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Change Happened Then what?

Author: Heather Holt

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Change Happened, Then What, is a weekly storytelling podcast about transformation, healing, and the human experience after life’s biggest curveballs. Hosted by Heather Holt, each episode shares raw, real-life stories of resilience—exploring what happens after the moment everything shifts: loss, love, trauma, reinvention, or unexpected growth.



Step into an intimate space of honesty and hope. You’ll hear from everyday people navigating grief, motherhood, mental health, and identity—revealing how change cracked them open and what came next.



These aren’t just stories you listen to. They’re stories you feel.


Because life changes us all. The question is… then what?

65 Episodes
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Heather Holt settles in with a sigh, Waylon and Dalton politely supervising, and confesses she doesn’t love New Year’s resolutions—not because change is impossible, but because it rarely needs a calendar. With gentle humor and plain truth, she traces the quiet moments when real change begins: an unexpected conversation, a small wrecking of complacency, the plain decision that you can’t keep doing things the same way. She flips the script on grand promises and marathon-morning fantasies, asking instead for one sustainable choice you can actually keep coming back to—the tired, busy, real-you decision that builds over time. No confetti, no countdown, just the steady repetition that becomes life. Short, warm, and honest, this Smile Drop invites you to start whenever you’re ready. Listen for the chuckles, the collar jingles, and the permission to begin—today, tomorrow, or whenever the moment finally feels honest. Enter to Win a Soft Tee or Cozy Trucker Hat If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Listener Note This episode includes conversations about self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Please listen in a way that feels safest for you. Support resources are listed in the show notes. At 27, Kevin receives a message that opens a door he never thought would be unlocked: a chance to meet the father who was absent his whole life. What follows is a raw, intimate journey through a childhood shaped by quiet absence, a dangerous comfort with pain, and the hollow victories of outward success. In this episode, listen as Kevin traces the slow unraveling and surprising turns that force him to ask who he really is. From moments on the edge of despair to the lifeline of a friend, therapy, and the creation of a purpose-driven podcast, his story is about learning to stay—finding a safe place to land, and discovering self-awareness as the bravest kind of work. Tune in for a candid, human story of loss, reckoning, and the small decisions that change everything. 988 - crisis hotline Next Level University  Connect with Kevin on Facebook More about Kevin  If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This final episode of the Holiday Story Series shares the story of the Three Kings — also known as Los Tres Reyes Magos — a tradition celebrated across many cultures as a journey guided by light, faith, and devotion. Traveling across a winter landscape, the kings follow a star not knowing exactly where it will lead, only trusting that it points toward something meaningful. As the closing story in this seasonal series, this episode reflects on the shared themes found across all eight stories: hope in darkness, connection across differences, and the ways light continues to guide humanity forward. A gentle, reflective conclusion to a season of storytelling meant to be shared across generations. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This New Year’s Eve episode revisits The Little Match Girl, the Danish winter story written by Hans Christian Andersen — a tale that has been told with many endings across generations. Originally written to awaken compassion during a harsh winter, the story has evolved over time, shaped by the hopes and values of those who retell it. In this gentle, reimagined version, the match girl’s light becomes a symbol of resilience, kindness, and the quiet power of hope as one year closes and another begins. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the sparks we carry forward — the memories, lessons, and love that guide us into what comes next. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
At ten, she was told her father had died of a heart attack. Thirty-five years later, a single question—and a mother's trembling answer—pull back a secret that rewrites a lifetime: he had taken his own life. This episode follows Lisa Sugarman as she confronts that fractured narrative, feels the rage and grief, and walks the slow path toward understanding. Lisa's pain becomes purpose. Devouring research, listening to survivors, and refusing to accept stigma, she transforms her loss into lifelines—founding The Help Hub, counseling in crisis, and writing a book that brings her closer to the father she thought she knew. Through intimate memories, hard-won insights, and raw honesty, the story shows how truth, however late, can open the way to healing and fierce compassion. Content warning: this episode discusses suicide and grief. Listen with care, and know you are not alone—there are people and resources ready to help. Tune in to hear a story of protection, revelation, and the unexpected work of rebuilding a relationship with loss. Connect with Lisa on YouTube Connect with Lisa on Facebook Connect with Lisa on Instagram Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn Buy Lisa's Books on Amazon Listen to Lisa's Podcast - The Survivors Podcast The Trevor Project If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This Christmas episode explores the origin, mystery, and magic behind A Visit from St. Nicholas — the beloved poem better known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. For nearly two centuries, this poem has shaped how the world imagines Santa Claus: the sleigh, the reindeer, the twinkling eyes, the quiet wonder of Christmas Eve. Yet its authorship remains debated, caught between Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston Jr. In this episode, Heather reads a lightly modernized narration of the full poem and reflects on why this timeless story still captures our imagination. A warm, nostalgic Christmas listen for families of all ages. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
