SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS

Tom Adams was driving drunk, the wrong way down a four-lane highway—with his wife and kids in the car.That moment changed everything.Tom found recovery and has now been sober for more than 45 years. But his recovery journey went far beyond alcohol. It led him through compulsive eating, work addiction, shame, family struggles, emotional sobriety, spirituality, meditation, and learning what it really means to surrender.In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Tom shares how Alcoholics Anonymous changed the direction of his life and how recovery helped him move from trying to earn God's love to understanding a deeper, more loving relationship with a higher power.Tom also shares the story behind his book, A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement, which explores the lives and legacy of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.We talk about addiction in its many forms, the physical, emotional, and spiritual sides of addiction, family systems, burnout, work addiction, self-forgiveness, community, prayer, meditation, and the ongoing process of surrender.Tom's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes getting out of Shit Creek starts with realizing you're going the wrong way.About Tom AdamsTom Adams, MSW, is an author, speaker, nonprofit leader, and longtime participant in the Twelve Step recovery movement. With more than 45 years of sobriety, Tom has spent decades exploring recovery, spirituality, leadership, emotional sobriety, and personal growth.He is the co-author of A Marriage That Changed the World: Lois and Bill Wilson and the Addiction Recovery Movement, written with Joy Jones. The book explores the lives, marriage, spirituality, and lasting influence of Bill and Lois Wilson and their impact on the recovery movement.Tom's website: https://thadams.comTom's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSLFXW6VAbout Sh!t Creek SurvivorsWelcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a Sh!t Creek story.We share real stories of resilience, recovery, setbacks, second chances, and the paddles that help people get out.Because no one has to stay there.If we help one person, then that's enough.Hosted by Cameron McKay.Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/SHTCreekSurvivorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/SHTCreekSurvivorsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SH!TCREEKSURVIVORSFollow, subscribe, and share the show with someone who might need to hear a story of recovery, resilience, and hope.#AddictionRecovery #Recovery #Sobriety #AlcoholismRecovery #Spirituality #12StepRecovery #ShitCreekSurvivors

Her Daughter Had Cancer. Then Something Extraordinary Happened | Sarah TolsonWhat happens when your child gets cancer—and the experience changes everything you thought you knew about life?Sarah Tolson's seven-year-old daughter, Ella, began having seizures. What followed was a terrifying medical journey involving repeated hospitalizations, autoimmune encephalitis, and eventually a diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.Sarah watched her daughter endure months of chemotherapy, painful complications, and moments when she feared she could lose her.But when Ella became cancer-free, Sarah discovered something unexpected: the crisis wasn't over for her.After months of living in survival mode, Sarah was dealing with hypervigilance, anxiety, and the challenge of learning how to feel safe again.Her search for healing led her to meditation and Reiki—and eventually to experiences that changed the way she understood spirituality, intuition, and life after death.Today, Sarah Tolson is a Reiki practitioner, intuitive medium, and wellness guide. Through Grounded Harmony, she helps people explore meditation, nervous system regulation, energy work, intuitive practices, and emotional resilience.But this conversation isn't simply about Reiki or mediumship.It's about what happens when your child becomes seriously ill. It's about becoming your child's advocate when you know something isn't right. It's about the psychological impact of medical trauma, the people who show up when your family is at its breaking point, and finding your way back after living in survival mode.In this episode, Sarah shares:• Becoming a mother at 17• Years of family loss and difficult experiences• Her brother's life-changing trucking accident• Her mother's aneurysm and stroke• Ella's first seizure at seven• The search for answers and autoimmune encephalitis• The discovery of Ella's cancer• Burkitt's lymphoma and months of chemotherapy• Becoming a fierce medical advocate• The people who showed up when they needed them most• Living in survival mode and hypervigilance• Meditation and nervous system regulation• How Reiki entered Sarah's life• The experiences that led Sarah toward mediumship• Her spiritual awakening• Whether trauma can become a catalyst for transformation• Breathwork, yoga, meditation, and emotional regulation• Using complementary practices alongside conventional medical care• Why Sarah offers Reiki to parents of children undergoing cancer treatment• How her daughter's illness changed her priorities and perspective on lifeUltimately, Sarah's story is about more than cancer. It's about resilience, advocacy, healing after trauma, and what can happen when one of the worst experiences of your life forces you to reconsider what matters.If you're currently in your own "shit creek," you're not alone.We all have a shit creek story.ABOUT SARAH TOLSONSarah Tolson is a Reiki practitioner, intuitive medium, and wellness guide specializing in nervous system regulation, energetic healing, and spiritual connection. After her daughter's cancer journey transformed her life, Sarah experienced what she describes as a profound spiritual awakening that led her toward mediumship.Sarah is the founder of Grounded Harmony, where she offers Reiki, group mediumship events, and intuitive education.Grounded Harmony: https://www.groundedharmonywellness.com/Instagram: @Grounded.harmony.wellnessBrigham City, UtahSH!T CREEK SURVIVORSSH!T CREEK SURVIVORS features real stories of resilience, survival, transformation, and finding a way forward when life gets messy.Because we believe one thing: We all have a shit creek story.

