Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All

9 41 Never Too Broken To Be Rebuilt Martha Glory Kartaoui survived 26 years in a religious cult marked by physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse. In this gripping episode, she unpacks her transformation from controlled pawn to powerful healer. She explains what it means to be trauma-informed, how forgiveness became her lifeline, and why her journey to healing is proof that we’re never too broken to be rebuilt. Hosted by Elaine, this is a raw, hopeful, and galvanizing conversation that shines a light for those trapped in darkness.💥 What We Talk About:What it means to be a trauma-informed coachHow Martha escaped a high-control religious cultThe hidden cost of untreated trauma on the bodyWhy forgiveness isn't for them—it's for youThe breaking point that became her breakthroughHer powerful concept of "Battle Angels"Unbound: her upcoming healing eventReclaiming your identity after long-term trauma🔗 How to Connect with Martha Glory Kartaoui:Book: "Glory: Going All In" on AmazonLinkTree: https://linktr.ee/marthaglorykartaouiUpcoming Event: Unbound (Sept 12–14 in Raleigh, NC)📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtions©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All Listen to Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All

9 40 James Donaldson: From NBA to Near-Oblivion Show NotesJames Donaldson isn’t just a former NBA player. He’s a man who nearly didn’t make it. After a series of blows—major surgeries, losing his mom, a marriage breakdown, and closing his business—James was swallowed by suicidal ideation for a full year. But he clawed his way back.Now through Your Gift of Life Foundation, James speaks to youth, communities, and especially men, about the courage to say: “I’m not okay.” He challenges the stigma, opens conversations that save lives, and works to build a pipeline of diverse mental health professionals for the future.If you’ve ever felt like tomorrow is impossible—this conversation proves it isn’t.💥 What We Talk AboutThe collapse: surgeries, grief, financial loss, and isolation.Twelve months of suicidal ideation—and what pulled James through.Why men struggle to ask for help (and why that silence is deadly).How today’s youth are being raised by phones, not people.His foundation’s mission to bring hope and representation to mental health care.The book Celebrating Your Gift of Life and its practical tools.🔗 Connect with James Donaldson🌐 CelebratingYourGiftOfLife.com 📘 Celebrating Your Gift of Life (signed copies available on his site) 📌 Founder: Your Gift of Life Foundation📞 If You’re in CrisisIn North America: dial or text 988 for free, 24/7 support.Elsewhere: please reach out to your local suicide prevention hotline. #YouMatter 💬 Subscribe, Rate & ShareIf this story moved you, share it. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioJames Donaldson (Basketball Player, Author, Mental Health Advocate)Born: August 16, 1957, Heacham, EnglandHeight: 7'2"NBA Career: Played 14 seasons (1980–1995) with teams including the Seattle SuperSonics, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He was an NBA All-Star in 1988 and led the league in field goal percentage in 1985.Post-NBA: Continued playing in Europe until 1999.Off the Court: Founded The Donaldson Clinic (1990–2018), ran for Seattle mayor in 2009 and 2021, and became a motivational speaker focusing on mental health and suicide prevention. James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). He now devotes the majority of his time to toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  He published “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” in 2021. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and also is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.comLinks & SocialsTwitter: @YourGiftofLife1Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/james-donaldson-from-nba-to-near-oblivion Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 39 Releasing the Trauma Our Bodies Carry Show NotesHow many of us were told to “live with it”? Barb Varcl Smith wasn’t having that. Diagnosed with CFS at 17, she was told “learn to live like this.” Instead, she dove into mind-body healing, defied chronic illness, and met every skeptic’s “impossible” with her own recovery. You’ll hear how suppressed childhood fear becomes physical pain, why fibromyalgia is a red flag—not a death sentence, and how reconnecting with your core self can flip pain on its head. This is for the exhausted, the doubting, the relentless survivors: there is a way back to you. And no, it’s not just “managing” the ache—it’s dismantling it.💥 What We Talk About:Why “live with it” is a shit policy.CFS, fibromyalgia & CPTSD through the trauma lens.The Five Pillars: Inner Strength, Self-Love, Knowledge, Purpose, Intuition.How suppressed needs become body pain, rage, numbness, heartbreak.“Trauma-responsive programming” that stops suicidal spirals.Why healing isn’t slow—it’s fast when you hit the right triggers.🔗 How to Connect with the Episode Guest: Barb Varcl Smith’s info will be in the episode description—link to her trauma work, programs, and website. Reachable to anyone looking to dismantle their pain fortress.📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.**💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioBarb Varcl Smith is a therapist, educator, and trauma specialist with over 30 years of experience in human behaviour and emotional wellness. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal from CPTSD, overcome emotional trauma, and break free from generational cycles of pain.Barb’s work is rooted in a trauma-informed, neuroscience-backed approach that empowers individuals to recognize patterns, process past experiences, and build emotional resilience.She specializes in working with men, women, and young adults, providing compassionate support and practical strategies for lasting recovery.Her programs Trauma Response Reprogramming, Your Steps of Ascendance and Complex PTSD Blueprint helping individuals, groups and other mental health professionals change understand of trauma and bring powerful change to life without trauma.Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/releasing-the-trauma-our-bodies-carry Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 38 From the Deep End to the Punchline: Choosing to Stay Show Notes In this blistering comeback episode, Frank King—comedian, TEDx titan, and self-proclaimed barrel‑of‑the‑gun survivor—explores the constant threat of suicide quietly creeping into daily life. He teaches us that humor doesn’t minimize pain; it proves survival is possible. Grounded in lived experience—not textbooks—Frank's mission is clear: one conversation, one life saved.Sections with Emojis:💥 What We Talk About: Chronic suicidal thoughts, choosing humor over hunger for oblivion, how sharing your truth can save another's life.🔗 How to Connect with episode guest: Frank King via thementalhealthcomedian.com / Instagram/Twitter @theMHcomedian – or ask me for a booking link.5. Crisis Support📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988—free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere, please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter6. Subscribe/Share💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if today’s episode pulled you back from the edge. Someone else out there might not even know they needed it yet. #ConverSAVEtionsBioFrank King, Suicide Prevention Speaker, writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years, speaker and comedian for 39.His speaking is informed by his lifetime of Depression and Suicidality and coming close enough to ending his life that he can tell you what the barrel of his gun tastes like. Turning that long dark journey of the soul into 13 TEDx Talks, sharing his lifesaving insights with corporations, and associations.He’s shared the stage with comedians, Jeff Foxworthy, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Dr. Ken Jung, Ellen DeGeneres, Dennis Miller, and Bill Hicks, as well as entertainers, Lou Rawls, The Beach Boys, Randy Travis, and Nancy Wilson.On top of all of that, he has survived 2 aortic valve replacements, a double bypass, a heart attack, and losing to a puppet on the original Star Search and has lived to joke about it all.Links & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/from-the-deep-end-to-the-punchline-choosing-to-stay Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 37 From Abuse to Advocacy: Jenn Ginty and the Birth of Moody Monster Show NotesIn this raw and deeply human conversation, Jenn Ginty shares how surviving childhood abuse and the failures of the justice system shaped her path. She speaks candidly about living with Complex PTSD and major depressive disorder, her two suicide attempts, and the turning point when her brain finally said, “Now is the time.” Out of her own therapy came Moody—her monster you can rip apart and put back together again, a physical metaphor for the messy, real work of healing.💥 What We Talk About:Growing up under the shadow of abuse and a broken systemThe reality of trauma that doesn’t end when the abuser leavesTwo suicide attempts as a teen and the role therapy played in her survivalThe birth of Moody Monster from group therapy frustrationWhy expressing emotions physically matters for kids and adultsJenn’s vision for Moody to support children, families, and first respondersHow sitting with hard emotions can actually help them pass📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsMy Moody Monster the pull‑apart plush that Jenn (Jennifer) Ginty created after that raw, “rip‑it‑to‑shreds” kind of frustration hit her therapy group. It’s therapeutic, tactile, and speaks volumes without words.Key Highlights & ContextTherapeutic intent: Created as a tactile aid to help externalize frustration, fostering emotional release AND processing.Personal transformational journey: Jenn’s path—from survivor navigating court systems and two suicide attempts to healing advocate—infused Moody with deep care and intention.Growing mission: Beyond helping families, Jenn dedicates a portion of every sale to children in trauma, first responders, foster care, and medical centers where emotions run deep. Multimedia presence: Jenn shares emotional education on her YouTube channel through “Moody Talks,” focusing on coping strategies and emotional vocabulary.Why Moody MattersThis isn’t fluff. Moody Monster gives physical form to invisible pain. It helps people; kids or adults acknowledge, release, and rebuild emotions in a literal hands‑on way. Jenn’s lived experience drives a message that even in "not yet," emotional connection and healing aren’t just possible; they’re tangible.Links & Socials Apple Podcasts🔗 How to Connect with Jenn Ginty:Website: mymoodymonster.comInstagram: @mymoodymonsterYouTube: Moody Story TimeSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com

