The Teaching Journeys Podcast

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Emma Leach to the Teaching Journeys podcast to discuss how art and movement shape healing and meaning. Leach describes a childhood rooted in theater and visual art amid family instability and bullying, and how creative expression helped her cope. She shares the loss of her first love, Ray, who died of a heroin overdose at 27, and how discovering Gabrielle Roth’s Five Rhythms dance practice became a turning point, leading her to teach the method for 25 years and apply arts-based work with marginalized youth, prisons, and addiction. Leach explains Five Rhythms (flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, stillness) as an energetic “wave” that supports intuition and trauma release. She also outlines her in-progress documentary, Let It Play, centered on Ray’s handmade guitar as a metaphor for grief, hope, and storytelling through musicians and dance.Emma's Bio and Contact InformationEmma Leach has spent 35 years listening to bodies.Not as objects to be trained or corrected, but as living texts, fluent in a language older than speech. Movement, for her, is not decoration or performance. It is metaphor in motion. A way meaning arrives before thought has time to organize it.Rooted in the Five Rhythms as her main body of study, Emma has been teaching this practice for 25 years. Over decades of guiding others through sweat, silence, pulse, and release, she has witnessed how movement tells truths the intellect cannot negotiate. The body speaks sideways, symbolically, through weight and rhythm and pause. It reveals what words circle but never quite land on.Alongside this devotion to movement practice, Emma has wandered widely through other art forms. Visual art. Installation. Clowning. Burlesque. Theatre and ritual theatre. Each discipline added texture, tension, and contrast. Each offered another doorway into presence, risk, and transformation. Yet again and again, she found herself returning to the body as the primary instrument, the original stage, the first storyteller.Now her work is evolving. What once lived in separate rooms is beginning to converse. From this convergence, Movement Metaphor is emerging. A living, expanding practice that recognizes the body as a generator of meaning rather than a vehicle for ideas. In this work, movement does not illustrate concepts. It unlocks them.Emma’s inquiry rests on a simple, radical knowing. When the body moves with attention, something beyond intellect comes online. Memory. Image. Instinct. Archetype. The unsayable finds form. Gesture becomes sentence. Rhythm becomes revelation.Her work invites people into that threshold, where language dissolves into motion and motion reassembles as understanding. Not tidy. Not fixed. Alive.Emma Leach continues to explore, create, and listen. Following movement not as an answer, but as a question that keeps unfolding.🎵 About the Documentary: Let It Play is currently in post-production and seeking support. Follow Emma's journey at emmadance.co | Instagram: @EmmaChristinaRedTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Deanna Scaldaferri to the Teaching Journeys podcast to discuss her work as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Reiki master, intuitive life coach, speaker, and facilitator of a narcissistic abuse recovery support group in Charlotte, North Carolina. Deanna shares how her Italian-American, Catholic upbringing, living overseas (especially in Germany), and major traumas—including being a 9/11 survivor, losing her parents, and leaving a dangerous 20-year narcissistic relationship—shaped her path. She describes recovery tools including faith, psychotherapy, somatic work, neuroplasticity/rewiring, massage, Reiki, and energy protection for empaths. Deanna explains similarities and differences between massage and Reiki, emphasizing nervous system regulation, trauma release, and clarity/intuition. Deanna's Bio and Contact InformationDeanna Scaldaferri is a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist, Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master, Intuitive Life Coach and Public Speaker. Her passion is helping people grow on their life’s journey and spiritual path to find healing, balance, health, love and happiness. She approaches every person with a total MIND, BODY, SPIRIT mindset and treats each client individually. She offers a safe and trusting place, and the ability to hold space with compassion & empathy, without judgment. Massage therapy and Reiki energy healing are her main tools in helping others release stress & heaviness to feel better in their bodies physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. She has overcome heavy trauma and many obstacles in her personal life, and feels inspired to help others do the same. Deanna is grateful to be of service to others in attaining a healthier and happier life.Deanna has been facilitating a Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Group in Charlotte for the last 4+ years. She herself is a survivor of this emotional, verbal & psychological abuse, and knows first-hand how damaging it is to the mind, body and spirit. The intention of the group and its monthly meetings is to educate, learn, grow and heal, all in community with like-minded people who are seeking recovery and healing in their lives from these toxic and abusive relationships. Deanna creates a safe space where survivors can feel heard and truly seen, and recognize that they are not alone. Many members of this group book private sessions with Deanna for massage, coaching or Reiki energy healing to help find clarity and purpose in their lives, as well as to help release trauma from the body. Deanna offers holistic healing tools to get to the root cause of people's blockages in their lives, that keep them from moving forward. She helps them reconnect with themselves, build a sense of empowerment and heal from the inside out.www.healinghandsbydeanna.comhttps://www.meetup.com/charlotte-narcissistic-abuse-recovery-meetup-grouphttps://www.youtube.com/@HealingHandsbyDeannahttps://www.deannadecamillo.com/Deanna would like to offer a promotional item of a 10% discount to any of The Teaching Journeys Podcast listenersfor booking a private session with me. Anyone can book me virtually for ReikiEnergy Healing or Intuitive Coaching. The coupon code to use is: DAVE10%OFFTo vonnect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Michelle Kuei, a business and visibility marketing coach for coaches and founder of Elevate Life Coaching, who helps certified coaches get clients through her signature client enrollment method. Kuei shares her journey overcoming deep negative self-talk rooted in an 11-year-old car accident that left her physically disabled, immigrant identity, feeling she didn’t belong, and using a “diamond” metaphor for personal transformation. She explains how choosing a new path led her to get fit and eventually hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on crutches, shaping her views on empowerment and taking bold action. Kuei defines true visibility as being seen by providing non-harmful value and fostering belonging, describes her mission and evolution to training other coaches, and argues motivation isn’t enough without determination, dedication, and discipline. She discusses barriers like limiting beliefs and past trauma and her memoir Perfectly Normal.Michelle’s Bio and Contact InformationMichelle Kuei (pronounced Ku-way) is a Business and Visibility Marketing Coach, ICF-accredited coach, and founder of Elevate LifeCoaching — a company built on one simple belief: your coaching certification gave you the skills to change lives. It just didn't teach you how to find the people whose lives you're meant to change.She works with certified female coaches who are talented, trained, and completely stuck on how to get clients consistently. Using her signature Client Enrollment Method — a 7-step framework built around visibility, messaging, and client attraction — she helps coaches stop second-guessing themselves and start building businesses they're genuinely proud of.Michelle brings a rare combination of credentials to her work: ICF accreditation through iPEC, certified copywriter, email and content marketing strategist, and a background in conversion copywriting and social media marketing. She doesn't just teach coaches how to show up online — she teaches them how to show up in a way that actually converts.Her thought leadership has been featured in Life Coach Magazine, Influence Digest (Top 15 Coaches in Los Angeles), the Los Angeles Tribune, and on FOX.She's also the author of Perfectly Normal: An Immigrant's Story of Making It in America — a memoir about resilience, identity, and having the courage to build a life that doesn't fit the mold.And if you really want to understand how Michelle operates: she's physically disabled and hiked 26 miles of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. That same stubborn, keep-going energy is exactly what she brings to every client, every program, and every stage she steps on.Her mission hasn't changed: help purpose-driven women turn their coaching skills into a profitable, fulfilling business — without losing themselves in the process. Website: http://elevatelifecoaching.orgIG: http://instagram.com/elevatelifecoachFB: http://facebook.com/lifecoachingbyelevateLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michellekueiEmail: [email protected] connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Anca Uni, an award-winning trauma expert, healing innovator, former IT and cybersecurity leader, and author of “Soulful Alignment: Daily Reflections for Enlightened Connections.” Anca shares how moving from Romania to Canada, corporate leadership, and personal experiences (immigration, divorce, single parenting, quitting smoking) shaped her mission to bring “soul back into tech” and help people heal at the root rather than cope. She describes client challenges such as anxiety, insomnia, and addictions, and her approaches including hypnotherapy, reiki, energy work, sound healing (crystal bowls, tuning forks, mantras, breathwork), and nervous system regulation, including distance healing.Anca’s Bio ( In Her Own Words)Anca Uni, born and raised in Europe, has three deep passions: 5D healing, a master’s degree in computer science, and dancing. Having spent a significant part of my life as an IT and cybersecurity professional, I know that world inside out. Now, my mission is to bring soul back into tech—helping IT professionals and corporations not just survive but truly thrive.At one point in my life, I struggled with my own trauma and weight challenges, which led me on a journey to find sustainable healing modalities. By combining these methods, I’ve created Signature Programs and Healing Interventions to help my clients achieve their goals. Witnessing transformations in myself and those I’ve helped fuels my passion and determination to create a lasting social impact.I’m a Hypnotherapist & 5D Healer, NLP Master Coach, Reiki Master, and Trauma-Aware Coach, with a track record of transforming over 200 lives and earning five-star reviews. Over the past decade, I’ve pioneered healing modalities that seamlessly blend Neuroscience, Quantum Energy, Subconscious Communication, and Spirituality to create profound 5D Healing experiences. Recognized as an innovator in the healing space, my work has been honored with multiple prestigious awards, including Best Service, Best Choice, and Canada’s Choice for Hypnotherapy.I am passionate about making a societal impact and helping people break free from trauma, emotional pain, and internal turmoil, guiding them toward elevated consciousness for profound 5D Healing, self-love, inner peace, abundance, and lasting empowerment. My mission is to assist those ready to change and heal, especially those who have been let down by traditional modalities.I’m also a published author of “Soulful Alignment: Daily Reflections for Enlightened Connections.” My hope is that this guided journal will find its way into as many homes as possible and become a trusted companion. I bring a deep passion for fostering meaningful connections and an extensive background in psychology, relationship counseling, and personal development. My mission is to empower as many people and couples as I can to navigate the intricate terrain of love and intimacy, providing thoughtfully crafted prompts, exercises, and insights to help you strengthen your bonds, communicate effectively, and nurture lasting, fulfilling relationships. Drawing from my years of experience, I aim to guide you on a transformative journey toward deeper connection, self-discovery, and enduring love.Website: www.ancauni.comTo connect with Dave go to www.davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Nino Fincher, a rapid therapy expert on anxiety and purpose clarity coach, to discuss experiences shaping her path, including her grandfather’s death at 15 and her shift from an atheist upbringing to following Christ after studying philosophy, comparative religion, and evidence for Jesus’ claims. They explore faith, non-ordinary phenomena, and the idea of transcendent reality. Nino explains Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), developed by Marisa Peer, combining CBT, hypnotherapy, and neurolinguistics to reach root causes quickly, often serving high performers, CEOs, athletes, veterans, and first responders. She outlines her MOVE framework (Movement, Overcome, Value, Expectation) for escaping stagnation, previews her September book on getting out of a rut, and describes her 2023 children’s book “Kooba Says Hi,” inspired by life in the Middle East. Nino’s Bio and Contact InformationNino Fincher is a rapid therapy expert on anxiety and a purpose clarity coach. Her clients span multiple countries and cultures . Nino speaks on mind's operating system , purpose and mind engagement. She has a new book on moving out of stagnant state , coming this fall.Connect with Nino Fincher:🌐 Website: ninofit.com💼 LinkedIn: Nino FincherTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

