The Human Experience

What happens when you stop looking for love and start finding yourself? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with author and New Hampshire transplant Abby Rosmarin in Concord, NH, to talk about the year that changed her life: 2023, the Year of Dating Herself.After a string of tumultuous relationships that left her gaslit, depleted, and sitting in a bathtub wondering how she got there, Abby made a radical decision — to spend an entire year intentionally single, intentionally present, and intentionally devoted to her own company. The result? A healing journey she never could have predicted, a book, and a relationship she never knew was possible.From solo concerts and dining alone for the first time to impulsive ear piercings and sunrise coffee dates by the lake, Abby shares the raw, funny, and deeply human story of what it looks like to truly date yourself — awkwardness, check-engine-light moments, and all. She and Jennifer also dive into the pressures women face around singlehood, the power of therapy and self-reflection, codependency and healing, and what it really means to show up for yourself before you can fully show up for anyone else.📍This episode was recorded in Concord, New Hampshire.MEET ABBY ROSMARINAbby Rosmarin is the author of The Year of Dating Myself: How My Solo Tour Healed More Than Just My Heartbreak. Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Bustle, the Bangalore Review, and others.CONNECT WITH ABBYBook: The Year of Dating Myself InstagramKEY TAKEAWAYSYour story doesn’t start in a vacuum. The patterns in our adult relationships almost always trace back further than we think. Recognizing those echoes, without shame, is the first step toward changing them.Dating yourself is an act of intention, not circumstance. Abby didn’t just “be single”, she committed to a structured, year-long practice of taking herself out, showing up for herself, and treating her own company as something worth investing in.Self-care doesn’t have to be grand. Some of Abby’s most meaningful moments were a $5 coffee and a sunrise at the lake. Romanticizing the small things is a skill and a gift you can give yourself any day.You’re not being watched as closely as you think. One of the most liberating lessons of solo adventures? Nobody is paying as much attention to you as your anxiety says they are. Do the thing anyway.Codependency is quiet — until it isn’t. Abby reflects on how deeply her sense of identity had become wrapped up in romantic relationships, and how the year of dating herself helped her find, and keep, her own ground.Loneliness is real, and it’s survivable. Being intentionally single doesn’t mean you won’t miss romantic love. It means you learn you can miss it and still be okay.You don’t have to wait until rock bottom. Dating yourself isn’t just for the heartbroken. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, carving out time to be with yourself makes you a better partner, friend, and human.Compassion is curiosity. When asked what compassion means to her, Abby’s answer was beautifully simple: instead of painting someone with a one-dimensional brush, get curious about what they might be carrying.________________________________________STAY CONNECTEDThe Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | FacebookThe Human Experience Legacies | InstagramConnect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedInSupport the Podcast

What happens when the dream you've chased your entire life finally comes true—only to discover it's not actually what you wanted after all?In this conversation, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Cheryl Johnson, a woman who has moved 45 times across 8 states, visited all 50 states, and learned that life's greatest gifts often come disguised as detours.Cheryl's story begins at age 8 on an airplane, helping flight attendants pick up trash and dreaming of a glamorous life in the skies. For over a decade, she applied relentlessly to airlines, facing rejection after rejection until her tenacity—and some creative phone book detective work—finally paid off.But becoming a flight attendant during the chaos of 1980s airline deregulation was just the beginning. Marriage, motherhood, financial struggles, and personal challenges tested Cheryl in ways she never anticipated. Through constant moves, difficult relationships, and moments when she didn't know where help would come from, Cheryl discovered something profound: the job she'd dreamed about since childhood wasn't her calling. Motherhood was.Now settled on 8 acres after a lifetime of motion, remarried for 25 years, and deeply invested in family history, Cheryl reflects on what it means to let go of what you thought you wanted in order to embrace what life is actually offering you.This is a story about tenacity and transformation, about the courage to pivot when circumstances demand it, and about learning that true compassion means getting down in the hole with people rather than just throwing them a rope from above.📍This episode was recorded in Manassas, VACONTENT WARNINGThis episode contains discussions of:Domestic violence and physical abuseAttempted suicide MEET CHERYL JOHNSON:With a life marked by a broad array of cultural experiences and extraordinary circumstances, Cheryl Johnson has found her greatest lessons outside of a traditional classroom. Her unique path, which includes relocating countless times and navigating the distinct challenges of being married to a person who was blind, has equipped her with a rare perspective. Cheryl invites you to explore her motivational story of adaptation, proving that every twist and turn is an opportunity to learn and grow.CONNECT WITH CHERYL:LinkedInKEY TAKEAWAYS:Tenacity pays off—but flexibility matters more: Cheryl chased her flight attendant dream relentlessly, but her willingness to pivot when life demanded it brought her the most fulfillment.Dreams can change, and that's okay: What you want at 8 (or 18, or 28) doesn't have to define you forever. Cheryl discovered motherhood was more satisfying than her childhood dream career.Moving doesn't have to mean losing relationships: Cheryl made lifelong friends in Alaska after only 5 years and reconnected 20+ years later as if no time had passed.Assumptions about disabilities are often wrong: Cheryl's blind first husband downhill skied, rode bikes, walked everywhere, went hunting, and mowed lawns—defying every stereotype.Religious/spiritual differences in marriage create significant challenges: The rift between Cheryl's deep faith and her first husband's lack of it was a constant source of conflict.Financial naivety can have devastating consequences: Giving their lender all their savings the night before closing left them with nothing during a vulnerable time.Domestic violence often escalates: The first incident of physical abuse (thrown up stairs) was a warning sign—15 years later, it escalated to near-fatal violence.Divine intervention shows up in unexpected ways: Cheryl's youngest daughter saying "Jesus told me to come home" saved her mother's life.Community and family support are survival necessities: Without her parents and family, Cheryl would have been homeless multiple times.Age gaps in relationships aren't automatic deal-breakers: Cheryl (38) and her second husband (25) have been married 25 years and built a stable, happy life together.Transformation is the goal of learning: Cheryl's mantra is that learning isn't about acquiring information—it's about allowing experiences to transform you.Travel changes how you see the world: Pictures can't capture the feelings, culture, and experiences of being in a place—you have to be there.Compassion means getting in the hole with people: Referencing Brené Brown, Cheryl defines compassion as not just helping from a distance, but climbing down into someone's struggle with them.You can't preserve what you don't share: Despite living incredible stories, Cheryl's own children don't remember events they were central to—oral storytelling and recording matter.Every season has its purpose: From constant travel to settling on 8 acres with too many dogs, each season of life offers different gifts.________________________________________STAY CONNECTEDThe Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | FacebookThe Human Experience Legacies | InstagramConnect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedInSupport the Podcast