9 36 You Are Enough (But What If You Could Be More?) Show Notes💥 What We Talk About:– Growing up with invisible trauma, alcoholism, and neurological illness at home – How coping mechanisms became self-destructive habits in youth and early adulthood – The importance of disintegrating bad habits, not just adding good ones – Using affirmations, daily practice, coaching, community, and guilt‑free evolution – Speaking even imperfectly on stage and why authenticity beats perfection – Ben’s “there is no key” metaphor: unlocking your own code day by day🔗 How to Connect with our guestBen Albert’s work and community: We All Grow Together (go‑getters inner circle). Visit WeAllGrowTogether.com📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It might be the lifeline someone didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioLinks & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/you-are-enough-but-what-if-you-could-be-more Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 35 Dropping the Armor: Aaron Gibson on Healing, Humor, and Hard Truths Show NotesIf you’ve ever wondered how veterans cope with mental health challenges after service, Aaron Gibson’s story will hit home. This Soul Man Live host, producer, and Gen X veteran mental health advocate has lived through domestic violence, post-military depression, and an autism diagnosis—and still built a platform of kindness and connection. His journey proves that healing from trauma is possible, and that suicide prevention stories aren’t just statistics—they’re lifelines.Aaron Gibson has been called a lot of things—soldier, content creator, producer, Gen X madman with a “my lady” charm—but his truest titles? Survivor. Connector. Truth-teller.In this raw conversation, Aaron and Elaine go deep into surviving domestic violence, navigating post-military life, living with autism, and realizing that mental health breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re survival gear.Aaron’s “Soul Man Live” is part late-night hype show, part lifeline for anyone having a rough Friday. And in true Aaron style, he reminds us that showing up for people without expecting a damn thing in return might be the purest form of service there is.💥 What We Talk About:Growing up Gen X with an alcoholic parent and a stiff-upper-lip cultureLife after the military: discipline, distrust, and finding a new missionAutism diagnosis at 46—and the puzzle pieces it put in placeWhy kindness is never wasted, and “my lady” is more than a phraseHow his livestream became a global mental health safe spaceThe magic of genuine connection in a cynical world🔗 How to Connect with Aaron Gibson:LinkedIn: Aaron GibsonYouTube: Aaron Gibson SMLInstagram: @aarongibsonsoulmanlive📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. Let's start the #ConverSAVEtionsBioHost of the Globally Nominated and Internationally recognized Show Soul Man LIVE!!! - (6x) International #1 Best Selling Author - Executive Livestream Producer of N.I.C.& VYV- Trainer - Video Visioneer - Song WriterHailing from Calgary Alberta Canada I feel like a soul that has lived multiple lifetimes in one. From Scottish heritage growing up in the country as a child in Ontario Canada, then moving to Calgary as a teenager to start working at the age of 14.Links & SocialsInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/aarongibsonsoulmanlive/LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/aaron-g-801a2ba4YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AaronGibsonSML/ Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website...

9 34 Ottawa Blues for Youth: A Lifeline in Every Lyric Show NotesOttawa Blues for Youth: A Lifeline in Every Lyric💥 What We Talk About:Why music makes sense for mental healthThe importance of local, community-driven supportHow the YST intervention worksLived experience and lived courageWhat you can do to make a difference🔗 How to Connect with Guests:Event Site: ottawabluesforyouth.comDr. Zach Kaminsky: via The Royal OttawaAnita Manley: Contact via event site📞 If You’re in CrisisText 988 in North America for 24/7 support. Outside North America? Reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health helpline. #YouMatter💬 Subscription CalloutSubscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBiosAnita Manley Anita Manley is a mental health advocate, advisor, fundraiser, blogger, and peer facilitator. At The Royal, she has volunteered as a peer supporter for the women's mental health program from 2012-2024, was a member of the Client Advisory Council for five years, former editor of The Client's Voice newsletter and frequently shares her story with many audiences. Anita represented The Royal as co-chair of the Champlain LHIN PFAC and as a patient advisor for the resource development advisory group at Health Quality Ontario. Previously, Anita was a patient advisor for the Champlain Peer Network, The Ottawa Hospital Mental Health Community Advisory Committee, and a board member for Ottawa branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Anita was recognized as one of the ‘Faces of Mental Illness’ campaign with CAMIMH; a recipient of The Royal’s 2015 Inspiration Award; a ‘Top 40 for 40’ year anniversary of The Royal Foundation; and a notable ‘Adult Hero’ on Silken Laumann’s website, Unsinkable.Anita served as a Board Trustee at The Royal from June 2021 – June 2023.She holds a BA in communications from Carleton University and is an instructor of public speaking and leadership courses with Christopher’s Leadership in Ottawa. Anita also continues to facilitate a journaling group she co-founded in 2013, at PLEO.Link & SocialsInstagram (Personal)Instagram (Art)Facebook (Art Page)Blog: Dr Zachary KaminskyDr. Zachary Kaminsky is a leading expert in suicide prevention who focuses on developing innovative interventions. His research has been instrumental in understanding the biological factors behind suicidal behavior. He advocates for a multi-faceted approach to crisis response, such as the Youth Nominated Support Team intervention. This model empowers a network of trained individuals—including family, friends, and community members—to act as a nominated support team for at-risk individuals. This proactive and collaborative strategy is a cornerstone of his vision for a more effective and compassionate suicide prevention system.Links & Social Media

