how poverty affects mental health and increases suicide risk, particularly through relative deprivation, structural barriers, and unclaimed government aid. We look at why poverty is more than a lack of money—it's instability, stress, and social exclusion—and what coping strategies can help.Topics covered include:How relative income deprivation can heighten feelings of hopelessnessWhy being poor in America is often more expensive due to fines, fees, and penaltiesThe $140 billion in unused government aid and barriers to accessing itCoping strategies that protect dignity, stability, and mental healthThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Send us a textBrent's addiction didn't begin with drugs — it began with alcohol, grief, and unspoken trauma. What started as confidence and relief quickly became daily drinking, violence, and survival alongside people involved in serious criminal activity. As his drinking escalated, so did the losses: the death of his mother, the loss of his marriage, homelessness, seizures, repeated assaults, and a life that slowly collapsed inward.Everything shattered when Brent lost his brother Curtis to suicide. Consumed by grief, guilt, and alcohol, Brent spiraled into suicidal ideation, multiple attempts, detox stays, and near-fatal withdrawals. Drinking to survive became drinking to disappear. What ultimately stopped the spiral wasn't willpower — it was surrender. Through treatment, grief work, spirituality, and finally allowing himself to feel what he'd been running from, Brent began to rebuild a life rooted in honesty and purpose.This episode explores alcoholism, suicide loss, complicated grief, relapse, treatment, and what it means to stop running and choose life — even when the pain feels unbearable.✅ Check SEIU West✅ Wellness News✅ Parenting in the StormFind Brent on Facebook HereSupport the showCheck out the speakeasy podcast Follow Daniel Unmanageable on Facebook Follow Project Sparky We've got fresh merch and it's amazing! Pick yours up HERE For business or speaking inquiries: Daniel@hardknoxtalks.com Follow Hard Knox TalksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hardknoxtalkspodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardknoxtalks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hardknoxtalks?lang=en Are you getting something from our content? Tap here and buy us a coffee to say thanks and help us keep this train on the tracks! Check us out on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@hardknoxtalksWant to watch our episodes uncensored? Become a channel member here!

In this episode, we use the metaphor of turbulence to explore why intense moments in life can feel dangerous without actually being dangerous—and how the nervous system responds when stability feels lost. Through a grounding practice designed for “arrival,” we offer listeners a simple way to reorient their bodies after emotional, relational, or existential turbulence, without needing to fix or explain anything.In this episode, we cover:The four types of turbulence as metaphors for everyday life stress and emotional instabilityWhy the nervous system confuses intensity with danger—and how that fuels distressHow grounding is about orientation and arrival, not forced calmA single, practical grounding exercise listeners can use at the end of a long day or difficult periodThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Meet two men who survived suicide attempts, and built lives around helping others imagine a future beyond despair. Kevin Hines, one of the few to survive a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, reflects on the instant regret, the long recovery, and the tools he uses when “brain pain” returns - recorded just days before the 25th anniversary of his attempt. Then, Connecticut therapist Steve MacHattie shares what it means to live with chronic suicidal urges, after his first attempt at six years old, and how reaching for connection can change the outcome. Resources: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board In an emergency, please call or text 911 Suggested episodes: 911, What's Your Emergency? Tales From Dispatch Finding purpose in life after accidentally killing someone What it's like surviving a plane crash Equine therapy GUESTS: Kevin Hines: suicide attempt survivor, author, film producer, and mental health advocate. At 19, he survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to suicide prevention, sharing his story to reduce stigma and help people through moments of crisis. Kevin is the author of Cracked, Not Broken, The Art of Being Broken, and The Art of Wellness, hosts the HINESIGHTS podcast, and was a leading voice in the effort to install safety nets on the Golden Gate Bridge. His latest documentary, Death Bridge, is set to be released in 2027 Steve MacHattie: a suicide attempt survivor, clinical social worker (LCSW), and founder of the Charter Oak Family Center in Manchester, Connecticut. He first attempted suicide at six years old, and today he supports clients ages 5 to 105 and serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board’s Lived Experience Committee. He also writes poetry used in clinical trainings to help care providers see the humanity and strength in the people they serve Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been told to “just relax” when your body felt like it was on high alert? In this episode, we unpack why that advice fails—and how suicide prevention requires understanding stress physiology, not willpower, by meeting the nervous system with safety before insight.What we cover:Why “relax more” is a behavioral demand, not a biological solutionThe difference between calming thoughts and regulating a stressed nervous systemFour sequencing shifts that actually help:Rhythmic movement instead of stillnessConnection before introspectionPredictability before positivityRegulation before reflectionThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