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse, substance abuse, and suicide. Listener discretion is strongly advised.In this powerful episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ruth Carroll—a survivor whose story spans decades of unimaginable abuse, yet who now stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.Ruth's story begins in the innocence of childhood, with memories of happy Christmases and playing in the front yard. But at age six, when her parents divorced without explanation, everything changed. Moving in with her grandparents at seven, Ruth entered a world of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. From there, Ruth's life became a devastating cycle: constant abuse, relocations every six months that prevented her from forming friendships, a near-abduction at 15 that nearly ended in murder, running away at 16 to escape into an 18-year abusive marriage, and even encounters with demonic worship and threats against her life.Yet through it all—through two suicide attempts, years of being told she was worthless, and a nervous system perpetually on high alert—Ruth found unexpected gifts: a calling as an EMT where her trauma became her superpower, the strength to learn karate and car mechanics to prepare her escape, and ultimately, a relationship with God that anchored her healing.Now remarried for the right reasons, a professional photographer, and the author of a memoir, “Held By His Hands”, Ruth shares her story - not for shock value, but to tell even one person: You don't have to live like this. You are not alone. There is a way out.This is a story of survival, resilience, and the evergreen journey to true healing.This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.MEET RUTH CARROLL:From the age of seven to thirty-five, Ruth’s life was shaped in shadows—learning how to survive before she ever learned how to feel safe. Ruth walked through years of abuse, silence, and fear, carrying wounds no one could see. She escaped with her life, but I did not escape alone. God met her in the darkest places, lifted her from what tried to destroy her, and taught her heart how to breathe again. What was meant to break her became the soil where faith and healing took root. Ruth’s story is one of survival, surrender, and the quiet power of grace.CONNECT WITH RUTH:Purchase Ruth’s Memoir - Held By His HandsRuth’s FacebookHeld By His Hands FacebookRuth’s InstagramKEY TAKEAWAYSAbuse creates distorted normal: When abuse starts in childhood, victims have no baseline for healthy relationships—everything abusive becomes "normal."Abusers isolate their victims: Constant moving, controlling money, disabling cars, and cutting off support systems are all tactics to maintain power.Strangulation is a red flag for lethality: Non-fatal strangulation is one of the strongest predictors that an abuser will eventually kill their victim.Trauma can become a gift in unexpected ways: Ruth's history of trauma gave her unique resilience as an EMT—her different baseline allowed her to help others in crisis.Healing is not linear and takes time: Ruth didn't begin true healing until her 50s, after multiple failed relationships and years of codependency.You don't need to understand everything to escape: Ruth learned karate, car mechanics, and saved money without a clear plan—she just knew she needed skills to survive.Building community is important: The church gave Ruth her first understanding that she was loved and that the abuse wasn't her fault.Children need to be told what's happening: Ruth's parents never explained the divorce—this lack of information left her feeling abandoned and confused for decades.Breaking codependency requires solitude: Ruth needed five years living completely alone before she could enter a healthy relationship.You can break generational cycles: Ruth gave her children the boundaries and values she never received, even though she felt like she was failing them.IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS:National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988________________________________________________STAY CONNECTEDThe Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | FacebookThe Human Experience Legacies | InstagramConnect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedInSupport the Podcast