9 33 A Bee, A Door, A Broken Brain, Meeting New Me Show Notes Rob Baugh shares the raw truth of surviving a traumatic brain injury during the pandemic and finding purpose in the aftermath. From suicidal thoughts to building a podcast, a book, and a support group, Rob lays bare the hard-earned wisdom that comes from losing the old you and forging a new path—pain, memory lapses, migraines, and all.💥 What We Talk About:The incident that caused Rob's traumatic brain injuryThe medical system's lack of support for TBI patientsLiving with daily migraines, memory loss, and emotional strugglesCoping strategies, grace, and humor in the face of cognitive challengesRob's podcast, book "My Life Rewired," and future children's book seriesCaregiving, marriage, and mutual graceFinding meaning in pain and choosing not to sink📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsLinks & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/a-bee-a-door-a-broken-brain-meeting-new-me Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 32 When a Rainbow Speaks: A Father's Journey Through Grief and Spirit Show Notes In this conversation, Dave Roberts unpacks the raw terrain of grief following the death of his daughter Janine. From addiction counseling to death education, Dave's life has been steeped in holding space for suffering. But when grief knocked at his own door, he found himself unprepared—until spiritual connection, unexpected mentors, and the magic of a double rainbow cracked open a new worldview. This episode is for anyone navigating deep loss, seeking meaning, and wondering if it's possible to feel joy again after devastation.Dave Roberts didn’t sign up to be a grief expert—he was a guy trained to treat addiction. But when his daughter Janine died at 18, everything he believed about life, death, and healing shattered. What came next was a hard-fought journey through spiritual connection, ancestral healing, and finding peace without closure. In this raw and luminous episode, Dave joins Elaine to talk about fatherhood, the grief train, and why remembering isn’t pathology—it’s love.💥 What We Talk About:Dave’s 27-year career in addiction counselingThe devastating loss of his daughter JanineMeeting Rev. Patty and learning to communicate with spiritIntegrating spirituality with psychologyHealing ancestral woundsRedefining masculinity and grief expressionThe power of critical thinking and soul-level understanding🔗 How to Connect with Dave Roberts:Book: When the Psychology Professor Met the MinisterWebsite/contact info: 📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioLinks & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/when-a-rainbow-speaks-a-fathers-journey-through-grief-and-spirit Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 31 The Messy Truth of Healing: From Anorexia to Acceptance Show Notes💥 What We Talk About:The "middle place" between acute sickness and recoveryHow grief from her mother's death triggered an eating disorderThe shame spiral and stigma around not being "fully recovered"Structural medical failures in diagnosing young girlsWhy perfectionism is a trap in healingThe emotional education kids don’t getUsing narrative and vulnerability as tools for recoveryHer new memoir Slip, out August 2025🔗 How to Connect with Mallary:Preorder Slip on Amazon and Barnes & NobleFollow Mallary Tenore Tarpley on social platforms (links in description)📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioMallary Tenore Tarpley is an assistant professor of practice at The University of Texas at Austin's School of Journalism and Media and McCombs School of Business, where she teaches writing and reporting courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Mallary specializes in a variety of topics, including longform feature writing, creative nonfiction, solutions journalism and nonprofit journalism.A longtime journalist, Mallary's articles and essays have been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Tampa Bay Times, Teen Vogue, Harvard University’s Nieman Storyboard and more. She also maintains a weekly newsletter, Write at the Edge, where she shares writing tips and best practices. Mallary’s debut nonfiction book, “SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery,” will be published by Simon & Schuster's Simon Element imprint and is now available for pre-order. The book blends immersive reporting, emerging science and social history around eating disorders alongside Mallary’s own harrowing journey from a childhood with anorexia to her present-day reality as a mother in recovery. While working on the book, Mallary received a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support her reporting and writing.  Previously, Mallary was the associate director of the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at UT, where she oversaw the Center's staff, programmatic work, events, fundraising, and more. Before that she was the executive director of Images & Voices of Hope (ivoh), a media nonprofit, where she oversaw the ins and outs of the organization and helped develop a storytelling genre called restorative narrative — stories that show how people and communities are finding meaningful pathways forward in the aftermath of tragedy. Mallary started her career at the Poynter Institute, where she became managing editor of the institute’s world-renowned media news site, Poynter.org.Mallary holds bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish from Providence College, as well as a master's of fine arts in nonfiction writing from Goucher College. She lives outside of Austin with her husband and two young children.Mallary Tenore TarpleyAssistant Professor of PracticeSchool of Journalism and MediaMcCombs School of Business The University of Texas at AustinLinks & Socialsa...

