Unraveled and Rising Podcast

Have you ever had a thought, feeling, or reaction and wondered, "Is it just me?"In this episode, Michelle and Terry explore the common experiences so many women share as mothers, wives, partners, and caregivers—often without realizing other women are feeling the exact same way.We discuss how childhood programming, family dynamics, and societal expectations shape our beliefs about our worth, our roles, and our responsibility to keep everyone else happy.Sometimes healing starts when we realize we're not alone.If you've ever struggled with people-pleasing, mom guilt, or losing yourself while caring for everyone else, this episode is for you.Don't forget to visit our website to leave a letter to your younger self. We would love to read it: https://unraveledandrising.com/

Mother’s Day can bring up a lot more than flowers and brunch.In this honest and emotional conversation, Michelle and Kimberly open up about the unexpected feelings they both experienced around Mother’s Day — without even realizing the other was struggling too.Because the truth is… many mother/child relationships are complicated.We talk about:Emotional distance between parents and adult childrenWhy younger generations often feel less connected to familyThe growing rise of family estrangementGrief, disappointment, and loneliness around Mother’s DayHow social media can make these feelings even harderWays to care for yourself emotionallyIf Mother’s Day felt heavy for you this year, you are definitely not alone.This episode is a reminder that complicated family relationships are more common than people admit — and healing starts with talking honestly about them.Comment if you experienced something similar.

What happens when you’re still supporting your kids… while suddenly becoming responsible for aging parents too?In this honest conversation, Kimberly and Terry share their experiences with the “sandwich generation” — navigating adult children, divorce, medical issues, aging parents, burnout, overwhelm, and the pressure of holding everything together.We also discuss:“Parent dumps” happening at hospitals more oftenFinancial strain and caregiver burnoutThe emotional impact of caring for parentsWhy so many people feel exhausted, anxious, and alone right nowIf you’ve been carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs, this episode will make you feel seen.🧡 Kimberly also recommends this free assessment tool for families navigating aging parent care: https://agingparentstoolkit.com/

Why do so many feel exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck… even when life looks “successful” on the outside?In this episode, we sit down with trauma-informed mentor and nervous system healing coach Stephanie Schoolmeester to talk about survival mode, emotional healing, burnout, people-pleasing, and reconnecting with your authentic self.We dive into:Nervous system regulationChildhood patterns that shape adulthoodWhy sensitive women often feel emotionally exhaustedHealing beyond mindset workCreating a life that feels aligned and fulfillingIf you’ve been stuck in survival mode and craving more peace, purpose, and authenticity, this conversation will resonate deeply.🔗 Connect with Stephanie: https://www.stephanieschoolmeester.com/📱 Complimentary consults available via text: 970-724-4448

You’re doing all the things—vitamins, treatments, workouts… and still not feeling like yourself.In this episode, we get real about beauty, aging, and menopause—from hair loss and skin changes to mood swings and emotional shifts that seem to come out of nowhere.It’s about hormones, identity, and the pressure to “keep it all together” while your body is changing.We talk about:→ Hair thinning→ The overwhelm of supplements, treatments, and “fixes”→ Why your mood feels unpredictable→ The emotional side of aging no one talks aboutThis is the honest conversation about what we are experiencing and how we support each other. We would love to hear from you. Comment ⬇ if you are going through something similar. What routines or treatments are you using?

You know what to do… so why are you still stuck?In this episode of Unraveled & Rising, we sit down with therapist Deborah Gray to uncover what’s really driving that gap between knowing and doing—and why it has nothing to do with willpower.This conversation goes deeper than mindset.If you’ve been doing the work but still not seeing the shift—this will hit differently.Because you’re not lazy.You’re patterned.Take the Free Assessment from Deb: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGwrif1aBu69txbe9cbWJCr0GPBOTdJ6LCb1MmGck_rv7TUw/viewformAbout Our GuestDeb Gray is a consultant and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) practitioner who helps people uncover the hidden patterns keeping them stuck and create lasting, meaningful change.Learn more here: https://debgrayconsulting.net/

What if supporting your mental health wasn’t just about talking… but also about how your brain is functioning?In this episode of Unraveled and Rising, we sit down with the team from Mindful Wellness Colorado to explore microcurrent therapy—an approach that’s gaining attention for its potential to support anxiety, trauma, mood regulation, and overall brain health.We ask the questions many people are already wondering:What exactly is microcurrent therapy?How does it work with the brain and nervous system?What does it actually feel like?And who might benefit from it?You’ll also hear firsthand perspectives and experiences that go beyond theory—real stories about how it impacted them.If you’ve ever felt like you’ve “done the work” but something still feels off… this conversation might open a new door worth considering.Connect with Mindful Wellness Colorado:https://www.mindfulwellnesscolorado.com/If outside the Denver area, visit this site to find a service in your area: https://microcurrentneurofeedback.com/

If you’ve tried therapy but still feel triggered, stuck, or overwhelmed… this may be the piece you’ve been missing.Knoel Hendrick, a therapist in the Denver metro area, unpacks EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)—a powerful approach that helps your brain and body finally process unresolved trauma.Kimberly and Terry also share their personal experiences with EMDR and what shifted for them when nothing else fully worked.Why you can still feel stuck even after therapy.What EMDR therapy actually does (in simple terms).How trauma lives in your body—not just your mind.Why triggers keep showing up (and what they mean).How healing can happen without reliving everything.Connect with our guest:Knoel Hendrick – Therapist (Denver Metro Area)https://hopechristiancounselingco.com/📧 Email: [email protected]🔔 Don’t forget:Subscribe, share, and drop a comment if this resonated. You’re not alone in this.

