From Survivor to Thriver

For many women, the experience of going through menopause can have a significant impact on their mental health. And due to the stigma around it, many don’t get the help they actually need. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Ann Bell to discuss the link between menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause, and mental health and how women can educate themselves and become their own best advocates. Ann Bell is here to remind women that their needs matter, that they deserve an enjoyable, nourishing sex life, and that there is a deep connection between menopause and mental health. Her journey into this field began in 1998 as a massage therapist, where she discovered the deep need for addressing mental, emotional, and relationship health in people's lives. Clients found solace in confiding in her during their sessions and, in 2012, Ann made the decision to formalize her commitment to their overall wellness. In 2020, she furthered her expertise by obtaining certifications in relationships, sex, and love coaching.In today’s episode, we cover: The different stages of menopause The number one symptom of menopauseHidden symptoms of menopause that many people don’t know aboutThe impact of menopause on your mental healthThe number one thing women need to treat menopauseWhy postmenopausal women struggle to get access to HRTThe problems in women’s healthcare The impact of antidepressants on menopausal women The importance of educating yourself about your health so that you can be your own advocateThe stigmas around women’s healthWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Ann! If you want to learn more from her, you can visit her website here. You can also learn more about menopause and how to find a menopause practitioner at menopause.org/. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Ann’s websiteVisit the menopause websiteGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “Being on hormone replacement therapy is nourishing for your body.” -Ann “When it comes to perimenopause and your menopause, the number one  prescription that needs to be written is hormone replacement therapy.” -Ann “How many women are going to therapists and are presenting with anxiety and depression and the question probably doesn't even come up of ‘are you perimenopausal? Are you menopausal?’ And then they're being prescribed antidepressants, which, as I read, often have the opposite effect on women who are menopausal.” -Erik 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Padilla to talk about how his life was changed forever by a tragedy. The devastating loss of his brother to suicide during his high school years changed the trajectory of his life. John shares how he turned his pain into purpose and embarked on a path of healing alongside his brother's friends. Inspired by their collective resilience, he created YouTube films centered around mental health in the mountains.Join us as John shares his deeply personal story, showing the impact of community in navigating through life's most challenging moments.In 2019, John Padilla lost his teenage brother, Jack, to suicide. John’s background as a professional skier and photographer prompted him to create Mountain in My Mind, the first video production company focused on mental health awareness in ski towns. This project has resulted in two, award-winning, feature length films that have been viewed by millions across the world. He and his team are currently on location in Montana shooting the third film which is set for release in the Fall of 2024.  In today’s episode, we cover: How to check in with loved ones who might be contemplating suicideJohn’s experience with a brother who committed suicideHow he started a nonprofit to help others struggling with their mental healthThe impact of social media and bullying on the mental health of young adultsThe power of communityThe healing that John and the other kids found through making moviesThe stigma around mental health in ski towns The topics covered in John’s movies We hope you enjoyed this conversation with John! If you want to check out his movies for yourself, head over to his YouTube and follow him on Instagram. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Check out the films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MountainInMyMindFollow Mountain in My Mind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountaininmymind/Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.padilla/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “No suicide doesn’t have a heartbreaking end to it. It just doesn’t.” -Marc “​​It's very simple. Ask bluntly, but politely, ‘Do you have a suicide plan?’ That's it. And if the answer is yes, or if I even sense that the answer is not no, I'm going to start making calls.” -John“Community was probably the one thing that saved us and saved all of Jack’s friends.” -John 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we talked with Jon Katz about his journey to better mental and physical health and how he learned that real healing comes after facing pain by looking within yourself. Jon tells his story and talks about how important it is to take full responsibility for our own lives and happiness. Now, he helps others overcome their struggles in the same way he did.In late 2020, Jon Katz went through a horrendous breakup. This breakup, compounded with the weight of an unstable childhood, decades of poor decision-making, poor relationship choices, and poor habits, left him obese, anxious, depressed, and suicidal at the age of 34. Since then, Jon has turned his life around in every conceivable way and now coaches others on how to step back from the path of negativity, poor health, hopelessness, worthlessness, fear, and suicide. It is now his life's mission to help folks out of the pit of suicidality, anxiety, depression, repression, and denial and take back their lives. Let’s welcome in Jon!!In today’s episode, we cover: How Jon reached his lowest point in his mental health and then changed the trajectory of his lifeHow the people we spend our time with can impact our habitsWhy we have to look inside if we want true happiness How Jon realized that running away from his problems wouldn’t solve themThe problem with getting lost in the narratives of othersThe power of trying and giving things your allHow desperation can actually make you unstoppableHow your mental health and physical health are intertwinedThe juxtaposition between art and painHow the creative process impacts mental health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jon! If you want to learn more from him, head over to his Instagram and you’ll find all of his links there. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Jon on InstagramVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “The regretful man is the man that isn't leading a healthy life, that isn't really trying. If you aren't really trying, then you aren't really going to be okay.” -Jon “You have to remove things from your life if you want to grow.” -Jon “Sometimes you create these things, even if it is as therapy or to deal with the pain, and it helps and heals others, but it doesn't necessarily do that for the artist.” -Marc "When I’m creating something, I'm able to transpose my thoughts. It's like going on a trip. You have a suitcase and you have all this stuff in your suitcase and it's heavy and it's weighing you down. And you finally get to your room and you get a chance to unpack the suitcase and start to put things away. And I feel like that's what that creative process does from a mental health standpoint for me.” -Erik 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dana Diaz. After living through years of narcissistic and physical abuse, she learned that it was time to make a change and create a better life for herself.Join us as Dana shares her story and the importance of rediscovering who you are after leaving an abusive relationship and how she learned to put little deposits into her own happy jar. Dana is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. Dana has had life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. In today’s episode, we cover: How Dana began writing her book with a notebook hidden under a cushionHow Covid turned into a game of survivor for Dana with her abuserThe physical and mental abuse Dana endured from her caregivers growing upThe traits of a true narcissistWhen Dana realized she reached a deal breaker in her marriageThe ability people have to make you sick The ongoing process of healingThe power of asking yourself what you really wantThe stigmatized way people treat others that struggle with their mental healthWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Dana! If you want to learn more from her or read her book, make sure to visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram here! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Dana’s website Follow her on Instagram Visit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“They say toxins in your environment can make you sick, but people can make you sick too. I would have never thought that in my life, but it has been such an eye-opening thing for me and such a significant part of the healing aspect of my life.” -Dana“Thriving means different things to different people at different times.” -Erik “There is a better life for you and you deserve it. We are all worthy of being loved and being able to care for ourselves.” -Marc