From Beauty Sleep to Broken Hearts: Tracey's Unfiltered Truth About Suicide LossTracey Barraclough isn’t here to sugarcoat anything. She’s here to talk about the hard, messy truth of what happens when someone you love dies by suicide—and you’re left holding the grief, the guilt, the secrets, and the "should-haves." In this gut-wrenching conversation with Elaine, Tracey shares the final days of her brother Nikki, the tangled family dynamics that haunted him, and the heartbreaking moment she realized she might have missed the signs. This episode is an unflinching tribute to Nikki’s memory—and a call to action to truly hear the ones we love before it’s too late.💥 What We Talk About:Losing her brother Nikki to suicide at age 24How family secrets can erode mental healthThe myth of “he seemed fine” and masking painLetting go of suicide notes and what they really holdWhy we must say the word “suicide” out loudLearning to listen—and to hearHow Nikki’s daughter became a giftWhat Tracey would say to anyone standing in similar shoes📞 If You’re in Crisis:If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support.Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtions00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement00:42 Trigger Warnings and Support Resources01:23 Guest Introduction: Tracey Barraclough02:11 Tracey's Story: Coping with Loss06:24 Nikki's Struggles and Family Dynamics13:34 The Final Days and Reflections22:08 Reflecting on Heartbreaking Notes23:30 The Impact of a Mother's Illness24:31 Family Dynamics and Denial25:56 Nikki's Struggles and Final Notes31:55 The Importance of Listening36:56 Honoring Nikki's Memory40:34 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionBioTracey Barraclough Dip.THyp.Clinical HypnotherapistHealth & WellBeing MentorInspirational SpeakerFormer Lunch Mate/Contributor~Steph’s Packed Lunch Channel 4 Former Contributor~BBC Radio LeedsShortlisted Woman of Courage 2010~Yorkshire Women of Achievement AwardsShortlisted Yorkshire’s Most Inspirational Person 2016~Yorkshire Choice Awards🔗 How to Connect with Tracey Barraclough:LinkedIn: Tracey BarracloughWebsite: traceybarraclough.comX: iamicaniwillFB: @traceyinspirationIG: Tracey.barracloughtherapistYou Tube: @TraceyBarracloughInspiration

9 29 Journey to Resilience: Finding Light in Darkness Trigger Warning: This episode contains candid discussion of suicide attempts, depression, and traumatic injury. Listener discretion advised.Show NotesMen aren’t supposed to cry—until the mask cracks and the gun’s in your mouth. Enter Dan Pelly, an Italian‑American “tough guy” who believed feelings were a liability… right up until depression left him face‑down on a Florida motel floor with a bottle of vodka and enough pills to light up a toxicology lab. Spoiler: he lived. Twice. In this episode Dan and Elaine dismantle the BS narrative that suicide is selfish and carve out a raw, honest roadmap back to light—one FN step at a time.Episode: Finding Hope in Darkness with Dan Pelly Length: 56 min Host: Elaine Lindsay | Suicide Zen Forgiveness Guest: Dan Pelly – Inspirational Speaker, “Suicide Warrior”💥 What We Talk About:Crushing male stereotypes & the deadly “be tough” mythThe 800‑lb gorilla of clinical depressionSurviving a high‑speed truck collision & a near‑fatal overdoseParenting through trauma: step‑daughter’s TBI recoveryTurning poison into medicine with Nichiren BuddhismCrafting a life mission: Never Give Up. Choose Life.🔗 Connect with Dan:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dan-pelly-suicide-warrior-survivor-2-attempts-582457b8YouTube Shorts: @DanPelly (search "Dan Pelly Choose Life")Email: danpellyspeaker@gmail.com📞 If You’re in Crisis: North America: Dial or text 988 – free, 24/7. Elsewhere: Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental‑health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Moved by this convo? Smash subscribe, drop five stars, and share—it might be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioLinks & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/journey-to-resilience-finding-light-in-darkness Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 28 Men's Mental Health Month: Sean Sisk's Path to Recovery Show NotesThis isn’t a story about dying. It’s a story about choosing to live — even when you can’t walk, can’t pee, and the light at the end of the tunnel is just the hallway fluorescents. Sean’s grit, wit, and raw honesty show us how hope gets built from the bones up.Men's Mental Health Month: Sean Sisk's Path to Recovery  🎙️ Episode: "Miracle Sean Sisk"This isn’t a story about dying. It’s a story about choosing to live — even when you can’t walk, can’t pee, and the light at the end of the tunnel is just the hallway fluorescents. Sean’s grit, wit, and raw honesty show us how hope gets built from the bones up.💥 What We Talk About:Sean's harrowing health crisis at Blues Fest 2023Septic shock, coma, dialysis, and recoveryThe unspoken toll on caregivers and familiesWhy we must stop asking, "What can I do?" and start doingLosing friends in crisis and why some people disappearHumor as a life raft and signal of cognitive resilienceThe miracle of community supportWhy men need more than silence to survive🔗 How to Connect with Sean Sisk: Instagram: @seansiskphotography Website: seansisk.com📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioSean Sisk is a seasoned commercial and entertainment photographer based in Ottawa, Canada. With a career spanning over two decades, he has built a reputation for capturing compelling portraits, dynamic editorial spreads, and electrifying live music performances. His portfolio includes work with major clients such as Bell Media (CTV, TSN, Pure Country), Faces Magazine, and Ottawa Life Magazine. He also serves as the official photographer for prominent events like RBC Bluesfest and CityFolk Festival.In July 2023, while covering Bluesfest, Sean faced a life-threatening health crisis due to an invasive Group A Streptococcus infection that led to septic shock. After a challenging recovery, he emerged with a renewed perspective on life.Sean was also responsible for the creation of Pets with Personalities Pet calendar that raised over $25k for various Ottawa charities ( OHS, OBGC and various dog rescues) Sean also sat on the Ringside for Youth board for 8 yrsLinks & SocialsSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/mens-mental-health-month-sean-sisks-path-to-recovery Elaine Lindsay Explicit

9 27 Unmasking the Warrior: Emotional Truths Men Are Dying to Tell Show NotesMen's health is often measured in silence. David Amerland joins Elaine for a wide-ranging convo on why that's killing us—literally. We go from ancient warrior codes to dopamine cycles, from the chaos of returning home to the peace found in breath, connection, and good sleep. It’s an unflinching look at the stories men carry—and the new ones they desperately need.💥 What We Talk About:Why feelings start in the body, not the mindHow pain reshapes us—and why we ignore itThe myth of the strong, silent male and its deadly costRitual, community, and why ancient warrior cultures got it rightWhy reintegration is essential (soldiers, astronauts, and ex-cons all need it!)The real role of emotions in elite military performanceDavid’s book Built to Last and the new model of masculine healthDaily practices for better physical/emotional integrationGen Z, social media, and hopeful trends in emotional awareness🔗 How to Connect with David Amerland: Website: www.davidamerland.com Book: Built to Last: How to Get Stronger, Healthier, and Happier at Every Stage of Life (link in show notes)📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support. Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioDavid Amerland is a writer focused on how human behavior is shaped by modern forces, especially technology, and how that shift impacts our health, culture, and stories. After building a career in marketing and publishing several successful business books, David Amerland expanded into the wellness space with Built to Last, a practical guide to health, longevity, and intentional living.Now also writing fiction, David Amerland explores the emotional and psychological impact of modern life through storytelling. Across all genres, his work investigates how we adapt, and sometimes resist, to change in a fast-moving world and what that does to our sense of values, the moral code we create for ourselves and the societies we build, as a result.David Amerland's work has been featured in Inc. and Forbes, interviewed on Scott Monty's Timeless & Timely, and speaks on topics ranging from digital culture to long-term wellbeing.When not writing, David enjoys trains in martial arts and, occasionally visits cafes.Links & SocialsLearn more About David's books: https://davidamerland.com/bibliographyhttps://www.instagram.com/david_amerland/https://www.youtube.com/c/davidamerland/videoshttps://medium.com/@davidamerlandhttps://bsky.app/profile/davidamerland.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidamerland/https://www.threads.com/@david_amerlandhttps://x.com/DavidAmerlandSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website

9 26 Allies Aren’t Optional: Shaun Proulx on Empathy, Labels & Liberation Show NotesThis episode is a love letter and a wake-up call.💥 What We Talk About:The cost of silence: bullying, suicide, and shameWhat real allyship looks like (hint: it ain’t waving a rainbow flag once a year)Breaking boxes, dismantling labels, and why sameness is deadlyThe trauma of growing up queer in a heteronormative worldWhy empathy should be taught like mathHow toxic masculinity stunts us all—and what to do about it🔗 How to Connect with Shaun Proulx: Website: shaunproulx.caInstagram: @shaunproulxTwitter/X: @shaunproulx📞 If You’re in Crisis: If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support.Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter.💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed. #ConverSAVEtionsBioShaun Proulx is a dynamic Canadian media entrepreneur, speaker, author, and broadcaster known for his uplifting and empowering approach to storytelling. He's the host of The Shaun Proulx Show on SiriusXM's Canada Talks (Channel 167), where he engages in smart, edgy, and inspiring conversations with celebrities, newsmakers, and thought leaders, focusing on themes of personal empowerment and happinessIn 2002, Proulx launched TheGayGuideNetwork.com (GGN), Canada's first digital magazine for the LGBT community. GGN offers high-vibe conversations about true personal empowerment and being authentically fabulous, making it a preferred choice for Canadian advertisers aiming to achieve positive brand integrationProulx's media company, Shaun Proulx Media (SPM), is dedicated to producing content based on the belief that anyone can be, do, and have anything. SPM connects brands with tastemakers using bespoke strategies on leading-edge new media platforms Beyond his media ventures, Proulx is a keynote speaker and coach, passionate about helping others live well and by their own rules. His personal journey includes publicly disclosing his HIV-positive status in 2005, and he has been an advocate for living authentically and embracing one's truth Proulx's work has earned him recognition in various fields, including producing the documentary DecAIDS – Anything Is Possible, which won "Best Social Documentary" at WorldFest and "Best Full-Length Feature" at the New York AIDS Film Festival in 2007Links & Socialsshaunproulxmedia.com SUBSTACK: https://shaunproulx.substack.com. X (formerly TwitterX formerly Twitter :: Shaun Proulx / ShaunProulxShowFacebook :: OfficialShaunProulxInstagram :: ShaunProulxMediaIncLinkedIN :: Shaun ProulxSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018...

🎙️ Grief, Survival, and Liberation: A Conversation with Edy NathanWhat if grief wasn’t something to “get over,” but a cave you learn to live inside—until you come out changed?In this raw and riveting episode, host Elaine Lindsay sits down with Edy Nathan, therapist, storyteller, and author of It’s Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery through Trauma and Loss. Together, they rip the cover off sanitized ideas of mourning and explore how grief—whether from death, trauma, or sexual violation—can both dismantle and remake us.Edy shares her own story of loss, the death that shifted her entire axis, and the deeper personal reckonings that came in its wake. She introduces the powerful metaphor of the cave of grief, challenges the myth of closure, and discusses why grief isn’t a timeline—it’s a transformation. The conversation moves into uncharted territory as Edy unpacks the concept of sexual grief, and how even unspoken trauma reshapes our sense of self.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your sorrow, unseen in your healing, or like no one gets the weight of what you carry—this one’s for you.💥 What We Talk About:The cave of grief: why you can’t shortcut transformationEdy’s personal story of losing the love of her life at 27Why grief is like a dance—and the tempo is never steadyThe misunderstood grief of sexual traumaWhy “moving on” is the wrong frameworkThe Liberation Protocol and embodied curiosity🔗 Connect with Edy Nathan:EdyNathan.comRAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network📞 If You’re in Crisis:If you're in North America, text 988 for free, 24/7 support.Elsewhere? Please reach out to your local suicide prevention or mental health hotline. #YouMatter💬 Subscribe, rate, and share if this episode moved you. It could be the lifeline someone else didn’t know they needed.Bio“In her book, Edy Nathan embraces grief in all its forms with clarity, insight and grace. She teaches readers to understand how grief is a tool for personal evolution and integration—and something everyone can master.” – Deepak Chopra“I appreciate books that are like companions. You want them nearby and available. They have warmth and usefulness but are not shallow. They are friends rather than lifeless objects or heady abstractions. This book can be a companion like that during inevitable moments of grief.” —Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and Ageless SoulIn a culture that does its best to run away from grief whenever possible— even though grief is an inevitable part of life and loss—Edy Nathan provides a practical, sensitive guide to surmounting the pain and regaining your soul.An experienced psychotherapist and grief expert, Nathan is author of the newly published It’s Grief: The Dance of Self-Discovery Through Trauma and Loss (As I Am Press, July 2018). The book unravels the complex world of grief and helps to transform the dark mystery into one of life’s most important teachers.While other therapists emphasize universal quick fixes to “get over it,” Nathan says it doesn’t work that way. Like a fingerprint, everyone’s experience of trauma, abuse, or the loss of a loved one is unique, and in truth, you never really get over the resulting grief but learn to integrate it into your life.To that end, Nathan offers a comprehensive toolbox to aid the process—and you can take what you need. She speaks candidly from her own personal experiences as one who has danced with grief in many forms from a young age. Her ideas are not theoretical!Grief, trauma and loss can strike in a moment, today, or from a long past memory retrieved—and disrupt the norms

Empowerment through Adversity: Cara Marino's StorySurviving Trauma: A Journey to Healing and Hope with Cara MarinoElaine, the host of SuicideZen Forgiveness, is on a mission to end the silence and stigma surrounding suicide. In this episode, she welcomes Cara Marino, a 30-year-old occupational therapist and certified holistic herbalist who shares her powerful story of overcoming severe health issues, bullying, assault, and suicidal ideation. Cara discusses her path to mental health recovery through therapy, spiritual exploration, and the support of a close friend. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, support, and finding silver linings in life. This episode highlights the profound impact of personal resilience and the vital role of conversation and connection in mental health.00:00 Introduction to SuicideZen Forgiveness01:40 Meet Our Guest: Cara Marino02:59 Cara's Background and Mission08:58 Personal Struggles and Resilience21:56 The Turning Point: Finding Hope and Healing40:28 The Importance of Talking About Suicide47:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