Do you avoid photos, hate how you look in pictures, or feel like your body image issues are affecting your confidence? In this honest episode of Unraveled & Rising, Michelle and Kimberly talk about the hidden pain of self-image, body dysmorphia, aging, comparison, and the identity stories we carry about our appearance. How insecurity gets shaped by family, culture, and social media — and why healing body image is really an inside job. Plus a simple photo challenge to help you stop judging yourself so harshly and start seeing yourself with more compassion. 30-Day Self-Image Reset ChallengeThe goal is simple: change your relationship with your reflection and photos.Not to become perfect on camera — but to become comfortable being seen.Week 1 — Neutral AwarenessFocus: Seeing yourself without judgment.Daily: Take one photo of yourself. Look at it for 10 seconds. Say one neutral statement.Examples:“This is me today.”“This is what I look like right now.”“I showed up today.”The brain learns that seeing yourself is safe.Self-affirmations and write a letter to your younger self.https://unraveledandrising.com/

What if the problem isn’t your life… but the programming running it?Mindset mastery coach Dr. Ed Wheeler breaks down the difference between your conscious and subconscious mind — and how hidden beliefs, trauma, and identity shape your reactions, relationships, and results.We talk about:➡️ Why you don’t have to believe every thought you think➡️ How trauma gets stored in the body➡️ The “stick person” concept explains why you feel stuck➡️ Releasing identities that no longer serve you➡️ Moving from victim to responsibility➡️ Rebuilding relationships by changing yourself firstIf you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, reactive, or like your life is falling apart… this might be the wake-up moment you didn’t know you needed.✨ You are not broken. You are programmed — and you can change the program.If this resonates, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this reminder.https://unraveledandrising.com/

Ever feel like you know better… but you still react the same way, choose the same people, or replay the same painful story in your head?In this episode of Unraveled & Rising, Terry (trauma recovery coach) shares a powerful tool she teaches every week to women inside a correctional facility: how to recognize the trauma thought loop—the cycle where a thought becomes a feeling, a feeling becomes actions, and those actions create results that “prove” the original belief.You’ll hear real, raw moments as Michelle realizes—in real time—how old fear and protective patterns were formed, why the body remembers what the mind forgets, and how healing begins with curiosity rather than self-judgment.In this conversation, we cover:Why we run on “autopilot” more than we thinkHow trauma creates repeating beliefsThe thought loop (and how to interrupt it)Why your body reacts to things you can’t always explainHow affirmations and small daily choices can help reprogram old patternsWhy boundaries are an act of self-love (not selfishness) How to stop living in survival mode and return to yourselfIf you’ve been stuck in the same emotional cycle—people-pleasing, hypervigilance, anger, shame, or self-doubt—this episode gives you a gentle starting point and language for what’s really happening.👇 If this helped you, share it with someone who needs it.💬 We respond to every comment—tell us what thought loop you’re ready to break.To reserve a seat in Terry's workshop, visit: https://awakenyourlifecoaching.com/freewellnessworkshop

When end of life happens for loved ones, families are left unprepared, conflicted, and overwhelmed at one of the most vulnerable moments of life.Kimberly Diaz, RN, explains what hospice care is, how it works, and why many families are often not fully informed about this option within the healthcare system. Drawing from years of experience sitting with hundreds of families at the end of life, Kimberly offers a clear, compassionate look at the realities of hospice — beyond fear, myths, and urgency-driven decisions.We explore:What hospice care provides (and what it doesn’t)Quality of life vs. quantity of lifeWhy families often experience conflict during this stageThe emotional and psychological trauma surrounding the decisionHow planning and understanding a loved one’s wishes can reduce suffering for everyone involvedThis conversation is not about giving up — it’s about support, dignity, and relief. It’s for families facing impossible choices, and for anyone who wants to understand end-of-life care before they’re forced to make decisions in crisis.Have you had a hospice experience that you wish had been different? Share it in the comments.If you need a quick, calm audio affirmation, visit our website: https://unraveledandrising.com/

What if constipation isn’t just physical — but emotional, nervous-system deep?In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Hall Klepacki for an honest, grounding conversation about gut health, chronic constipation, and the deeper root causes most approaches overlook. We move beyond the usual fiber-and-water advice and explore how stress, the nervous system, emotional holding, and lived experience can all play a role in the body’s ability to release.Melissa shares insights from her work and her book, The Constipation Code, which uncovers the eight hidden factors that quietly block digestion — and offers a compassionate, root-cause framework for lasting relief. This conversation reframes gut health as a whole-body, whole-person experience, inviting curiosity instead of shame and understanding instead of force.✨ Learn more about Melissa’s work and resources:👉 https://www.melissahallklepacki.com/📘 The Constipation Code is available now on Amazon for anyone ready to understand their body more deeply and crack their own personal constipation code.