For this milestone 100th episode, we're doing something special—host Jennifer Peterkin hands over the mic to her friend, Kesh Witmer, for an intimate conversation about the journey behind The Human Experience podcast.In this raw and reflective episode, Jennifer opens up about the three-year odyssey of creating this show, from publishing her first episode at 11:50 PM on January 31st, 2023 (cutting it close to her self-imposed deadline) to interviewing guests across the world. She shares the deeply personal reasons behind her commitment to in-person interviews, how her grandfathers' stories inspired the podcast, and why she believes everyone has a story worth telling.Jennifer also reveals the evolution of her relationship with travel, from leveraging her podcast as a way to see the world to discovering that solo adventures gave her more confidence than anything else in her life. Plus, she unveils an exciting new venture: The Human Experience Legacies, a curated interview service designed to preserve family stories as heirloom keepsakes.This is a celebration of 100 episodes, countless miles traveled, and the beautiful realization that sometimes our dreams are already happening—even when they don't look exactly like we imagined.Key TakeawaysEveryone has a story worth telling: You don't need trauma or drama—being alive means you have experiences that matter and they are doors to connection.Dreams happening ≠ dreams perfected: Your dreams may already be coming true even if they don't match your original vision. Don't let perfectionism blind you to your progress.Confidence comes from doing: Solo travel, launching a podcast, or any challenge teaches you that you're capable of more than you thought—and you don't need anyone's permission.In-person connection is irreplaceable: There's something sacred about physically bearing witness to someone's story that can't be replicated virtually.Preserve stories before it's too late: Voices, laughter, emotion—these disappear when people pass. Recording stories in real-time is a gift to future generations.Compassion is about being present: You don't need to fix, advise, or relate—sometimes compassion means simply bearing witness and sitting in lament with someone.Travel expands your worldview exponentially: Leaving your bubble and experiencing how others live teaches you that "maybe my life experience isn't the only one that matters."Memorable Episodes ReferencedEpisodes 57 & 58 - Alisa’s StoryEpisode 22 - Susan’s StoryQuotes to Remember"Our stories are always gonna be the thing that capture our humanity, so they're always worth telling." - Jennifer Peterkin"If I want to do it, I can do it... Nothing is holding you back except yourself." - Jennifer Peterkin"You're alive, so you have a story. The problem is that we feel like things have to be so dramatic or, unfortunately, traumatic for them to be worth telling." - Jennifer Peterkin"Just because the vision you have in your head about what your dream is, just because that doesn't fully get realized, doesn't mean that your dreams aren't happening and they aren't a reality." - Jennifer Peterkin"When somebody is in need of compassion, they don't need fixing. They need a soft place to land." - Jennifer Peterkin"I think lamentation is something that we are very uncomfortable with because there is no quick fix for it... I think that it is an act of compassion itself. And I also think it's an act of worship when we can sit with somebody and just try to feel this depth of sorrow for their pain and not try to do anything else with it." - Jennifer Peterkin"Just because you're not in the exact place you thought you would be when all of these things are happening doesn't negate the fact that they are happening." - Jennifer PeterkinSTAY CONNECTEDThe Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | FacebookThe Human Experience Legacies | InstagramConnect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedInSupport the Podcast

In this insightful podcast, host Jennifer Peterkin interviews Blair, an individual diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder, to shed light on this widely misunderstood condition. Blair shares personal experiences of being perceived as different from an early age and the internal struggles faced in social settings. The conversation highlights the significant impact of schizoid disorder on one's life, including potential links to homelessness and the difficulties in seeking help. Blair's story, particularly his journey to writing a book about his experiences, serves as a beacon for raising awareness and encouraging interventions to improve lives similarly affected.

Show Notes:In this deeply reflective episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin visits lifelong New Yorker Tony Stewart, who shares an intimate story of love, creativity, and grief. Tony recounts meeting his wife, Lynn Kotula—an accomplished painter—and building a life together rooted in art, exploration, and storytelling. He opens up about Lynn’s cancer diagnosis, the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, and the profound ways illness reshapes relationships. Through honesty and vulnerability, Tony reflects on grief, resilience, and how sharing personal stories—through writing and community—can become a powerful tool for healing and connection in the aftermath of loss. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of serious illness, caregiving, and grief. Listener discretion is advised.     Key Takeaways:● The podcast’s mission centers on courage, vulnerability, and the power of personal storytelling.● Tony shares his life story and relationship with his wife, Lynn, and their shared experiences in New York City.● Reflections on city life versus country life and how place shapes identity.● The story of how Tony and Lynn met, including their age difference and creative partnership.● Lynn’s career as an artist and the challenges she faced in the art world.● Tony’s background in filmmaking and software development at the intersection of creativity and technology.● The impact of Lynn’s cancer diagnosis on their marriage and daily life.● Using CaringBridge to communicate updates and maintain social connection during illness.● The emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of honest communication.● Storytelling as a means of processing grief and fostering understanding.     Interview recorded in New York City.     Tony Stewart’s Bio:Tony Stewart has led a multifaceted career spanning film, technology, and storytelling. He has made award-winning films for colleges and universities, written software praised by The New York Times and The New York Daily News, designed a grants-management system used by three of the world’s five largest charities, and led the development of an international standard for advertising transaction messaging. Tony is the author of the memoir Carrying the Tiger, which won two Gold Medals at the 2025 Global Book Awards. Inspired by the healing process of writing his memoir, Tony studied with David Kessler and is now a Certified Grief Educator. He and his late wife, painter Lynn Kotula, traveled extensively through India and Southeast Asia, embracing local cultures, food, and life off the beaten path. Today, Tony continues to share stories that explore love, loss, and resilience.     Connect with Tony Stewart:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonystewartny/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570889459153🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonystewart/📰 Substack: https://tonystewartauthor.substack.com     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

