Claim OwnershipHow to Deal When the Shit Gets Real Podcast
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© Rietta Boksha
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A storytelling podcast about resilience, growth and navigating life’s hardest seasons.
How to Deal When the Shit Gets Real is where honest conversations unfold about the moments that change us. Each episode features real people sharing their journeys through grief, trauma, adversity and the challenges that reshape who we are.
This show isn’t about perfection or pretending everything is fine. It’s about what happens when life cracks open — and how we find strength on the other side.
If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, broken, or unsure how to move forward, these conversations are for you.
How to Deal When the Shit Gets Real is where honest conversations unfold about the moments that change us. Each episode features real people sharing their journeys through grief, trauma, adversity and the challenges that reshape who we are.
This show isn’t about perfection or pretending everything is fine. It’s about what happens when life cracks open — and how we find strength on the other side.
If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, broken, or unsure how to move forward, these conversations are for you.
214 Episodes
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Buckle up as I am starting Season 7 with a bang!
Buffie talks about handling her daughters' medical conditions that started before she was even born. That doesn't even include her medical concerns, between the two of them they have had a total of 14 surgeries. To top it all off, Buffie found out that after 9 years of marriage her husband, now X was a pedophile. This is one strong woman and you don't want to miss her story!
Today we talked with Dani about all her travels including hitchhiking on the west coast. Dani also opens up about an accident she was lucky to walk away from and how she healed and still handles having a TBI.
**Update** Dani has since published her first book since our chat. Check it out at the link below!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHV2KQB7
We start the new year with the wonderful Naomi. She talks about her sister being diagnosed with cancer, finding out she has the BRCA gene, and how she was able to restart her life with purpose and love!
If you are interested in getting involved with Naomi's non-profit, The Sassy Carmen Foundation, click the link below!
https://www.sassycarmen.org/
In this episode of How to Deal When the Sht Gets Real*, Maevine shares what it’s like living with chronic illness while caring for a parent diagnosed with both dementia and ALS. Together, we explore the emotional and physical toll of long-term illness, caregiver burnout, and the quiet weight of anticipatory grief.Maevine opens up about exhaustion that goes beyond sleep, the identity shifts that come with chronic health challenges, and the heartbreak of watching someone you love slowly change. We talk about navigating medical uncertainty, balancing self-care with caregiving responsibilities, and finding resilience in seasons that don’t offer easy answers.In this conversation, we discuss:• Living with chronic illness• Caring for a parent with dementia and ALS• Understanding anticipatory grief• Caregiver burnout and emotional exhaustion• Strength, surrender, and redefining resilienceThis isn’t a polished story or a highlight reel. It’s honest. It’s heavy. It’s real.If you’re supporting a parent through dementia, navigating ALS, managing chronic illness, or trying to hold both love and loss at the same time — this episode is for you.
In this episode, I sit down with relationship coach Lindi Edge to talk about communication in relationships — and why expecting your partner to read your mind creates disconnect.We explore how to build emotional safety, communicate needs clearly, and strengthen relationships through honesty. Lindi also shares her personal experience navigating the loss of her mother and what she would say to someone coping with profound grief.In this episode:Healthy communication in relationshipsWhy clear communication prevents resentmentEmotional safety and vulnerabilityCoping with the loss of a parentGrief and showing up in hard seasonsThis is a conversation about love, loss, and learning to speak what you need — even when it feels uncomfortable.
In Part II of my conversation with Matt Williams, we dive into the courage it takes to have hard conversations — especially in a divided world.Matt shares what it’s really like to run for public office, how controversial topics test relationships, and why respectful dialogue still matters. We talk about navigating political disagreement, listening when it’s uncomfortable, and rebuilding connection through honest conversation.In this episode:How to have difficult conversationsRespectful dialogue across political differencesRunning for office and public scrutinyFinding common ground in conflictPersonal growth through disagreementThis conversation is about courage — not just in leadership, but in everyday connection.