This is not an easy story — but it’s an important one.Mandy Kiebler, MA, speaks openly about what it was like to be trafficked, how trauma shaped her choices and identity, and the long road back to safety, self-trust, and purpose. This conversation isn’t about shock — it’s about truth, resilience, and what healing really takes.Today, Mandy is a therapist, educator, and founder of The Refinery for Change, a nonprofit dedicated to helping others break free from trauma-bonded patterns and reclaim their lives.💭 In this episode, we talk about:What people misunderstand about sex trafficking and exploitationHow trauma keeps people trapped long after the danger endsThe invisible chains of shame, silence, and self-blameWhat helped Mandy begin healing when escape felt impossibleHow survivors can rebuild identity, boundaries, and self-worthTurning personal pain into purpose and advocacy🌐 Learn more about Mandy’s work, resources, and nonprofit:👉 https://www.therefineryforchange.com👉 Please like, subscribe, and share to help amplify survivor voices: https://unraveledandrising.com/

Every January, we’re pressured to reinvent ourselves overnight. Then, when we fall short, we blame ourselves instead of the system.Instead of chasing perfection, we talk about a healthier, more sustainable approach to change.In this episode, we discuss:Why society pushes New Year’s resolutions that don’t actually workHow resolutions can trigger self-criticism and emotional setbacksThe cycle of setting big goals, failing, and beating yourself upWhy short-term, realistic goals are more effective than yearly resolutionsThe power of celebrating small wins and progressHow self-compassion leads to lasting changeIf you’ve ever started the year motivated… only to feel defeated weeks later — you’re not broken. You’re human.✨ Real growth doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from consistency, kindness, and honoring small steps forward.👉 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonatesVisit our website https://unraveledandrising.com/

Personal growth changes everything — including your relationships.And no one really warns you about that part.Growth can be freeing.It can also be uncomfortable and humbling.In this episode, we cover:✨Why personal growth often disrupts relationships✨The grief that comes with outgrowing people you still care about✨When cutting people off is about protection, not punishment✨Why growth can feel lonely — even when it’s necessary✨How setting boundaries can feel like loss✨Why growth doesn’t put us on a pedestal✨How “calling others out” can damage connection if we’re not carefulIf you’ve ever felt isolated after choosing healing…If growth has cost you relationships you thought would last…If you’ve wondered how to grow without becoming disconnected…👉 Like, subscribe, and share if this resonatesVisit our website or follow us on social media to stay connected with Unraveled and Risinghttps://unraveledandrising.com/

In this reflective year-end episode of Unraveled and Rising, the three of us sit down for an honest conversation about what unraveled for us in 2025, what we learned through it, and what we’re intentionally bringing with us into 2026.We invite you to go one step deeper.Visit our website https://unraveledandrising.com/ and write a letter to your younger self — sharing what you’re leaving in 2025 and what you’re choosing to carry forward into 2026. It’s a powerful way to honor where you’ve been and intentionally step into what’s next.Here is a starting point:Dear younger me (add your nickname as a child),I know you carried more than you should have. As I step into 2026, I want to tell you what I’m choosing to release and what I’m finally ready to hold differently.https://unraveledandrising.com/

In this deeply moving episode of Unraveled and Rising, we sit down with Michael Stone, trauma integration facilitator, spiritual mentor, and author of Traumatized: A Love Story.Michael shares his life journey with honesty and care — growing up in the shadow of severe childhood trauma, navigating years of instability and loss, and later enduring the devastating murder of his wife. For more than four decades, he lived under suspicion as a person of interest until DNA evidence finally identified and convicted the true perpetrator.Rather than being defined by what happened to him, Michael chose to devote his life to understanding trauma — not as pathology, but as an intelligent survival response stored in the body and nervous system.In this conversation, we explore:How early trauma shapes identity and relationshipsWhy healing doesn’t require reliving the pastThe difference between surviving and integrating traumaFinding meaning, compassion, and wholeness after profound lossHow love can exist beneath even the deepest painThis episode is a compassionate invitation for anyone who has lived through trauma and wondered whether true healing is possible.📘 Traumatized: A Love Story by Michael Stone is available on Amazon https://a.co/d/iRs6nsA and Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Traumatized-A-Love-Story-Audiobook/B0G316F4X5?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