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Laura Renner. She shares her experiences after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever and brought her mental health to an all-time low. Laura tried many forms of therapy to heal after what she experienced but found in the end that healing is an individualized experience and it is a journey that will take time. Laura shares more about the different types of healing modalities she tried including EMDR, therapy, hypnotherapy, meditation, and more. Laura Renner is an author, podcast host, and neonatal intensive care nurse who suffered a near-fatal traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. Through her complicated recovery, she hit rock bottom and realized she needed to undergo deep work to heal her complex trauma. She’s spent the last two years exploring countless trauma healing modalities and sharing her experience to show others they're capable of healing, too. In her book, "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You.," Laura openly discusses her journey of identifying her traumas, healing deep wounds, and how she reclaimed her power. She is also the host of her own podcast called Healing #Nofilter where she provides relatable, no-nonsense methods for healing your mind, body, and all things trauma-related. As she writes in her book, “Being on this healing journey is a lot like running. Well, running for people who are not runners, myself included.” In today’s episode, we cover: The feelings of depression and hopelessness Laura experienced after a traumatic brain injuryThe stigma around mental health and why we struggle to talk about itThe PTSD of a PTSD event How meditation helps Laura cope with her traumas What EMDR is and how it became part of Laura’s healing journey The individualized process of finding therapy methods that work for youThe trauma that your body can hold onto The power of getting to the root of your traumas and understanding why you believe the things you do We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Laura! If you loved hearing from her, we highly recommend you get a copy of her book. You can also get her free healing resource on her website. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Laura’s website: https://www.laurarenner.meFollow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_renn/Follow Laura on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laura_rennVisit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthriversFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “It really just comes down to learning abo