What if your biggest career crisis was actually your greatest creative breakthrough?In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Dr. Tasha Golden — touring singer-songwriter turned behavioral scientist — for a fascinating conversation about creativity, mental health, and the power of the arts to heal.Dr. Golden was the first Director of Research for the International Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and her journey from performing on stage with her band Ellery (featured on ABC, Showtime, Fox, and Netflix) to earning a PhD in public health is anything but conventional.In this episode, you'll discover:• How music creates "safe spaces" that allow people to share what they've never told a doctor or therapist• Dr. Golden's 3-pillar Creative Mindset Framework (Deconstruction, Imagination, Action) and how to apply it in your work and life• Why "growth is on the other side of the questions we are not asking" — and how to start asking them• The science of talkability — why art makes difficult topics speakable• How Arts on Prescription is revolutionizing healthcare by prescribing cultural experiences to treat loneliness, depression, and anxiety• Inside Project Uncaged — a trauma-informed creative writing program for incarcerated girls driving real policy change• Why organizations get stuck solving the wrong problems — and how a creative mindset fixes that• Whether you're a leader, educator, healthcare professional, or creative, this conversation will challenge you to see the world — and your challenges — in an entirely new way.Tasha’s Bio and Contact InformationTasha Golden, PhD, is a touring artist turned behavioral scientist who speaks and consults globally on creativity, wellbeing, and change.Dr. Golden was the first Director of Research for the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is adjunct faculty in the University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine, and lead author of "Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities". Named one of Fierce Pharma's "Fierce 50" for her work integrating arts and healthcare, she has published extensively on intersections of arts, behavior, and wellbeing.Golden's work emerged from her career in the arts. As singer-songwriter for the critically acclaimed band Ellery, she toured internationally, with songs in TV/film (ABC, SHOWTIME, FOX, NETFLIX). Her experiences on the road, and subsequently with burnout and depression, shaped her current work in arts and health. She is founder of Project Uncaged, a trauma-informed writing program for incarcerated girls, and developer of "How We Human”—a mental health training for creative professionals.Dr. Golden helps clients and audiences combine creativity and science to advance wellbeing, innovation, and impact.🔗 Connect with Dr. Tasha Golden:http://www.tashagolden.com/Visit tashagolden.com/teachingjourneys for free resources and information for Dave’s podcast audience.Subscribe to the Teaching Journeys Podcast for weekly conversations with extraordinary guests dedicated to passing knowledge across generations.To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Is the news actually informing you — or just manipulating you?In this eye-opening episode, host Dave Roberts sits down with Kira Shishkin, CEO of the Informed Now Project, to unpack how modern media has traded truth for clicks, attention, and emotional triggers.Kira shares his remarkable journey — born in Ukraine, coming of age in Israel, and building a media reform movement in the United States — and explains why she believes the current news ecosystem is designed to harvest your attention rather than serve you.🔍 In this episode, we cover:How sensationalism and clickbait have replaced real journalismWhy critical thinking is in crisis in the age of social media and tribal politicsThe cognitive dissonance between media credibility claims and actual contentHow Informed Now is giving people back the power of attention, focus, and clarityWhy American political tribalism now resembles a spectator sportKira's personal philosophy: "Everything has the power to make you stronger, if you let it"Whether you're frustrated with the 24-hour news cycle or looking for a smarter way to stay informed, this conversation will challenge the way you consume media.About informed.nowinformed.now is your news concierge to beat information overload. It provides minimal, concise, and factual daily news briefings via SMS to keep you informed without the influence of bias, sensationalism, or advertisements. Know more, read less. Get www.informed.nowAbout Kira ShishkinKira Shishkin is the CEO of informed.now , the news concierge service to beat information overload. Kira is a 4-time serial entrepreneur, strategic advisor, and investor in the technology industry. His experience spans investment banking, corporate strategy, and private equity investments in category-defining ventures. His education includes University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and Stanford. Kira was in Forbes 30 Under 30. Connect with Kira Shishkin: l.informed.now/kiraGet www.informed.nowTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews grief coach Sylvia Wolfer, who works at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement, including Pilates. Wolfer shares a lifelong history of sudden losses—her father when she was seven, a younger brother at 17, an older brother in 2019, and later her mother—and describes carrying “unattended grief,” marked by outward functioning but internal bracing, triggers, sleep and digestive disruption, fatigue, and brain fog. She explains how grief is stored in the body and how “nailing the basics” (hydration, real food, sleep routine, daylight, breathing, and movement) can help regulate the nervous system before deeper emotional work. Wolfer also outlines a neuroscience view of grief as the brain recalibrating its map of time and space while closeness endures, emphasizing patience, sibling grief, and regaining agency so grief doesn’t “run the show.”Sylvia's Bio and Contact InformationSylvia Wolfer is a grief coach working at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and movement. Her work is shaped by both professional training and lived experience, having lost both parents and two brothers over the course of her life.After years of trying to “move forward” through grief using conventional approaches, it was the science of the brain and body that gave her a different kind of understanding — one that helped her regain a sense of stability and agency when everything felt disorienting. Alongside this, her long-standing practice of Pilates became a powerful anchor, helping her reconnect with her body and find a sense of steadiness from within.Today, Sylvia helps people who are outwardly functioning but internally struggling after loss to understand what grief is doing to their brain and nervous system, and to regain agency and rebuild capacity.Her work combines research-backed insights with a deeply human approach, offering digital courses, 1:1 support, and guided practices that meet people where they are.LinksWebsite: https://sylviawolfer.com/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/_sylvia_wolfer_grief_support/Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviawolfer/To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces Teaching Journeys and interviews Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of the top 1% podcast Let’s Talk Supply Chain. Sarah discusses key obstacles that shaped her, including a 15-year struggle to diagnose lipedema and the loss of her dream when her family business closed 10 days before her 37th birthday, forcing her to rebuild through side hustles, part-time work, and continuing her podcast. They explore grief, acceptance without “closure,” therapy, self-sabotage, and the idea that strength and struggle (and emotions like fear and excitement) can coexist. Sarah explains her memoir title I Buried Her in a French Press, a real COVID-era burial story tied to intuition and resilience. She outlines her inclusion-focused Blended podcast and nonprofit Blended Pledge, emphasizing creating safe spaces, and advocates “be yourself,” grace, and progress over perfection.Sarah's Bio and Contact InformationSarah Barnes-Humphrey is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for self-worth and authentic leadership. She’s best known as the founder and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain™, one of the top 1% most downloaded podcasts globally — but her journey to becoming a voice in the industry didn’t come easily. After working in her family business for over a decade, Sarah lost her job, sold her house, and found herself at a personal and professional crossroads. Instead of staying silent, she picked up a mic. Since then, she’s built a powerful platform dedicated to amplifying voices that often go unheard — particularly women and underrepresented communities. Through her Women in Supply Chain™ series, Blended podcast, and nonprofit Blended Pledge, Sarah continues to create safe spaces where vulnerability leads to real transformation. Now, she’s sharing her personal story in a brand-new way — through her debut memoir and #1 Amazon Bestseller, I Buried Her in a French Press. The book is a raw, honest reflection on identity, loss, and finding your voice after you’ve lost it. It’s a story of self-worth, resilience, and learning that you are your best advocate. Whether she’s on stage, behind the mic, or writing her truth, Sarah is committed to helping others feel seen, heard, and empowered to tell their own story — unapologetically. ---- 📖 Get the book: Search "I Buried Her in a French Press" on Amazon🎙️ Follow Sarah:Instagram & LinkedIn: @SarahBarnesHumphreyWebsite: sarahbarneshumphrey.comPodcasts: Let's Talk Supply Chain | BlendedTo connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Mark Ruegg, a healing advocate and creator of the “Healing Recipe,” who shares his journey from a stage four pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis (with metastasis to lymph nodes and liver and a prognosis of four to six months) to living with no evidence of disease. Influenced by the documentary “Heal” and Dr. Joe Dispenza’s “Blessings of the Energy Centers” meditation, Ruegg describes a transformative meditation experience followed by a PET scan showing the pancreatic tumor gone, later confirmed by repeated scans; a physician at Cedars called it a miracle and removed his stent. Ruegg explains his seven-ingredient framework—belief, meditation, spirituality, increased positivity, decreased stress, diet, and exercise—emphasizing calm, reduced stress, and “borrowing belief.”Nark's Bio and Contact InformationMark Ruegg is a healing advocate and the creator of The Healing Recipe, a simple, belief-centered framework focused on helping the body feel safe so it can heal.After being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and told he had months to live, Mark took an integrative approach—combining conventional treatment with meditation, lifestyle changes, and a deep focus on mindset and belief. Today, he is living with no evidence of disease.With more than 20 years working as a professional child wrangler in the entertainment industry, Mark developed a unique ability to break down complex ideas into simple, practical steps. He now shares what he’s learned to help others move from fear to hope—and understand how healing can begin.Connect with Mark Ruegg:Instagram: @MarkAllenRueggHealing Recipe on Substack (link in Instagram bio)To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes return guest Sheila B. Tillich, a recovery meta physician and spiritual practitioner, for an organic conversation focused on the Spring 2026 equinox and a shift from old “duality” programming and fear into unity, community, and co-creation. Tillich says current changes are prophesized and also tied to scientific and astrological factors such as Earth’s electromagnetic field, solar flares, and planetary alignment, which she describes as affecting human physiology and consciousness. She suggests practical ways to align with the season’s “new beginnings,” including gratitude on waking, affirmations, grounding with bare feet on Earth, breathwork, limiting mainstream media, surrounding oneself with positive people, and “SIP” (sit in presence/prayer) to reflect, ask questions, and listen. They discuss compassion, anonymous giving, and using everyday interactions to project love and influence collective energy.Sheila's Bio and Contact InformationRev. Sheila B. Tillich has been openly and deeply committed to a spiritual path since 1985. As a Recovery Metaphysician, Sheila guides individuals in awakening to and aligning with their true self, empowering them to live the purposeful life they were divinely created for.Her healing practice facilitates a profound electromagnetic shift within the body, supporting transformation on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. As a Metaphysical Minister, Healer, and Galactic Grandmother, Sheila’s mission is to hold a sacred field of God-Consciousness Energy that nurtures healing and remembrance. Within this space, she works to gently merge the human energy field with the Consciousness of God—restoring harmony, clarity, and divine alignment.In February 2020, Sheila was called by the Galactic Star Mothers to transmit messages of unconditional love, guidance, and remembrance to those seeking answers. In her role as Galactic Grandmother, she supports emotional healing and offers soul-level solutions that help individuals step fully into their Divine Purpose, drawing nourishment from Mother Earth’s energy and the wisdom of their Galactic Lineage.Sheila is a Universal Master Healer, skilled in a wide range of healing modalities, as a practitioner and Master Teacher/Trainer, including Integrated Energy Therapy® (IET®), Unity Field Healing (UFH), HeartMath®, USUI Reiki, and Spiritual Counseling. She is also a Certified Hospice and Palliative Caregiver, an Ordained Metaphysical Minister, and an Experienced Metaphysical Practitioner, bringing compassion, integrity, and deep spiritual wisdom to all whom she serves.