9 23 A Journey of Growth: Christian Elliot on Homeschooling and Emotional Intelligence Show NotesNavigating Health, Grief, and the Impact of Homeschooling: A Conversation with Christian ElliotIn this episode, Elaine Lindsay speaks with Christian Elliot, a professional health coach with 20 years of experience focusing on holistic health. Christian shares his insights on mental, emotional, and spiritual health, recounting experiences of his homeschool community dealing with the sudden loss of a peer's parent due to suicide. They discuss the importance of integrating mental health conversations into daily life, the challenges of public schooling versus homeschooling, and the concept of building a robust and emotionally resilient educational environment at home. Elaine and Christian emphasize the need for support systems, community bonds, and the critical role of parents in their children's education and mental well-being.00:00 Introduction and Mission01:46 Meet Christian Elliot02:14 Christian's Approach to Health Coaching03:57 Dealing with Grief and Loss05:08 Impact of a Community Tragedy06:14 Changing the Language Around Suicide11:03 The Importance of Conversations15:58 Homeschooling and Community20:14 Balancing Technology and Outdoor Play24:54 Homeschooling During COVID-1926:43 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Homeschooling27:03 Building a Supportive Learning Community28:20 Cultivating Patience and Virtue29:28 Adapting to Different Learning Paces31:37 Homeschooling Systems and Structures33:58 Balancing Work and Homeschooling34:28 Raising Competent and Independent Children35:56 The Importance of Systems Thinking41:21 Addressing Mental Health in Homeschooling45:09 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsBioChristian ElliotHolistic health coach | Podcaster | Family manCo-owner TRUE Whole Human and Healing UnitedCheck out my podcast: Deconstructing ConventionalChristian has been full-time in the “alternative” health space since 2005, logging about 20,000 hours of 1-1 coaching—fitness, nutrition, life, and relationship coaching. He is a co-owner of a newly established organization called Healing United—a Private Membership Association that is a collaboration between doctors and coaches working to turn healthcare on its head by focusing on healing instead of treatment.Christian's main focus is on creating holistic and personalized detox programs to help people overcome a myriad of otherwise "incurable" diseases. He also hosts a podcast called Deconstructing Conventional and has been a guest on dozens of shows. Christian is a husband and father of six, homeschooled kids. He also has a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary.Links & SocialsHealing United - https://www.healingunited.today/home Reverse Any Chronic Illness in Three Steps - https://truewholehuman.kartra.com/page/qvg274 Deconstructing Conventional Podcast - https://www.healingunited.today/podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/truewholehuman/ Facebook - https://www.faceb ook.com/people/Healing-United/61558869901392/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/truechristianelliot/Suicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved....

9 22 The MentorWell with Chris Coulter Show NotesEmpowering Teens: The Power of Emotional Intelligence and MentorshipIn this episode, the host delves into difficult topics such as suicide, mental health, and the importance of asking for help, featuring guest Chris Coulter. Chris introduces MentorWell, a program designed to help teens and young adults build essential emotional intelligence skills. He shares the origins of the project, stemming from his personal experience of losing his daughter to suicide. Chris discusses the importance of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and the innovative tool called TeenSpeak, which uses AI to help mediate and resolve conflicts between parents and teens. The episode highlights the crucial need for emotional intelligence in schools and society, and shares insights into how technology and mentorship can support mental health and well-being across generations.00:00 Introduction and Purpose01:39 Meet the Guest: Chris Coter02:02 The MentorWell Initiative05:19 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence10:01 Challenges in Parenting and Mentorship16:09 Leveraging AI for Connection28:02 The Future of AI and Its Impact30:06 AI's Artistic Capabilities30:58 AI as a Mentor and Conflict Resolution Tool33:20 Generational Differences in Parenting39:02 The Evolution of Teen Speak44:24 Global Reach and Future Plans50:26 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBioChris CoulterCEO and Co-founder of The Mentor Well. Chris is an entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and proud father driven by a deep and personal mission: to create a world where every young person feels seen, supported, and capable. After losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie to suicide, Chris transformed unimaginable pain into purpose, dedicating his life to youth mental health and emotional well-being. He founded The Mentor Well, an online mentorship platform designed to help teens and young adults build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Chris believes that meaningful mentorship—especially from emotionally intelligent adults—can change the trajectory of a young life. With over 30 years of experience in business, including estate and legacy planning through The Finish Line Group, he now helps other business owners align wealth with purpose. Chris’s work bridges the gap between success and significance, honouring Maddie’s legacy by showing that one person’s story, shared honestly, can spark change in another’s life.Links & SocialsThe MentorWell LinkedInThe MentorWell InstagramSuicide Zen Forgiveness Stories re Suicide Loss | Ideation | Mental Health | Offering Hope |Empathy for All website ©2025-2018 Elaine Lindsay SZF42.com All rights reserved. https://suicide-zen-forgiveness.captivate.fm/episode/the-mentorwell-with-chris-coulter Elaine Lindsay Explicit