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Marcus Farris, a Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22 to talk about the intricate connection between mental health and physical fitness. In our discussion, we dive into the importance of humor and the right mindset in navigating mental health challenges. Marcus also opens up about his own personal struggles, the resilience and purpose in endurance sports, and his work with veterans.Marcus Farris is the Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He’s also an author, master health coach, endurance athlete, and has his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  His life was upended when, as a result of infidelity, his marriage collapsed and ended in divorce after only four years. Today, he’s passionate about all manner of endurance sports competitions and has spent a lot of his spare time working with the US Military Endurance Sports team, a non-profit dedicated to helping service members achieve their fitness endeavors. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest where he works with other former military service members on their own paths to healing after experiencing the trials of combat.  In today’s episode, we cover: The power of fitness in mental health healingMen’s therapy through practical activitiesThe power we all have to do hard thingsThe connection between endurance athletes and mental health strugglesSocial media and it’s impact on our self worthAccepting yourself for who you are right nowChasing serotonin and dopamine in healthy waysRewiring your neural pathways for positive thinkingWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Marcus! If you want to learn more about Mission 22 you can visit their website here. Make sure to follow Marcus on Instagram and get a copy of his book! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Follow Marcus on InstagramFollow Marcus on LinkedInCheck out the Mission 22 websiteGet a copy of Marcus’s book No Less FaithfulVisit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthriversFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “You have what it takes to get yourself up, to dust yourself off, and do what it takes to do hard things.” -Marcus“Mental health is a topic that I know can often be difficult to talk about, but we have to be able to inject some humor into it and be able to laugh at ourselves from time to time.” -Erik <

We are celebrating something special in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver- our three-year anniversary of the podcast! To mark this significant milestone, we're switching things up by stepping into the guest roles. Our former guest and dear friend, Susan Gold, will be our host.Over the past 151 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting incredible guests who shared their stories of healing and triumph over mental health challenges. Now, we're excited to flip the script and present this unique episode.Join us as we dive into our personal journeys, the inception of the podcast, and how it has evolved into a platform for mental health awareness and support. In today’s episode, we cover: How our deep bond and friendship began Why and how we decided to start this podcastThe joy and challenges we have faced creating this podcastThe first step to beginning your healing journeyThe different ways mental health issues impact different peopleHow our podcast has impacted our own lives and mental healthHow we overcome imposter syndromeOur reflections on three years of podcasting We hope you enjoyed this episode! We have so much gratitude for this show, the people we have met through it, and the platform it has given us to end the stigma around mental health conversations. We hope you will continue to join us week after week as we share these powerful conversations. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthriversFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “This podcast has opened my eyes to how mental health plays into so many different aspects of so many different people's lives. And it presents itself differently. It's not just the DSM-5 that we're all familiar with. Trauma comes in all shapes and all sizes and all different ways.” -Erik “I hope that our message of hope and searching for answers and realizing that we're all important enough to do this work for ourselves and the people around us is coming through.” -Marc

What if we told you that the secret to healing your mental health is actually quite simple? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Josie Warren to talk about her own struggles with autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses, and addiction, and how she learned to heal it all in one fell swoop by taking a hard look at herself and what she really needed to do to be happy. Josie discusses the narratives we tell ourselves when it comes to our illnesses, why we struggle so much to just be happy, and why the path to healing is simpler than it seems. Josie Warren is an autoimmune and mental health expert whose life used to be defined by her autoimmune problems. By the time she was a teenager, she had anxiety, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, an eating disorder, and a drinking problem. In her darkest of days, she had become suicidal. After struggling for years with her mind and behaviors, Josie has completely resolved all of her addiction and mental health issues. Today, she is a responsible social drinker who is emotionally at peace. As a businesswoman, Josie uses her experience with addiction and her past challenges to help individuals emotionally heal as she has In today’s episode, we cover: Josie’s struggle with autoimmune diseases, mental health illness, and addictionThe connection between how autoimmune diseases and mental health diseases are healedHow you’ll know if the healing methodologies you’re using aren’t workingWhy you aren’t as alone in your struggles as you think you areThe power in simplicity Why people struggle so much with choosing to be healthyWhy we have to stop viewing life as sufferingThe importance of honesty and truth in the healing processThe impact men and women have on each other’s mental healthWhy you have to start looking within for your own happinessWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Josie! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website.Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Josie’s websiteVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“Healing is a very simple process and the reason that people aren't getting better is people don't really know how to heal.” -Josie “My life that I have is a product of my choices and decisions. That's what I had to realize. I'm not a product of my circumstances or suffering.” -Josie “We know people aren’t comfortable doing the hard things. But doing the hard things is what will lead to the path to healing.” -Erik “The definition of sanity is to keep doing the same thing and think you're going to create a different outcome, but it's much easier to say that than it is to push through.” -Marc 