“We didn’t have food like this in the camps.”For Willie Handler, phrases like this weren’t history — they were the soundtrack of childhood.In this deeply moving episode of Unraveled and Rising, Willie Handler, author of Stepping Out of the Shadows, a memoir exploring what it means to be the child of Holocaust survivors, discusses how trauma, silence, and survival shape generations long after the war ends.Willie’s parents carried extraordinary stories of loss, brutality, courage, and resilience… but they also had secrets. The pieces they didn’t share left him with questions that followed him into adulthood.Years later, Willie decided he needed to know the truth. His search uncovered painful family history, hidden trauma, and revelations that forced him to see his parents — and himself — in a new light.✡️ In this episode, we explore:✨ What it’s like growing up in a home marked by Holocaust trauma✨ The emotional tension, fear, and silence that defined daily life✨ How survivor parents protect their children by not telling the full story✨ The generational weight carried by children and grandchildren of survivors✨ Why uncovering the truth can be both devastating and healing✨ What resiliency really looks like in the face of inherited painWillie’s memoir is not just a Holocaust story — it’s a human story.A story about identity, family, secrets, resilience, and the courage it takes to finally step out of the shadows.📘 Order His Book:Stepping Out of the Shadows — Order the eBook on Amazon now. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DH3TXYFM?tag=vangoghdrawin-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true✨ If this conversation touched your heart, please like, subscribe, and share this episode.🌿 Follow us on social media @UnraveledAndRising for more stories of healing, legacy, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, emotional abuse, and trauma. Please listen with care.In this deeply personal episode, Terry and Michelle talk honestly about their experiences with domestic violence — how they ended up in abusive relationships, why they stayed longer than they ever expected, and the moment they finally chose to leave for good.This is not a story of shame.It’s a story of survival.A story of reclaiming identity, safety, and self-worth.💜 In this episode, we explore:✨ The subtle red flags that led to the abuse✨ How trauma bonds form and why leaving is so complicated✨ The emotional, financial, and psychological traps survivors get caught inThe moments that woke us up — and pushed us toward freedom✨ Life after abuse: rebuilding trust, boundaries, and a sense of self. If you are in a situation that isn’t safe, please know this: It is not your fault. You deserve safety. You deserve peace. You deserve a life free from fear. And there is a path out.⚠️ If you need help: National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7): 1-800-799-7233Text “START” to 88788Chat online: thehotline.org✨ If this episode resonates with you or someone you love, please like, subscribe, and share it.🌿 Follow us @UnraveledAndRising for more conversations on healing, resilience, and reclaiming your life.

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Stanfield — veteran broadcaster, mom of three, and creator of the Air Out App, a safe, anonymous space for people to release the thoughts they’ve been holding in.The idea came to Courtney in the middle of the night — a dream so strong she found herself emailing app developers before sunrise. Today, Air Out is helping thousands of people vent, confess, process, and breathe again… all without judgment, debate, comparison, or identity.🌬️ In this conversation, we explore:✨ Why emotional suppression is making people sick✨ How anonymity can be a powerful healing tool✨ The rising mental health crisis for parents and families✨ Why women especially need a place to “air out”✨ What happens when the nervous system finally gets to release✨ The story behind the dream that started a movementCourtney’s mission is simple but profound: Give people a place to put their thoughts so they don’t have to carry them alone.This episode is vulnerable, refreshing, and full of truth — a reminder that sometimes healing starts with letting it out.🌐 Try the Air Out App + Learn More: https://www.airoutapp.com/✨ If this episode gave you something to breathe easier about, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this message.🌿 Follow us on social media @UnraveledAndRising for more real, unfiltered conversations about healing, innovation, and mental wellness. https://unraveledandrising.com/

In this powerful episode of Unraveled and Rising, Michelle and Kimberly dive into the Dementia Wave — a sweeping shift that is transforming American families, workplaces, and entire communities. With dementia rates climbing, most of us are completely unprepared. This episode explores how dementia is reshaping our society — and what we can do to respond with wisdom rather than fear.❤️ In this episode, we explore:✨ What is dementia✨ How caregiving roles are changing families✨ The hidden crisis of caregiver burnout, guilt, and identity loss✨ How workplaces can support caregivers✨ What individuals, families, and communities can do right now to prepare✨ Why compassion is the most powerful response we can chooseExpert Insight from Kimberly:As a dementia specialist and nurse, Kimberly explains what families need to know early, why planning is essential, and how to create dementia-friendly support systems at home, at work, and in the community.🌐 Learn More: Kimberly’s Transforming the Dementia Journey Online Course and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar: https://caringmindsdementiacare.com/💛 Our Heart Message: Dementia reminds us of what our society has forgotten: that people are more than their memories, that aging is not a burden, but a teacher, and that relationships matter more than productivity.And when the unraveling feels overwhelming, there is still a rising — a new way to see, love, and care for one another.

No one should face their final moments alone, afraid, or unsafe.In this deeply human episode of Unraveled and Rising, we sit down with Brother James Patrick “JP” Hall, Executive Director of the Colorado Rocky Mountain Refuge—a sanctuary for people on hospice who are homeless or living in unsafe home environments.When the world turns its back, the Refuge opens its doors. It’s a makeshift family that provides comfort, safety, and dignity for those who would otherwise die alone or in unsafe conditions.We talk about:✨ The brutal reality of dying without safety, shelter, or love✨ How trauma, homelessness, and illness intersect in people’s final days✨ The power of human connection—creating family when there is none✨ What true compassion looks like in action✨ How you can help ensure no one faces their last breath aloneThis is more than a story—it’s a primal call to protect our own. To remember that even at the end of life, what we all crave is the same: safety, warmth, and belonging.💜 Learn more or donate to the Colorado Rocky Mountain Refuge:🌐 https://rockymountainrefuge.org/Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.🌐 Visit us at https://unraveledandrising.com/ and write a letter to your younger self. Follow us on social media for episode shorts and inspirational thoughts. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unraveled_rising/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unraveled_rising