From surviving a chaotic childhood to working on a shrimp boat surrounded by addiction — while being allergic to shrimp — Matt Williams has lived through adversity that could have broken him.In Part I of our conversation, Matt shares what it’s like growing up in instability, navigating trauma, and rebuilding your life after hardship. We talk about resilience, military service, and how finding your voice can become part of healing.In this episode:Growing up in a chaotic or dysfunctional homeTrauma and survival coping mechanismsOvercoming addiction environmentsStarting over after adversityFinding purpose through storytellingThis is a story of survival — and the first step toward transformation.Important Links:WebsiteThe Life Liberty Show
After losing his son to devastating medical complications, Dr. Greg Linkowski found himself wrestling with grief, faith, and what unconditional love truly means.In this powerful conversation, we explore coping with the loss of a child, navigating spiritual doubt after tragedy, and how grief reshapes identity. Greg shares how journaling became part of his healing process and how his work with Joni and Friends helped him rediscover empathy and peace.In this episode, we discuss:Grieving the death of a childQuestioning faith after lossThe healing power of journalingFinding hope after tragedyChoosing empathy over judgmentThis is a conversation about heartbreak, faith under pressure, and rebuilding meaning after devastating loss.Important Links:WebsiteJoni and FriendsBook
After losing his youngest son, Zach, Pops turned unimaginable grief into purpose by founding Zach’s Rays of Hope, a nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness.In this deeply personal episode, we talk about coping with the death of a child, navigating parental grief, and how tragedy can transform into meaningful action. Pops shares how honoring his son’s memory through community outreach became part of his healing journey.We also discuss:Grief after losing a childTurning pain into purposeSupporting people experiencing homelessnessFaith, compassion, and community impactHow to help someone who is grievingThis episode is about more than loss. It’s about dignity, legacy, and reminding people — especially in their darkest seasons — that they matter.Important Links:WebsiteYouTubeTikTok
Today I am joined by the incredible Nichole Lee who opens up about the grief she carried after her mother’s death — and how that loss became the catalyst for her own rebirth. She shares how she discovered the power of compound healing, why we don’t have to hold onto pain for the rest of our lives, and the ways we can alter our state by shifting the choices we make every day.This conversation is raw, powerful, and a reminder that while grief shapes us, it doesn’t have to define us.Ways to connect with Nichole:WebsiteIG
In this episode, I sit down with Pamela, who shares her incredible journey of transformation — from working as a nurse to finding her true calling as a hypnotherapist. Pamela opens up about leaving not one, but two difficult marriages, and how those experiences shaped her path toward healing and empowerment. Along the way, she offers practical advice and encouragement for anyone facing their own challenges, reminding us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the power of choosing yourself.You can connect with Pamela at the following links:InstagramYoutubeWebsite
What if the memories you hold onto so tightly… aren’t as accurate as you think? In this powerful conversation, we dive into the fascinating ways memory gets reshaped every time it’s recalled — and how that impacts trauma, healing, and the stories we tell ourselves.Our guest shares her expertise in hypnosis, trauma recovery, and breaking free from victim mentality, helping us understand how the mind stores pain and how we can rewrite the narrative to step into freedom. From challenging what “truth” in memory really means, to uncovering the tools that can reprogram limiting beliefs, this episode is packed with insights that can shift how you see both your past and your future.If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to move on, or why certain experiences still feel so fresh, this conversation will help you reclaim your power and begin the process of true healing.If you would like to connect with Conny or purchase her book you can do so below!WebsiteBook
Why are so many veterans struggling to find purpose after service — and what can we do about it?In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Don Gleason joins us to talk about the often-overlooked realities of transitioning out of the military. From skyrocketing suicide rates to the challenges of landing the right civilian job, Don shares personal insight, hard truths, and practical advice for veterans and everyday job seekers alike.We dive into:Why so many veterans feel lost after leaving the militaryThe mental toll of transition — and how to copeWhy applying to 100 jobs isn't the answer (hint: quality > quantity)How to craft a targeted resume that actually gets resultsThe power of self-reflection, purpose, and reinventionWhether you’re a veteran trying to find your next mission or someone stuck in a soul-sucking job search, this episode will change how you think about work, purpose, and personal growth.If you want to connect with Don, you can do so at the following link!Website
This week, I sit down with Yuki, founder of the Satori Mindset, to explore what it really means to live with intention, connect with your soul’s purpose, and rise out of the fog of feeling lost. Whether you're in the middle of a life pivot or just searching for deeper meaning, this conversation is exactly what your spirit needs.Connect with Yuki!www.feeling-awesome.comwww.satori-mindset.comSoul Purpose Skool Group
What is narcissism, really? In this episode, we’re joined by coach and expert Elizabeth Aguilera as she breaks down the different types of narcissists, the red flags to look out for, and how to protect yourself from their manipulative behaviors. Whether you’ve dealt with one or are just now learning what to watch for, this conversation will leave you empowered and equipped.🎙 Want to work with Elizabeth? You can do so at the following link!WebsiteFacebookLinkedInYouTube
Claudine Francois joins me to share her powerful journey from debilitating migraines to healing through functional medicine. After years of traditional treatments that only masked her symptoms, she discovered how to truly listen to her body and get to the root of her pain. In this episode, Claudine breaks down how functional medicine changed her life, why your symptoms are signals—not inconveniences—and how you can start advocating for your own health.If you've ever felt dismissed or stuck in the cycle of symptom management, this conversation will open your eyes and empower you to take control.To connect with Claudine you can do so below!WebsiteIGYouTube
Today I am joined by Maggie. She shares the importance of the flow method, Chakra healing, and shifting that timeline to get to where you want to be! Maggie has some wonderful tips and insight you do not want to miss!To connect with Maggie you can do so at the following linkWebsite
Today is about Heather Nicole Turner. Her case has gone unsolved for 8 years to the day. This is the year we want answers. I give a small breakdown of the case, how I got involved, and why we need to keep saying Heather's name.Links:Justice for Heather Turner FB pageJustice for Heather Turner TikTokMy TikTokDocumentary about Heather Turner - It Couldn't Happen Here
Today, I am joined by Tina, who at 10 years old had her dreams ripped away from her when her family joined a cult-like church. Later on, she ended up in not one, but three narcissistic relationships. She takes us on her journey from no boundaries to healthy boundaries! Tina has excellent advice you do not want to miss.
Today, I am joined by Jason, who provides a deep look into how men grieve. After losing his son, he struggled to find support and ended up taking things into his own hands. He not only created a group more geared towards men, he also made a grief coloring book! What started as letters to his son has now become a resource for so many(not just men)!If you want to connect with Jason or purchase the grief coloring book, you can do so at the links below!WebsiteColoring BookLetter To Zachary Grief Group
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