For someone who is in the depths of an abusive relationship, it can be hard to make sense of what’s happening. But the impacts on your life, and your mental health, can be profound. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the great honor of sitting down with Nikki La Croce, who experienced an abusive relationship that changed her life. She discusses the growth that came from this hard situation and also delves into the mental health challenges that people in the LGBTQ community face and how we can all become more open-minded and accepting people. In early 2021, Nikki La Croce experienced what she now refers to as her “personal armageddon”, as she left a decade-long abusive relationship and simultaneously was faced with the unexpected loss of her mother amidst the peak of the pandemic.  Navigating these events and being forced to cope with two very different types of grief at once, Nikki’s perspective on mental health, personal growth, and healing through trauma shifted drastically. She has always felt strongly about the importance of human connection and thanks to a tremendous amount of support from her family, friends and her therapist, she made the decision to return to the mic to share her own story in May 2022. Now, you can catch new episodes of Who The F*ck? every week to hear guests from all over the globe share their unique stories of resilience, gratitude and their missions to make meaningful change in the world. Nikki sees the continued growth of her show as a way to help others feel seen and heard, so they can learn how to prioritize their well-being and find the inner peace we all deserve.  In today’s episode, we cover: The power of a strong support systemThe gaslighting and manipulation Nikki endured in her previous relationshipThe impact - good or bad- that your partner can have on your life Why boundaries matter so muchHow low self-esteem can impact your view on the love you think you deserveThe growth that can happen after leaving abusive situationsThe mental health struggles within the LGBTQ community Embracing an open-minded approach to lifeLiving your truth  We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Nikki! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and check out her show. You can also follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Nikki’s websiteConnect with Nikki on LinkedInFollow Nikki on InstagramVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“Your responsibility is to yourself and to be honest with yourself. And the only way you're going to live a happy, fulfilling

Imagine the weight of command in combat intertwined with the silent battle of mental illness. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with General Gregg Martin, who fought a tremendous battle with bipolar disorder all while navigating an accomplished career in the military.Gregg is sharing his story of resilience in the face of a disorder that pushed him into profound mania and deep depression. He is now passionate about helping shatter the stigma around bipolar disorder so that anyone struggling with this illness can stop suffering in silence and get the treatment that can change the trajectory of their lives. Gregg Martin, PhD. is a retired major general and a 36-year Army combat veteran, celebrated for his remarkable career commanding engineer units and holding prestigious roles such as president of the National Defense University, and commander of Fort Leonard Wood. An accomplished author, his book “BIPOLAR GENERAL: My Forever War with Mental Illness” candidly shares his journey. With advanced degrees from MIT, the Naval War College, and the Army War College, Gregg’s indomitable spirit offers hope and inspiration to others, while he finds strength and joy alongside his wife in Cocoa Beach, Florida.  In today’s episode, we cover: Gregg’s experience with bipolar disorder while serving in the militaryWhat happened when his disorder became out of control How your self-perception shifts when you are manic versus depressedGregg’s journey to getting his diagnosis and how it helped him begin his recoveryWhy we have to get rid of the stigma around getting helpThe power medication and treatment have to turn your life around How important hope is during your healing journey How people perceive mental illnessHow we can begin to normalize the conversations around mental healthWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with General Gregg! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and get a copy of his book. You can also follow him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit his website Connect with him on LinkedInVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“Without help for mental illness, a person is probably going to go down a road of destruction and even death. But if they do get help, professional medical help, there are treatments available that can lead to a happy, purposeful, healthy life.” -Gregg“Illness or disease and injury in your brain are not the same things.” -Marc “There is no weakness in being vulnerable.” -Erik 

According to statistics, mental health challenges are on the rise, which means it’s more important than ever that we find healing methods that work for us.In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michael Overlie to discuss the healing power of having pets. There is a strong bond and connection between a man and his dog, and we are exploring how that bond can be a profound healing tool for anyone struggling with their mental health. Michael Overlie is the Founder of Save Two, a Colorado-based non-profit whose mission is to save the lives of both Dogs and Men, help them connect deeply to begin to heal their wounds and teach them skills to navigate this world and live better lives.It all came about through Michael’s individual lived experiences and those shared with his dogs, especially Sage, the loving creature who saved Michael’s life when he was a 12-year-old boy. Today, his days are spent saving lives on both ends of the leash.  In today’s episode, we cover: Why the connection between man and dog can be so strongThe power animals have to sense when you are struggling What energy healing feels like and how animals can be energy healersWhy dogs bring a sense of belonging and home How dogs can read our energy and nudge us toward necessary changeThe acceptance and nurturing men can receive from dogs Why pets can help us become better versions of ourselves How dogs can be mirrors for usWhy Michael decided to work with men and dogs The power of speaking up about your mental health How pets can be our familiars (like Erik’s cat that he named after Taylor Swift!)We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Michael! If you’d like to learn more about Save Two, you can find more information on the website. You can also connect with Michael on LinkedIn and check out his book Let Your Dog Lead here. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Michael’s websiteGet a copy of Let Your Dog LeadYou can get a copy of the book he co-authoredConnect with Michael on LinkedIn Visit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“Underneath everything that we do, we just have the desire to feel safe and loved, and dogs are just safe.” - Michael “I had an animal but I didn’t realize how much healing that animal could provide in the moment.” -Erik “The reason we so often have this vision of life is going to be sunshine and rainbows and riding unicorns is we sell ourselves that to make ourselve