🔗 Connect with Rev. Sheila B. Tillich:Visit her website https://sheilatillich.com/ to book a free clarity call or explore her mentoring programs.To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Dr. Cornelia Kawann, an executive at the Swiss electricity regulator, founder of Energy on, and author of "Change Your Energy, Change Your Life," to discuss how her early fascination with electricity led to electrical engineering and later a shift from Newtonian science to personal energy work after illness and burnout in the male-dominated energy industry. Kawann explains parallels between electrical and human energy, including cell voltage, nervous-system currents, and electromagnetic fields, and outlines her client approach across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual layers. She describes an “energy survival kit” focused on awareness, cleaning energy, quick recharging practices, and setting energetic boundaries. The conversation covers emotions and thoughts as frequencies, sustainable frequency change beyond mindset work or meditation, “energy as a leadership skill” tied to authenticity and safe workplaces, and her key takeaway: personal energy is a valuable currency to spend wisely.Dr. Kawann's Bio and Contact InformationDr. Cornelia Kawann is an executive in the Swiss electricity regulator and the founder of energy-on! During her corporate career, she was working at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and has held various management positions in several energy companies in Europe, all the while founding two start-ups. She stems from an Austrian family of entrepreneurs, which is why building companies and problem solving is in her DNA.As a Personal Energy Strategist, Cornelia empowers ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses to reach their goals through energy management and energetic business strategies. She explains to her clients the world of quantum physics and shows them how to manage their energy to reaching their goals and to transform not only their lives but their businesses.As a public speaker and author of “Change Your Energy – Change Your Life”, Cornelia’s mission is to make the simplicity and magic of Personal Energy Management popular.https://www.corneliakawann.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-energy-on/Check out my book “Change Your Energy – Change Your Life”US: https://amzn.to/4ruhfubGet my complementary e-book: The 3-min Personal Energy Reset and discover 4 powerful Energy Rituals for immediate stress reliefhttps://www.corneliakawann.com/e-book/Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/cornelia.kawann.37/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/cornelia_energy_on/Websitehttps://www.corneliakawann.com/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-energy-on/To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Marilyn Raichle, author of “Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey,” who grew up in a family that viewed Alzheimer’s as worse than death and was taught to “walk away.” After earning an MPA from Harvard, she became caregiver for parents developing dementia, initially reluctant but later finding joy and meaning by focusing on her mother Jean’s enduring personhood and living in the moment. Jean developed an unexpected passion for painting in memory care, inspiring Raichle to found The Art of Alzheimer’s in 2010 to showcase creativity in dementia and reduce fear through art. Raichle discusses shifting from “caregiver” to “care partner,” the importance of community, and moments of humor and connection. She now leads Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care, distributing $100,000 annually and sharing a free handbook of innovations.Marilyn’s Bio and Contact InformationMarilyn Raichle, author of Don’t Walk Away, grew up in the shadow of Alzheimer’s. Nearly everyone in her father’s family and many in her mother’s developed the disease. Her mother Jean told her, “When we get Alzheimer’s, walk away. There is nothing you can do, so live your life and don’t sacrifice it for us.” Instead, Raichle became transformed, embracing the value and joy of people who are living with, not suffering from, dementia.Marilyn Raichle began her career in the performing arts. She founded the Seattle International Children’s Festival, introducing children to world culture through the performing arts. In 2007, she received a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Upon returning to Seattle, her career was upended when she became the family caregiver for her parents, both of whom were developing dementia. It was a rocky journey, at first reluctant and ultimately joyous. In 2010, inspired by her mother’s newfound artistic ability, she founded The Art of Alzheimer’s, celebrating the creativity of people living with dementia and the power of the creative arts to enrich and empower their lives. She is now the Executive Director of Maude’s Awards for Innovation in Alzheimer’s Care. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynraichle/ www.facebook.com/marilyn.raichleinstagram.com/raichlem/ Dontwalkaway.net/

Host Dave Roberts interviews somatic performance coach April Wyett, founder of Living With Intention. April describes a traumatic car accident at age nine that led to parentification, hypervigilance, people-pleasing, and later relationship patterns, and explains how meditation, reiki, and biodynamic breathwork helped her recognize and release embodied trauma. She outlines biodynamic breathwork and trauma release system components—breath, movement, emotion, touch, and integration—emphasizing trauma stored in the body and fascia, the need for extensive practitioner training, and contraindications. April shares her work creating guided meditations, supporting clients with multiple modalities, and hosting Living With Intention Live. She discusses the Hounds of Business community and a restorative Bali retreat (Oct 10–17) focused on breathwork, meditation, and cultural excursions, urging listeners to pause, breathe, and set intentions daily.April's Bio and Contact InformationApril Wyett is a Somatic Performance Coach and the founder of Living With Intention. She supports professionals and leaders in reconnecting with their bodies and restoring their nervous system so they can move through life with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.With more than 15 years in holistic wellness, April integrates emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and the BioDynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System® (BBTRS®) to help people release stored tension and rediscover the wisdom of their own body. Her work focuses on helping individuals remember who they are beneath stress, expectations, and the constant noise of modern life.April is also the host of Living With Intention LIVE, where she brings together wellness practitioners, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore self-awareness, leadership, and the human experience. These gatherings create space for meaningful dialogue and practical insights that support people in both their personal and professional lives.She also leads restorative retreats around the world, creating immersive environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported as they reconnect with themselves and one another. April believes that when people experience this kind of inner reset, it naturally creates ripples of change that extend into families, communities, and the wider world.Her mission is simple and powerful: helping people reset their nervous system so they can live and lead with clarity, confidence, and intention.Links:http://www.livingwithintention.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilwyett/https://www.facebook.com/livingwithintention.co/https://www.youtube.com/@livingwithintention.aprilwyettTi connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews rehabilitation consultant and author Val Walker about her book “Healing Through Wonder: How Awe Restores Us After Trauma and Loss.” Walker describes a lifelong sense of wonder and how neuroscience and positive psychology research validate awe as a healing, resilience-building trait. She outlines the Awe Experience Scale criteria, including vastness, altered time, physical sensations, oneness, inexplicability, and the “small self,” and emphasizes cultivating everyday awe and sharing awe stories for lasting benefits. Walker recounts a pivotal late-1970s moment when a great blue heron interrupted a suicide attempt after domestic violence and grief, inspiring lifelong heron symbolism. She summarizes four profiles in her book involving awe turning points. Walker also discusses her Healing Through Wonder YouTube storytelling channel and provides websites for contact and resources.Val’s Bio and Contact InformationVal Walker is a rehabilitation consultant and blogger for Psychology Today and the Health Story Collaborative. She is the author of The Art of Comforting, a Nautilus Book Award Gold Winner, and 400 Friends and No One to Call. With a Master of Science degree in rehabilitation counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, she has led support groups and workshops for twenty-five years for people living with illness, disability, grief, and trauma. She lives in Boston and speaks throughout New England at human services agencies, medical centers, hospices, and universities. Social Media Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-walker-11628b21/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579292450531#X: https://x.com/ValWalkerAuthorYouTube Healing Through Wonder Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WonderforLivingAuthor website: https://valwalkerauthor.comHealing Through Wonder website: https://healingthroughwonder.comTo connect with Dave, go to davidrobsertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews Becca Pearce, a former Maryland state exchange CEO appointed in 2011 to implement the Affordable Care Act. Becca describes building the agency from nothing, enrolling 300,000 previously uninsured people, then losing her job publicly after an IT system failure, which shattered her identity. Fourteen months later she learned she had a ping-pong-ball-sized brain tumor, underwent a 12-hour surgery, and faced major recovery, which deepened her understanding of vulnerability and prompted her to reassess success and balance. She discusses her book, You Don’t Have to Achieve to be Loved, and explains her coaching approach, emphasizing that time is life’s key nonrenewable resource.Becca's Bio and Contact InformationBecca Pearce understands firsthand how hard change can be Two life-altering events forced her to realize that what she once wanted no longer felt right. The resulting journey reshaped her path, upending everything she had believed about success and happiness. Over the last twelve years, Becca has learned the value of vulnerability, the importance of optimism and the imperative to find the life you want to live now because we're never promised tomorrow. A former CEO and state official, she is now the president of Extend Coaching & Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping people find the courage to live the life they've been dreaming of. Connect with Becca:Website: morebeccaopearce.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Steve Moore, an award-winning author and licensed clinical professional counselor with 25+ years of experience and 35 years of continuous sobriety. Moore shares his early life in a German orphanage, adoption, abandonment into foster care and a psychiatric hospital, and an abusive childhood followed by life with an alcoholic, PTSD-affected adoptive father. He describes his progression into heavy drinking, Air Force service, and entering treatment on October 10, 1990 after a doctor warned of severe liver damage. Moore discusses his work through moresobriety.com helping people heal emotional wounds, shame, grief, trauma, and core beliefs, reframing relapse as a learning opportunity, and using tools like gratitude lists and the “stop sign” method. He also uses songwriting/poetry for healing, highlights fellowship’s role, reflects on nearly relapsing after his wife’s death in 2024, and explains his book “34 Years Sober” on sustaining long-term recovery.Bio and Contact InformationSteve Moore is an award-winning author, licensed clinical professional counselor, and Master Addictions Counselor with over 25 years of clinical experience and more than 35 years of continuous sobriety.Steve is the founder of mooresobriety.com where he helps individuals heal emotional wounds, reduce shame, and build lasting recovery grounded in self-awareness, compassion, and personal responsibility.He is the author of four books exploring grief, addiction, shame, and family systems, and his work is shaped by both clinical practice and lived experience. At the core of his philosophy is a powerful belief: you can’t go home, until you’ve gone home—a reminder that unresolved childhood experiences often influence adult relationships, self-worth, and coping behaviors.In addition to his clinical work, Steve is also a songwriter who uses poetry and music as tools for healing childhood trauma, and he teaches clients how to access creativity as a pathway to emotional recovery. His songs can be found on his You Tube Channel “Songs and Melodies Productions”.A veteran-informed speaker and educator, Steve blends psychology, whole-health recovery principles, and personal narrative to foster clarity, resilience, and sustainable personal growth..Website: https://www.mooresobriety.comEmail: [email protected] Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-a-moore-lcpc-ncc-mac-506a6034Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578391686586Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/samwv_u1982/