The holidays are supposed to bring joy—but for many of us, they bring old wounds, unspoken tension, and family patterns we thought we outgrew.In this heartfelt episode, we talk about what it’s really like to go home for the holidays when family trauma is still part of the picture. From unhealed relationships to unrealistic expectations, this episode explores how to protect your peace, break old cycles, and create new traditions rooted in self-care and compassion.We talk about:✨ Setting emotional boundaries before family gatherings✨ Recognizing your triggers—and preparing for them✨ Why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish✨ How to stay grounded when old dynamics resurface✨ Creating a holiday that feels peaceful, not painfulThis episode serves as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to love your family and still need space to heal. You can’t control them—but you can protect your energy.✨ If this conversation helps you breathe easier this season, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.🌐 Visit us at https://unraveledandrising.com/ and write a letter to your younger self. Follow us on social media for episode shorts and inspirational thoughts. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unraveled_rising/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unraveled_rising

Family is supposed to love us—but what happens when they’re the ones who hurt us… or when we’ve been the ones who caused the pain? We open up about one of the hardest topics of all: family trauma.We talk about:✨ How to face the pain without reopening old wounds✨ The difference between healing with family vs. healing from family✨ Why forgiveness isn’t the same as forgetting✨ What to do when reconciliation isn’t possible✨ How to free yourself from the guilt, shame, and patterns that keep you stuckThis conversation is raw, real, and deeply human—a reminder that healing doesn’t mean pretending it never happened. It means choosing peace, even when it still hurts.If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.🌐 Visit us at https://unraveledandrising.com/ and write a letter to your younger self. Follow us on social media for episode shorts and inspiration.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unraveled_rising/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unraveled_rising

Remember when we could disagree without destroying relationships? We tackle something we’ve all felt lately: the loss of honest, respectful debate. Our tough conversations too often end in arguments—or silence. And all that bottled-up tension? It’s not just uncomfortable… it can create stress, disconnection, and even illness. We talk about:✨ Why collective trauma makes us more reactive and less open✨ How avoiding hard conversations hurts us just as much as arguing✨ Practical tools to bring curiosity back into our disagreements✨ Our own behind-the-mic moments as hosts when we didn’t see eye to eye✨ Why rebuilding the art of debate is key to healing personally and collectively This episode is a reminder that conflict doesn’t have to break us—it can actually help us grow, if we learn to lean in with compassion.✨ If this conversation resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode.

In this episode, Michelle and Terry open up raw and unfiltered about the tension they felt before recording, the weight of recent tragic events, and how these moments affect us all on a deeper, collective level. Processing trauma and finding healthy ways to respond with love instead of hate, they share honest reflections, personal experiences, and tools that can help us navigate these heavy times.This conversation dives into:💬 The importance of processing emotions instead of avoiding them💔 How collective trauma impacts our daily lives and relationships🙏 Why community, gratitude, and love are essential in moments of crisis✨ Practical ways to manage anger, fear, and overwhelming emotionsIf you’ve been feeling the heaviness of recent events, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone — and that healing begins with awareness, love, and showing up for each other.00:00 – Intro & Setting the Tone02:15 – The tension before recording: being real and vulnerable05:40 – Processing collective grief after recent tragic events10:20 – How trauma shows up in daily life & relationships14:50 – Responding with love vs reacting with anger19:05 – The importance of awareness and emotional processing24:30 – Finding community & strength in shared struggles29:10 – Gratitude practices that help shift perspective34:25 – Faith, hope, and grounding during heavy times39:55 – Final reflections & message of love over fear

Don’t wait for a health crisis to take charge of your care.In this episode, Dana Sherwin, a healthcare administrator turned patient advocate who brings 35 years of insider experience—and her own journey with chronic illness—shares why patient-physician communication is broken—and what we can do to fix it. Her patient-centric model equips people with the tools to speak up, engage more effectively with doctors, and become true partners in their own healthcare journey.We explore:✨ Why waiting for a crisis is the wrong approach to healthcare✨ How to communicate clearly and confidently with your doctor✨ The skills you need for shared decision-making✨ What healthcare leaders can learn from patient voices✨ Why everyone—young or old—needs to engage in their care todayWith decades of executive leadership in hospitals, managed care, and consulting—plus the lived experience of being a patient herself—Dana offers a rare, 360° view of what it takes to navigate today’s healthcare system.🌐 Learn more about Dana: Dana Sherwin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desherwin/✨ If this conversation inspired you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode.🌐 Visit us at https://unraveledandrising.com/ follow us on social media @UnraveledAndRising for more real, unfiltered conversations.