What if your darkest moment became the source of your greatest strength?In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we spoke with Louise Ashby who experienced a traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. She’s sharing what happened during and after that fateful day that she got in a car accident and how she learned to take that experience and use it to help others instead of letting it defeat her. Louise is a thriver and she embodies the true nature of the human spirit and what we can overcome. Louise Ashby is an actress, model, motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, activist, and best-selling author of The Magic of the Mask. At the age of 21, after losing her mother Lynda to cancer, she moved to LA only to see her dreams of an acting career sidelined six weeks later when a near-fatal car accident tore off half of her face and left her with a traumatic brain injury. Not only was she able to endure the 238 metal bolts and plates, 28 reconstructive surgeries, and years of both physical and mental healing work, but she also embraced the new opportunities that came with it. She attributes her healing and return to her life to the tools and practices she had to develop in order to do what the doctors said wasn’t possible. Today, Louise believes that everyone has the strength and courage to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.With her expertise as a Transformational and Mindset mentor, she helps women tap into their true potential and discover the amazing gifts that come with tough times. In today’s episode, we cover: The traumatic injury that changed Louise’s lifeThe power of surrounding yourself with good people when going through challengesHow this experience impacted Louise’s sense of self and mental healthWhy who you are as a person matters more than anything else How Louise takes her experience and uses it to help others The importance of surrender and acceptance The gift of asking someone for help How your community can help you heal  We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Louise! If you want to learn more, make sure to visit her website and check out her resources there. You can also follow her on social media and get a copy of her book Magic of the Mask. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Louise’s website Follow her on LinkedInFollow her on InstagramGet a copy of Magic of the MaskVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“When you surrender to the situation and you accept it, then you can move on from it. But if you haven't surrendered, then you're fighting it and you can’t move on.” -Louise “Who you are as a person altogether is so much more important than anything else in the l

Do you or someone you know struggle with addiction? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Joe Tlustos to talk about how his mental health struggles turned into multiple addictions that greatly impacted his life.Joe shares the story of how he learned to slow down, accept himself for who he is, and get the help he needed. Through his journey, he learned that the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s actually connection. He now helps people struggling with addiction connect with someone who can help them slow down and kick the addiction for good. Joe Tlustos is a peer coach for Face It TOGETHER, an addiction wellness nonprofit. Joe has extensive personal and coaching experience with addiction and mental health conditions having suffered from multiple addictions (including opioids, alcohol and others) for more than 20 years, mainly due to undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder II, severe depression, anxiety and adult ADHD. He voluntarily entered inpatient treatment in November of 2008 and has been in recovery ever since. Today, he’s experienced as a coach and a peer in a place where highly creative talent, mental health and addiction intersect.  In today’s episode, we cover: What it’s like struggling with mental health issues before people understood themThe rareness of true authenticity in the mental health spaceJoe’s experience in the radio business and how it impacted his mental healthWhen Joe started suffering from multiple addictionsThe moment Joe knew he couldn’t do it by himself anymore and he needed help The honesty it takes to kick an addictionThe importance of slowing down when you are struggling with your mental health Why the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection Why you have to change the way you think if you are ready to find your way out of addiction The power of hope We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Joe! If you want to learn more from him or get some help, make sure to visit the Face It TOGETHER website. You can also follow them on Instagram.  Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Joe’s website: https://www.wefaceittogether.org Follow Face It TOGETHER on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faceittogether/ Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthriversFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “The first thing I had to do when I wanted to kick the addiction was learn honesty.” -Joe “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” - Joe “Mental health journeys are marathons. They aren’t sprints.” - Erik “We’re not going to change our behavior and how we feel if we don’t change how we think and operate.” - Marc 