Host Dave Roberts interviews Jeff Johnston, founder and CEO of Brighton, a mental wellness app combining health, wealth, and purpose with evidence-based AI support. Johnston recounts losing his 23-year-old son Seth to fentanyl poisoning on Oct. 4, 2016, and later his wife Prudence to alcoholism in 2021, describing ensuing alcoholism, grief, suicidal ideation, and a shift from status- and money-driven living toward seeking peace, joy, empathy, and resilience. He discusses reframing pain and suffering, stigma around men crying, and how guided plant-based medicine experiences (psilocybin and ketamine) helped him. Johnston outlines his advocacy work (Living Undeterred project, podcast, 2022 nationwide tour) and explains Brighton’s AI-driven journaling, pattern recognition, and personalized prompts, plus his book This One’s For You written partly for Seth’s daughter Brighton.Bio and Contact InformationJeff Johnston is the Founder and CEO of Brightn, a comprehensive mental wellness app that brings together health, wealth, and purpose through evidence-based AI support. His life was forever changed on October 4, 2016, when his oldest son, Seth, died from fentanyl poisoning at age 23. Formerly a successful entrepreneur and financial advisor in Iowa, Jeff stepped away from his career to become a vocal advocate for substance use awareness and mental health. He began speaking in schools, joined the board of a local treatment facility, and launched the Living Undeterred Project in 2020 to confront stigma around addiction. That same year, he authored This One’s For You and launched the Living Undeterred Podcast. In 2021, Jeff lost his wife, Prudence, to alcoholism. Driven to create meaningful change, he completed a 95-day nationwide tour in 2022 and is now building Brightn to help others live with greater resilience and purpose.Website: www.brightn.appTwitter: https://twitter.com/undeterreddadFacebook: https://facebook.com/brightnappInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightnapp/Podcast: https://linktr.ee/LivingUndeterredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-johnston/Book: www.thisonesforyoubook.comEmail: [email protected]: (319) 899-3400To find out more about Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Cindy Barg, a motivational speaker, retreat leader, licensed psychotherapist, and author whose life was shaped by multiple losses. Cindy recounts a car crash at age 12 that killed her father, injured her family, and led to a near-death/shared-death experience in which she felt taken out of her body, encountered a loving “other side,” and was told to return. Years later, her older brother Michael Barg, who said he would die young, was murdered at 39 in a home invasion, inspiring her book The Heavens Never Cried and a second completed manuscript about what her deceased brother communicated to her. Cindy describes post-death visitations from Michael, discusses grief, counseling, respectful approaches to skeptics, cultural differences in caring for the dying, and urges listeners to live fullyCindy’s Bio and Contact InformationCindy Barg is a dynamic and internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, retreat leader, licensed psychotherapist, and published author. After a series of devastating life experiences, her existence was completely splintered.Through Cindy’s own grief and healing process, she has experienced extraordinary conversations and signs from the other side, confirming that those who have passed are still with us. She shares these experiences with local and international audiences in the hope that my journey will provide hope and inspiration for others moving through the grieving process.Connect with Cindy:Website: cindybarg.comEmail: [email protected] find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Sydney Curtin—author, songwriter, entrepreneur, consultant, and nonprofit board member—about experiences shaping her life and work. Curtin describes childhood instability, her mother’s fatal addiction, being raised by a single father, and entering an abusive relationship at 20 that led to pregnancy. Facing custody fears, she chose an open infant adoption in 2019, naming her daughter “Berlyn” to mean “beautiful firestorm,” but says the adoptive parents later moved abroad and effectively closed the adoption. She wrote the workbook “Courageous Considerations” to help expectant mothers and adoptive parents set expectations and ask critical questions. Curtin discusses adoption dynamics, overcommunication vs. expectation setting, and her advocacy for adoption reform, including legally enforceable post-adoption contact agreements, access to resources and legal representation, and banning unlicensed facilitators. Her key takeaway is that self-development begins with self-forgiveness.Sydney's Bio and Contact Information Sydney Curtin is a published author, songwriter, and serial entrepreneur known for her executive-level work at the intersection of business strategy, leadership, and purpose-driven impact. As a highly sought-out business consultant, she brings strategy and growth to founders and organizations, is the CEO of multiple companies that she owns and operates and a board member for the nonprofit organization Unplanned Good, where she helps shape national advocacy and mission-focused initiatives. Recognized for blending sharp business acumen with authentic storytelling, Sydney has built and led multiple ventures while maintaining a respected public presence. And above all, she is a mom of three, a role that anchors her leadership, influence, and long-term vision.Links:https://a.co/d/5B7zJn5www.sydneycurtin.comwww.coachcurtin.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sydney.nicole.566To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews retired nurse and grief advocate Linda Henderson, who describes how her 37-year nursing career and the deaths of her mother and 27-year-old pregnant daughter Andrea shaped her path. Andrea and a coworker were killed instantly in a crash caused by a transport truck driver texting, and Henderson recounts her early, debilitating grief, a pivotal moment three months later when she considered ending her life, and her decision to “chip away” at grief. She discusses the trauma of a highly publicized case and court trial, the struggle to maintain contact with Andrea’s son Tristan and ultimately gaining access, and her book The Road of Love and Hope. Henderson explains her AAA Framework—Acknowledgement, Action, Appreciation—emphasizing small steps, community support, counseling, and the message to “embrace the moments,” and shares where to find her work.Linda’s Bio and Contact InformationLinda Henderson is a retired nurse with 37 years of experience in compassionate care. After the profound loss of her daughter, she found her new purpose in helping others navigate the complex journey of grief. She holds certifications in Professional Grief and Bereavement, Coping with Child Loss, and Grief and Bereavement Counselling. Linda is the author of The Road of Love & Hope and the creator of the Triple-A Framework—Acknowledgment, Action, and Appreciation—offering guidance to those seeking hope after loss. She is a writer for “Open to Hope online grief support”,” Compassionate Friends” and contributed a chapter to the book “The Empowered Grief Journey: 23 Stories of Grief.” Her work focuses on grief education, navigating the Grief process, and creating safe spaces for healing. Through her speaking, writing, and advocacy, Linda ensures that no one walks the road of grief alone. She continues to honour Andrea’s memory by helping others integrate loss into purpose and transform hope into a legacy.· Facebook, Linda Wesley Henderson or Linda Henderson· TikTok, @lindawesleyhenderson· Instagram, lindahenderson5044· Website, authorlindahenderson.comTo connect with dave go to daverobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Rania, host of The Healing Trained Podcast and founder of R2R Coaching, who supports women reclaiming power from toxic dynamics using talk therapy and energy modalities such as EFT and Reiki. They discuss how immigration, early curiosity about human behavior, and exposure to past-life concepts (including Brian Weiss’s work) shaped Rania’s path. Rania outlines signs of toxic relationships—tension, feeling drained, dismissed, constant arguments, boundary violations, manipulation and gaslighting—and emphasizes focusing on behavioral patterns rather than labels. They explore why people repeat toxic cycles, citing unhealed childhood trauma, cultural and religious pressures, people-pleasing, and lack of self-worth. Rania describes relationship grief as mourning lost dreams, identity, time, money, community, and the person imagined. She explains her coaching as “exploration” and “invitation,” and shares her key takeaway: trust your intuition and bodily signals. Rania shares where to find her work and affirmation products online.RANIA EFFAT BIO And Contact InformationPodcast Host “THE HEALING TRAIN PODCAST WITH RANIA”, a certified Relationship Coach, EFT & Reiki Practitioner, Speaker, Author, and a passionate Change-Maker. As the Director and Founder of R2R Coaching, Rania specializes in guiding and supporting women to reclaim their power, heal from toxic dynamics and rise in self-worth. In her practice, she uses multiple energy healing modalities alongside talk therapy.Through her work, Rania aims to raise awareness about narcissistic behaviors across all relationship dynamics, equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate and manage toxic situations. Born out of her own healing journey, she created an Affirmation Product Line, designed for practical daily use, with personalization options to encourage self-love, promote a positive mindset and elevate one’s vibration.Rania invites those ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-empowerment to reach out. Whether through coaching sessions, energy healing, intuitive readings, or personalized affirmation posters, Rania is here to equip you with the tools needed to rise. Connect with Rania:🔗 Instagram: @r2rcoaching🎙️ Podcast: The Healing Train Podcast with Rania🌐 YouTube: @RaniaTheRisingCoachTo Book a FREE Let’s Get Acquainted Call:https://linktr.ee/ready2rise📍 Find all links: [Link tree in Instagram bio To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Tina Amoroso, former employee of Real Options, a nonprofit supporting people facing unplanned pregnancies and reproductive loss. Tina recounts growing up in a strict Catholic Filipino household, becoming pregnant at 15, hiding it, facing bullying, and attempting to obtain an abortion but being turned away due to gestational age and medical complications. Sent to relatives to give birth in secret and plan a closed adoption, she initially tried to parent, then placed her son, Eric, with adoptive parents she trusted; the adoption became open, leading to an ongoing relationship and shared family connection. Tina explains Real Options’ mission of prevention in schools, services for men and women (testing, counseling, prenatal support, supplies, insurance help, and hope/healing), and cites over 7,000 lives safeguarded in 2024. She emphasizes self-love, transparency, community, and offering resources.Tina’s Bio and Contact InformationTina Amoroso grew up in a loving family shaped by the courage and sacrifice of her parents, who migrated from the Philippines at the age of 15 in search of a better life and greater opportunities for their family in the United States. Their resilience and dedication deeply influenced Tina’s values and passion for serving others.Today, Tina works for a city in the Bay Area, and during her personal time, serves as a speaker using her story to inspire hope, compassion, and support for life and adoption. Connect with Tina via email : [email protected] connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews author, speaker, truth coach, and trauma-informed NLP solution-focused counselor Nattolie Chilton, a survivor of abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and deep trauma who describes a supernatural encounter with God that transformed her identity and helped lead to nearly 15 years of sobriety. Chilton shares how childhood neglect, lack of touch, and narcissistic family dynamics shaped feelings of worthlessness and later influenced her 35-year career in massage and creating safe spaces for others. Discussing her book Unsilenced, she emphasizes “where secrets end healing begins,” urging compassion for addicts and explaining how secrecy, including family sexual abuse kept hidden, perpetuates harm. She also discusses her Survivors Unite Club Facebook community, her Wednesday “Cup of Courage” Zoom, and a Freedom Legacy fundraising project.Nattolie's Bio and Contact InformationNattolie Chilton is a 3X author, speaker, Truth Coach, and trauma-informed NLP Solution Focused counselor whose message is clear: where secrets end, healing begins.After surviving abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and deep trauma, Nattolie experienced a supernatural encounter with God that transformed her identity—and even led to a name change. Nearly 15 years sober, she now lives as proof that restoration is real.Her TEDx-style