Not all alcoholics live under a bridge. And not all alcoholics recover the same way.What does alcoholism look like when you don't fit the stereotype? What if traditional sobriety doesn't work for you?In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam sits down with Tracy Liberatore, Esq. to talk openly about alcoholism, sobriety, recovery, shame, identity, spirituality, trauma, and finding a recovery path that fits.Tracy built an accomplished career as a physician assistant, earned her law degree with valedictorian honors, passed the California bar, and built a medical-legal career. Behind that success, she was struggling with alcohol and Ativan.Tracy didn't recognize herself as an alcoholic because she didn't fit the picture she had in her head of what an alcoholic was supposed to look like. She shares the ambulance ride, hospitalization, return to drinking, treatment, and the realization that she needed to understand the "why" behind her drinking.She also explains why traditional AA recovery didn't resonate with her and how changing the way she viewed herself became an important part of her sobriety journey.Cam and Tracy explore shame, childhood beliefs, religion, forgiveness, trauma, identity, spirituality, past-life regression, family patterns, and letting go of beliefs we've carried for years.Tracy is the author of Mind Over Martini, about her journey with alcohol, sobriety, spirituality, and finding a path to recovery outside the traditional AA model. She is also founder of National Expert Academy and creator of the C.L.E.A.R. Method™.Whether you're in recovery, questioning your relationship with alcohol, love someone struggling with addiction, or want to understand alcoholism from a different perspective, this conversation offers a different perspective on recovery.NOTE: Tracy's discussion of spirituality, past-life regression, and recovery reflects her personal beliefs and experiences. This episode is not medical, mental-health, addiction-treatment, or crisis advice.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction01:50 - From Physician Assistant to Lawyer04:11 - Why Tracy Didn't Recognize Her Alcoholism05:01 - Quitting Drinking, Withdrawal & the Hospital06:14 - Ativan, a Flagged Prescription & Losing Her Job07:44 - Why Understanding the "Why" Mattered08:42 - Why AA Didn't Resonate09:04 - Discovering Alcohol Lied to Me09:57 - The Impact of Drinking on Family10:08 - The Hypnosis Session That Changed Her View12:14 - Cam Shares His Own Experience With Alcohol13:52 - Mind Over Martini & a Different Approach to Sobriety14:22 - Recovery Into Past-Life Regression15:14 - Family Patterns, Past Lives & Healing17:20 - Fear, Visibility & Keeping Two Lives Separate18:53 - Becoming the Face of Her Own Business20:11 - Why Tracy Started Questioning Her Beliefs21:38 - Childhood Religion, Fear & Shame22:55 - Past-Life Regression & the Questions It Raises24:59 - Religious Shame & the "Point System" Mentality27:33 - Forgiveness, Self-Blame & Pain as a Teacher28:53 - Do We Choose Our Life Lessons Before We Come Here?30:23 - What a Regression Session Feels Like31:11 - Choice, Darker Energies & Responsibility32:22 - The Inner Voice That Says Give In33:53 - Childhood Joy & the Roots of Addiction36:41 - Shame, Trauma & Alcohol as Temporary Relief37:52 - Alcohol, Sleep & Segmented Sleep40:42 - When Someone Feels Trapped41:08 - Taking One Step at a Time42:25 - Why Tracy Chose Self-Employment43:46 - Learning to Live for Today44:07 - Finding Your Own Path in RecoveryABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSWe're not here because we've figured life out.We're here because we've been through some shit—and we're still here.Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about stories of resilience, survival, recovery, and the tools people use to keep moving forward.Subscribe for more conversations about the moments that change us—and what it takes to keep going.#shitcreeksurvivors #sobriety #recovery #alcoholism #addiction #resilience

A pilot. A plane spiraling toward the ground. Nothing seems to work.And in what feels like his final moment, Reinhard Klett does the unthinkable:He lets go.Reinhard was flying solo when a training maneuver sent his plane into a dangerous graveyard spiral. What happened next nearly cost him his life—and became the foundation for a powerful message about fear, surrender, and letting go.In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Reinhard shares the story of the flight that nearly killed him and the lessons he carried forward from it.We talk about fear, shame, vulnerability, grief, addiction, people-pleasing, faith, confidence, losing a job at 59, starting over, and the hidden beliefs that can keep us stuck even when we're trying our hardest to move forward.Reinhard explains why sometimes we're pressing the gas while our foot is still on the brake—and how identifying the belief underneath our emotions can help us move forward.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, afraid, ashamed, or like you're working hard but getting nowhere, this conversation may give you a different way to look at what's holding you back.Sometimes you have to let go.IN THIS EPISODE00:00 — The story behind Reinhard's transformation01:12 — Reinhard's childhood dream of flying02:41 — Learning to fly solo03:35 — An American Airlines plane appears at the same altitude04:35 — The stall recovery and graveyard spiral06:06 — The moment Reinhard lets go of the controls07:00 — Making it back to the airport08:30 — Why Reinhard got back in the cockpit09:40 — How his story helped someone else let go12:26 — Losing a job at 59 and starting over13:44 — Coaching, confidence, and writing his book18:57 — Hidden stories, business stress, and surrender20:52 — Turning a potential loss into an $80,000 gain24:02 — The chainsaw story and the hidden brake25:26 — Why trying harder isn't always the answer26:23 — Letting go of guilt and shame27:46 — Trauma, secrecy, and finally speaking up29:03 — Suicide, grief, and the cost of silence31:17 — Addiction, victimhood, and worrying about other people's opinions35:22 — Vulnerability and genuine connection38:53 — People-pleasing and losing yourself40:26 — Mentoring a young woman in Kenya43:08 — Why telling the truth can be an act of love45:43 — Confidence vs. pride51:10 — Surrender, sobriety, and spiritual growth53:25 — What to do when you feel hopeless54:17 — Finding the false belief underneath the pain55:34 — The three-legged stool: thought, feeling, and actionKEY TAKEAWAYS• Recognize where you're pressing the gas while your foot is still on the brake.• Look for the belief underneath a powerful emotion.• Don't let shame force you into silence and isolation.• Understand the difference between confidence and pride.• Recognize when letting go may be more powerful than pushing harder.ABOUT REINHARD KLETTReinhard Klett is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, and certified high-performance coach who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs and leaders overcome limiting beliefs, align their values with their actions, and live authentically.His book, Letting Go Saved My Life, shares the story of his near-death experience as a student pilot and the lessons he learned about surrender, fear, and letting go.ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSSh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real stories of resilience, adversity, transformation, and finding a way forward.Every week, Cam McKay talks with people who have faced extraordinary challenges and explores how they survived and what helped them move forward.We believe everyone has a Sh!t Creek story.CONNECTWebsite: www.shitcreeksurvivors.comYouTube: SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSFacebook: SHT Creek SurvivorsInstagram: SHT Creek Survivors