If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression. It can be easy to let that define you, but that is a roadblock to healing. It’s important that we remember that we are more than our diagnoses. Our guest Chris Glatis has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks since a young age and tried many things to feel better. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, he’s sharing his story and how he learned to understand that he is not broken and healing is possible.Chris Glatis is an award-winning filmmaker and lifelong seeker who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder soon after entering college. Motivated to overcome what he initially saw as a weakness, Chris devoted himself to learning how humans heal. He’s tried it all, from silent meditations on mountaintops to Native American sweat lodges, psychotherapy, men’s groups, yogis, trauma work, and creative projects that explore characters who, despite deep, psycho-spiritual struggles, are ultimately redeemed. By sharing his own journey in his book When Your Mind Screams, he demonstrates how what was once his greatest weakness is now his greatest teacher.  In today’s episode, we cover: When Chris had his first panic attack and realized he needed help The reality of what it’s like to have a panic attackThe connection between anxiety and OCDThe fear of fear and how it can impact your life The shame around anxiety The connection between addictions and mental health issuesHow breathwork can help lower your anxiety The problem with labeling people with mental health disordersWhy we don’t have to feel happy all the timeWhat catastrophizing is and why it’s so hard for people with anxiety to deal withThe importance of healing your inner child We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Chris! If you want to learn more from him, you can visit his website, follow him on Instagram, and get a copy of his book When Your Mind Screams.Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Chris’s website Follow Chris on InstagramGet a copy of Chris’s bookVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “We don't necessarily love the idea of the names of a diagnosis, but initially, there can be this incredible comfort in knowing, oh, this isn't just me. This is the thing people have, and it’s just been rattling around in my brain.” -Marc “We need to start showing that the message around mental health is one of hopefulness and helpfulness.” -Erik “The ability for you to feel your deepest pain is going to allow you to feel your highest joy.” -Chris 

Domestic abuse can look many different ways, and it's crucial to recognize the different ways it manifests. It goes beyond just physical violence and can include emotional, verbal, sexual, and even financial abuse.In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michelle, who went through many types of domestic abuse with her husband of 20 years. She’s sharing her experience and when she finally realized what was happening and was brave enough to take her kids and get out. Michelle’s story is one of courage and determination. She took her experience and is using it to help other women in her situation find the help they need to get out of abusive relationships and get a fresh start. Michelle was married for many years and was a stay-at-home Mom for 2 children. In 2015, Michelle realized that her husband was addicted to drugs. During this time, she experienced financial, emotional and sexual abuse from him, which turned into his sex trafficking her. She spent many nights crying on the floor, until one night, with fear running through her body and hope in her heart, she ran for the door and got out.  Since then, she has been healing herself with therapy and other techniques. She has become a strong Mom for her children, in addition to being an advocate and mentor for other women and teens who have suffered any form of trauma and abuse. Her story is compelling, heartbreaking, and yet full of hope and reconciliation. She survived for a reason and has now dedicated her life to those needing help in finding their smile again.  In today’s episode, we cover: The warning signs for Michelle at what her husband truly wasThe differences between grooming and brainwashingThe backdoor of a life that her husband hid from her for yearsHow Michelle was exploited and traffic by people she trustedThe moment Michelle realized she was being trafficked and it was time to leaveThe organization that helped her get outDifferent types of abuse and why they are all about controlHow Michelle plans to help other women in her positionHow Michelle found the strength to move on after leaving her husbandWhy we shouldn’t ignore our instinctsThe stigma around abuse in our societyWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Michelle! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit https://fromthefloortothedoor.com. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Michelle’s website: ​​https://fromthefloortothedoor.com Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthriversFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “I knew that I needed to get a roof over my head so that I could create a safe space for my children.” -Michelle “We are all at some point just surviving. And at some point, we have to take charge.” Erik “Your boundaries will adjust for certain people in your life. If a person has never had your best interests at heart, your boundaries should never move for that kind of person.” -Marc

Fear of the unknown can cause a lot of anxiety, but taking steps to prepare yourself can do wonders for your confidence and mental health.In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with John Brewer Jr. to talk about the importance of preparedness and self-defense, not just in terms of physical protection, but also as a philosophy for life. John highlights how readiness, mindfulness, self-reliance, and a sense of preparedness can be applied to various aspects of life, from managing stress to developing confidence.John Brewer, Jr. is an Army Special Forces veteran with more than 10 years of experience enabling those who act to defend life, family, and country. He is the Founder of Mind, Shield & Spear Consulting Group and Author of Fight for Your Best Life, a book on safety and self-defense. He uses his experiences from training and working alongside indigenous forces in war-torn countries fighting against terrorism and oppression, to enable and empower individuals who wish to protect themselves and others from becoming victims of violent crime. Using a multidisciplinary approach, John acts as a facilitator in guiding others to meet their safety and security needs from building a sturdy foundation, based on their core values and goals, to gaining knowledge, developing skills, and reaching not only their safety goals but also their life's aspirations. Knowing firsthand the importance of self-reliance, John has made it his mission to enable and empower others so they may live healthy, thriving lives.  In today’s episode, we cover: The juxtaposition between self-reliance and built communityThe power of delegating tasks and focusing on what you’re skilled inHow John took his war experiences and turned it into a program that empowers othersBeing prepared for unexpected circumstances in lifeHow being prepared for the unexpected can impact your mental healthWhat happens when you have SOPs ready to go for any situationHow to build a mental health toolkitHow to use stress to your advantageStaying in purpose and alignment when handling stressEmbracing self-reflection Tips for prioritizing what’s really important in your life The balance of confidence and having a growth mindset We hope you enjoyed our conversation with John! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and find him on LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit John’s websiteConnect with John on LinkedInVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“The building blocks to confidence is having SOPs for life ready to go.” -John “As you go through these experiences you become better equipped at understanding things that work and things that don't work, you start to fill your mental health toolbox up more and more and you become much better at anticipating different scenarios.” -Erik “Just thinking your talent is going to be enough sets you up for failure.” -Marc