talk, Return to Love, and her book Unsilenced: Use Your Voice, Words Hold Power (Dec 2024; audiobook Dec 31, 2025) share how childhood words and hidden secrets shaped a false identity—and how God rewrote her story. What was broken became beautifully restored.An International Amazon Bestselling co-author in The Ripple Effect of Impact Collaboration and featured in Resilience Anthology Two, Nattolie also founded Survivors Unite Club, a Facebook community for those ready to step forward to recover wholeness over serious life challenges.She hosts Cup of Courage every Wednesday at 3PM MST on Zoom, creating space for truth & bold healing in the community.Nattolie believes in miracles—and reminds others they are not beyond one.Connect with Nattolie:Website: breakupwithsecrets.comEmail: [email protected]: facebook.com/nattolie.chiltonFacebook: Survivors Unite ClubInstagram: @unsilencednattolieYouTube: youtube.com/unsilencednattolieTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Janelle Miller Moravek, a nonprofit leader and mental health advocate who has served as executive director of Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) since 2009. Janelle describes coming from a culture that didn’t discuss feelings, recognizing her own anxiety later, and becoming committed to expanding access to care. She and Dave discuss barriers for emerging young adults including among other things, affordability, therapists not taking insurance, limited Medicaid providers and high out-of-pocket costs. Janelle advocates for reimbursement at cost, licensure reciprocity, prevention and behavioral health literacy, more recess and manageable school workloads, and urges listeners: don’t wait to seek help; get screened or assessed. Bio and Contact informationJanelle Miller Moravek is a nonprofit leader & mental health advocate. She has led Youth & Family Counseling as Executive Director since 2009, driving its growth and impact across Lake County, Illinois. With a deep commitment to increasing access to mental health services, she oversees strategy, programming, and operations while fostering strong partnerships throughout the community. Janelle plays a key leadership role in the region, serving on the board of the Lake County Alliance for Human Services and co-chairing the Lake County Behavioral Health Action Team. Her prior experience includes development roles at Carmel Catholic High School and Barat College. She holds a BA in French Studies from Wesleyan University and lives in Libertyville with her husband and three children.Connect with JanelleWebsite: CounselingForAll.org/ LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/ Janelle’s profile: accessspeakers.biz/speaker/janelle-miller-moravek-nonprofit-leader-mental-health-advocate/To find out more about Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews TJ, executive program director of the Safer Schools Foundation, about a program that evolved from a self-spotting exercise platform originally built to train military and law enforcement under extreme duress. After seeing strong youth engagement, the team developed a seven-tier, 15-week school program combining 30 minutes of group exercise to counter isolation and obesity with 30 minutes of mentor circles teaching situational awareness, safety/security, social media and cyber safety, anti-bullying, and suicide awareness, reinforced by weekly character traits and active challenges. TJ describes community-based youth events where the foundation flies in, fundraises, and donates equipment and manuals so schools can sustain the program, including an upcoming donated event in Uvalde, Texas honoring victims. He shares impact stories of isolated students gaining confidence and connection, discusses faith as a personal motivator while operating as a secular foundation, and highlights partners IdentityMax and the U.S. Women’s Grocery Association.TJ Bio and Contact InformationTJ is the executive program director of the Safer Schools Foundation training approximately 18 He has been blessed to train Law Enforcement , Pro-Athletes-Collegiate and HS athletes , First Responders of all levels on this program. TJ has been married 30 years in May of this year. He and his wife have three sons and four grandchildren.Contact the Safer Schools Foundation:Email: [email protected]: saferschoolsfoundation.orgTo find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes equine professional and coach Michelle Holling-Brooks to the Teaching Journeys podcast. Michelle describes a life-threatening illness at 13 (equine eastern encephalitis and viral spinal meningitis) that left her in a coma, then deaf, light-blind, partially paralyzed, and without memory or sense of self, leading to functional freeze and disconnection from family. She recounts how returning to a barn and bonding with a horse named Schedule became the bridge back to engagement, communication, and physical recovery through connection and rhythmic movement, and how her “energy eyes” and intuitive senses emerged. After Schedule’s death and a suicide attempt, her German shepherd Baron helped spur a renewed healing journey. Michelle explains her nonprofit Unbridled Change (founded 2008), evolving from equine-partnered psychotherapy to broader heart-centered healing presence work, and discusses her books The Horse Cure and Trauma-Informed Enlightenment with an accompanying deck and guidebook, plus resources and offerings via unbridledchange.org.About Michelle Holling-Brooks:MICHELLE HOLLING-BROOKS has over 20 years of experience working as an Equine Professional and Coach in the field of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy, specializing in working with clients to heal trauma, post-traumatic stress, and attachment issues. After a life-threatening illness at the age of 13 changed Michelle’s life, a horse named Schedule A helped her heal her body, mind, and soul. Michelle is passionate about sharing the lessons horses have taught her about healing and personal growth with her clients and other professionals. She believes that horses provide us all with the gift of awareness, the kindness of unconditional love, and an open challenge to us as humans to step into our own empowered voice.Connect with Michelle:Website: unbridledchange.orgSocial Media: @unbridledchangeTo find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes USA Today bestselling author Cara Lockwood, who has written more than 35 books and whose romcom I Do, But I Don’t became a Lifetime movie starring Denise Richards. Lockwood discusses her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, the shock of receiving the news by phone, and her treatment journey including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction, and remission in 2024. She explains how journaling, counseling, support groups, and acknowledging emotions like fear and anger helped her cope, and she critiques “toxic positivity” and phrases like “the good kind of cancer” or “everything happens for a reason.” Lockwood describes using humor and “pep talks” as tools for healing and perspective, explores body image after mastectomy, and shares that half of her memoir proceeds benefit breast cancer research.Bio and Contact InformationCara Lockwood is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 35 books, including the USA Today bestsellers “The Takeover” and “I Do (But I Don’t),” which became a Lifetime Original Movie starring Denise Richards. Her latest, "There’s No Good Book for This but I Wrote One Anyway: The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer" (Oct. 1, 2025), blends memoir, humor, and practical advice for navigating diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. A breast cancer survivor, Cara endured a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and reconstruction before going into remission in 2024. Half of all book proceeds benefit breast cancer research. A native of Texas, she lives in Chicagoland with her family and pets.Connect with Cara:🌐 Website: CaraTheAuthor.com📚 Book: "There's No Good Book for This" (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible)💗 A portion of all proceeds supports breast cancer researchTo connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts interviews Jim Boad on the Teaching Journeys podcast about starting, launching, and scaling sober living and group homes. Jim shares how growing up with alcoholic, drug-addicted parents shaped his passion, his Army service, 25 years in real estate investing, and his shift over the past four years to sober living homes and the past year to coaching others. He explains sober living as an underemphasized but crucial step after rehab, improving long-term sobriety through structured, well-run homes and supportive community. Jim describes his Group Home Accelerator program, delivered largely through group coaching with weekly Q&A, plus tools, templates, and strategies for evaluating local need, building referral pipelines with treatment providers, maintaining bed occupancy, and running quality admissions. They discuss community stigma, being good neighbors, job training initiatives via a nonprofit, and Jim’s focus on Washington with fewer homes but more beds, emphasizing imperfect action and a memorable resident success story.Bio and Contact InformationJim Boad is a no-nonsense, entrepreneur on a mission to transform lives through housing. As the founder of Shelton Housing First, he’s personally launched over 14 recovery homes in the last two years—with eight more on the way—and he’s committed to helping others follow that same path with his book, Group Home Accelerator.With a background in business and boots-on-the-ground experience in building both for-profit and nonprofit housing models, Jim blends strategy with heart. His step-by-step guide equips aspiring group home operators with the tools, mindset, and structure needed to create real impact—especially for those in recovery, reentry, or transition.Jim also leads a high-touch coaching program designed to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs open, fund, and fill their own sober living or transitional homes. Through his work, he’s helped hundreds break through fear, red tape, and financial barriers to launch homes that change lives.Faith and family are at the center of Jim’s mission. When he’s not building businesses or helping others do the same, he’s spending time with his wife, their kids, and their loyal pup, O’Malley. He’s known for saying, “This isn’t just real estate—it’s a calling,” and Group Home Accelerator is his roadmap for anyone bold enough to answer it.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16x6EKmA8U/?mibextid=wwXIfrInsta: https://www.instagram.com/ghaccelerator/Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-boad-aba962b5/X: https://x.com/JimBoadGHAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClk94EgvIUVlVUzdkA7BZoQMy Book: https://a.co/d/aElyB5EWebsite: jimboad.comTo find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts introduces the Teaching Journeys podcast and interviews Beth Lynch, a spiritual medium teacher, bestselling author, and founder of Inner Light Teachings, who has spent 30 years helping families heal grief and teaching heart-mind-body-spirit education. Lynch describes childhood sensitivity and the pivotal impact of her parents’ deaths, including hearing her mother’s reassuring voice after a fatal Amtrak crash, which propelled her into mediumship training, tarot study, meditation, and spiritual education. She and Roberts discuss intuition and empathy as strengths, evidential mediumship, humor and “signs” from loved ones, and spirituality as essential to mental and emotional wellness through compassion, creativity, coping, and connection to a higher self. Lynch shares an example reading for grieving parents, discusses end-of-life experiences, and explains Inner Light Teachings offerings and resources.Bio and Contact InformationBeth Lynch is a spiritual medium, meditation teacher, and best selling author. Lynch is founder of Inner Light Teachings and is a heart,mind, body, spirit educator. For over 30 years, she has helped families understand & heal grief. Her own personal experiences since childhood, death of her parents & her search for healing & higher understanding led her to understand her sensitivity was a strength. Her ability to connect to loved ones crossed has inspired & helped many understand life, death & the in-between. Showing the power of understanding intuition, creativity, communication, and eternal life.Lynch shows how spirituality is the missing link in mental and emotional wellness and has written several books on spirituality, meditation, healing and mindfulness. She is a graduate of Delphi University of SpiritualStudies, Arthur Ford School of Mediumship and Metaphysics and certified under Mark Ireland’s, respected mediums. She donates service for Helping Parents Heal and Helping Siblings Heal. Connect With BethFor more on speaking, services, classes and events visit www.innerlightteaching.com 888.271.4487 Social media YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/@BethLynchMedium444?si=oirE-0V5iCcuDKmTIG http://instagram.com/bethlynchmedium444Xhttps://twitter.com/italk2angelsLINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-lynch-0113b45TIKTOKtiktok.com/@bethlynch444To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of Teaching Journeys, host Dave Roberts speaks with author and journalist Ashley Jordan about her transformative journey through grief and self-discovery.The Story:Ashley lost her childhood sweetheart Daniel at age 13—literally on her 13th birthday. Growing up in the Midwest with a culture of "nice on the outside," she buried her grief for 24 years. At 37, while living what appeared to be a perfect life, a spontaneous visit to a psychic medium triggered a tsunami of repressed grief that