At just six years old, Terry McCarty survived a devastating fire that left him with burns over 70% of his body.But surviving the fire was only the beginning.Terry spent years navigating surgeries, recovery, bullying, depression, identity struggles, loss, and the challenge of learning to see himself differently.Then, at 25, he became a firefighter.In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Terry shares the story of how he went from victim, to survivor, to thriver — and how the lessons he learned along the way helped him rebuild his identity and find purpose.Terry and Cam talk about childhood trauma, bullying, depression, self-worth, anxiety, resilience, gratitude, stoicism, accepting help, and the mental battle that can continue long after the physical wounds have healed.Terry also shares the story of a mentor who taught him that sometimes you may have to do things differently, but that doesn't mean you can't do it.That lesson eventually helped Terry pursue firefighting — a remarkable choice for someone whose life had been changed by fire.After leaving firefighting, Terry experienced a 10-year period of depression and identity loss. He eventually found a new source of purpose through spray-paint art, advocacy, speaking, and helping others navigate their own struggles.Terry's message is ultimately about learning to value yourself, finding gratitude even during difficult seasons, and understanding that surviving is not the end of the journey.Sometimes it's where the real work begins.ABOUT TERRY MCCARTYTerry McCarty is a burn survivor, former firefighter, motivational speaker, author, artist, and mental health advocate.Burned at six years old, Terry survived burns over 70% of his body and years of surgeries, recovery, bullying, depression, and identity struggles.At 25, he became a firefighter and turned his experience with adversity into a life of service.Today, Terry uses storytelling, art, social media, speaking, and advocacy to help others understand resilience, self-worth, and post-traumatic growth.Follow Terry:TikTok: @PhoenixDownWithTerryInstagram: @PhoenixDownWithTerryYouTube: @PhoenixDownWithTerryCHAPTERS00:00 Terry McCarty: Burned at 601:07 Terry's Story02:39 The Kerosene Accident05:24 Why Stop, Drop and Roll Failed06:35 The Immediate Aftermath07:41 Coming Out of a Coma10:29 Years of Burn Recovery12:18 The Mentor Who Changed Everything13:33 Learning to Adapt14:51 Becoming a Firefighter17:34 You Don't Have to Be Strong19:34 Victim → Survivor → Thriver20:54 Pain, Recovery & Addiction Risk23:50 The Impact of Bullying25:05 Changing His Self-Image28:42 Why Terry Became a Firefighter31:13 Passing the Fire Academy35:31 Showing Kids What's Possible37:23 A Loss That Led to Depression39:50 Identity Loss43:01 Finding Color Through Art45:46 Living With Visible Trauma48:02 Childhood vs. Adult Trauma51:14 Learning to Accept Help54:36 Stoicism & Your Mind55:42 Appreciating Life Differently57:03 Finding Peace58:57 The Practice of Gratitude64:05 Terry's Work Today66:10 The Impact of Bullying69:03 Fall in Love With YourselfABOUT THE SHOWSh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the ways we find our way forward when life gets messy.We believe one thing: we all have a Sh!t Creek story, and this is where you get to hear them.Follow Sh!t Creek Survivors:Facebook: SHT Creek SurvivorsInstagram: SHT Creek SurvivorsYouTube: SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSWebsite: www.shitcreeksurvivors.comEmail: [email protected], follow, subscribe, and share the show with someone who could use a little help finding their way forward.

What if getting your life back on track worked a lot like getting stronger in the gym?Each rep can be painful. Each rep can be uncomfortable. But each rep can also make you stronger.In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam sits down with musician, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong fitness enthusiast Ben Barbic to talk about childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, recovery, resilience, and rebuilding your life through small, consistent actions.Ben shares how losing his family's business and home as a child shaped his life, how buried emotions followed him into adulthood, and how anxiety, panic, drinking, legal trouble, and destructive habits eventually left him searching for a way forward.A turning point came on Ben's 28th birthday, when he came home from jail and heard a message from his son and girlfriend on a teddy bear. That moment forced him to confront the life he was living and begin rebuilding it.Therapy, meditation, fitness, running, school, music, writing, and fatherhood became part of that rebuild.But Ben discovered something important: you don't change your life in one giant moment.You put in the reps.One conversation. One workout. One page. One meditation. One decision to try again.Each rep starts to create momentum.Cam and Ben discuss trauma recovery, anxiety, self-criticism, personal responsibility, overcoming adversity, resilience, and why setbacks don't have to define the rest of your story.If you're stuck or struggling to get your life moving in the right direction, this conversation offers a simple place to start:Find your next rep. And do it.ABOUT BEN BARBICBen Barbic is a musician, recording artist, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong fitness enthusiast.His memoir, Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through Pain, tells the story of rebuilding a life through music, discipline, and fatherhood after years of loss, panic, and personal collapse.Ben narrates the audiobook himself and weaves original music throughout the story. The Rise & Climb soundtrack album is scheduled for release October 15, 2026.CONNECT WITH BENWebsite: www.risenclimb.comX: www.x.com/benbarbicInstagram: www.instagram.com/benbarbicSpotify: Ben BarbicBook: Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through PainCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:57 Who Ben Is Today01:53 Finding the Origin of His Sh!t Creek02:23 Losing the Family Business and Home03:07 Discovering Music as an Escape03:37 Earthquake, Panic, and Anxiety04:36 Learning Not to Trust Safety05:43 When Trauma Feels Normal06:58 Burying Emotions09:00 From Surviving to Wanting More10:27 Shame and Legal Trouble12:16 Therapy13:44 Meditation14:43 Building Small Habits15:34 Creating Momentum17:35 Training the Mind Like a Muscle18:50 The Power of Small Reps21:02 Writing the Book One Paragraph at a Time23:46 Losing His Way in His Twenties24:24 Jail on His 28th Birthday25:27 The Teddy Bear Message26:22 Rebuilding His Life27:21 School, Therapy, Fitness, and Music28:15 Why Setbacks Don't Define You29:15 Building Multiple Pillars32:47 Learning Self-Love34:14 Breaking the Self-Criticism Loop37:36 His Last Panic Attack39:44 Talking About Pain41:25 Turning Hard Years Into Education45:25 Advice for Someone Still in the Mud48:04 Taking Initiative49:29 Finding Rise & ClimbABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSWe believe one thing: everyone has a Sh!t Creek story.The good news is, no one has to stay there.Every week, we share real stories, real paddles, and real hope for finding your way through.Listen, follow, and join us as we figure out how to keep paddling.

Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story.This week on Sh!t Creek Survivors, Jacqueline Pendleton shares her story and what she's learned about getting through stress, major life changes, and difficult seasons in your 40s and beyond.Jacqueline is a Health and Fitness Coach with more than 38 years of experience, specializing in helping women in their 40s, 50s and beyond rebuild strength, stability and mobility from the inside out. She's the creator of the Full Body Renovation Method, focusing on the inner core and the connection between stress, movement, posture and overall well-being.Jacqueline explains how stress affects the body physically and emotionally, why stress can build over time, and how the stories we tell ourselves can influence how we experience difficult seasons.We talk about resilience, personal responsibility, humor, faith, gratitude, self-care, community and taking overwhelming problems one step at a time.Jacqueline also shares her journey as a "do-over queen" and why starting over doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes, starting over is how we discover our strength.Whether you're in your 40s, 50s or beyond, or simply navigating a difficult season, this conversation offers practical insight, perspective and hope.IN THIS EPISODE:How stress affects the bodyWhy stress can hit differently after 40The cumulative impact of stressChanging your personal narrativeSelf-image and physical well-beingPersonal responsibility and manageable goalsHumor and laughter during difficult seasonsGratitude, faith and communityPractical tools for managing stressJacqueline's "do-over queen" journeyNavigating major life transitionsFinding purpose, connection and resilienceABOUT JACQUELINE PENDLETON:Jacqueline Pendleton is a Health and Fitness Coach with more than 38 years of experience helping women in their 40s, 50s and beyond rebuild strength, stability and mobility from the inside out.She's the creator of the Full Body Renovation Method and is known for making complex topics about stress, movement and the body easy to understand and apply.After navigating her own experiences with injury, stress and burnout, Jacqueline developed a practical approach to helping people understand their bodies rather than fight against them.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Jacqueline’s Background00:16 - How Stress Impacts Physical Health02:11 - Humor & Difficult Seasons04:32 - Your Body’s Response to Stress05:07 - The Cumulative Impact of Stress07:12 - The Importance of Education09:45 - Changing the Narrative10:36 - Feelings, Self-Image & Well-Being12:02 - Gratitude, Community & Faith13:23 - Taking Responsibility15:14 - Breaking Problems Into Manageable Steps16:45 - The Power of Laughter18:49 - Responding With Patience21:09 - Recognizing Stress & Finding Support22:02 - Creative Ways to Reduce Stress24:02 - Empowering Others & Finding Purpose26:34 - Building Support Networks29:35 - Connection & Community31:18 - Practical Self-Care & Stress Reduction33:36 - Navigating Life Transitions35:49 - Finding Humor39:27 - The Spiritual Side of Resilience41:29 - Lessons From the Journey44:48 - Faith & Gratitude47:35 - Community, Compassion & ResilienceABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS:Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: everyone has a Sh!t Creek story.We share real stories of people who found themselves stuck up shit creek, the challenges they faced, the paddles that helped them through it, and the lessons they learned along the way.Because sometimes getting out of shit creek isn't about finding one giant solution. It's about finding your next paddle.

Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. The good news is, no one has to stay there.In this powerful episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cameron sits down with Gary Hartman, a former periodontist who built a successful career helping others while privately struggling with anxiety, burnout, and feelings of not being enough.After a shoulder injury, prescription opioids became the beginning of a devastating battle. The dentist who prescribed medications to help patients eventually found himself addicted to the very drugs he once trusted.Gary's journey took him from professional success to losing his career, facing incarceration, and rebuilding his entire identity from the ground up.But this isn't just a story about addiction.It's a story about the hidden struggles behind success, the power of honesty, the importance of asking for help, and the possibility of finding purpose after losing everything.Gary shares how addiction can happen to anyone—regardless of their profession, accomplishments, or circumstances—and why recovery begins when we stop hiding our struggles and start reaching for help.If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, burnout, shame, or feeling stuck in your own Sh!t Creek, this episode offers a message of hope:Your worst moment does not have to define your future.In This Episode:• Gary's journey from successful periodontist to addiction and recovery• The hidden pressure and stress behind professional success• Why high achievers often struggle silently• How prescription medication can become a dangerous path• Losing a career and facing incarceration• The emotional impact of addiction on family and identity• Why addiction does not discriminate• Breaking the stigma around asking for help• Rebuilding your life after losing everything• Finding purpose, gratitude, and hope in recoveryConnect with Gary Hartman:Website:www.garyhartmanspeaks.comLocation:Virginia Beach, VA, USAGary Hartman is a speaker and recovery advocate sharing his story of addiction, resilience, recovery, and rebuilding life after profound personal and professional loss.Resources:Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)Thank you for listening to Sh!t Creek Survivors.If this episode impacted you, please consider following the show, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need hope today.Remember:Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story.The good news is, no one has to stay there.Episode Keywords:addiction recovery, opioid addiction, prescription drug addiction, dentist addiction, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, recovery story, sobriety, alcoholism recovery, mental health, resilience, second chances, redemption, overcoming addiction, life after addiction, incarceration recovery, purpose after loss, addiction podcast, recovery podcast, Sh!t Creek Survivors

Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing:We all have a Sh!t Creek story.It’s that moment when life gets overwhelming, the current gets stronger, and you find yourself wondering how you’re going to make it through.But every survivor finds a paddle.Sometimes it’s faith.Sometimes it’s family.Sometimes it’s community.Sometimes it’s learning from someone who has already survived the waters you’re facing.This week’s Sh!t Creek story explores the hidden struggle of caregiving and the emotional weight carried by millions of caregivers around the world.Caring for someone you love can be one of the most meaningful experiences in life, but it can also bring exhaustion, stress, isolation, and caregiver burnout. Many caregivers spend so much time supporting others that they forget they need support too.In this episode, Cameron sits down with Debbie Compton, caregiver advocate, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Purple Vine.After leaving her corporate career to care for multiple loved ones through dementia journeys, Debbie experienced firsthand the challenges that many family caregivers quietly face—decision fatigue, emotional exhaustion, changing family dynamics, and the constant pressure of trying to do everything right.Debbie shares how she turned her own caregiving journey into a mission to help others through education, advocacy, practical resources, faith, humor, and community.In this episode, we discuss:The emotional and physical toll of caregivingRecognizing and preventing caregiver burnoutThe challenges of dementia careSupporting family members through difficult health journeysWhy caregivers often struggle in silenceHow education and resources empower caregiversThe importance of self-care and asking for helpFinding hope through faith, humor, and communityHow personal struggles can become a mission to help othersIf you are caring for a parent, spouse, family member, or friend—or know someone who is—this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone.The person caring for everyone else deserves care too.Connect with Debbie Compton and learn more about caregiver resources:ThePurpleVine.comAbout Debbie Compton:Debbie Compton is a caregiver advocate, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Purple Vine.After stepping away from her corporate career to care for her father, mother, and mother-in-law through their dementia journeys, Debbie transformed her personal caregiving experience into a mission to educate and support caregivers around the world.Through her books, speaking, and caregiver resources, Debbie helps families navigate the challenges of caregiving while preventing burnout and finding strength through resilience, connection, and hope.About Sh!t Creek Survivors:Sh!t Creek Survivors shares real stories of people who found themselves facing impossible situations and the paddles that helped them survive.Every person has a Sh!t Creek story.Through conversations about trauma, resilience, mental health, faith, recovery, and overcoming adversity, we share stories of survival and hope for anyone currently stuck in their own storm.Subscribe and join a community of survivors learning how to keep paddling.Episode Keywords:caregiver burnout, caregiving, dementia care, dementia caregiver, Alzheimer's caregiver, family caregiver, caregiver support, caregiver advocacy, aging parents, senior care, mental health, resilience, overcoming adversity, self care, caregiver resources, family caregiving, inspirational stories, survivor stories, Sh!t Creek Survivors podcast