What does it take to discover your true purpose for being here? In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Colin Kingsmill who found a tremendous amount of success and wealth only to give it all away and leave that lifestyle behind to honor his mental health. Colin shares his story and how he went on a spiritual journey and, through several modalities including meditation and mindfulness practices,  found his crystal clear purpose for being here. He also shares the evolution of his relationships and his view of the world since making this profound shift and rediscovering his own humanity. In 2001, with an MBA and a successful decade in Swiss banking behind him, Colin Kingsmill decided to make a radical reset, give up most of his possessions and perceived status, and step into the unknown. He had everything he wanted, but it was not fulfilling. He really has seen it all, from flying in private jets, sailing on superyachts, mingling with industry titans, meeting Hillary Clinton and Elton John, and hanging out in George Clooney's villa on Lake Como when the Heinz family owned it. However, on the flip side of all the shiny stuff, he has also suffered the hardships of divorce and personal bankruptcy, depression, and crippling anxiety. Today, with all this life and work experience behind him, Colin now coaches, advises, and mentors extraordinary individuals making important changes in their personal and professional lives and provides a space for business owners to talk strategically through their pivot plans and fears as they grapple with the challenges of today’s world.  In today’s episode, we cover: The masks we wear to hide our mental health struggles from the worldReleasing the trappings of status for your own healthWhy material things don’t prove our self-worthWhat rebirthing is and how it can lead to a past life regressionThe experience that inspired Colin to get rid of all of his material things How Colin got crystal clear on his purpose for being hereThe process of going from shelf-development to self-developmentThe evolution of our relationshipsHow meditation and mindfulness can help you embody your true selfThe lenses and traumas that we live our lives throughReality is only as good as we make it at any given momentWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Colin! If you want to learn more from him, make sure to visit his website and follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links:Visit Colin’s websiteConnect with Colin on LinkedInFollow Collin on InstagramVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“In my previous chapters, I was a gladiator for myself. Now I feel like I’m a gladiator for humanity.” -Colin “When I finally started to recognize what it was that I needed for the first time, I started looking around and my true friendships deepened.” -Erik&n

Suffering from any type of trauma can change your life in an instant. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Susan Snow, whose life was forever changed on a fateful Halloween night in 1985 when her father, a dedicated LAPD detective, was tragically killed. This led to PTSD, depression, and anxiety for Susan as she struggled to navigate what happened.She shares the raw and emotional process of how she learned to bulldoze her fear and turned her profound personal trauma into a path of healing and empowerment. Susan is passionate about changing the system and getting more support for the kids of fallen officers so they get the mental health support they need.Susan Snow is the daughter of slain LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, who was ambushed and killed on October 31, 1985, when she was seventeen years old. She is a published author, speaker, and coach. Susan's book The Other Side of the Gun was born out of her journey through the trauma she experienced with the death of her father. She wrote it specifically to heal herself and help others heal through her words and experiences. These days, Susan works as a Realtor in the Denver Metro area.  In today’s episode, we cover: What happened after Susan lost her father and the grief and mental health issues she went throughHow Susan found her passion in making sure that children of fallen officers get the support they needBalancing fear when your loved ones work dangerous jobsThe importance of taking away the stigma of needing help Susans struggle with PTSD, suicidal ideation, depression, and anxietyThe impact Columbine had on Susan’s mental healthThe conversation that helped Susan finally get the health she neededManaging PTSD and the power of journalingHow Susan bulldozed her fear and found healing The ripple effect trauma can have on those around usWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Susan! We highly recommend you check out her book! You can find it here. If you want to learn more about her, you can visit her website.Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Susan’s websiteGet a copy of Susan’s bookVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “My therapist told me that anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience in their life can experience PTSD.  And it was like the sky opened up and rainbows shot out because I finally had answers to what the heck was going on with me.” - Susan “We don’t cure mental health issues. What we do is we work with them.” -Erik “We think it's just part and parcel that you don't find healing as part of the suffering of the human condition without a community and it all starts with our partners.” -Marc