changed everything.Key Themes:Grief & Loss: How traumatic loss at 13 shaped her entire life trajectoryThe Triggering Event: A medium's connection with Daniel reopened 24 years of buried painUnbecoming vs. Becoming: Deconstructing a life built on external achievements to rebuild one rooted in authentic loveShadow Work: Embracing darkness to find light and true alivenessUnconditional Love: Daniel's legacy taught her that love exists by virtue of being, not doingThe Transformation:Ashley walked away from her "picture perfect" life—the degrees, accolades, marriage, and material success—to follow her heart. Today she lives a life built on love rather than achievement, sharing her story through her book "Unhappy Achiever" and her journalism.Core Message: You are worthy of love simply by existing. Grief never goes away—it just gets different. And sometimes you have to unbecome everything you thought you should be to remember who you truly are.Ashley’s Bio and Contact InformationAshley Jordan has done many things throughout her life. She’sbeen a feminist activist, licensed attorney, public speaker, anda stay-at-home mother. Most notably, however, she’s a well-published journalist with her works appearing in The New YorkTimes, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and HuffPost, amongothers. Today, she lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with herthree children.Connect with Ashley:• Website: ashjordan.com• Book: unhappyachiever.com• Instagram: @msashjordanTo find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Martha Glory Kartaoui—author, speaker, mentor, Let Glory Shine TV host, and trauma-informed event facilitator and coach—to The Teaching Journeys Podcast. Martha shares that she was born into a religious cult in Shawano, Wisconsin, experienced years of isolation from extended family, and endured physical, mental, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse. At 26, motivated by reconnecting with her sister and learning she was pregnant, Martha escaped with help from an outside supporter she calls “Papa,”. Martha explains spiritual abuse as fear-based control tied to salvation requirements that continually escalate.S he describes her trauma-informed coaching approach and emphasizes the power of group community for healing.. She discusses her book, “Glory Going All In: Cult Survivor to Courageous Warrior,” encouraging readers not to be defined by trauma and to choose healing.The link to her bio is : https://lnk.bio/MarthaGloryKartaouiConnect with Martha:• Book: "Glory Going All In: Cult Survivor to Courageous Warrior" (available on Amazon)• TV Show: Let Glory Shine (YouTube - Thursdays at 7 PM)• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok• Learn about trauma-informed coaching and the Unbound eventsTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of Teaching Journeys, host Dave Roberts welcomes Dr. Kate Lund, a clinical psychologist and resilience expert, for an insightful conversation about building family resilience and thriving through life's challenges.Dr. Kate shares her personal journey, beginning with her childhood diagnosis of hydrocephalus at age four and the bullying she faced for looking different. These early experiences shaped her passion for understanding people and helping families develop resilience.The conversation explores Dr. Kate's broad definition of resilience as a lifestyle—integrating daily tools and strategies to optimize wellbeing rather than simply overcoming obstacles. She introduces practical techniques to help families manage stress and shift their perspective.She discusses her two books: Bounce, which outlines seven pillars of resilience for children, and Step Away, focused on resilient parenting strategies.A highlight of the episode is Dr. Kate's heartwarming work with her therapy dog, Wally, at Seattle Children's Hospital. She shares touching stories of how Wally brings comfort to children facing serious medical challenges, demonstrating the powerful role animals play in healing and resilience.The episode concludes with Dr. Kate's key message: always focus on the possibility on the other side of every challenge, both for yourself and your children.Dr Lund’s Bio and Contact InformationDr. Kate Lund is a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, published author, and resilience expert dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive within their own unique contexts. With advanced training from three Harvard-affiliated hospitals and decades of experience in clinical practice, Dr. Lund specializes in emotional intelligence, stress resilience, and sustainable well-being for parents, athletes, and high performers.She is the author of Bounce: Help Your Child Build Resilience and Thrive in School, Sports, and Life and Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. Dr. Lund also hosts Resilient Parenting with Dr. Kate, a podcast that explores the science and lived experience of resilience through conversations with parents, educators, clinicians, and leaders.Known for her relatable, evidence-based approach, Dr. Lund blends clinical expertise with personal insight as the mother of twin boys and while working as a volunteer with her dog Wally as part of the animal assisted therapy program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Whether on stage, in session, or on the air, she empowers people to step away from overwhelm and step into clarity, connection, and confidence.Connect with Dr. Kate Lund:Website: www.katelundspeaks.comNew Podcast: Resilient Parenting with Dr. Kate (launches March 5th)To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Karl Pontau to the Teaching Journeys podcast. Karl, host of the Human Connection Podcast, describes how a brain tumor diagnosis at age 15 and the support he received shaped his commitment to helping others. Karl states that sustainable business success depends on combining mutually beneficial transactions with personalized connections, especially amid rising AI use and declining trust. He discusses how leaders can improve employee engagement, morale, and retention through curiosity, active listening, psychological safety, and avoiding superficial perks, Karl explains his view that “Humanity + AI = exceptional and sustainable growth” by using AI to remove busy work so people can invest more in relationships. He also explains storytelling’s power to drive emotion and behavior and strengthen connection.Karl’s Bio and Contact InformationKarl is a super connector who loves to catalyze genuine human to human relationships. He uses active listening, empathy, and his understanding of human behavior to authentically connect with people. Karl is excited by creating personalized experiences that build lasting trust, building communities, innovating business development strategies that lead to sustained growth, and mentoring others in their professional journeys. Karl is the host of The Human Connection Podcast, a thrice-weekly show that helps business leaders accelerate their growth by building relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders. Because, no matter if your business is B2B or B2C, it’s really H2H, Human to Human.Links:https://www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com/ https://karlpontau.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontauhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUbf_bDWwB9KVrFn5Sj3u2w?sub_confirmation=1To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, a zen priest, author, professor, and founder of the international NGO, the MISS Foundation and Selah Care Farm. Dr. Cacciatore shares her insights on grief, particularly focusing on her personal experiences and the role of animals in the healing process. They discuss societal issues around grief avoidance and the rise of AI in depersonalizing emotional support. Highlighting the powerful presence and empathy animals provide to grieving humans, Dr. Cacciatore recounts the inspirational story of Chamakoh, a rescued horse that became central to the therapeutic work at Selah Care Farm. The episode underscores the importance of emotional support and authentic presence in the healing journey of grievers, while also detailing the various services provided by Selah Care Farm. Dr. Cacciatore concludes with the message that feelings should be treated as a superpower in the journey through grief.Dr Jo’s Bio and Contact InformationDr. Joanne Cacciatore is a Zen priest, the founder of the international NGO the MISS Foundation, author of the award-winning best seller, Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and The Heartbreaking Path of Grief, professor at Arizona State University, and a bereaved mom since the death of her daughter, Cheyenne in 1994. She is also the founder of Selah Carefarm, the first carefarm for the traumatically bereaved in the U.S. and a haven for animals rescued from abuse, neglect, and torture. She is an acclaimed public speaker and provides expert consulting services in the area of traumatic loss. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Lancet, Social Work and Healthcare, and Death Studies, among others.Resources Mentioned:📖 Book: Bearing the Unbearable by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore🎬 Documentary: A Sacred Pause (premiering at Sedona Film Festival)🌐 Selah Care Farm: selahcarefarm.org🌐 The Miss Foundation: missfoundation.org🌐 Center for Loss and Trauma: centerforlossandtrauma.comTo find our more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Diane Kahn, an educator with over 20 years of experience, including work at San Quentin State Prison. Diane discusses her involvement with the Academic Peer Education Project, which focuses on using education as a tool for personal transformation for incarcerated learners. She co-founded Humans of San Quentin, a storytelling platform featuring over 3000 stories of incarcerated individuals from all 50 states and globally. Diane shares insights into the struggles and traumas faced by incarcerated individuals and emphasizes the importance of compassion, rehabilitation, and breaking stereotypes. The episode also explores the transformative power of storytelling and restorative justice efforts.Diane’s Bio and Contact InformationDiane Kahn is an educator with over 20 years of teaching experience, including inside San Quentin State Prison, where she led the Academic Peer Education Project. Her work centers on the power of education as a tool for agency, critical thinking, and transformation. She co authored the effort that brought Rehabilitative Achievement Credits to California, expanding access to educational opportunities for incarcerated learners. In 2017, Diane co-founded Humans of San Quentin to amplify lived experience through storytelling, a platform now featuring more than 3,000 stories from all 50 states and globally. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of San Francisco and is deeply committed to reimagining education as a pathway to dignity, purpose, and lifelong learning.Social Media Links and Contact Informationhttps://humansofsanquentin.org/https://www.instagram.com/humansofsanquentinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/humans-of-san-quentin/https://www.facebook.com/humansofsanquentin.org/https://www.youtube.com/@humansofsanquentin9582https://www.tiktok.com/@humansofsanquentinEmail: [email protected] on PatreonTo connect with dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Dr. Robb Kelly, an expert in addiction recovery who focuses on treating the root causes rather than the symptoms. Dr. Kelly shares his personal experiences with addiction, homelessness, and recovery, highlighting the influence of childhood trauma and family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the importance of nutrition, the limitations of traditional medication, and the role of neuroplasticity and innovative techniques like neurolinguistic programming in recovery. Dr. Kelly emphasizes the significance of family involvement in treatment and the impact of environmental factors on addiction. Listeners are encouraged to consider the broader implications of their actions and how small positive gestures can make a significant difference.ABOUT DR. ROBB KELLY:Dr. Robb Kelly rewires brains from addiction and trauma..Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news. A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guests discussing a variety of mental health issues.📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:• The Robb Kelly Recovery Group: RobbKelly.com• Breath Box Software (brain rewiring technology)• Free book offer: Mention "Dave Roberts" on the websiteTo find out more about dave, go to daverobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Lily Robinson, an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. Lily shares her journey of healing from personal trauma, including the loss of her father at a young age, and how these experiences shape her work in helping others overcome adversity. The podcast discusses themes of resilience, self-reflection, emotional restoration, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing. Lily also talks about her book, 'Rise Up and Heal,' which guides readers through confronting their traumas and embracing authenticity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of compassion, both for oneself and others, and the significance of reclaiming personal power to break cycles of trauma.Lily’s Bio and Contact InformationLily Robinson is an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur whose work centers on healing, resilience, and personal transformation. Her journey has been shaped by lived experience, deep faith, and a commitment to helping others rise above adversity and step into wholeness.As a businesswoman and leader, Lily understands both success and struggle. She brings a unique blend of compassion, wisdom, and practical insight to her work, connecting with people who are navigating life transitions, emotional healing, and personal growth. Her ability to speak honestly and empathetically allows others to feel seen, understood, and empowered.Lily is the author of Rise Up and Heal, a transformative book that guides readers through self-reflection, emotional restoration, and renewed purpose. Through storytelling, practical exercises, and faith-centered wisdom, she encourages individuals to confront their past, embrace authenticity, and move forward with courage and resilience.Through her writing, speaking and coaching, Lily’s voice resonates with empathy and purpose. She is committed to creating spaces where healing is possible, resilience is cultivated, and lives are restored with grace, strength, hope and intention.Social Media and Contact Information.https://riseupandhealcoaching.com/https://www.instagram.com/lilyrobinson_author_lifecoach/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578624740789https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-robinson-21788472/https://www.audible.com/pd/B0G62R3JLF?