We all have a Sh!t Creek story.Every person faces moments in life where they feel overwhelmed, broken, or wonder if they'll ever find their way forward.This week's Sh!t Creek story is Kevin Erisman's.Kevin's journey is a powerful modern-day Christian testimony of redemption, hope, and discovering that God never abandoned him—even in his darkest moments.Growing up with childhood trauma, Kevin searched for purpose while battling addiction, broken relationships, and hopelessness. As his life spiraled deeper into darkness, he eventually reached the point where he believed there was no way out.But what Kevin discovered changed everything.God was still there.Through surrendering his life to Jesus Christ, Kevin found freedom from addiction, healing from his past, and a new purpose that continues to impact others today.This episode isn't just about Kevin's story.It's about anyone who has ever questioned where God is during suffering.It's about discovering that our hardest seasons are often the very places where God is shaping us, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for what comes next.In this episode, we discuss:• Childhood trauma and its lasting impact• Addiction, brokenness, and hopelessness• Finding Jesus Christ through surrender• How God uses suffering for growth• Breaking generational patterns• Faith during life's darkest moments• Trusting God's timing• Forgiveness, healing, and purpose• Discovering your identity in ChristIf you feel alone today...This conversation is for you.Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different...No one has to paddle alone.About Kevin Erisman:Kevin Erisman shares his powerful testimony of faith, redemption, and recovery to encourage others that no one is beyond God's grace.Through his journey of overcoming addiction, trauma, and hopelessness, Kevin reminds people that Jesus Christ still transforms lives today. His story is a powerful reminder that God is present even in our darkest moments and can use our greatest struggles for His purpose.About Sh!t Creek Survivors:Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the paddles that helped them find their way through.We believe one thing:We all have a Sh!t Creek story.Every episode shares someone's darkest season, the tools that helped them overcome it, and hope for anyone navigating their own challenges.Our mission is simple:Share stories.Share hope.Share the paddles.Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different...No one has to paddle alone.New episodes every Tuesday.Connect with Sh!t Creek Survivors:Website:https://www.shitcreeksurvivors.comYouTube:Sh!t Creek SurvivorsFacebook:@shitcreeksurvivorsInstagram:@shitcreeksurvivorsEmail:[email protected] keywords:Christian testimony, modern day testimony, Kevin Erisman, Jesus Christ, faith, addiction recovery, redemption, Christian podcast, trauma recovery, childhood trauma, surrender to God, spiritual transformation, hope, healing, forgiveness, purpose, overcoming adversity, faith in difficult times, God is still there, inspirational podcast

We all have a Sh!t Creek story.Every person faces moments in life where they find themselves overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how they will move forward.This week's Sh!t Creek story is Mickey Griffin's.After years of successfully managing Type 1 diabetes, Mickey's life changed when both of her kidneys failed during the COVID era.What followed was a life-changing battle involving dialysis, septic shock, strokes, seizures, multiple hospitalizations, and the emotional toll of feeling unheard by the healthcare system.Mickey found herself fighting two battles:The battle to survive...And the battle to be seen, heard, and understood.Instead of giving up, Mickey became her own advocate. She questioned, researched, sought second opinions, and fought for doctors who saw her as a person—not just a diagnosis.That fight eventually led to open heart surgery, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant, and a second chance at life.But Mickey's story is about much more than medical survival.It's about resilience.It's about learning how to move from anger and fear toward gratitude and peace.It's about understanding how trauma can put us into survival mode—and how we can learn to rebuild our lives after the fight.Today, Mickey is a motivational speaker, coach, and advocate helping others build mental resilience, improve communication, and become stronger advocates for themselves.In this episode, Mickey shares the paddles that helped her navigate her own Sh!t Creek:Self-advocacyEmotional awarenessLetting go of resentmentBuilding resilienceChoosing hope when life feels impossibleBecause while every Sh!t Creek looks different...No one has to paddle alone.ABOUT THE GUEST:Mickey Griffin is a motivational speaker, coach, and advocate focused on mental resilience, communication, and self-advocacy.After surviving kidney failure, strokes, major surgeries, and a double transplant journey, Mickey transformed her experience into a mission to help others recognize their own strength and learn to advocate for themselves.Connect with Mickey:Website:https://mickey-speaks.comInstagram/TikTok:@mickeygriffin_Community:Mentally Unfuckwithablehttps://www.skool.com/mentally-unfuckwithable/aboutMickey's community provides coaching, group discussions, and tools to help people build resilience and navigate personal challenges.ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS:Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the paddles that helped them find their way through.We believe:We all have a Sh!t Creek story.Every episode shares the journey of someone who faced a difficult season of life and the lessons, tools, mindset shifts, and support systems that helped them move forward.Our mission is simple:Share stories.Share hope.Share the paddles.Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different...No one has to paddle alone.New episodes every Tuesday.Connect with Sh!t Creek Survivors:Website:https://www.shitcreeksurvivors.comFacebook:Sh!t Creek SurvivorsInstagram:@shitcreeksurvivorsEmail:[email protected] KEYWORDS:kidney failure, kidney transplant, pancreas transplant, dialysis, type 1 diabetes, patient advocacy, healthcare advocacy, medical trauma, stroke recovery, resilience, mental resilience, overcoming adversity, motivational speaker, survivor story, trauma recovery, emotional healing, personal growth, hope, inspirational podcast