While for many the holidays are a time filled with joy and family, for some, it can be the darkest, hardest, or loneliest time of the year. In this special episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Ferris who is a beacon in the dark to anyone struggling with their mental health, especially this time of year.In 2021, Ashley reached her lowest point and was planning to take her own life after her shift as a police officer. During that shift, Ashley experienced a life-changing incident. Ashley nearly died that day, but thanks to the quick action of her fellow officers and the kindness and compassion she experienced following it, she found a new purpose in her life and a will to live. She is now passionate about helping others understand that no matter how dark it is, something amazing could be around the corner. You always have something to live for and you are worthy of any help you might need. Ashley Ferris was a law enforcement officer with the Lakewood Police Department in Lakewood, Colorado from January of 2018 to June of 2023. Prior to that, Ashley was an All-Source Intelligence Analyst with the United States Army and a project manager for a Denver area developer. During her tenure as an officer, Ashley was appointed to several leadership, mentoring, and instructing positions. Some of those positions included Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Coach, Public Information Officer, CPR and Tactical Medical Care Instructor, amongst others.  In addition to her role at UT as a Training Specialist and her current graduate program studies, Ashley travels around the country to share her experience and lessons learned following her critical incident. Ashley lives and loves to serve the community, her organization, and her friends and peers.   In today’s episode, we cover: The mental health crisis Ashley was in and the incident at work that changed everythingHow you can always get help, no matter how bleak your options seemHow Ashley found a purpose to live forWhy the holidays are so challenging for so many peopleAshley’s passion for crisis interventionThe signs that someone might be struggling with suicidal ideationsThe unique mental health challenges that first responders faceWhy cops continue to put everyone else first even when they need help The life-saving power of being vulnerableWhy first responders have to feel safe to get help in order for anything to changeWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Ashley! If you want to learn more, make sure to visit the A Fighting Chance website! Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit the A Fighting Chance websiteVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.comQuotes: “I served a purpose that day I got shot, and now I know that my survival is a guide to someone else. My struggle can help someone else.“ -Ashley “Don’t wait for permission. Get right in there and help someone if you think it’s needed.” -Marc“When it comes to having conversations around mental health,  what often holds so many people back is the fear of being vuln

Bullying, particularly in early stages of life, can result in severe consequences.With the addition of the online space, students are not only exposed to bullying at school, it can come home with them too via things like social media. This can lead to serious mental health problems. With that being said, it’s more important than ever that we do everything that we can to prevent bullying from happening. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we got to sit down with Caley Rose. Caley experienced extreme bullying herself in middle school and now makes it her mission to work with kids in schools and make sure people know that they’re not alone with her empowering music. Caley Rose is a Billboard charting artist & motivational speaker. She is an empowering pop singer & songwriter whose music has been featured on Top 40 radio, TV, commercials & film. After being severely bullied in middle school, Caley dedicated her life to finding her own self-esteem and to empowering women & students to discover their own. She created her Music with a Message Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program to bring “confidence tools into schools,” by using the power of music.  This former Off-Broadway singer has received an Inspiration grant for her work empowering women & students and regularly partners with women’s and children’s charities. In her own words, “The future looks so bright today I’m gonna need a bigger pair of shades.”  In today’s episode, we cover: How Caley overcame extreme bullying and depressionWhy the only opinion of you that matters is your ownThe work Caley does in schools using her empowering musicThe reality of bullying in schoolsHow Caley goes about writing her songs The negativity bias and how we can overcome it to understand that we’re worth itThe power we all have to be who we want to beThe impact of being vulnerable in front of other peopleThe differences between anxiety and depressionOvercoming imposter syndromeWe hope you enjoyed our conversation with Caley! If you want to learn more about her, you can visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram and check her out on Spotify. Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Links: Visit Caley’s websiteFollow her on InstagramCheck her out on SpotifyFollow Caley on TikTokVisit our websiteFollow us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com“If you're at a low and you hate yourself, you need to get to appreciating yourself and then to liking yourself. And then you can think about that almighty self-love.” -Caley“The only opinion of yourself that really matters in your darkest moments is yours.” -Marc “Until you actually look inside yourself and figure out what is it that's causing you to feel a ce