Show Notes:In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli in her Maryland home for a powerful conversation about loss, resilience, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward. Becky shares her life journey marked by profound hardship, including the death of her teenage brother, raising children with special needs, divorce, and sudden paralysis from transverse myelitis—a rare spinal cord inflammation that left her wheelchair-bound just days after her marriage ended. Through it all, Becky reflects on grief, uncertainty, and the strength she found through faith, family, community, and storytelling. She also discusses founding Pathfinders for Autism, navigating evolving autism awareness, and how writing became both a lifeline and a calling—allowing her to connect with others and offer hope through shared experience. Becky’s story is a testament to compassion, perseverance, and the belief that life can still be good—no matter what. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of death, chronic illness, disability, and grief. Listener discretion is advised.     Key Takeaways:● Personal experiences of profound loss and lifelong grief.● The impact of a sibling’s death on family dynamics and identity.● How different family members grieve in different ways.● The challenges and rewards of raising children with special needs.● Coping strategies for repeated adversity and unanswered questions.● The importance of community, support systems, and shared understanding.● The evolution of autism awareness and access to resources.● Balancing personal health challenges with parenting and purpose.● The role of faith, optimism, and mindset in resilience.● Storytelling as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and hope.     Timestamps:00:00:00 — Podcast Introduction: Jennifer introduces the show and its mission.00:00:44 — Meet Becky: Background and life in Maryland.00:02:08 — The Loss of Forrest: Losing her brother at age 17.00:03:32 — Learning to Grieve: Family coping and lessons on grief.00:06:20 — Grief & Social Expectations: Pressure to “move on.”00:11:10 — Living with Uncertainty: Accepting unanswered questions.00:13:13 — College & Healing: Journaling and support systems.00:16:15 — Marriage & Motherhood: New joys and health challenges.00:17:31 — Raising Children with Special Needs: Epilepsy and autism.00:19:01 — Coping with Repeated Hardship: Finding purpose through writing.00:21:45 — Healing & Mindset: The non-linear journey of resilience.00:23:08 — First Encounters with Disability: Navigating medical systems.00:25:00 — Discovering Autism: A lack of resources sparks action.00:27:23 — Founding Pathfinders for Autism: Building community support.00:29:03 — Isolation & Community: The need for connection.00:30:36 — Autism Awareness: How times have changed.00:31:45 — Managing Fear: Living one day at a time.00:34:20 — Faith & Family: Foundations of strength.00:35:34 — Marriage, Divorce & Co-Parenting.00:37:59 — Sudden Paralysis: Transverse myelitis diagnosis.00:39:58 — Life in a Wheelchair: Adapting to a new reality.00:44:44 — Parenting Through Disability.00:45:43 — Writing as Healing: From columns to books.00:48:29 — Children’s Resilience & Adaptation.00:49:29 — Looking Back: Adult children and continued connection.     Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli’s Bio: Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli is an author and columnist who writes about love, loss, resilience, and healing. After surviving a series of life-altering losses—including the death of her 17-year-old brother, her son’s degenerative illness and death, her daughter’s autism diagnosis, divorce, and paralysis from transverse myelitis—Becky discovered an unexpected but prolific writing career. In 2000, The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair that inspired her long-running column, From Where I Sit. Her website now houses over 400 published columns. Becky is the author of Rethinking Possible: A Memoir of Resilience (2017) and Morning Fuel: Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day (2024). She continues to publish Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, sharing insights that help others stay grounded in hope. A Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill, Becky previously worked at IBM, where she received the Golden Circle Award for marketing excellence. She lives in Lutherville, Maryland, outside of Baltimore. Her guiding belief: “Life can be good—no matter what.”   Connect with Becky Galli:🌐 Website: www.BeckyGalli.com 🌐 Website: www.RebeccaFayeSmithGalli.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chairwriter/ 🐦 X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/chairwriter 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-faye-smith-galli-061501a/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chairwriter/ 📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chairwriter/ Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod

Show Notes:In this powerful and deeply heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Minister Jalisa Hardy, also known as The Golden Child, for a courageous conversation about generational trauma, resilience, and healing. Jalisa shares her story beginning from her miraculous conception and birth — a pregnancy filled with medical challenges and a prognosis that doctors believed she would not survive. Through her mother’s unwavering faith and spiritual encounters, she entered the world against all odds. From there, Jalisa opens up about her early exposure to trauma, cycles of abuse, dysfunction, and secrecy that ran through generations of her family. She breaks down how therapy became a lifeline, helping her confront internalized shame, unhealthy relationship patterns, and the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and the church. Her journey through forgiveness, faith, and self-acceptance illuminates what it means to reclaim your narrative and discover freedom from within. Through transparency and vulnerability, Jalisa offers hope, empowerment, and inspiration to anyone navigating their own healing process. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood trauma, abuse, pornography exposure, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways:● Jalisa’s story begins with her miraculous birth and the medical challenges surrounding her pregnancy.● Her mother’s faith played a crucial role in defying medical predictions.● Early childhood trauma shaped Jalisa’s self-perception and emotional development.● Generational cycles of abuse and dysfunction formed patterns she later fought to break.● Therapy became a pivotal part of her healing journey.● Jalisa discusses stigma around therapy within the Black community and church culture.● She explores difficult truths about parenting, forgiveness, and redefining family roles.● Her experiences with unhealthy relationships highlight the importance of self-worth and boundaries.● Sharing her story is part of her mission to inspire hope, healing, and empowerment in others. Interview recorded in Maryland.     Minister Jalisa Hardy’s Bio:Minister Jalisa Hardy, known as The Golden Child, is a single mother, survivor, and transformative healer based in Maryland. She is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Healer, Self-Discovery & Alignment Coach, Human Design Expert, Trauma of Money Certified Professional, and self-published author. Through her signature Freedom Framework featured in her book It’s All in Me!: My Journey to Freedom & Living Abundantly, and her C.A.L.M. Method from the 30-Day C.A.L.M. Life Planner, Jalisa empowers women to embrace purpose, pleasure, and peace. Her mission is to cultivate a community of women who lead fully aligned, liberated lives. Her mantra encapsulates her philosophy: “Whatever you need to truly heal, it’s all in you.”     Connect with Minister Jalisa Hardy (The Golden Child):🌐 Website: www.jalisahardy.com 📅 Book a Self-Discovery & Alignment Call: https://jalisaray.as.me/?appointmentType=59342083 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jalisathegoldenchild 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalisathegoldenchild 📍 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/members/96818932/ 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/jalisathegoldenchild 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalisathegoldenchild 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jalisathegoldenchild     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Angela Harvey, who opens up about her profound journey through codependency, depression, and rediscovering her self-worth. Angela shares candid reflections on her lifelong search for validation, the pain of unmet expectations, and the transformative process of learning to nurture herself from within. Through honesty and vulnerability, she explores how grief, accountability, and creative expression have shaped her path toward healing. Her story is a reminder that transformation is always possible—at any stage of life—when we learn to set boundaries, care for ourselves deeply, and embrace our truth with radical transparency and self-love. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, suicidal thoughts, and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised. Key Takeaways:● Angela’s experience with codependency and how it affected her identity and relationships.● The importance of self-awareness and healing from depression and suicidal ideation.● Self-care and boundary-setting as essential practices for well-being.● Breaking free from external validation and redefining self-worth.● The pressures women and mothers face around productivity, identity, and emotional labor.● The role of accountability and radical honesty in personal growth.● Navigating grief in its many forms—loss of people, identity, and expectations.● Learning to self-soothe and manage emotional triggers with compassion.● Embracing vulnerability and transparency as tools for lasting healing.● Finding freedom through creativity, self-acceptance, and storytelling. Interview recorded in Wake Forest, North Carolina.     Angela Harvey’s Bio:Angela Harvey is a compelling author and poet whose work captures the depths of human emotion and resilience. Based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, she has spent over 25 years facilitating workshops and hosting personal growth retreats that help others reconnect with their authentic selves. Her debut poetry self-help book, Poetic Alchemy: Seven Intentions for Healing, Growth, and Transformation, grew out of her own experiences with heartbreak and self-discovery—transforming pain into art and insight. Angela serves as the Director of Black Rainbow Love and is a columnist for SWERV Magazine. Through her writing, speaking, and teaching, she continues to empower others to embrace their potential, practice self-love, and heal through creativity and connection.     Connect with Angela Harvey:🌐 Website: www.angieharveyspeaks.com 🌐 Head of Statements: www.headofstatements.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Angela Harvey 📺 YouTube: @AngieHarveySpeaks 📘 Facebook: Angela Harvey Speaks 📸 Instagram: @angieharveyspeaks   Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