Most Americans have heard the term Gold Star Family, but few truly understand what it means—or the lifelong sacrifice these families carry.In this moving episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS, Navy veteran Anthony Price shares his own journey through personal tragedy and how it led him to a life dedicated to serving Gold Star families across America.After enduring the heartbreaking loss of custody of his children, Anthony found healing by helping others. Today, through the Gold Star Ride Foundation, he rides his motorcycle across the country honoring the parents, spouses, siblings, and children of military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.Anthony shares unforgettable stories from the road, explains the meaning behind the Gold Star designation, and reminds us that these families live in communities all around us. This conversation explores resilience, grief, healing, service, and the enduring impact of sacrifice.Whether you're a veteran, have a loved one who served, or simply want to better understand the true cost of freedom, this episode offers an inspiring perspective on finding purpose after pain.• What defines a Gold Star Family• Anthony's Navy service during Desert Storm• Losing custody of his children and rebuilding his life• Finding purpose through serving others• The mission of the Gold Star Ride Foundation• Powerful stories from Gold Star families across America• The importance of honoring our fallen heroes beyond Memorial Day and the Fourth of July• Practical ways anyone can support Gold Star familiesAnthony Price is a U.S. Navy veteran and the founder of the Gold Star Ride Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America's fallen service members and supporting their families through remembrance rides, community outreach, and acts of service.🌐 Gold Star Ride Foundationhttps://www.goldstarride.org📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/goldstarride2017▶️ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSy-IjEMmZBSJ0shyPOr8GA✖️ Xhttps://x.com/goldstarride📰 CBS News Featurehttps://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-veteran-gold-star-families-motorcycle/Everyone ends up in a "Sh!t Creek" at some point in life.Each week, host Cameron McKay sits down with survivors who have faced life's toughest challenges, exploring the paddles that helped them find hope, healing, and resilience. Through authentic conversations, listeners discover practical tools for overcoming adversity and inspiration for navigating their own difficult seasons.New episodes every Tuesday.

What if you couldn't eat food for the first 24 years of your life?For most of us, eating is something we rarely think about. It's part of daily life—birthday cake, pizza with friends, family dinners, and grabbing a quick meal on the go.For Ben Sutter, none of that was possible.Due to a rare medical condition called eosinophilic gastroenteritis, Ben survived on a dietary replacement formula from the time he was 15 months old. While others were building memories around food, Ben was navigating feeding tubes, elimination diets, medical procedures, and the emotional challenges of feeling different from everyone around him.Then, at 24 years old, everything changed.In this episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS, Ben shares what it was like growing up unable to eat, the mental and emotional impact of living with a rare condition, and the fear he faced when he finally had the opportunity to try food for the first time.This conversation explores resilience, faith, gratitude, personal growth, and the courage required to step into the unknown. Ben's story is a powerful reminder that even when life doesn't look the way we expected, there is always hope, purpose, and a path forward.Whether you're facing health challenges, anxiety, fear, loss, or a difficult season in life, this episode offers encouragement and perspective from someone who has spent a lifetime overcoming obstacles most people never have to consider.• Growing up with eosinophilic gastroenteritis• Living on formula and feeding tubes• Never eating pizza, chicken, steak, or most common foods• The emotional impact of feeling different• Learning to eat food for the first time at 24• Overcoming fear and embracing discomfort• The role of faith during difficult seasons• Food therapy and emotional healing• Building resilience through adversity• Finding gratitude in unexpected circumstancesBen Sutter is a content creator and advocate who began eating food for the first time at age 24 after spending his entire life surviving on a nutritional formula due to a rare medical condition.Known for his positive outlook and unique perspective on life, Ben shares his journey to help others appreciate the things many of us take for granted while encouraging people facing their own challenges to keep moving forward.SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS is a podcast sharing real stories of resilience, recovery, and hope. Each week, guests share the challenges that left them stuck up their own "shit creek," the paddles that helped them get out, and the lessons they learned along the way.Hosted by Cameron McKay.Website:www.shitcreeksurvivors.comEmail:[email protected]:SHT Creek SurvivorsPlease follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people who may need hope, encouragement, and practical tools for navigating their own challenges.Ben Sutter, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, EGID, rare disease, chronic illness, feeding tube, food allergies, resilience, overcoming adversity, inspirational stories, faith, hope, personal growth, emotional healing, overcoming fear, health journey, motivation, perseverance, life challenges, SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS

What happens when the life you built for more than two decades suddenly falls apart?In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Heather Theisen-Gandara shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and an unexpected divorce after 24 years of marriage.What follows is an honest conversation about grief, identity loss, responsibility, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life when nothing looks the way you thought it would.Heather opens up about growing up in a home shaped by addiction and instability, the healing work that helped her process old wounds, and the lessons she learned while rediscovering herself in midlife.Together, Cam and Heather discuss:• Childhood trauma and emotional neglect• Therapy, EMDR, and processing difficult emotions• Moving from victimhood to personal responsibility• Divorce after a long-term marriage• Rebuilding confidence and identity• Letting go of resentment• Midlife reinvention and finding purpose again• Why healing isn't linear—and why that's okayWhether you're navigating divorce, carrying unresolved pain from childhood, or finding yourself in a season of unexpected change, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical wisdom for taking the next step forward.Because even when life leaves you stuck up shit creek, there's always a paddle waiting to be found.ABOUT OUR GUESTHeather Theisen-Gandara is a divorce coach, speaker, and author who helps women over 40 rebuild confidence, rediscover who they are, and embrace the next chapter of their lives after divorce and major life transitions.After experiencing an unexpected divorce following a 24-year marriage, Heather transformed her own healing journey into a mission to help other women move from survival to self-discovery.She is the author of:The Ultimate Glow-Up Guide for Women Over 40: Build Confidence, Redefine Your Style, and Reclaim Your Spark.Website:www.reignitecollective.comSocial Media:YouTube: @HeatherGlowsAgainInstagram: @HeatherGlowsAgainTikTok: @HeatherGlowsAgainFacebook: @HeatherGlowsAgainPlease follow Sh!t Creek Survivors and leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform. Sharing the show with someone you care about is one of the best ways to help these stories reach the people who need them most.