Have you ever had thoughts you’d never dare say out loud? We did—and in this episode, we went there.From private insecurities and silent judgments to the things we hide in relationships and daily life—this conversation is equal parts vulnerable and liberating.We talk about:✨ The fears we carry but never admit✨ The messy truths behind “I’m fine”✨ Why silence keeps us stuck in shame✨ The freedom that comes from finally speaking what’s realThis episode will challenge you, comfort you, and maybe even give you the courage to put words to your own unspoken thoughts.👉 If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t say that out loud,” this one’s for you.✨ If this conversation moved you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode.🌐 Visit us at https://unraveledandrising.com/ Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unraveled_rising/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unraveled_rising

We’ve been taught how to show up at work to succeed… but what if, in the process, we lose ourselves?This conversation hit home as we explored what it means to show up in the world as women—driven to succeed, yet often disconnected from our true selves.Kristine Genovese, a trailblazer in holistic wellness, shares how the Soul Intelligence® Method empowers people to reconnect with their inner truth and release trauma at the subconscious level—without needing to relive painful past experiences. Through her work, she is helping both individuals and healthcare professionals shift from burnout and dysfunction to alignment, healing, and wholeness.We talk about:✨ The hidden cost of “showing up strong” in the workplace✨ How women can succeed without abandoning themselves✨ What the Soul Intelligence® Method is—and why it works✨ How subconscious healing transforms every part of life✨ Kristine’s vision for reshaping healthcare through energy-based healingThis episode is a powerful reminder that success means nothing if it comes at the cost of your soul—and that true healing begins when we reconnect with who we really are.🌐 Learn more about Kristine’s work, courses, and the Soul Intelligence® Method: https://soulintelligencemethod.com/aboutTo download our 30-Day Inspirational Calendar, visit https://unraveledandrising.com/

In this gripping episode, Dan shares his journey from the edge of destruction in California to rebuilding a life in Georgia with his wife, who stood by him.This isn’t just a story—it’s a warning and a promise.– The spiral: drugs, prison, and homelessness– The fight to survive – Rebuilding trust, love, and marriage– How the camera lens became an inspirationYour brain will lean in because deep down, you know: this could happen to any of us—or someone we love. And you’ll feel the pull of his rise, because it proves that no one is too far gone to rebuild.💥 If you love redemption stories, this episode is for you.To see Dan's work, click here: https://www.rileyvphotography.com/

We open up about family trauma and healing a nation with Phyllis Leavitt, a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, whose own healing journey from childhood trauma led her to a lifetime of helping others. She’s the author of A Light in the Darkness, Into the Fire, and her latest, America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis.Phyllis sees our country through the lens of family systems psychology—and the parallels are striking. Just like in dysfunctional families, we are witnessing cycles of abuse, mistrust, and escalating conflict on a national scale. But she believes there’s a way forward—one rooted in the very principles that heal individuals and families.We talk about:– How national conflict mirrors toxic family dynamics– Why unhealed trauma is at the root of much of our division– What peaceful, reparative approaches look like in real life– How psychology and psychotherapy can help heal a nation– Why this work matters for future generations🕊️ This isn’t about politics. It’s about humanity—and the urgent need to repair our collective wellbeing.📖 Get Phyllis’s books & learn more:https://phyllisleavitt.com/Also available on Amazon.

In this first conversation, we dive into one of the most urgent issues facing our country: the nursing shortage—and the emotional and systemic trauma surrounding it.Co-hosts Terry deAragon, RN and Kimberly Diaz, RN speak candidly about the crushing weight of burnout, the aftershocks of COVID, and the massive gap between the demand for care and the shrinking nursing workforce.💥 We explore:– Why hospitals can’t run without nurses—and how close we are to a tipping point– The emotional trauma nurses face daily, from exhaustion to moral injury– Kimberly’s frontline experience during patient discharges, where oversights are becoming dangerously common– Michelle’s concern from the patient perspective, and why this affects all of us, not just those in scrubs– Why younger generations aren't entering nursing and what that means for the future📊 Research highlights from this episode:➡ Colorado hospitals have invested over $1 billion in workforce development—but it's not enough without legislative support.➡ By 2030, many states—including Colorado—face severe nurse shortages.📚 Sources:Colorado Hospital Associationhttps://cha.com/colorado-hospitals-invest-more-than-one-billion-dollars-in-health-care-workforce-and-urge-support-for-legislation/American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Nursing Shortage Fact Sheethttps://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-shortageColorado Center for Nursing Excellence Workforce Reporthttps://www.coloradonursingcenter.org/documents/publications/nursing_and_healthcare_workforce.pdf🎙 We want this series to lead to real change. If you're in hospital administration, policy, or nursing education—or have a voice in this fight—we invite you to join us as a future guest.🩺 The healthcare system is in crisis. And we can’t fix it unless we start talking about the trauma behind it.

💔 “Caregiving can heal… or reopen what was never resolved.”In this episode, Kimberly Diaz, RN and Michelle dive into the emotional complexity of caregiving within families—especially when the person needing care was once the source of trauma themselves.We speak candidly about:– The guilt and grief families often carry– The burnout that comes from sacrificing your own needs– The trauma of caring for someone who once hurt you– Why boundaries and support are essential, not selfish– And how to begin healing while helpingWith insight from Kimberly Diaz, RN, who works directly with families and caregivers through her organization Care Matters Always, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.🧠 Caregiving is hard. Trauma-informed care starts with compassion—for others and for yourself.🌐 Resources + Support:Visit https://caremattersalways.com for expert guidance on caregiving, placement consulting, and support for individuals with dementia.For more information about the podcast, visit: https://www.unraveledandrising.com/