In this episode Heather Holt interviews Peter Ho, a kinesiologist from Hawaii who moved to California and found himself in an abusive relationship that led to physical harm, financial ruin, and homelessness. Peter shares how confronting perfectionism and his ego helped him reclaim self-worth and begin to rebuild. Today he works as a tennis coach and wellness practitioner, helping others restore balance and health. His message: it’s okay to start over — use the lessons you’ve learned to write a new chapter. Connect with Peter on Facebook  National Domestic Violence Hotline International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This Solstice story explores ancient winter traditions from Norse, Celtic, and early northern cultures who saw the shortest day of the year as a sacred turning point. The Winter Solstice — the longest night and the return of the sun — was marked by fires, rituals, and stories reminding communities that light always returns. Through legends of the Sun Child, the Oak King and Holly King, and protective northern spirits, this episode offers a reflective narrative about endurance, balance, and the quiet magic of midwinter. A gentle, timeless reminder that even in our darkest seasons, a sunrise is already on its way. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
What does it mean to raise a December baby — especially one born just days before Christmas? In this Smile Drop episode, Heather reflects on her son’s December 18 birthday and the lifelong journey that came with it. From sharing a birthday with his older cousin (and Stone Cold Steve Austin), to being born prematurely and coming home on Christmas Eve, this story traces the milestones that quietly shape motherhood. Heather remembers first birthdays, school cupcakes, sleepovers, teenage rites of passage, learning to let go at sixteen, watching independence grow at eighteen, twenty-one, and twenty-five — and now celebrating twenty-six with gratitude and perspective. This episode is a reflection on December birthdays, motherhood, family cycles, and how women grow alongside their children. It’s about holding on, letting go, and realizing that sometimes the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped — they’re lived. Perfect for listeners navigating the holiday season with full hearts and full calendars. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
What happens when your body forces you to stop—and listen? In this deeply moving episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Heather Holt sits down with Sandra, an intuitive card reader and oracle deck creator whose life was forever changed by a devastating car accident. What followed was not just physical recovery, but a profound reckoning with trauma, grief, motherhood, and the quiet wisdom stored within the body. Sandra shares her journey through heartbreak, loss, and healing—how creativity became medicine, how intuition requires consent and sacred responsibility, and how slowing down ultimately led her back to herself. This is a story about resilience, embodied healing, and trusting the unfolding—even when life cracks you wide open. Link to Dancing Elk Woman Link to Sandra on Facebook Clevland Clinic on Chakras The Intuitive Mindset Donna Ashworth Poet If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This episode retells the story behind Hanukkah — a tale of courage, identity, and the miracle that became a symbol of Jewish resilience. Dedicated to Heather’s longtime friend Julie, who first introduced her to the warmth and beauty of Jewish tradition, this narrative explores the Maccabees’ fight to reclaim their sacred Temple and the tiny jar of oil that burned for eight days. Blending history, spirituality, and reflection, this gentle retelling invites listeners to consider the power of choosing hope even when the world feels dark. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This Nordic winter story explores the legend of Sankta Lucia — a young woman crowned with candles who brings light, warmth, and protection during the darkest days of the year. Rooted in Swedish tradition, Lucia’s story blends history, folklore, and the deep human need for hope when daylight grows short. Through a tale of generosity, resilience, and returning light, this episode invites listeners into a timeless tradition that continues to inspire families across Scandinavia. A gentle, narrative retelling for the holiday season. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Guest Lisa Zerwotny (Positively Living) shares four simple, actionable steps to end the year well: reflect on the past, plan next-year intentions, review finances (use FSA/HSA and set budgets), and declutter physical and emotional spaces. Short, practical, and compassionate guidance to create breathing room for the new year, plus resources and gentle encouragement to get started and ask for support if needed. Connect with Lisa Positively Living Website Positively Living Podcast Connect With Lisa On Instagram Connect With Lisa on LinkedIn Connect With Lisa on Pintrest Connect With Lisa on YouTube If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