What would you do if you were told you had a terminal cancer diagnosis?For many patients and families, those words stop everything.In this episode, Heather Von St. James shares her powerful journey after being diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma shortly after giving birth to her daughter. She was told she had a limited prognosis and faced the possibility of not watching her child grow up.Instead of giving in to fear, Heather chose hope.This conversation explores what it really takes to face a life-changing diagnosis, how mindset and mental health impact healing, and how support systems, therapy, and community can make a difference in even the hardest moments.Heather also shares how she turned her experience into a mission of advocacy, helping others facing cancer, rare disease, and survivorship challenges.In this episode, we discuss:• Receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis after childbirth• Emotional impact of rare cancer (mesothelioma)• Fear, grief, and mental health during treatment• The importance of support systems and communication• Finding purpose through adversity• Turning pain into advocacy and service• Healing through helping othersHeather’s story is not just about surviving cancer—it’s about how to keep living when life feels uncertain.GUEST: HEATHER VON ST. JAMESHeather Von St. James is a mesothelioma survivor, patient advocate, environmental toxin activist, speaker, and mentor. She focuses on survivorship, rare cancer awareness, mental health in cancer care, and helping patients and families navigate life after diagnosis.CONNECT WITH HEATHERWebsite: https://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/prognosis/survivors/heather-von-st-james/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-von-st-james-95174944/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherVonStJamesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathervsjX (Twitter): @HeatherVSJPhone: 651-308-6892Location: Minneapolis, MN, USAABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSSh!t Creek Survivors shares real stories of people facing life’s hardest challenges, the moments that broke them, and the strength that helped them rebuild. Our mission is simple: to bring hope to anyone stuck in their own shit creek.CONTACT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORSWebsite: https://shitcreeksurvivors.comFacebook: Sh!t Creek SurvivorsEmail: [email protected]: 314-650-3132YouTube: @ShitCreekSurvivorsEPISODE THEMESCancer diagnosis, terminal illness, mesothelioma, survivorship, mental health, trauma recovery, patient advocacy, hope, resilience, grief, healing, family, mindset, rare disease awareness

What if the hardest chapters of your life aren't detours—but part of the journey that shapes who you're meant to become?In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Peter Bailey shares the lessons behind his book, The Epic of You, and explains how adversity, trauma, addiction, heartbreak, and life's unexpected challenges can become catalysts for growth, resilience, and purpose.Drawing from a lifetime of extraordinary experiences—from surviving childhood dysfunction and addiction to traveling the world and overcoming near-death situations—Peter discusses why every person is living their own Hero's Journey and how embracing that perspective can transform the way we face life's struggles.We discuss overcoming shame and hopelessness, the importance of allies and community, lessons from recovery, practical tools for interrupting negative thought patterns, and why your story is far from over.Whether you're navigating a difficult season or searching for greater meaning in your journey, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical wisdom.In This Episode:Childhood trauma and family dysfunctionThe Hero's Journey and personal transformationRecovery, addiction, and growthOvercoming shame, inadequacy, and hopelessnessBuilding resilience through adversityThe impact of social media on self-worthPractical tools for changing negative patternsFinding purpose through life's transitionsGratitude, hope, and living intentionallyContact Peter Bailey:Website: www.peter-bailey.comTEDx Talk: Developing The Heroic Journey MindsetBook: The Epic of YouAudiobook: Available on Spotify and AudibleContact Show:Website: shitcreeksurvivors.comEmail: [email protected]: 314-650-3132Facebook: Sht Creek SurvivorsYouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors

At 54 years old, Alison Gieschen—known as The Nautical Novelist—made a life-changing decision: she sold everything she owned and, together with her husband, stepped onto a 43-foot sailboat and set out to sail around the world.In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Alison shares her powerful journey from growing up on a self-sustaining farm, to childhood visions of sailing, to a traumatic job loss that became the catalyst for a bold five-year plan to circumnavigate the globe.What followed was years of preparation, ocean crossings, storms, mechanical failures, emotional challenges, and deep personal transformation across 48 countries and multiple continents.We discuss:Childhood visions and early connection to sailingFarm life, trauma, and personal reinventionRediscovering sailing and heavy weather trainingThe decision to sail the world at 54Life aboard a 43-foot sailboatSurviving storms and technical failures at seaGratitude, signs, and resilience under pressurePTSD, mental fatigue, and emotional enduranceHelping others and finding purpose through serviceAdvice for anyone delaying their dreamsThis is a story about courage, reinvention, and what it means to rebuild your life when you choose uncertainty over comfort—and freedom over fear.Alison Gieschen, The Nautical Novelist, is a former teacher, equestrian coach, and horse farm owner who reinvented her life in midlife.At 54, she and her husband sold everything they owned and began a global sailing journey aboard their sailboat EQUUS. Since then, they have traveled across oceans and visited 48 countries, documenting a life defined by adventure, resilience, and transformation.She now shares her experiences through writing and storytelling, blending real-world sailing adventures with themes of courage, growth, and human connection.Website: https://alisongieschen.comSailing Blog: https://sailmates.orgContact Shit Creek Survivors PodcastHave a story of resilience, transformation, or a life-changing moment you want to share?We’d love to hear from you and consider you as a guest on Sh!t Creek Survivors.📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.comFollow & connect:YouTube: Sh!t Creek SurvivorsFacebook: Sht Creek Survivors

What was it like on the ground during the hunt for the Boston Marathon bomber?In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, retired SWAT Sergeant Jim Vaglica shares a firsthand account of one of the most intense manhunts in modern American history following the Boston Marathon bombing.With over 32 years in law enforcement and 16 years on an elite SWAT team, Jim walks us through the chaos that unfolded after the bombing — including the Watertown shootout, tactical house-to-house sweeps, explosive threats, and the final capture of the second suspect hiding in a boat.But this episode goes far beyond tactics.Jim opens up about the psychological and emotional toll of long-term service in law enforcement — including burnout, trauma exposure, changing public perception, and the growing mental health crisis affecting officers across the country.This is a conversation about service, survival, brotherhood, and what it really means to answer a higher calling.00:00 Introduction – Life Behind the Badge05:22 Mobilizing for the Boston Marathon Manhunt09:58 Watertown Shootout & Immediate Response18:30 SWAT House-to-House Operations25:05 Final Capture of the Suspect38:46 Recruitment Crisis & Public Perception Shift50:02 Mental Health, Trauma & Burnout55:29 Honoring Officer Sean Collier1:07:41 Brotherhood, Humor & Survival🌐 Guest CreditJim Vaglica — Retired Law Enforcement Officer & SWAT SergeantX: https://x.com/JimVaglicaSh!t Creek Survivors shares real stories of resilience, survival, and the moments that change lives forever.🌐 Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.com📧 Email: [email protected]📘 Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors▶️ YouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors

What actually happens to your mind after a near-death experience?In this episode, Lorri shares a grounded, real-world account of surviving a life-threatening medical emergency—and the psychological aftermath that followed. Instead of instant transformation, she describes identity loss, cognitive disruption, and the slow process of rebuilding clarity and trust in her own thinking.This conversation focuses on what most people don’t talk about:what happens after survival.We explore:How trauma affects decision-making and perceptionIdentity loss and rebuilding your sense of selfWhy your mind feels unreliable after extreme stressNervous system overload and emotional instabilityThe difference between survival mode and clear thinkingHow clarity and intuition return over timePractical tools for regaining stability and controlLorri is a licensed real estate broker with nearly 30 years of experience in high-stakes environments. Her work bridges real-world leadership under pressure with lived experience navigating extreme personal crisis.This is not about instant healing.It’s about rebuilding your mind, identity, and decision-making after everything changes.Lorri Brewer is a keynote speaker, and award-winning author based in Alberta, Canada.She is also a verified near-death experience survivor following a life-threatening medical event that required 39 minutes of resuscitation.Today, she speaks on resilience, identity reconstruction, and decision-making under pressure—helping people rebuild trust in themselves after trauma and disruption.About the Show:Real stories of people getting stuck up shit creek—and the paddles that got them out. Honest conversations about survival, resilience, and rebuilding when life goes sideways.Keywordsnear death experience, trauma recovery, identity loss, decision making under pressure, nervous system regulation, PTSD recovery, survival mindset, resilience, emotional healing, mental clarity

Childhood trauma doesn’t just stay in the past—it shapes how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how you move through life.In this episode, Richard Becker shares his journey growing up in poverty, emotional neglect, and instability—and how those early experiences shaped his identity in ways he didn’t fully understand until adulthood.This conversation explores the long-term impact of childhood trauma on self-worth, relationships, and mental health—and what it actually takes to heal.Through faith, self-awareness, and forgiveness, Richard walks through how he rebuilt his identity and found purpose beyond his past.If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t explain, or defined by your past, this episode offers perspective—and a path forward.How childhood trauma shapes identity and behaviorThe hidden impact of labels and early experiencesWhy trauma carries into adult relationshipsThe role of faith and spirituality in healingHow to begin the process of forgivenessPractical ways to rebuild self-worth and identityRichard Becker is a writer, storyteller, and survivor of complex childhood trauma.Raised in poverty on Milwaukee’s railroad tracks, he experienced early loss, emotional neglect, and instability that shaped his identity from a young age.Through education, personal reflection, and spiritual growth, Richard challenged those early narratives and rebuilt his sense of self.He now shares his story to help others navigate healing, identity, and personal growth.Author of Third WheelWelcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we share real stories of people getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles that got them out, and hope for anyone stuck in their own shit creek right now.We explore real-life adversity—mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual—and the turning points that help people rebuild when everything feels like it’s falling apart.Website: https://shitcreeksurvivors.comEmail: [email protected]: 314-650-3132Facebook: Sht Creek SurvivorsYouTube: Sh!t Creek Survivors00:00 Introduction00:21 Growing up in poverty and instability01:11 Early loss and emotional neglect02:35 Family illness and identity formation03:33 Labels, bullying, and self-perception04:54 Education as a turning point06:44 Family dysfunction and trauma09:41 ADHD and societal labeling12:13 Forgiveness and family struggles13:48 Emotional conditioning16:55 Faith and spiritual awakening18:10 Trauma and relationships19:34 Unconditional love23:52 Confrontation and forgiveness25:38 Identity beyond labels32:44 Rebuilding self-worth44:42 Faith as strength54:11 Spiritual transformation66:03 Family reconciliation74:04 Healing through awareness94:42 Gratitude and presence98:48 Final advicechildhood trauma, trauma healing, overcoming trauma, forgiveness, mental health, identity, emotional healing, resilience, personal growth, faith and healing, trauma recovery, childhood neglect, self worth, healing journey, adversity

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, we sit down with Susanne Arens—survivor, author, and evidential psychic medium—to explore a journey shaped by profound loss, resilience, and spiritual transformation.Susanne’s life has been marked by experiences that would break most people. She lost her father unexpectedly, later endured the devastating loss of her young daughter, and faced multiple battles with cancer and heart surgery. At her lowest point, she found herself questioning whether she could go on.But what followed changed everything.Through vivid dream visitations and deeply personal experiences, Susanne began to interpret these moments as communication from loved ones who had passed. Over time, this led her to develop her abilities as an evidential psychic medium—work she now uses to help others navigate grief and healing.In this conversation, we explore grief, survival, and the possibility of connection beyond death—while leaving space for listeners to form their own perspective.🔑 WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODESusanne’s experience losing her father and daughterNavigating deep grief and emotional survivalHer battles with cancer and major health challengesDream visitations and spiritual experiencesDeveloping intuition and mediumship abilitiesPerspectives on life after death and continued connectionRebuilding a life through resilience and purpose👤 ABOUT SUSANNE ARENSSusanne Arens is an evidential psychic medium, author, and survivor whose life has been shaped by profound personal loss and extraordinary resilience.After enduring the loss of her father and daughter, along with multiple serious health challenges, Susanne experienced what she describes as a spiritual awakening. Through years of personal exploration and study, she developed her abilities as a medium and now works with individuals navigating grief and loss.She is the author of There Is No DEATH: Evidence of the Spirit World, Spirits and Orbs, where she shares her story along with her perspective on spiritual connection and life beyond death.🌐 CONNECT WITH SUSANNE ARENSWebsite: CrystalPeakMedium.comPhone: 719-900-1899YouTube: @crystalpeakmediumTikTok: @crystalpeakmediumInstagram: @crystalpeakmediumFacebook: CrystalPeakMedium📩 CONTACT THE SHOW – Sh!t Creek SurvivorsHave a story to share or want to be a guest on the show?Email: [email protected]: shitcreeksurvivors.comPhone: 314-650-3132YouTube: Sh!t Creek SurvivorsFacebook: Sht Creek Survivors🔑 KEY TOPICS / KEYWORDSGrief and loss, life after death, spiritual awakening, psychic medium, evidential mediumship, afterlife communication, dream visitations, near death experience, trauma recovery, child loss grief, healing after tragedy, resilience, consciousness after death, spiritual signs, intuition development