In this deeply emotional episode of Unraveled and Rising, Terry deAragon shares the powerful story of how her trauma recovery program was brought to life inside the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. After experiencing the impact of God Behind Bars, she knew her calling was to help incarcerated women break free from the cycles of trauma, shame, and hopelessness.Terry and co-host Michelle Kavanaugh reflect on the thin line between freedom and incarceration—how easily their own pasts could’ve led them down similar paths, and why empathy, not judgment, is the foundation of true change.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:– The journey of bringing trauma recovery into the prison system– What it takes to really see someone beyond their sentence– Stories of transformation from incarcerated women– The feedback that brought Terry to tears– Why healing work belongs behind every wall—including prison walls– The deep reminder: We’re all just one decision away…🕊️ “Don't judge where someone is. You don’t know what they’ve survived to get there.”To learn more about the Unraveled and Rising Podcast, visit our website: https://www.unraveledandrising.com/

In this heart-centered episode of Unraveled and Rising, we welcome Christina Beatty, a Spiritual Embodiment Coach whose personal healing journey began in the trenches of early motherhood. What started as a season of emotional overwhelm and deep trauma became the awakening of her soul—and the birth of her life’s work.Christina shares her story of transformation and offers grounded, empowering guidance for any woman who has ever felt stuck, unseen, or unsure of her path.We explore:✨ The silent struggles of motherhood and emotional overload✨ Turning pain into power—and shame into self-trust✨ How to navigate rage, guilt, and anxiety through spiritual embodiment✨ Reconnecting with your truth, purpose, and intuitive gifts✨ Using tools like the Akashic Records, somatic coaching, and soul work to heal and expand🎁 Free resources and offerings from Christina:Visit www.rootsoflovecoaching.ca for free downloads to help you strengthen your self-trust and awaken your purpose.🔗 Connect with Christina on social:IG, TikTok, YouTube → @christina.soulempowered💬 “Your pain is not a flaw. It’s a doorway.” — Christina Beatty

In this episode, we get real about a topic many women carry silently: our relationship with sexuality.From our younger years—when we confused intimacy with love, gave too much of ourselves, and sought validation with it—to now, as women in our 50s, navigating menopause, healing, and self-worth, we unpack the messy, honest, and powerful truth of our journey.🔥 We talk about:– Using intimacy to hold onto relationships– How trauma, insecurity, and culture shaped our sexual identity– The shift in how we see ourselves today– How men and women view it differently– Why even in a healthy marriage, intimacy can still be a struggle– How to reclaim your powerThis episode is vulnerable, raw, and long overdue. We hope it helps you feel seen and reminds you that you're not alone.🌀 You’re allowed to evolve. Your worth isn’t tied to your sexuality. And healing is always possible.👉 Subscribe for more real conversations about life, growth, relationships, and resilience.

💔 In this deeply personal episode of Unraveled and Rising, we pause to honor the lives of three courageous firefighters—John Morrison, Frank Harwood, and David Tysdal—who were victims of the recent ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.Our co-host, Terry deAragon, once lived in this community as a traveling nurse. With compassion and vulnerability, she shares her reflections, her connections to those impacted, and her hopes for the long-term healing of the families of the victims and also the family of the boy who carried out this heartbreaking act.This episode is not about headlines. It’s about humanity, trauma, and how we respond with care. We explore:– How to support families and first responders beyond the news cycle– The long echo of grief and why presence matters– Youth loneliness, trauma, and how disconnection can become dangerous– The importance of mental health, belonging, and early intervention– Holding space for all who are grieving🕊️ This is a space of remembrance, not sensationalism. Of action, not just mourning. Of grace, not judgment.🎗️ Official donation links for the families:Family of John Morrisonhttps://buy.stripe.com/6oU14m1J24LOdQiguwfAc11?fbclid=IwY2xjawLRSXpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkS0N3dGwwYVd2Rlc4Z0JKAR7oJDgHDmdhUJwVxkgkB3Q2NrKLYKNZoPzL_ImgAG0vYT82FhrVPBOjFVh_dg_aem_g_j8nJOIxCWq4BBp5vLoBQFamily of Frank Harwoodhttps://buy.stripe.com/4gM5kCevObacfYq1zCfAc12?fbclid=IwY2xjawLRSYhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkS0N3dGwwYVd2Rlc4Z0JKAR5NNYUzz1pnQe1TKMdBE_NnnwSMFLsjI2NxmXsArWXy-htcd0NnaIMelvKoMg_aem_74PepGAJXJu3Hc68oUTY4AFamily of David Tysdalhttps://buy.stripe.com/4gMfZg3Ra0vy3bE3HKfAc10?fbclid=IwY2xjawLRSZVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkS0N3dGwwYVd2Rlc4Z0JKAR7sW6wMpdjjzVMW1wTXY8o3KQJiFlq614c8QftgDDPhQaVdtjaPt9EXedTOvg_aem_Bne3BvGWPjymOpWAuzG7fAInternational Association of Fire Fighters: https://www.iaff.org/Idaho-LODD/