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=pdptiktok.com/lilyrobinson777To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Gayle Petrillo, a coach, author, and speaker with over 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles. Born in Albany, New York, and a Tucson, Arizona resident for 27 years, Gayle shares her journey of overcoming major trauma after being severely burned as a young girl. She discusses her advocacy work for burn survivors and the establishment of her image consulting and career coaching firm, First Impressions. The conversation touches on various related subjects, including her memoirs, the importance of first impressions, and how she assists clients in presenting their best selves. The episode also highlights Burn Awareness Week and the critical role of community support and education in burn prevention and recovery. Gayle emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, sharing personal stories, and self-confidence in healing and personal development.Gayle’s Bio and Contact InformationBorn and raised in Albany, New York, Gayle has called Tucson home for 27 years. She is a coach, author and speaker.In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting and career coaching firm because she believes, “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression.” She coaches clients to strengthen their confidence, communication, and professional presence.As a young girl Gayle was accidently burned which resulted in physical and emotional scars that lasted a lifetime. In her first book, The Accident, and its Spanish counterpart, El accidente, she shares how she overcame fears, phobias and body image issues, turning obstacles into positive outcomes.Her memoir, Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubt closes the loop by talking openly about surviving not only a burn injury as a toddler, but also domestic abuse, stalking, not once but twice, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Becoming Visible was published in April 2025 and offers a powerful voice to those healing from trauma through small, steady acts of bravery rather than dramatic transformation.Gayle serves as Board Chair for the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona and volunteers with the Arizona Burn Foundation.Social media linksWebsite https://www.firstimpressions1.com/FB. https://www.facebook.com/Gaylepetrillo602LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-petrillo/Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/gaylepetrillo/Book: Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubtwww.booklocker.com/13819To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, guest Teresa Syms shares her profound personal journey of overcoming significant childhood trauma and generational abuse. Born with club feet and raised in a dysfunctional home with an alcoholic father and a neglectful, agoraphobic, deaf mother, Teresa faced severe emotional and physical abuse. She recounts pivotal moments, such as an instance of severe punishment and her near-suicidal experience at age 18, where an inner voice convinced her she wasn't done with life yet. Teresa's story includes dealing with multiple miscarriages, a toxic marriage, and continuous feelings of worthlessness and neglect. Her work as a transformational coach now focuses on helping others overcome similar adversities. Teresa also discusses her award-winning book, 'A Century of Secrets,' which explores generational trauma within her family, and her upcoming work, 'The Truth is the Key,' which continues her narrative of discovery and healing. Her podcast, 'Powering Through Life,' aims to inspire others through real stories of resilience and empowerment.Teresa's Bio and Contact InformationTeresa Syms is a transformational coach and practitioner dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential and create lasting change. Through her expertise in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Time Line Therapy®, Hypnotherapy, and the Personality Breakthrough Profile, Teresa empowers clients to overcome limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and build a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her holistic approach blends science and compassion, guiding people to reframe their mindset, heal past experiences, and achieve personal and professional breakthroughs. Teresa is also certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for anxiety and depression.Teresa is also an award-winning author for her book, A Century of Secrets and a Multiple # 1 Best Selling Co-Author. She is the host of the podcast Powering Through Life. Its in the podcast that Teresa inspires global audiences by “Motivating the World Through Conversation,” sharing real stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment.Connect with Teresa:📧 Email: [email protected]🎙️ Podcast: Powering Through Life (YouTube)💼 LinkedIn & Facebook: Teresa SymsTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts talks with Vishrant, a contemporary mystic and enlightened spiritual teacher from Perth, Australia. Vishrant shares his remarkable journey from being a gang leader to finding unconditional love and becoming a spiritual guide. He discusses the dramatic events that led to his transformation, including his near-death experience and involvement with Osho's teachings. The conversation delves into themes of love, truth, and the importance of living a heart-centered life. Vishrant emphasizes the need to challenge beliefs, embrace reality, and serve others selflessly. Both Dave and Vishrant explore how love and authenticity can transform one’s life, stressing the importance of giving and living in the moment. The episode aims to inspire listeners to open themselves up to love and truth, promoting a life of service and selflessness.Vishrant's Bio and Contact InformationVishrant is a contemporary mystic and enlightened spiritual teacher from Perth, Australia.Once a publishing magnate who retired at 28, he later encountered Osho’s teachings, joined his mystery schools, and underwent a profound near-death experience, while lost at sea for 18 hours, that awakened him to the reality of unconditional love.He then gave away his businesses to his staff and walked barefoot across Australia for four years in search of his heart. Later, he studied naturopathy and psychotherapy, serving people directly in body, mind, and spirit. Today, he lives in a state of Beingness, supporting others in awakening, not through belief, but through direct experience and surrender.More about Vishrant: vishrant.orgSocial links:https://youtube.com/@vishranthttps://www.instagram.com/vishrantpremhttps://www.facebook.com/vishrantpremTo find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Sheila B Tillich, a reverend, metaphysical healer, and spiritual guide, to discuss her incredible life and work. Sheila shares her journey, starting from a challenging childhood in a family marred by alcoholism, which shaped her path to becoming a healer and spiritual mentor. She describes her awakening to her spiritual abilities, emphasizing the importance of love, inner healing, and connecting with higher consciousness. Sheila explains her work with the HeartMath Institute, integrating energy therapy, and her role as a galactic grandmother providing guidance imbued with divine love and wisdom. The conversation dives deep into how Sheila's personal experiences and professional training have equipped her to assist others in their spiritual and emotional healing. The episode also touches on the importance of collective consciousness, global transformation, and the hopeful future forecasted by Sheila's spiritual guides.Sheila’s Bio and Contact InformationRev. Sheila B. Tillich has been openly and deeply committed to a spiritual path since 1985. As a Recovery Metaphysician, Sheila guides individuals in awakening to and aligning with their true self, empowering them to live the purposeful life they were divinely created for.Her healing practice facilitates a profound electromagnetic shift within the body, supporting transformation on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. As a Metaphysical Minister, Healer, and Galactic Grandmother, Sheila’s mission is to hold a sacred field of God-Consciousness Energy that nurtures healing and remembrance. Within this space, she works to gently merge the human energy field with the Consciousness of God—restoring harmony, clarity, and divine alignment.In February 2020, Sheila was called by the Galactic Star Mothers to transmit messages of unconditional love, guidance, and remembrance to those seeking answers. In her role as Galactic Grandmother, she supports emotional healing and offers soul-level solutions that help individuals step fully into their Divine Purpose, drawing nourishment from Mother Earth’s energy and the wisdom of their Galactic Lineage.Sheila is a Universal Master Healer, skilled in a wide range of healing modalities, as a practitioner and Master Teacher/Trainer, including Integrated Energy Therapy® (IET®), Unity Field Healing (UFH), HeartMath®, USUI Reiki, and Spiritual Counseling. She is also a Certified Hospice and Palliative Caregiver, an Ordained Metaphysical Minister, and an Experienced Metaphysical Practitioner, bringing compassion, integrity, and deep spiritual wisdom to all whom she serves.Connect with Sheila:🌐 Website: sheilatillich.com📧 Email: [email protected]🎥 YouTube: Ascension Wisdom📅 Book a free 30-minute discovery call on her websiteTo find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, the guest is Vanessa Cardenas, a relationship reset expert and betrayal recovery specialist. Vanessa shares her journey and insights into helping individuals and couples rebuild trust and emotional connections after betrayal. She discusses the concept of 'micro betrayals,' the importance of language in healing, and the necessity of addressing emotional disconnections. Vanessa emphasizes the need for emotional safety, intentional communication, and self-trust. The discussion also covers the value of active listening, the continuous nature of relationship work, and the significance of movement in releasing stress and trauma. Vanessa further talks about her two books designed to help those dealing with betrayal. The episode concludes with Vanessa offering guidance on stability and self-compassion during the healing process.Vanessa's Bio and Contact InformationVanessa Cardenas is a Relationship Reset Expert and Betrayal Recovery Specialist who has helped individuals and couples rebuild trust, restore emotional connection, and regain clarity from the inside out since 2017.She is the founder of Understanding Ear and the creator of the HOPE Roadmap, a structured approach designed to help people stabilize after betrayal, navigate emotional disconnection, and make grounded decisions about what comes next in their relationships. Vanessa’s work focuses on emotional safety, intentional communication, and restoring self-trust when relationships feel uncertain or fractured.For years, Vanessa was considered a best-kept secret, quietly supporting clients through some of the most painful and defining moments of their lives. In 2025, her work was formally recognized when she was named Best Relationship Coach in Westchester County.What sets Vanessa apart is that her work is both professionally informed and lived. She understands betrayal not only through years of guiding others, but through her own marriage, which she chose to rebuild after betrayal when both she and her husband committed to doing the necessary work. That experience allows her to speak with honesty, restraint, and credibility about what healing actually requires over time.Clients often describe her impact simply and powerfully. One shared, “Working with Vanessa helped me come back to myself. I stopped spiraling and finally trusted my own decisions again.”Vanessa works with individuals and couples who are outwardly capable yet quietly struggling, often stuck between staying, leaving, or resetting a relationship that no longer feels safe or connected. Her approach blends trauma-aware insight, communication mastery, and practical guidance without clinical language or performance.She believes empowerment begins when people feel safe enough to trust themselves again and strong enough to choose what comes next.Connect with Vanessa:Website: UnderstandingEar.comBooks: "Dealing with the Devastation of Your Partner's Betrayal: What to Do When Your World Falls Apart" and "How to Talk" companion guide Watch Vanessa's Oxford Talk on silencing your inner critic (300,000+ views) To find out more about Dave, please go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts talks with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, a trauma psychologist and founder of Soul Wise Solutions. They discuss Harrison's journey of working with individuals undergoing deep psychological and spiritual transformations, including her experiences with dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. A significant part of the conversation centers on Harrison's relationship with Shauna, an intersex woman with schizophrenia. They discuss Shauna's resilience, her experience of homelessness, and her advocacy for dignity and inclusion through her life story co-authored in the book 'I, Shauna.' The episode emphasizes the importance of compassion, destigmatizing mental illness, and the value of interconnectedness and community support.Kirsten’s Bio and Contact InformationDr. Kirsten Viola Harrison is a trauma psychologist, spiritual integration expert, and the founder of Soul Wise Solutions. For over 25 years, she has worked with individuals facing deep psychological and spiritual transformation — including those with dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. Her passion lies in helping people navigate life’s most complex transitions with compassion and clinical insight. Her groundbreaking new book, “I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community,” co-authored with Sean/a Smith, tells the riveting true story of an intersex woman living with schizophrenia who defied all odds. Together, they challenge outdated medical practices and advocate for dignity, inclusion, and soul-deep healing.Social Media Links:https://www.tiktok.com/@soulwiseteamhttps://www.instagram.com/soulwiseteamhttps://www.facebook.com/soulwiseteam/https://www.youtube.com/@SoulWiseTeamABOUT THE BOOK: "I, Sean/A" tells the riveting true story of resilience, identity, and the power of human connection. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessornadminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, Dr. Karen Kramer, an intuitive healer, recovery and resilience navigator, and wellness retreat center CEO, shares insights into her work. They discuss the profound understanding of the human mind and how Dr. Kramer has helped individuals navigate grief, loss, and trauma. Dr. Kramer talks about her bestselling book, 'Healthy Grief,' which includes various case studies of grief survivors and presents her holistic healing methods. They delve into the connection between unprocessed grief and physical ailments, the potential of integrative health, and the importance of spiritual practices and awareness. The episode also covers the mission and services of Villa Vision, Wellness, and Retreat Center, founded by Dr. Kramer, which focuses on deep healing, spiritual growth, and mindfulness. Overall, the episode emphasizes that grief can be a gateway to greater understanding and personal growth.Dr. Karen's Bio and Contact InformationDr. Karen Kramer (AKA “Dr. Karen”) is an intuitive healer, grief recovery and resilience navigator, and wellness retreat center CEO who has transformed the lives of hundreds-of-thousands of individuals around the globe since the early 1990s. With a profound understanding of the human mind, her true passion as a mindset facilitator, speaker, and author lies in helping navigate heart-wrenching losses, griefs, and traumatic events. Dr. Karen draws her inspiration for her best selling book "Healthy Grief" from personal experiences, including a broken neck, multiple deaths, two divorces, corporate downsizing, and various life challenges, as well as her son's remarkable health recovery and powerful client results. With a wealth of international coaching experience, a profound understanding of techniques that unlock the subconscious mind, and her intuitive abilities, Dr. Karen is dedicated to helping others live happy, healthy, and full lives so we can create a better world for everyone.CONNECT WITH DR. KAREN KRAMER:Social Media & Websites:Website - www.DrKarenKramer.comBook a 20-minute consultation or explore the Healthy Grief BundlePublication - http://bit.ly/Healthy-GriefFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrKarenKramerInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/drkarenkramer/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkarenkramer/To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes guest Dr. Winifred Bragg, a double board-certified physician, CEO, and five-time bestselling author, who discusses her unique Bragg Factor framework. Dr. Bragg elaborates on how she helps high achievers and emerging leaders transform professional pain into clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact using principles derived from her experience as an interventional pain specialist. She highlights her strategies for managing stress and pain, the importance of gratitude, and the critical role sleep plays in overall well-being. Dr. Bragg also talks about her book 'Dreams Without Goals Are Nightmares' and emphasizes finding and owning one's unique value to reach personal and professional goals.Dr. Bragg's Bio and Contact InformationDr. Winifred Bragg is a double board-certified physician, CEO, and five-time best-selling author. She is the creator of The Bragg Factor—a leadership framework that helps high-achieving professionals and emerging leaders own their value, amplify their voice, and achieve their highest potential—personally and professionally.Drawing from the science of pain and performance, Dr. Bragg helps leaders turn professional pain into clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact through her monthly virtual Bragg Factor® Coaching Program.🔗 Social Media & LinksThe Bragg Factor® Website: 👉 https://www.thebraggfactor.comBragg Factor® Coaching Program: 👉 https://www.thebraggfactor.com/membershipYouTube: 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@DrWinifredBragg 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@TheBraggFactor To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author site psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, the guest is Marcia Earhart, a heartsync facilitator, life coach, grief and trauma specialist, mental health first responder, mediator, speaker, and co-founder of the Sterling Rose Sanctuary. Marcia discusses her personal journey through loss, losing 17 loved ones by the age of 18, and the significant impact it had on her life. She elaborates on how she and her husband Scott have navigated unimaginable sorrow, including the loss of their children Sterling and Mark. Marcia shares poignant stories about her sons, their unique qualities, and how they left a lasting impact on everyone they met. She also talks about her book, 'Gripping Grace In The Garden of Grief,' which offers raw insights into dealing with grief. The conversation delves into the concept of heart sync and the services provided at the Sterling Rose Sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and the ability to live abundantly even after experiencing profound loss.Marcia’s Bio and Contact InformationMarcia Earhart is a Heartsync Facilitator, Life Coach, Grief and Trauma Specialist, Mental Health First Responder, and Mediator, as well as a speaker. She is also the co-Founder of The Sterling Rose Sanctuary—a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing resources for hope and healing to those navigating grief. Marcia is also the author of Gripping Grace in theGarden of Grief: A Place for the Heart. a book that deeply resonates with anyone who has experienced or is navigating loss. She is a seasoned speaker, known for creating safe spaces where individuals can find hope and healing. Her deepest professional desire is to lead others to the transformative hope found in God, so they can breathe again, move again, and fully embrace their God-given purpose.For 35 years, Marcia has been married to her best friend and partner, Scott. Their marriage has become a cornerstone of her life—rooted in shared faith, mutual respect, and a partnership that has endured every season. Through unimaginable sorrow and loss, which include the deaths of their two sons Sterling and Marc, Marcia and Scott have journeyed together, ultimately rediscovering joy and deep connection with one another.www.thesterlingrosesanctuary.ushttps://www.instagram.com/thesterlingrosesanctuary/https://www.facebook.com/TSRS21/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-earhart-the-sterling-rose-sanctuary-943a8410b/https://www.youtube.com/@marciaearhart6328To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Arik Housley, an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who shares his profound journey through grief and resilience following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old daughter Alaina in a mass shooting. Arik discusses the impact of Alaina's death on his family, the support from various communities, and the formation of Alaina's Voice Foundation which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being. The conversation delves into how Arik's book, 'Always November,' and his podcast, 'Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience,' are extensions of his mission to help others navigate their grief and find hope. Arik emphasizes the importance of open communication, forgiveness, and the transformative power of collective healing.Arik’s Bio, Resources and Contact InformationFor nearly 30 years, Arik Housley has been a pillar of Napa Valley’s business community, operating grocery stores, Housley’s Century Oak Winery, and the beloved Italian restaurant Il Posto Trattoria. He also owns Napa Valley 1839 FC—men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in national leagues— built around a vision of family-friendly, soccer-centric entertainment.Arik’s book, Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience (AmazonBestseller) chronicles his family’s journey through unimaginable grief and the search for hope after the tragic loss of his daughter, Alaina. At just 18, Alaina was a freshman at Pepperdine University when she was killed in the 2018 Borderline mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California. Seventeen-time bestselling author Jon Gordon praised the book, saying: “Housley’s journey shows that even unimaginable grief can become a catalyst for growth. Always November is a powerful testament to faith’s ability to transform pain into purpose, inspiring othersto choose resilience, love, and hope even in life’s darkest moments.”In Alaina’s honor, Arik and his wife, Hannah, founded Alaina’s Voice Foundation, which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being through education, music, and community support—anchored by the motto, “Be the positive change.”As a speaker, Arik combines vulnerability, humor, and authenticity to connect with audiences of all sizes. His heartfelt message encourages individuals and organizations to cultivate strength and compassion in the face of adversity. Congressman Mike Thompson describes him as “a tremendous speaker whose passion is tangible.”Resources:📖 Book: "Always November" - Available on Amazon🌐 Website: ArikHousley.com🎙️ Podcast: Lessons in Loss, Love, and ResilienceTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts features an engaging conversation with Terry Healey, a survivor of a rare form of cancer called fibrosarcoma, which led to a permanent facial difference. Terry Healey, an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist, reflects on his experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the development of resilience through adversity. He introduces his 'rebar' resilience framework consisting of Reflect, Build, Act, and Renew and emphasizes the role of hope and a positive mindset in overcoming life challenges. The episode also touches on the impact of group therapy, the value of openness, and finding empathy and purpose through trials.Terry Healey Bio, Resources and Contact InformationA survivor of a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference, Terry Healey is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a thirty-five-year career as a marketing executive, Terry challenges audiences to face adversity and change, and apply his ReBAR resilience framework and principles to gain confidence, build resilience, and find greater purpose and joy in their personal and professional lives. Terry lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his wife Sue📚 RESOURCES:• Terry's Book: The Resilience Mindset• Website: terryhealey.com • Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTubeStrong at the Broken Places: Terry Healey's Path to ResilienceTo find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com or his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Kris Munsch. Kris shares insights from his experiences as a teacher, builder, and author, discussing his new book "Living on the Razor’s Edge" and the origins of the Birdhouse Project—a hands-on, project-based approach to healing and self-discovery. Together, Dave and Kris reflect on the importance of embracing change, finding purpose, being comfortable in your own skin, and the value of learning from others. The episode emphasizes the power of community, self-reflection, and the ongoing journey of becoming one’s authentic self.Kris’s Brief Bio Kris Munsch is a man of many categories he has in his life. He is, he has been a teacher and he is still a teacher. He's a builder, the biggest thing about Kris is that he's a repurposer. He likes to repurpose old buildings, old homes into something that is in his likeness that represents who he is at this particular moment. And he's repurposed his life in other areas , including his grief. Kris has also recently published his new book Living on the Razors Edge: 12 Intentional Tools which can be purchased on Amazon.To find out more about Dave go to davidrobsersmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com