Show Notes:In this profound episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin and guest interviewer Linda explore the extraordinary story of a woman whose Hungarian refugee parents survived World War II and the Holocaust. The guest recounts the shocking discovery of her hidden Jewish heritage within a family that had long believed they were Catholic. Through years of research, recovered letters, and family documents, she uncovers her mother’s recognition as “Righteous Among the Nations” and her father’s harrowing survival in Nazi labor camps. This conversation weaves together personal storytelling and historical truth, illuminating the weight of inherited trauma, the courage to confront silence, and the power of remembrance. Linda’s journey serves as a moving reminder that uncovering our histories—no matter how painful—connects us to our humanity and shapes the stories we pass forward. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of war, genocide, and trauma related to the Holocaust. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways:● Exploration of personal and family identity across generations.● The guest’s discovery of hidden Jewish roots within a family who believed they were Catholic.● Her mother’s recognition as Righteous Among the Nations for protecting Jews during the Holocaust.● Her father’s survival through Nazi labor camps and the brutal conditions of Auschwitz.● The discovery of family documents and how they revealed a hidden legacy.● Insights into Hungarian Jewish experiences during World War II.● The importance of preserving memory and confronting silence among survivors.● The enduring impact of repression and trauma on post-war identity.● The guest’s efforts to educate others through The Politzer Saga book and museum exhibition.● A call to listeners to uncover and share their own family stories of resilience and truth. Interview recorded in Great Falls, Virginia.     Linda Ambrus Broenniman’s Bio:Linda Ambrus Broenniman grew up in Buffalo, New York, as the middle child of seven born to Catholic Hungarian physicians who survived World War II and began a new life in the United States in 1949. After earning her BA in Psychology from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Linda left corporate America to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship, founding companies in technology and biotechnology. Her curiosity and drive to uncover hidden potential led her on a personal quest to uncover her own hidden family history. Through years of research, Linda pieced together the remarkable story of her Jewish ancestors—the Politzer family—and their lives lost to her father’s silence. Her book, The Politzer Saga, brings their stories to life and forms the foundation of The Politzer Saga Exhibit, a permanent exhibition housed in the newly renovated Rumbach Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary. Linda lives in Great Falls, Virginia with her husband, Ed, of 30 years.     Connect with Linda Ambrus Broenniman:🌐 Website: www.politzersaga.com 📸 Instagram: @lindabroennimanauthor 📘 Facebook: Linda Broenniman Author Page     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Cheryl Wilder, who shares her remarkable journey of survival, accountability, and transformation following a tragic car accident at age 20 that changed the course of her life.Cheryl recounts the night of the crash that left her friend severely injured and led to her being charged with manslaughter. She speaks with honesty about the trauma, shame, and legal challenges that followed—and how those painful experiences became catalysts for healing and self-discovery. Through creativity, poetry, and intentional inner work, Cheryl found a way to rebuild her life, redefining what it means to take responsibility, process grief, and embrace the complexity of the human experience. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of alcohol use, trauma, and grief related to a fatal car accident. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways: ● Cheryl’s life was transformed by a tragic car accident at age 20. ● The role of alcohol and decision-making in shaping life-altering events. ● Legal consequences and the emotional toll of facing manslaughter charges. ● Living with shame, guilt, and the challenge of public judgment. ● The concept of post-traumatic growth and what it means to heal after devastation. ● Navigating family dynamics, isolation, and societal perceptions of drinking and driving. ● The coexistence of grief, remorse, and hope—learning to hold duality with grace. ● The importance of creativity, self-expression, and poetry in recovery. ● Intentional healing and the lifelong work of self-compassion and meaning-making. Interview recorded in North Carolina. Cheryl Wilder’s Bio:Cheryl Wilder is an author, coach, and motivational speaker whose life and work center around authenticity, accountability, and the power of healing through creativity. In her community, Cheryl co-leads the For Alamance Arts & Culture Team, chairs a county-wide student writing contest, and serves as a member-at-large for the North Carolina Poetry Society. She is the author of three poetry collections: What Binds Us (Finishing Line Press, 2017) Anything That Happens (Press 53, 2021) Singing Riptide (Press 53, 2025) As the founder of BornWilder LLC, Cheryl helps clients nurture awareness and accountability to develop deeper connection and belonging in their lives. As a speaker, she shares her own experiences with shame, forgiveness, and personal growth to inspire others to reclaim their stories. Connect with Cheryl Wilder: 🌐 Website: https://bornwilder.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-wilder/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@borncherylwilder 📰 Substack (coming 2026): https://cherylwilder.substack.com/ Connect with The Human Experience Podcast: Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