In this moving episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Heather sits down with nurse practitioner Trent Carter — a man whose life took an unexpected turn that ultimately placed him on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. Raised with strong values and a heart for helping others, Trent never imagined that betrayal in his early career would redirect him toward his true calling: rebuilding hope for individuals and families battling addiction. From working in a Level I trauma center at Baylor University Medical Center to opening his independent practice in New Mexico, Trent’s journey is a powerful reminder that a single moment of loss can become a doorway to purpose. Today, he treats patients with compassion, dignity, and evidence-based care through Renew Health, where he advocates for reducing stigma and increasing access to recovery support. This episode explores what it takes to heal, how families can navigate the painful cycle of addiction, and why kindness and understanding can change the trajectory of someone’s life. Trent also shares insights from his book The Recovery Toolbelt, designed to offer practical support to anyone facing addiction or supporting a loved one. Stay tuned until the end for this week’s Change Challenge question! Connect with Trent: Renew Health Facebook Instagram Substance Abuse Help: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Drug Help Line If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Heather Holt tells a gentle winter story from the Inuit of the Arctic about a boy who learns the northern lights are the spirits of loved ones, offering comfort and guidance through the long night. This special Holiday Story Series from Change Happened, Then What? shares eight winter tales from around the world — stories of light, resilience, and connection told across cultures, faiths, and generations. From the Arctic sky to Nordic villages, ancient Judea to African American celebration, these timeless stories invite listeners to slow down, breathe deeper, and rediscover what brings us together. Each episode blends narrative, history, and heart, offering warmth and reflection for the darkest season of the year.  If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Born under Sagittarius, your little one carries the magic of curiosity, adventure, and endless possibility. ✨ The Dear Sweet One Sagittarius Lullaby is a gentle bedtime story inspired by the stars—filled with warmth, wonder, and the bright, hopeful glow of turquoise, their birthstone of protection, wisdom, and open-hearted joy. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Michelle’s son was born premature and seemed to struggle with speech, learning, and behavior. After years of misdiagnoses and unanswered questions, a persistent mother finally uncovered a rare, de novo TBR1 genetic variant that explained his complex needs. Receiving the diagnosis was only the beginning. Michelle transformed fear into purpose — learning the system, becoming a fierce advocate, and building resources to help other families navigate evaluations, services, and school supports. If you’re caring for a differently wired child or want to support a family who is, this episode offers hope, practical guidance, and a reminder that persistence and community can change everything. Special Education Concierge Website Connect on Facebook Connect on Instagram If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
This special Thanksgiving Smile Drop brings all the chaotic, hilarious, heart-warming energy of the holiday into one bite-sized episode. Whether you’re traveling, cooking, hiding from political conversations, or sneaking pie in the bathroom so you don’t have to share, this one’s for you. In this episode, Heather shares a funny, relatable look at the holiday we all try to get right—even though someone always burns the rolls, someone loses the carving knife, and someone always insists the cranberry sauce should “shlooop” a certain way. From cross-country travel, tree-hunting traditions, and the annual return of hunting season warriors… to tofu roasts, gluten-free side dishes, emotional food fights, and dogs stealing dinner rolls under the table, this Smile Drop celebrates the real moments that make Thanksgiving unforgettable. And tucked between the laughs is the quiet reminder we all need: gratitude. Not the Instagram version—real gratitude. For breath. For food. For family (by blood, by choice, or by holiday survival). For still gathering in a world that feels like a lot sometimes. If you need a warm, humorous break this Thanksgiving, this is it. Press play, breathe, and enjoy the chaos, the comfort, and the reminder that today—right now—is worth being grateful for. If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
Ken was told as a child that he might never be able to read. In this powerful episode, you’ll hear how he proved every prediction wrong. With the support of his grandparents, Ken built a life defined not by limitations, but by determination. From 33 years in military intelligence to a long career in the airline industry, Ken’s path eventually led him to reinvent himself—earning his master’s degree, learning Spanish, and writing his own psychological thriller, Trapped in Deception. Now retired and living in Peru, Ken is studying for his doctorate and working on future books. His story is a testament to persistence, self-worth, and the courage to create your own narrative. Trapped in Deception Ken Webb If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
If you love funny dog stories, big goofy Labs, or pets who fully believe they own the house, you’re in the right place. In this Smile Drop episode, Waylon and Dalton — my two bed-hogging, UPS-driver-obsessed Labs — finally get the spotlight they’ve been dramatically begging for. You’ll hear about: • Their Olympic-level bed-hogging • Waylon’s love affair with the UPS driver • Dalton’s… foot-sniffing hobby • Their vet-approved “maybe a little chubby” status • And why Thanksgiving is basically their Super Bowl If you’re a dog person, this one will make you smile, laugh, and absolutely say, “Yep… been there.” 💛 These are the stories that remind us: dogs take up the whole bed, the whole house, and the whole heart. Follow along and send me your pup pics on Instagram or Facebook — I love seeing who makes YOU smile! If you'd like to support the show, just click the link Be a part of the change happened community To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit Changehappenedpodcast.com Ready to get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products Click the link below 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened for behind-the-scenes moments and updates. Got a story to share or just want to say hello? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at Changepodcast@yahoo.com and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.
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