How do you support a coworker coming back after mental health leave or a suicide attempt without making it weird? This episode will give you practical language and steps to reduce stigma and welcome them back well.What do you say when a coworker returns after mental health leave or a suicide attempt—without making it awkward or piling on more stigma?Many responders either avoid the person completely, crack the wrong joke, or pry for details, and the coworker ends up feeling like a problem instead of part of the team. In this episode, you'll get clear, practical peer support skills to welcome them back, support their reintegration, and know when to step in or back off.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:Simple, respectful phrases you can use when a coworker returns after a suicide attempt or mental health crisisCommon mistakes to avoid so you don't increase shame, stigma, or workplace awkwardnessHow to support their safe reintegration at work while protecting your own boundaries as a peer supporterUse this episode with your peer support team, your shift, or your leadership group to set a healthier standard for how your agency handles return-to-work after a mental health crisis.Share This Episode:https://www.survivingyourshift.com/52Connect with BartLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartlegerFacebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshiftWebsite: www.survivingyourshift.com

We explore why emotional highs are often followed by sudden lows, especially after moments of achievement, transition, or loss. We look at how identity, nervous system biology, and meaning collide — and why the crash doesn't mean something is wrong. Most importantly, we talk about how to build guardrails for the comedown.Key Points:Highs stress the nervous systemIdentity amplifies the swingEndings create emotional voidsGrief intensifies contrastThe drop is often biologicalGuardrails matter more than mindsetThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

You achieved the money, the car, and the title... so why do you feel empty? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Kalwarowsky, an MIT-trained engineer turned elite executive coach who has worked with everyone from Olympic Gold Medalists to Fortune 500 executives. But before the success, Rob was "The Robot"—a high-achiever who saved his company tens of millions of dollars while secretly battling a toxic work environment that led him to a suicide attempt. We uncover the "Success Lie" that keeps men isolated, overworked, and unfulfilled. Rob reveals the "DIY Mask" that caps your business growth, the specific phrase that predicts burnout in 6 months, and the "I'm Human" leadership method that can turn your internal chaos into your greatest competitive advantage. If you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, this conversation is your permission to put it down.   ◼️ Topics Discussed: The "High Performer Robot" mindset and why it’s deadly. How to spot the "Trappings of Success" before it’s too late. Why your "Do It Yourself" mask is costing you millions. The "I'm Human" code word strategy for high-stress teams. Internal Family Systems: How to manage the voices in your head.   Chapters 00:00 - The "Success Trap" Trailer  1:47 - The "Rob Kawasaki" Story & Identity  2:22 - Turning Internal Chaos Into An Advantage  4:16 - The "High Achieving Robot": Making Millions, Feeling Nothing  08:35 - The Breaking Point: Depression & The Suicide Attempt  12:36 - Waking Up: Why We Go Back To Work After Rock Bottom  16:13 - The "Status Quo" Bias: Why You Can't Leave Your Toxic Job  20:00 - Internal Family Systems: Who Is Controlling Your Brain?  26:31 - The "DIY Mask": Why You Are The Bottleneck In Your Business  31:00 - The "I'm Human" (or Cheesecake Factory) Strategy  35:23 - The "Pointless" Feeling of Winning  42:58 - The Hawaii Moment: Choosing Freedom Over Fear   Kalwarowsky's Links Website: www.robkalwarowsky.com LinkedIn: rob-kalwarowsky Instagram: bosscoachrobk   Free eBook Here: Mastering Self-Development: Strategies of the New Masculine: https://rebrand.ly/m2ebook   ⚔️JOIN THE NOBLE KNIGHTS MASTERMIND⚔️ https://themodernmanpodcast.com/thenobleknights  

When a coworker attempts or dies by suicide, the whole agency feels it. Learn how to support your team, honor the person, and navigate grief and fallout without causing more harm.You walk into work and hear the words you never wanted to hear: “One of our own attempted suicide,” or, “We lost someone to suicide last night.” The room goes quiet, people are in shock, and you're left wondering what to say, what to do, and how to help without making things worse.A suicide attempt or death by suicide inside your agency hits harder than almost anything else. It affects morale, trust, and the sense of safety in your “second family.” In the middle of all that, peer supporters and leaders are often expected to somehow hold everyone together.In this episode, we'll walk through what to do after a suicide attempt or death by suicide in your agency, how to support the team, honor the person, and handle the ripple effects with wisdom and care.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:What to focus on in the first 24–72 hours after a suicide attempt or death by suicideHow to talk about what happened without glamorizing suicide or spreading harmful detailsHow to support the people closest to the situation and care for yourself and your peer support team in the weeks and months that followYou can't undo what happened. But you can show up in a way that helps your people grieve, heal, and move forward without feeling abandoned or alone.SHARE THIS EPISODE:https://www.survivingyourshift.com/51OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:StressCareDoc.comSchedule a Discovery Callhttps://stresscaredoc.com/consultationConnect with BartLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartlegerFacebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshiftWebsite: www.survivingyourshift.comWant to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.Mentioned in this episode:Houston Area CISM GRIN TrainingThis 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

Explore the power of purpose through the story of Velasco in The Samurai and research-backed insights:Velasco chose meaning over comfort, even at the cost of his life.Purpose drives resilience, stress tolerance, and mental well-being.Without purpose, life can feel stagnant and numbing.Discover why knowing your “why” is essential to truly being alive.Thrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

We often describe our feelings with one word — “fine,” “pissed,” “tired” — and wonder why others don't get us. In this episode, we explore how to turn vague emotions into vivid, specific experiences. Learn how describing moments, sensations, and nuances can transform your relationships and self-understanding. We also discuss: Why one-word feelings aren't enoughDescribing moments instead of labelsUsing sensory and metaphorical languageExpanding your emotional vocabularyThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, we explore the real difference between talking, venting, and unburdening—and why unburdening is the emotional release most people never realize they need. We break down what it means to carry invisible weight and how to finally set it down in ways that are healthy, human, and sustainable.You'll learn:What makes unburdening different from ordinary conversation or ventingWhy carrying emotional weight alone is so exhaustingPractical, grounded ways to unburden yourself without collapsing or oversharingHow to create relationships where unburdening feels safe, not scaryThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Adrienne Caldwell — a survivor, author, and advocate whose journey proves that even the darkest beginnings can lead to a life filled with purpose, peace, and hope. Adrienne opens up about a childhood marked by trauma and instability, but also the powerful turning point that set her on a path toward healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming her voice. Today, she uses her story to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own healing. This conversation is emotional, courageous, and ultimately uplifting — a reminder that no matter what you've been through, it's never too late to rise, heal, and write a new chapter. Guest Bio Adrienne Caldwell is the author of the forthcoming memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines — a raw and unflinching account of her journey through trauma, survival, and ultimately, healing. The book sheds light on the darkest corners of the human experience, including untreated mental illness, homelessness, foster care abuse, incest, addiction, and sexual violence, and emerges with a message of fierce resilience and unbreakable hope. More than a chronicle of pain, Unbroken is a story of identity, family, love, and finding your voice when the world refuses to listen. It's about reclaiming power and choosing purpose over despair. You'll hear About The childhood trauma that shaped Adrienne's early life How repression, addiction, and self-medicating became survival tools The moment that changed her healing journey How writing her book forced her to face decades of buried trauma Finding peace, stability, and purpose after a lifetime of hardship   Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:10 Adrienne's Mission and Early Life 02:14 Trauma Beginning at Age Five 04:39 Suicide Attempts and a Life-Changing Moment 07:01 Growing Up with Mental Illness in the Home 09:23 Moving Homes, Instability, and Emotional Repression 11:51 Attachment Disorder and Numbing the Pain 13:50 The Psychiatric Ward Epiphany 16:41 Discovering the Truth in Her CPS Files 18:49 Emotional Abuse in Foster Care 20:53 Beginning the Writing and Healing Process 23:36 Overcoming Grief, Loss, and Hardship 26:07 Family Patterns and Lack of Awareness 28:30 Gratitude, Stability, and a New Life 30:53 Living with Purpose and Inspiring Others 33:20 A Message to Anyone Who Feels Hopeless 35:42 Chuck's Closing Reflections Chuck's Challenge This week, take one honest step toward facing something you've been avoiding. Stop the numbing, stop the running, and give yourself permission to feel what needs healing. You don't have to do it alone — just start with one step. Connect with Adriene Caldwell Book: https://www.unbrokencaldwell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UnbrokenCaldwell Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/UnbrokenCaldwell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnbrokenCaldwel/ Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.

In this episode, we explore how embarrassment, social pressure, and the need for permission show up in everyday life—and what that reveals about mental health.Key Takeaways:Why people wait for others before taking action (doors, cake, and more)How embarrassment manifests physically and influences behaviorThe power of being the “first slice”—giving permission for others to followMental health isn't just about resources—it's about creating safe spaces to actThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, we explore the quote, “People who live for one thing never seem to age.” What does it mean to have an anchor — a devotion that gives life direction and resilience? We'll look at how finding your “one thing” can protect your mental health, help you recover from chaos, and remind you why you're still here.Talking Points:What the quote “People who live for one thing never seem to age” really meansThe difference between youthfulness and timelessnessHow devotion — not distraction — keeps us steadySigns you're not living for your one thingSimple ways to identify your anchor or purposeWhy having a “one thing” can make life feel worth staying for

We discuss three phases of emotional regulation learned through how we deodorize our car! If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Today we discuss how to cope with the grief from the unexpected death of a parent. If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

In this episode, we explore the metaphor of human energy and emotional regulation through the lens of aviation fuel—what keeps us running clean vs. what makes us crash and burn.Why the wrong inputs (like sugar, doomscrolling, or people-pleasing) feel good briefly but exhaust usHow to identify visual, auditory, and social junk fuel in your daily lifeWhat real, sustainable fuel looks like across body, mind, and relationshipsThe emotional and physiological signs you're misfueledA better blueprint for lasting vitality, clarity, and connectionPlus: a metaphorical dashboard and why your internal engine deserves premium inputThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to reduce your psychological pain, regain your purpose and forge your own path, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™   CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-458 Overview: In this episode, we explore the relationship between caffeine consumption and suicide risk. Hear how coffee may offer protective effects—while energy drinks raise concern—and gain practical tips for screening patients for caffeine and substance use as part of suicide risk assessment in primary care. Episode resource links: Low, C.E.; Chew, N.S.M.; Loke, S.; Tan, J.Y.; Phee, S.; Lee, A.R.Y.B.; Ho, C.S.H. Association of Coffee and Energy Drink Intake with Suicide Attempts and Suicide Ideation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2025, 17, 1911. https://doi.org/10.3390/ nu17111911   Costantino, A., Maiese, A., Lazzari, J., Casula, C., Turillazzi, E., Frati, P., & Fineschi, V. (2023). The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body. Nutrients, 15(18), 3922. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183922 Guest: Jill M. Terrien PhD, ANP-BC    Music Credit: Matthew Bugos Thoughts? Suggestions? Email us at FranklySpeaking@pri-med.com  

In this episode, we explore the life-saving potential of creativity in suicide prevention based on a webinar with Dr. Diane Kaufman, MD.Key Highlights:How Dr. Kaufman used poetry to process suicidal thoughtsTransforming personal pain into public healing through books, songs, and an operaPractical ways art can help us move from isolation to connectionWhat many artists who died by suicide were missing—and how to fill in those gapsCreative exercises that turn suffering into meaning