Show Notes:In this thoughtful episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin visits John (Jonathan Heaslet) at his North Carolina home to reflect on a remarkable life of service, transformation, and storytelling. John shares his early years growing up near San Francisco, his studies in mathematics and economics, and his first career as a health economist before answering the call to ministry. He recounts candid experiences from serving as a pastor in rural Ohio—including supporting an AIDS patient at a time of deep stigma and navigating the complex truths within Amish communities. The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, empathy, inclusion, and the challenge of fostering change in diverse American communities. Now retired, John reflects on his transition into writing and creative pursuits, bringing the same compassion and curiosity that guided his ministry into his fiction. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of illness, community exclusion, and sensitive cultural topics. Listener discretion is advised. Key Takeaways:● Vulnerability and courage are central to authentic storytelling.● John’s personal journey spans health economics, military service, and pastoral ministry.● Rural and urban communities offer stark cultural contrasts that shape ministry and daily life.● Ministry required navigating inclusion, compassion, and difficult truths.● He shares experiences supporting marginalized individuals, including an AIDS patient.● Religious and societal systems impact personal safety, autonomy, and belonging.● Secrets within communities can carry heavy consequences, both individually and collectively.● Empathy and community resilience are vital in creating more inclusive spaces.● Retirement opened a new chapter for John—writing fiction inspired by lived experiences. Interview recorded in Charlotte, NC.     Jonathan Heaslet’s Bio:Jonathan (John) Heaslet is a retired Army Captain, health economist, and ordained minister. In retirement, he has turned to writing fiction, publishing two novels: EAST OF APPLE GLEN (2023) and HAWKS NEST CHRONICLES — GOOD NEWS FROM OSCEOLA, IOWA. Drawing from a life of service, faith, and curiosity, John’s writing continues his lifelong commitment to storytelling, empathy, and reflection. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Linda.     Connect with Jonathan Heaslet:🌐 Website: https://www.JonathanHeaslet.com   🔗 LinkedIn: Jonathan Heaslet   📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088773562534     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

In this moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Linda, who shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and compassion. After the tragic murder of her best friend and her best friend’s mother, Linda made the life-altering decision to take in the five orphaned children left behind. What began as an act of love soon transformed into a lifelong mission. Linda opens up about the challenges of unexpected motherhood, the impact of domestic violence on families, and how faith and purpose guided her through unimaginable loss. Her story led to the creation of a ministry that now supports vulnerable children both in the U.S. and Haiti. This conversation is a powerful testament to the human spirit, the ripple effects of compassion, and the lasting impact one person can make when they choose love over fear. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains sensitive discussion of domestic violence and murder. Listener discretion is advised. Takeaways The tragic event that left five children orphaned and how Linda stepped in. The lasting impact of domestic violence and why awareness matters. The challenges of shifting from entrepreneur to unexpected motherhood. Founding a ministry to serve vulnerable children in the U.S. and Haiti. Firsthand experiences of the harsh realities inside Haitian orphanages. Reflections on grief, resilience, faith, and living with purpose. How one person’s compassion can spark global impact. Interview recorded in Lavonia, GA.  