“I made a promise to myself when I was 18—and I meant it.”In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Ed Wheeler shares the emotional journey of holding onto his marriage during its most fragile season. After nearly 7 years of separation and uncertainty, Ed made a conscious, unwavering decision: He was not going to get divorced.What followed was a years-long process of self-reflection, mindset shifts, and doing the inner work, not to fix someone else, but to heal himself.In this episode, Ed opens up about:– How his parents' divorce shaped his vow to do things differently– The moment his wife moved out—and why he chose not to give up– Why personal growth was the key to saving his marriage– How changing yourself creates space for others to change– The powerful connection between mindset, marriage, and self-worthNow, over 43 years into his marriage, Ed brings hope to anyone feeling stuck, broken, or ready to rise again.🎁 FREE GIFT from Dr. Ed:Download the Abundant Life Visualization and move from anxiety and overwhelm to peace, clarity, and calmness of mind:👉 https://yes2lifeinstitute.com/abundantlife✨ Sometimes, saving the relationship means saving yourself first.🔔 Subscribe for more raw, real, and rising conversations every week.💬 Leave a comment and let us know: What part of Ed’s story resonated with you the most?💬 Quote to carry with you: “You don’t change people by force—you invite them by example.”🔗 Join the journey: Follow @UnraveledAndRising and visit unraveledandrising.com for healing resources, podcast updates, and your free Healing Starter Kit.

In this deeply vulnerable episode of Unraveled and Rising, Michelle shares her personal story for the first time—and it’s raw, real, and emotional. From childhood feelings of unworthiness and fear to struggling with sensitivity, identity, and confidence, Michelle opens up about how these internal battles shaped her relationships, choices, and sense of self.She reflects on the pain of being mistreated by boys as a teen, the anger that consumed her in her 20s, and the unhealthy behaviors that followed her through adulthood. But everything changed in 2019 with the sudden loss of her mom—a loss that cracked her open and sent her into a deep depression.This is a story of transformation. Over the past four years, Michelle has done the hard work of healing, facing her pain, and building a stronger, more grounded version of herself. Through tears and truth, she encourages listeners to face their own inner wounds—because the earlier we do, the better we can live and love.✨ In this episode:➡️The quiet trauma of feeling “not enough”➡️How emotional sensitivity can become a gift➡️The destructive path of buried anger➡️Grief, depression, and the wake-up call of loss➡️What healing looks like after 40➡️Why your story deserves your attention—now, not later💬 Quote to carry with you:"You don’t have to wait for life to unravel you—choose to face it now, while there’s still time to rise."🔗 Join the journey:Follow @UnraveledAndRising and visit unraveledandrising.com for healing resources, podcast updates, and your free Healing Starter Kit.

This week on Unraveled and Rising, we’re reminding ourselves—and you—that healing isn’t a straight line. Terry opens up about a recent setback and how, despite having all the tools and awareness, life still humbles us. Growth doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, again and again, with compassion.Then Kimberly bravely shares her deeply personal story of abuse, identity loss, and the painful process of finding herself. As emotions rise, so does her strength—and this moment of raw vulnerability becomes a powerful reminder that there is beauty in breaking open. This episode is a testament to the courage it takes to keep rising, especially when it hurts.✨ In this episode:➡️ Why setbacks are still part of the journey➡️ The emotional cost of silence and survival➡️ How Kimberly began to reclaim her voice➡️ What real-time healing looks like in community💬 Quote to carry with you: "Awareness doesn’t mean immunity. It means you’re strong enough to feel and still keep going."🔗 Join us:https://www.unraveledandrising.com/ for your free Healing Starter Kit and more resources.

In this powerful episode, we explore why your voice matters more than you think. Stories shape our healing, connect us, and create space for both vulnerability and growth.Then, co-host Terry deAragon opens up and shares her story—a raw, honest reflection on trauma, survival, and how she’s now guiding others to break generational cycles through her work with women coming out of incarceration and trauma.This is more than a story of survival—it’s a story of becoming. Terry’s path will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and reminded that even the most shattered pieces can be rebuilt into something strong, bold, and whole.In this episode:✨Why storytelling is a tool for healing✨How Terry’s past shaped her mission✨The moment she knew she had to rise✨Lessons on faith, resilience, and purpose✨What Terry wishes she could tell her younger selfPermit yourself to speak your truth. Healing isn’t linear, and you’re not alone. Community and support change everything🔗 Let’s stay connected:Subscribe, share, and leave a comment if this episode resonated with you.Want more resources or freebies? Visit UnraveledAndRising.com.🎧 You’re not broken. You’re becoming. Unravel with us—and rise.

Welcome to the very first episode of Unraveled & Rising!In this raw and real debut, your hosts—Terry de Aragon, RN Kimberly Diaz, RN, and Michelle Kavanaugh open up about their own unraveling moments and what led them to create this sacred space for healing, growth, and becoming.In this episode, we share:✅ Who we are and why this podcast was born✅ The personal stories and traumas that shaped us✅ What it means to break cycles, rewrite narratives, and rise✅ Our hopes for this community and what you can expect from future episodesWhether you're in your 20s trying to make sense of life or in your 50s rediscovering yourself—this podcast is for anyone who’s ever felt like falling apart was the first step to coming home.🫶 You’re not broken. You’re becoming.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:Download your free Healing Starter KitJoin our email list & communityFollow us on InstagramVisit our website💬 We’d love to hear from you:What’s one unraveling moment that changed you?