Show Notes:In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson, a shamanic healer, artist, and speaker whose life story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. Maria opens up about her personal journey through trauma, addiction, and domestic violence, sharing how she overcame struggles with self-worth and found her path to healing. Through sobriety, holistic practices, and shamanic wisdom, Maria discovered the importance of self-love, boundaries, and spiritual connection. Today, she helps others navigate their own healing journeys—using movement, dance, writing, and light language as tools for transformation. Her testimony highlights the power of vulnerability, resilience, and faith in creating a life of authenticity and purpose. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, addiction, and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways:● Maria shares personal stories of trauma, addiction, and recovery.● Her journey includes experiences with domestic violence, substance abuse, and eating disorders.● A spiritual awakening led her to embrace holistic and shamanic practices as tools for healing.● Self-love, healthy boundaries, and resilience were key in her transformation.● Creative expression—through dance, writing, and spoken word—helped her reclaim her voice.● Healing is an ongoing process that requires courage, community, and faith.● Intuition and spiritual connection play an essential role in daily life.● Maria’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and vulnerability. Interview recorded in Port St. Lucie, FL. Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson’s Bio:Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson is a woman walking the journey of life guided by the healing power of love. A heart-centered healer, Maria is a practicing master shamanic healer and under her brands Emotional Musings and The Musing Shaman, she works with clients all over the world, both in-person and virtually. Her poetry and Light language inspire others on their healing journeys and stand as living proof of her motto, “Triumphing over Trauma.” Maria has overcome abuse, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and an eating disorder. She is also a three-time triathlete, a master of movement medicine, and a spoken word artist. Today, Maria speaks to audiences of all ages as a motivational speaker and healer, helping others strengthen the mind-body-spirit connection and step into higher consciousness and self-love.     Connect with Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson:🌐 Website: EmotionalMusings.com 🌐 Website: TheMusingShaman.com 📸 Instagram: @emotionalmusings 📺 YouTube: Maria Teresa – Emotional Musings 🎵 TikTok: @emotionalmusings 🔗 LinkedIn: Maria Teresa – Emotional Musings 🐦 X (Twitter): @pratico_teresa     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin travels to Clermont, FL and welcomes Derek Newborn, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from abandonment, trauma, and self-destruction to transformation, healing, and purpose. Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, Derek faced the pain of parental incarceration, single-parent struggles, and a deep sense of abandonment. Becoming a father at 16 and navigating hardships such as divorce, narcissism, and a suicide attempt, Derek reveals how he reached rock bottom and began the hard process of rebuilding his life. Through deep vulnerability, self-reflection, and a spiritual awakening, Derek learned to take ownership of his story. His journey of resilience offers listeners valuable insight into self-compassion, accountability, and the power of rewriting one’s narrative. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways:● Childhood experiences and family dynamics shape adult struggles and emotional development.● Derek shares the impact of parental incarceration and the challenges of being raised by a single parent.● Abandonment and isolation influenced destructive patterns in relationships and self-worth.● His journey of self-discovery highlights the importance of accountability and rewriting one’s story.● Trauma is subjective—its impact depends on how it’s carried and processed.● Community support, vulnerability, and self-compassion are vital to healing.● Forgiveness is powerful but doesn’t always mean reconciliation.● Derek describes the shift from narcissism and self-centeredness to authentic connection.● A spiritual awakening redefined his purpose and ability to help others. Interview recorded in Cleremont, FL.   Derek Newborn’s Bio:Once named one of Florida’s “Top Personal Trainers” and a published fitness model, Derek Newborn appeared to have it all. But beneath the surface, he was unraveling. Multiple suicide attempts, destructive relationships, and narcissistic behaviors nearly cost him everything. Instead of ending his life, Derek chose to end the version of himself that was destroying it. Through resilience, accountability, and faith, he rebuilt his life brick by brick. Today, Derek helps women escape toxic relationships with narcissists, reclaim their worth, and reconnect with their authentic selves—mentally, spiritually, and physically. Having lived many lives—teenage father, construction worker, trainer, model, business owner, and survivor—Derek proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. His mission is clear: no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again—and thrive.     Connect with Derek Newborn:🌐 Website: dereknewborn.com 📘 The High Ground Coaching Community: Skool – The High Ground     Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down in Boynton Beach, FL. with Michael W. Allison, MBA—U.S. Marine, Purple Heart recipient, award-winning keynote speaker, and best-selling author—to explore a remarkable life story shaped by trauma, transformation, and purpose. From a challenging immigrant childhood in Jamaica and Miami marked by poverty, bullying, and abuse, Michael shares his road to redemption through military service, leadership, and healing. He opens up about his combat experiences in Iraq, including surviving a VBIED car bomb, and the lasting psychological impact of war. Michael also discusses how he rebuilt his life after service—founding The Adversity Academy, helping Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies unlock performance through resilience, and stepping onto stages around the world to inspire others to lead with identity, strength, and courage. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, suicide, and violence. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Key Takeaways:  ● Michael’s early life in Jamaica was shaped by poverty, natural disasters, and trauma.  ● After immigrating to Miami, he faced bullying, family struggles, and cultural challenges.  ● Joining the U.S. Marine Corps gave him a sense of direction, discipline, and brotherhood.  ● Boot camp and military service taught him adaptability, leadership, and mental toughness.  ● He recounts intense combat experiences in Iraq and the emotional toll of war.  ● The unbreakable bonds between Marines and their shared resilience are a central theme.  ● Michael explores how trauma shaped his personal life and how healing became a mission.  ● Today, he is a global speaker and resilience coach for elite clients including Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon.  ● His frameworks—Break The Bottle™, Protect The House™, and Leadership Re-Entry™—are used by leaders worldwide to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. Interview recorded in Boynton Beach, FL. Michael W. Allison’s Bio:  Michael W. Allison, MBA is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart recipient, 2x Navy & Marine Achievement Medal honoree, INC 5000 entrepreneur, and award-winning internationally recognized keynote speaker. He is the founder of The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group, where he helps Fortune 500 brands, federal agencies, and industry leaders unlock performance through resilience and identity-driven leadership. Michael is the creator of the Break The Bottle™, Protect The House™, and Leadership Re-Entry™ frameworks—trusted globally to develop high-performing executive teams. A TEDx speaker and best-selling author of Overcoming Adversity: Getting Your Life Back on Track, Michael draws from his combat survival and trauma recovery experience to guide others toward clarity, conviction, and cultural transformation. He believes that breaking personal barriers is not just for oneself—but for everyone still watching and wondering if they can.       Connect with Michael Allison:  🌐 Website: https://michaelwallison.com  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelwallison/  📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammichaelallison  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelwallison/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iammikewallison/  🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammikewallison  🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iammichaelwallison       Connect with The Human Experience Podcast:  Website: https://www.thehxpod.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehx  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpod  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod  

Matt Gilhooly, host of The Life Shift podcast, shares the story behind his own pivotal life shift—the sudden death of his mother when he was just eight years old. In a deeply moving conversation, Matt reflects on the fallout that followed, the perfectionism that took hold, and how it took him 20 years to finally face the grief he had buried. He opens up about processing trauma in therapy, learning to live intentionally, and the radically different way he was able to say goodbye to his grandmother. Matt’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and learning to hold space—for himself and others.Interview recorded in Orlando, FL.Key Takeaways:Matt’s life changed forever when his mother died in a motorcycle accident while he was visiting his father for the summer.That moment led to a perfectionist mindset, rooted in fear of further abandonment.It took Matt 20 years to begin processing his grief—and therapy helped him understand how much of his life was driven by the fear of not being enough.He learned from that experience how to grieve differently when his grandmother—the most consistent maternal figure in his life—passed away.Starting The Life Shift podcast became a healing outlet, helping him connect with others through their pivotal life stories.Matt’s story highlights how grief can be delayed, repressed, or misunderstood—and how compassion begins with truly listening.Matt’s Bio:Matt Gilhooly is the creator and host of The Life Shift Podcast, where he shares candid conversations about the moments that change everything. With nearly 200 episodes and counting, Matt’s built a space where everyday stories are treated with the care and depth they deserve.He’s also a creative producer and communications strategist with a background in higher education, brand storytelling, and internal communications. But at his core, Matt’s a meaning-maker – someone who believes that honest, human connection is where the real magic happens.You can learn more at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com or find The Life Shift wherever you listen to podcasts.Connect with Matt:www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com#TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod

Katherine Mitchell’s 84-year journey defies the limits of a single identity. Born during WWII in Hungary, she survived war, communism, and displacement before building a multifaceted life in the U.S. As a nationally ranked gymnast turned refugee, talent agent turned screenwriter, single mother turned novelist, Katherine’s story is a testament to grit, adaptability, and lifelong learning. In this heartfelt and often humorous conversation, she opens up about the moments that shaped her—from math lessons that sparked logical thinking to the heartbreaks and breakthroughs of a life spent chasing meaning, not just success.Interview recorded in Orange City, FL.Key Takeaways:Katherine was born in wartime Hungary and raised by her grandmother while her mother survived a concentration camp.After escaping Hungary following the 1956 revolution, she began a new life in the U.S., learning English and working jobs from Woolworth’s to Wall Street.Her early love for math laid the groundwork for a structured, logical approach that served her across industries.She transitioned from being a gymnast to a playwright, then became a Hollywood agent and screenwriter—all while raising a child alone.After nearly 30 years in California, a major earthquake pushed her to reinvent herself once more—this time as a novelist in Florida.Katherine speaks candidly about dreams deferred, lessons in resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of inner peace and creative fulfillment.Her perspective on compassion and passion is both simple and profound: one is about giving; the other, about being moved to act.Katherine’s Bio:It is an arduous task to capsulize 84 years of life that started as a war baby in Europe. Years of being a nationally ranked gymnast ended in escaping from communist Hungary. The refugee saga went from dishwasher to retail jobs, to love, marriage to an actor and on to Hollywood; from talent agent to screenwriter; from broken marriage to single parenting; always taking college courses to better myself. A 6.9 (7.) earthquake triggered my exit from California; becoming a novelist in Florida continued to fulfill years of working for acceptance as an American writer.Connect with Katherine:www.katherinemitchellauthor.com#TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod

Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that spans civil rights, global activism, the importance of preserving history, and his lifelong commitment to justice. From organizing a fundraising event as a child in response to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to producing a Holocaust documentary and leading initiatives in human rights education, Robert’s journey reflects the intersection of compassion, curiosity, and courageous leadership. His reflections on history, identity, and the enduring struggle for human dignity are as timely as ever.Interview recorded in Fort Lauderdale, FL.Key Takeaways:Robert Kesten is the Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves and shares LGBTQ history and culture.His activism began in childhood after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., when he organized a fundraiser to help send kids to camp.Robert emphasizes the importance of telling full, interconnected histories—likening it to a dense tapestry where every thread matters.He has worked across diverse causes: LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education.Kesten produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living, focusing on emotional impact over dialogue.His view of compassion is putting the greater good above oneself, and his guiding philosophy is to leave the world better than he found it.Despite decades of global work, he describes his life as "rewarding" rather than "successful"—a reflection on the value of impact over recognition.Robert Kesten’s Bio:Kesten is president and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest of its kind in the LGBTQ+ world and one of the oldest, having been started in 1973.Prior to joining Stonewall, Kesten traveled around the world promoting acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document in building a better and more stable world. Kesten conceptualized the United Nations Decade of Human Rights Education, which was approved by the General Assembly and ran from 1994-2004.Connect with Robert:stonewall-museum.org#TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod

After surviving childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, Shakina Rush chose healing—and then built a movement. In this powerful in-person conversation, recorded in Philadelphia after her nonprofit’s second annual housing fair, Shakina shares how her lived experiences shaped She Is U, an organization that supports individuals impacted by abuse through housing, mental health, scholarships, and more. Her story is one of radical forgiveness, unshakable faith, and personal responsibility—and her presence is as healing as her work.Interview recorded in Upper Darby, PA.Key Takeaways:She Is U is a nonprofit founded by Shakina Rush that offers resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assaultHer own lived experiences—beginning with childhood trauma and continuing into young adulthood—fueled the mission behind the organizationShakina emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving herself, as a turning point in her healing journeyHer healing deepened after a spiritual awakening when she first heard God’s voice clearly in her early 20sThe organization’s unique programs include family bonding weekends, a scholarship fund, bereavement support, and even donating vehicles to survivorsShakina believes that domestic violence is a symptom of deeper, often unaddressed traumaShe is planning new initiatives like Walk in My Shoes, a Converse-sponsored empathy-building experienceCompassion, to her, means offering grace and practical support—filling the gap without judgmentShakina Rush’s Bio:My name is Shakina Rush, and I am an Overcomer! I’ve overcome childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence that started when I was just a preteen and followed me into my young adult years, and sexual assault as a grown woman. Every time I open my mouth and tell my story, I feel another layer of freedom. I don’t get tired of sharing—it’s part of my healing. A part of me that was once trapped in guilt, fear, and shame gets released every single time.We Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and through the Word of our Testimony. That’s not just a scripture to me, it’s my life. I’ve made the choice to forgive. I forgive myself. I forgive those who hurt me. I forgive the ones who let me down, who left me when I needed them most. I release it all, and I walk forward in truth, purpose, and peace.Connect with Shakina:www.sheisu.orgInstagramFacebook#TheHumanExperiencePodcast Follow Along:Website: https://www.thehxpod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehxpod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getthehxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehxpodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehxpod