Affirm That Sh!t

On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I’m diving into the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to transform your life — not later, not “when things calm down,” but right now.Connie, Portia, and I open up about the retreats that changed us, broke us open, rebuilt us, and handed us back to ourselves. We talk about the power of stepping into a room full of women who look like you, feel like you, and carry the same silent weight you’ve been pretending doesn’t exist.Connie shares the story of how she trusted a retreat host before even meeting her — how she scraped pennies together, made sacrifices, and bet on herself because growth demanded it. I bring the fire when I talk about hosting retreats and watching women transform right in front of my eyes. And Portia and I crack open the idea of “investment,” flipping the script from money to energy, commitment, readiness, and self-worth.This episode is for the woman who feels the pull.
The woman who knows she’s meant for more.
The woman who’s tired of waiting for the “right time.”We talk vision boards.
We talk affirmations.
We talk fear — the good kind — the kind that tells you you’re standing at the doorway to your next era.And we end with the hardest question of all:
Are you ready to stop being the version of you that’s exhausted, overwhelmed, and hiding… and finally become who you were always meant to be?If you’ve been craving sisterhood, healing, breakthroughs, or your “I’m done shrinking” moment — this episode will hit you right in the gut in the best possible way.Reserve your spot today: https://www.sacredyutoricollective.com/

This episode of Affirm That Sh!t — Somehow I Thrived is not just a message — it’s a mirror, a megaphone, and a war cry.I’m diving into the truth about scars — the visible ones that stretch across our skin and the invisible ones that sit quietly under our smiles. We spend so much time hiding them, minimizing them, apologizing for them, when in reality, our scars are the most honest proof that we are fighters, rebuilders, and soul-level survivors.I ask one question that could flip your world inside out:
If your scars could speak, what would they say?Mine would scream: I didn’t break. I became stronger.
Yours might whisper: I survived the version of me who didn’t know how powerful I was going to become.We talk about letting go of old identities, releasing outdated emotional armor, grieving the versions of ourselves that didn’t make it to today, and honoring the woman or man who rose from the ashes.Scars do not make you damaged.
They make you certified, initiated, reborn, and dangerously wise.This episode is your reminder:
You are not what hurt you.
You are what healed.
And your story deserves oxygen.Ready to release shame around your scars? Book a session with me: https://ukiyowellness.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I sat down with David Schneer, a man whose story redefines what it means to have a backbone—literally and figuratively.On Christmas Eve 2015, David was attacked by a relative in an alcohol-fueled rage, leaving him with a cracked spine and five surgeries ahead of him. For the next eight years, his life became a battleground between pain and perseverance. But instead of letting it destroy him, David found purpose.Through faith, forgiveness, and an iron will, he turned his recovery into a roadmap for resilience. Drawing on his background in theology and over 40 years in qualitative research, David wrote Backbone—a book that fuses human emotion, behavioral science, and the courage to rebuild after chaos. His groundbreaking work combines AI and nonverbal intelligence to study how people communicate through emotion, microexpressions, and truth beneath the surface.In this conversation, David and I dive deep into the art of healing—body, mind, and spirit. We talk about karma, grace, and why forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s freedom. David shares how every scar became a signal to move forward and how he found strength not in revenge, but in surrender.If you’ve ever felt broken, overlooked, or underestimated, this episode will remind you—your pain doesn’t define you. Your comeback does.Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schneer1merrillresearch/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m sitting across from a woman whose story hits like a storm and heals like sunlight. Gayle Petrillo’s life began with fire—literally. As a toddler, a coffee burn accident left her with 40% of her body burned and a lifetime of scars, both visible and unseen. For decades, she hid in plain sight—working in healthcare, caring for others, and convincing herself that staying invisible was safer than being seen.But the truth? Hiding was the real wound.At 69, Gayle finally stepped out of the shadows. After meeting Jean, the founder of Beads of Courage, she wrote her first book, Becoming Visible, during the pandemic. In it, she unravels years of shame, fear, and silence—transforming them into strength, grace, and purpose.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to reclaim your story. We dig into affirmations about resilience, self-worth, and showing up for yourself—no matter how long it takes. Gayle shares her daily reflection practice, her journey to self-acceptance, and the power of vulnerability as a tool for healing.She’s living proof that you’re never too old, too scarred, or too scared to begin again.Connect with Gayle: https://www.firstimpressions1.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m celebrating something powerful—50 episodes. Fifty stories of grit, truth, and transformation that have cracked hearts open and changed lives, including mine.When I started this podcast, it wasn’t about the numbers. It was about connection. It all began inside my women’s group, Parea Maraki, where I started writing affirmations for women who were trying to find their voice again. Before long, people from all walks of life—including men—started asking me for affirmations that fit their stories.Then came the reels. The views climbed. The messages poured in. And I asked myself—how many more people can I reach? How many more can I help remember their worth?For years, I’ve used the word “SHIT” as an acronym—because no matter what we’ve walked through, we still rise from it. We still find our way through the darkness. And that’s what every episode of this show stands for: your story matters, your healing matters, and your truth matters.So here’s my invitation to you: if you’ve got a story burning inside you, ask yourself—are you ready to share it?

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by the unstoppable Bobby Mendez. Born into the strict rules of a Mennonite community, Bobby grew up in a world where beauty, fashion, and self-expression were forbidden. But she had other plans. From styling her sheep “Glitz and Glamour” as a girl to becoming the proud owner of The Glamour Room, Bobby fought her way into a life she once only dreamed about.Her story is a battle cry for every woman told to stay small. At 40, she walked onto the pageant stage—and walked off crowned Miss Queen of the World 2025. That crown wasn’t just for her. It was for every woman who’s ever been told she can’t. Along the way, Bobby built a thriving salon, survived the chaos of COVID-19, and launched nonprofits like Operation Dignity and Money Mindset—programs dedicated to empowering the homeless and educating young people about financial freedom.We talk about resilience, the cost of freedom, and the divine purpose that comes with embracing your gifts. Bobby’s not just a pageant queen. She’s a changemaker, a mother, a dreamer, and a fierce reminder that it’s never too late to choose yourself. If you’ve ever been stuck in the cage of other people’s expectations, this episode will set your soul on fire.Connect with Bobbi: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.queenoftheworld2025/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Karena, a woman who turned grief into grit and silence into spellwork. After her mother’s death, Karena embraced the word “witch”—a word society has long used to shame powerful women—and made it her own. From starting The Witches Inn to launching her program From B*tch to Witch, she’s building spaces where women can reclaim their bodies, their magic, and their voices.We talk about grief, anger, and the historical persecution of women who dared to lead—and how those same wounds show up today as labels like “too much” or “bitch.” Karena opens up about her first childhood encounter with a Ouija board, the chaos that followed, and how those early brushes with the unseen set her on a lifelong path of spiritual reclamation.Her story is raw, real, and relentless. It’s about turning pain into power and fear into fuel. If you’ve ever felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on your soul, this episode will show you what happens when you throw off the shackles and rise.Connect with Karena: https://www.thewitchsinn.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I talk with Elaine Lindsay—a woman who has walked through hell and lived to set the damn place on fire. At 20, she survived a horrific car accident that cost her half her leg, her baby, and years of reconstructive surgeries. As if that wasn’t enough, she later endured a nightmare series of medical procedures that left her clinically dead twice, battling sepsis, collapsed lungs, hepatitis C, and a lifetime of complications.But Elaine didn’t just survive—she transformed. With scars inside and out, she clawed her way through body shame, addiction, suicidal ideation, and grief after losing her sister and father. She chose to keep fighting, to keep laughing, and to turn her story into fuel for others.Now, through her podcast Suicide Zen Forgiveness, Elaine gives voice to stories of suicide loss, resilience, and radical compassion. In this raw conversation, she strips down the truth about survival: it’s messy, it’s brutal, and it’s also breathtakingly beautiful when you choose to keep living.If you’ve ever felt broken, this episode will remind you—you’re not broken. You’re becoming.Connect with Elaine: elainelindsay.com

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Terry Healey—an author, speaker, and cancer survivor whose story will stop you in your tracks. At 21, Terry was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a rare cancer that led to multiple surgeries, facial disfigurement, and the kind of emotional battles most of us can’t imagine. But instead of giving in, Terry chose to fight—not just for his life, but for his worth.In this raw and unapologetic conversation, Terry shares the truth about trauma, resilience, and how to keep going when everything feels impossible. From being abandoned by friends to finding salvation in group therapy, from wrestling with faith to writing The Resilience Mindset—Terry lays it all out.This isn’t a story about surviving. It’s a story about claiming your power, rewriting your reflection, and refusing to let life define you.If you’ve ever been knocked down and wondered how to rise again—this is the episode you need.Connect with Terry: https://terryhealey.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m flipping the script and pulling back the curtain on my own work as a Reiki practitioner and energy healer. People always ask me, “What is Reiki?”—and in this episode, I tell it like it is. Reiki is a Japanese healing practice that helps you unlock the energy you’ve buried under trauma, stress, and life’s grind. And here’s the kicker: it doesn’t matter if we’re in the same room or miles apart—energy moves no matter what.I walk you through how I hold space for you to heal yourself, how your intentions set the tone, and why the words you speak to yourself matter more than you realize. We talk about energy exchange—because giving without receiving will bleed you dry—and why positive self-talk isn’t fluff, it’s fuel for your soul.I share real stories of clients breaking through emotional walls in virtual sessions, and how I weave Reiki, sound healing, tuning forks, and oracle readings into coaching sessions that change lives. This isn’t about me fixing you—it’s about you discovering how powerful you already are when you let go and allow healing to flow.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step into energy work, this is it.Connect with me: https://ukiyowellness.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Debbie Simmons, and let me tell you—her story is one you won’t forget. Debbie takes us through the raw, unfiltered truth of her high-risk pregnancy with quadruplets, the heartbreak of losing her babies, and the gut-wrenching silence that followed. But she doesn’t stop there.We talk about what it really means to find faith in the middle of devastation, how she turned her pain into purpose, and how trusting the “next best step” led her to adopt nine children and support thousands of families through her work at Anchor Point. Debbie shares the power of writing her babies’ birth and death announcements in her own words, speaking at their memorial service, and reclaiming her voice when grief tried to silence her.This isn’t a story about staying down—it’s about rising, even when the weight of the world tells you not to. Debbie proves that resilience isn’t about erasing the pain, but about turning it into something bigger than yourself.If you’ve ever faced a season where you questioned God, your purpose, or your strength, this conversation is your reminder: you’re not broken—you’re becoming.Connect with Debbie: https://thedebbiesimmons.com/about/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by two powerhouse women—Connie Walton and Portia Booker—for a conversation about trauma, truth, and transformation. Together, we go deep into the story behind The Sacred Yutori Collective, the movement we co-founded to help women heal from the weight of corporate conditioning, religious suppression, and the relentless demand to “do it all.”Connie and I open up about our own journeys—the job losses, the breakdowns, the wake-up calls—that forced us to stop living for other people’s approval and start living for ourselves. Portia brings her fire into the conversation as we talk about rediscovering play, pleasure, and creativity in a world that tries to shut women down.We break down the vision for our upcoming Rebirth Retreat in March 2026: three days designed for high-achieving women to step out of the grind and back into themselves. Think boudoir sessions, massages, catered meals, sacred ceremonies, sound baths, and breathwork—all in a safe, luxurious space where you don’t have to apologize for needing rest, release, and rebirth.This isn’t just another retreat. This is about rewriting your story, reclaiming your power, and remembering that self-worth isn’t earned—it’s embodied.If you’ve been waiting for a sign to stop pouring from an empty cup, this is it.Learn about The Sacred Yutori Collective: https://www.sacredyutoricollective.com/

Welcome back to Affirm That Sh!t. This week I sit down with Katie Rössler, a powerhouse author, counselor, and grief expert who knows exactly what it means to rebuild when life strips you down. Katie opens up about moving from the U.S. to Germany with her husband and kids—a move that looked like adventure on the outside but came with cultural collisions, marriage strain, and more loss than most could imagine.Katie gets real about grieving abroad: saying goodbye to her mother, miscarriages, and the heartbreak of handling family estates across oceans and time zones. She also shares what she calls “power couple burnout”—when two high-achieving partners hit the wall and realize the old blueprint no longer works.Together we dive into reverse culture shock, bicultural marriage struggles, miscarriage grief, and the raw truth of what it means to rewrite love after loss. Katie also gives us the inside scoop on her books, The New Face of Grief and Giving Birth to Motherhood, and why her Boundary Queen program is giving couples and individuals the courage to evolve, not just endure.This isn’t a fluffy love story—it’s a story of rebuilding, reclaiming, and rising out of the ashes stronger than before.Connect with Katie: https://katierossler.com/

Some people go on vacation to “find themselves.” Mars Hendrik went all in—moving to Costa Rica at 12, learning a new language on the fly, and stumbling into music at 13 just to connect with people. But his journey wasn’t all sunshine and guitar strings. He grew up deep in evangelical church life—youth leader, worship band, the works—until a scandal blew the whole thing apart. That’s when Mars lost his faith, hit the bottom of depression, and decided truth mattered more than comfort.That decision led him to a 5-day silent meditation retreat where his mind screamed at him for 48 hours straight… until it finally surrendered. What came next wasn’t just quiet—it was an awakening. The kind that strips you down, kills your old identity, and dares you to rebuild from scratch.We talk about what it’s really like to let go of the life you thought you had to live, how meditation isn’t about killing your thoughts, and why reclaiming your name (literally) can be the most punk-rock thing you ever do. Mars also shares how his music—like his first album Explore Your Mind—weaves mental health and spirituality into an experience that makes you feel, think, and travel without leaving your seat.If you’ve ever questioned who you are, battled your own head, or felt the urge to tear your life down and start fresh, this episode will light a fire in you.Connect with Mars: https://www.instagram.com/mars.hendrik/?hl=en

Here’s the truth—burnout doesn’t just happen because you “work too hard.” It’s death by a thousand tiny betrayals to yourself. Alicia knows that story too well. In her 20s, she was running on pure FOMO, perfectionism, and the constant need to prove she was “enough.” But by 30, she hit a wall so hard it shattered her—career gone, relationship over, social life dust.Living back at her parents’ house, Alicia could barely function without getting overstimulated. Then, in one yoga class, everything cracked open. For the first time, she heard her body speak: “Why don’t you love me? Why don’t you take care of me?” That was her wake-up call—the moment she decided to stop living for everyone else and start listening to her damn self.We dive deep into the toxic cycle of people-pleasing, why it’s tied to burnout, and the brutal work it takes to retrain your nervous system so it feels safe to say no. Alicia lays it all out—her non-negotiable boundaries, how she chooses relationships that fuel her instead of drain her, and how she helps clients do the same using intuition, tarot, and nervous system tools.If you’ve ever ignored your body to meet someone else’s expectations, if you’ve ever pushed yourself past the breaking point just to be “worthy,” this conversation is your permission slip to stop. Burnout isn’t the end—it’s the breakdown that can become your breakthrough.Connect with Alicia: https://www.aliciainspired.com/

On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sit down with Theresa Mark—a nurse, a Cleveland sports fan, and a mother who’s lived through the unthinkable. Her son Josh was an athlete, an engineer-in-the-making, and a rare autoimmune disease survivor after a lifesaving kidney transplant from his father. But behind the victories was a growing storm no one saw coming.Theresa opens up about the brutal truth most people don’t talk about—the lack of mental health support for transplant patients, the stigma around suicide, and the silent weight carried by families navigating chronic illness. She shares how Josh’s mental health battles, compounded by isolation during the pandemic and medication side effects, ultimately led to his suicide.This conversation goes deep into grief, advocacy, and the fight for change. Theresa’s voice is raw and relentless—calling out the system’s failures while holding space for anyone walking through loss. We talk about signs from loved ones, the courage it takes to speak the truth, and how she’s turning pain into purpose through advocacy for transplant patients’ mental health.If you’ve ever faced loss, fought the system, or wondered how to keep going when everything shatters—this one’s for you.

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Sam Ritchie, a powerhouse of spiritual energy and the living proof that fear can become fuel. Sam grew up in constant contact with the spirit world, sensing energies and seeing spirits long before she could understand them. What once terrified her became her calling.We talk about her journey from unemployment to running a thriving spiritual business as an oracle card reader, certified angel guide, and space clearer—helping people release the heavy energy in their homes and in their lives. Sam shares the wild story of remotely clearing an inherited property that had been locked up in legal and emotional chaos, only to have the tenants open the doors within 24 hours.Sam also takes us into the raw, unfiltered side of spiritual work: the fear, the dark energies, and the physical toll of clearing heavy spaces. She explains her “do no harm” approach to oracle readings and how she delivers guidance that heals without exposing private pain—because spirituality should never feel unsafe.If you’ve ever wondered about energy, hauntings, or the way old pain clings to places and people, this conversation will crack you wide open. Sam’s story is a reminder that facing the unseen can bring not only freedom, but abundance.Connect with Sam: https://www.samangelguide.com/

Welcome back to Affirm That Sh!t. I’m your host, Jennifer Rogers—and today, you're about to meet a man whose story could light a fire in the darkest parts of you.Tony Lynch isn’t just an author, speaker, and founder of Memories of Us and the Global Grief Network—he’s a walking testament to what it means to rise after everything has tried to bury you. From being molested at age six to selling drugs at eleven… from facing a 266-year prison sentence to being homeless in a Colorado blizzard… Tony has lived through hell and still found a way to turn his scars into a battle cry.In this episode, we get raw. We talk about the trauma no one wants to admit, the prison walls that crush the soul, and the moment a stranger’s jacket in the snow became a lifeline. You’ll hear about relapse, resurrection, and the brutal beauty of starting over again… and again… and again.Tony opens up about his transformation—from gang member to grief guide, from addiction to advocacy, from isolation to impact. His story isn’t sanitized. It’s not wrapped in a pretty bow. It’s lived, earned, and bleeding with truth. And if you’ve ever thought it was “too late” for you—this episode will crush that lie.You’ll leave this episode different. Trust me.Connect with Tony: https://www.facebook.com/tony.lynch.188

What if every time the world told you “no,” it was actually pushing you toward the version of you that’s been dying to rise?On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sit down with leadership coach and creative firestarter Tanesha Moody, and we rip apart the idea that rejection means failure. Tanesha’s story isn’t polished—it’s powerful. She’s been in the theater world, crushed it in corporate, and after a layoff flipped her entire life upside down to chase purpose instead of paychecks. And let me tell you, that pivot? It was electric.We dive deep into the idea that rejection doesn’t define your worth—it refines your direction. Tanesha shares how every closed door gave her clarity, how personal loss gave her a louder voice, and how choosing herself became the best damn decision she’s ever made. Her CLEAR method is more than a framework—it’s a way of life. She talks about clarifying your purpose, living your values, embodying your truth, aligning with courage, and creating ripple effects that change everything around you.We get raw about what it means to live full out. To stop performing and start embodying. To break away from the timeline, the expectations, and the version of yourself that was shaped by other people’s rules. She reminds us that sometimes our younger self—the wild, joyful, untamed one—is the loudest compass we have.If you’ve ever felt crushed by a “no,” stuck in a life that looks good but feels empty, or scared to show up in your full power—this one’s for you. Because leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. And sometimes, the boldest move you can make is choosing you.Connect with Tanesha: https://taneshalmoody.com/

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, I sit down with Elizabeth Hudson, a truth-teller, spiritual life coach, and Kundalini yoga instructor who’s not afraid to go where most fear to tread. Elizabeth doesn’t just talk healing—she lives it. And in this raw, soul-sparking episode, we dive headfirst into the divine fire of sexuality, shame, and self-reclamation.Elizabeth shares how starting a podcast on sacred sexuality during one of the darkest moments of her life lit a new path to purpose. We get real about Kundalini energy, the toxic idolization of spiritual leaders, and why it's time to strip away shame from our bodies and pleasure.This isn’t just about sex. It’s about power, presence, and peeling back the lies we’ve inherited so we can stand in full alignment with who we are. We talk trauma, divine energy, and how to rewrite the story you’ve been forced to live in.If you’ve ever felt like your sensuality made you “too much”—this one’s for you. Because you weren’t meant to shrink. You were made to rise.Connect with Elizabeth: https://elizabeth-hudson.com/

Let’s be honest: most people are terrified to leave the cage, even when the door’s wide open.But not Dani Margeaux.On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by the fierce and fearless Dani—a spiritual rebel who walked away from the corporate world to chase something deeper: truth. She’s a Reiki master, an Akashic records reader, and an empowerment coach who now lives by one rule: lead with love, not fear.We talk about the car accidents that cracked her open, the moment she realized her “weirdness” was actually her gift, and how accessing the Akashic records led her to a whole new level of purpose. Dani gets real about what it means to follow your intuition—even when the world thinks you're nuts. We dive into the power of frequency, the shift to 5D consciousness, and why heart-centered living is your superpower.This episode is a rebellion wrapped in healing.It’s your sign to stop shrinking and start rising.Connect with Dani: https://www.iamdanimargeaux.com/

On this week’s Affirm That Sh!t, I sit down with Dave Roberts, a man who knows what it means to stand in the rubble of grief and still find a way to build something beautiful. After losing his daughter Janine to cancer, Dave was forced to face the dark night of the soul. He talks about the milestones forever tied to his grief—the day his granddaughter was born, the day Janine left, and how community, spirituality, and resilience helped him rise again.We dive into the messy, human parts of grief: how it fractures you, how it bonds you to others, how it forces you to grow roots you never knew you had. Dave opens up about connecting with Janine’s spirit, embracing ancestral healing, and the raw, ongoing journey of letting go while keeping the bond alive.If you’re searching for hope, for real talk, for a reason to keep breathing through the ache—this one’s for you.Connect with Dave: https://www.facebook.com/david.j.roberts1/

This one hits deep—because it’s not just about mental health. It’s about survival. It’s about truth. It’s about coming back from the edge and finding power in your scars.On this week’s Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Jamie Hughes—a powerhouse of a social psychologist who has battled grief, depression, abuse, and a suicide attempt. And instead of letting it define him, he used it as fuel to rebuild.We talk about the loss of his mother, the trauma of growing up with an emotionally abusive father, and how those experiences pushed Jamie to pursue psychology—not just as a field, but as a calling. He opens up about his journey with therapy, his evolving relationship with his pain, and what it really means to support someone through a mental health crisis.This episode isn’t wrapped in pretty bows. It’s a survival manual with pages ripped from the rawest parts of Jamie’s life. We talk affirmations, self-compassion, and the truth about what healing actually looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s messy, nonlinear, and absolutely worth the fight.If you’re in it right now—grief, depression, uncertainty—this one is for you. You’re not alone. And your story isn’t over.

What if the pain you’ve been silenced for becomes the power you rise with?On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by guest host Portia Booker from Groove with Portia as we welcome Barbara D. Hayward—guide, storyteller, and the soul behind The Old Girl’s Spiritual Stuff, known to many as The Oracle. She’s lived the stories most wouldn’t dare to tell: childhood trauma, spiritual exile, forced motherhood, and the long, brutal climb back to herself. But Barbara’s not here to be pitied—she’s here to pass the torch.Together, we unpack how grief is a forced redirection, not a curse. We talk about affirmations as armor. About survival as sacred. And about what it means to reclaim your soul when the world has tried to erase it. Barbara lays it bare—from escaping a manipulative marriage to surviving hospitalizations, from secret spiritual training to publicly reclaiming her purpose in her 60s.This isn’t polished. It’s powerful. And it’s for anyone who’s felt they had to whisper their story just to survive. You’ll leave this one raw, affirmed, and ready to rise.Connect with Barbara D. Hayward: https://theoldgirlspiritualstuff.com/

Grief can break you—or it can remake you into something unshakable.On this soul-cutting episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sat down with Dorian Johnson, a powerhouse father and motivational speaker who took the wreckage of losing his son and turned it into a message that moves mountains.Dorian walks you through the unimaginable—losing his son Bayland in a hiking accident—and how that moment cracked him open. But instead of crumbling, he rebuilt. Through audacity, virtue, and relentless reflection, Dorian carved out a new kind of fatherhood, one rooted in memory, meaning, and mission.We talk about the power of virtues like kindness and courage, how grief teaches you about the depth of love, and why your story doesn’t end in the dark. It’s about recognizing the sacred in your sorrow—and rewriting the story with your heart still in it.This episode isn’t just for grieving parents. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt their life split open—and dared to build something beautiful from the ruins.Connect with Dorian:  https://www.facebook.com/dorian.johnson.7771

What happens when your heart breaks and the world keeps spinning? You show up anyway—with gratitude and fire.On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer Rogers brings on the fearless, funny, and brutally honest Portia Booker. Portia walks you through the heartbreak of losing her mother, the silent war of grief, and the wild ride of choosing gratitude over victimhood. You’ll hear how she found humor in pain, saw signs from the other side, and turned her experience into a sacred mission to support others.You’ll talk grief that doesn’t fit inside a 5-day bereavement policy. You’ll talk about why anger is not your enemy—it’s your signal flare. And most importantly, you’ll learn how to rewrite your story with gratitude at the wheel and grief riding shotgun.You’ll explore how storytelling isn’t just a coping mechanism—it’s your inheritance. Portia will show you that your tears hold wisdom, your laughter is medicine, and your truth is your power.Whether you’re feeling stuck in sorrow or ready to channel your pain into purpose, this episode will meet you where you are.Connect with Portia: https://www.facebook.com/pbookali/Purchase FGWG: https://bit.ly/4dvEvl8

Let’s be honest—sometimes love looks like pain when all you’ve ever known is survival.On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sat down with KerryLifeCoach, a woman who grew up in a toxic household with an abusive father and spent years stuck in patterns that mirrored that pain. She opened up about her journey through abusive relationships, the emotional scars left behind, and the moment she finally said, “Enough.”We talked about red flags we don’t talk about enough—gaslighting, triangulation, and that constant high-low rollercoaster that keeps you second-guessing your sanity. Kerry didn’t just survive it—she built a mission out of it. Now she helps others break the cycle through self-love, soul distancing, and emotional boundaries that hold.She also shared what it’s like to try and maintain “no contact” when kids are involved, how to reclaim your worth piece by piece, and why it’s time to stop blaming yourself for how others chose to treat you.This one hits deep. It's for every person who’s walked away from a relationship and still felt like they were the broken one. You’re not.You’re healing—and Kerry’s here to walk with you.Connect with Kerry: https://www.kerryrasenberger.com/

Let’s be real—advocating for your child in the school system can feel like going to war without a weapon.On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sat down with Trina Jones, the no-nonsense founder of Advocates for Educational Excellence, and a mother who turned heartbreak and resistance into fuel. Her daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, and what followed was a crash course in fighting for what her child actually needed.Trina shared her story—from getting talked down to by school staff, to demanding a proper evaluation, to finally watching her daughter receive the services she deserved under a legally binding IEP.We talked about how IEPs are often misunderstood, how they’re living documents that parents have power over, and why it’s not just okay—but necessary—to ask questions, call meetings, and push back.We also went deep on something no one talks about: grief. The grief that comes with watching your child struggle, being told they’re “just behind,” and realizing no one’s coming to save them unless you raise hell. Trina opens up about what it took to hold the line for her daughter, and how she now helps other parents do the same.This episode is your battle cry if you’ve ever been made to feel like you were too emotional, too demanding, or too much when advocating for your child.Trina is working on a new app and book to guide more parents through this broken system—and trust me, she’s just getting started.Subscribe to my YouTube channel and share this with the parent in your life who needs to know they’re not alone.Connect with Trina:  https://aee-group.org/

Let’s talk about the crap no one warns you about when you step into leadership—the manipulation, the people-pleasing, the emotional landmines we carry from corporate culture straight into entrepreneurship.In this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I sat down with Domina Rose, a powerhouse strategist and the creator of The Rose Effect methodology. Domina doesn’t sugarcoat a damn thing—and thank God for that. We got real about the price of ignoring manipulation in leadership, the wounds we carry from toxic corporate spaces, and the masks we wear to survive it all.Domina opened up about growing up in a narcissistic environment and what it really takes to unlearn toxic patterns. She dropped truth after truth about the difference between leading from control and leading from wholeness. Spoiler alert: it starts with getting tired of your own bullshit and being brave enough to break the pattern.We talked about fear, accountability, emotional sobriety, and the moment where you say, “I’m done living in survival mode.”This episode isn’t here to pat you on the back. It’s here to call you forward.If you’re done playing small, and ready to lead from a place that’s healed, whole, and unapologetically yours—Domina’s got you.Connect with Domina: https://fearlessxfemme.comAnd if this episode lit a fire in you? Don’t let it burn out. Share it. Own it. Affirm it.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been told they’re too much, too emotional, or just too damn different.I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Christianna Carr—my soul sister in all things divine and real. She’s not just a spiritual psychotherapist; she’s a WEIRDO in the best way: a Wonderful Individual Exuberantly Reflecting Divine Originality. Christianna’s story is raw, powerful, and full of truth. She opens up about her childhood trauma, growing up with an alcoholic father, emotional incest, and the weight of trying to fix people who never asked to be saved.She’s walked through hell—and she did it barefoot, with a spark still in her soul.Christianna shares how she began to heal by reconnecting with her inner child—through play, through poetry, and through saying yes to every wild, messy, beautiful part of herself. She reminds us that you can laugh and cry in the same breath. That therapy doesn’t always happen on a couch—it can happen while spinning in circles in your yard or reading kids’ books out loud.She’s also manifesting her dream: Begin Within, a space for healing, creativity, and community. What started as a metaphysical shop has evolved into a full-on sanctuary of soul work, where she’s combining workshops, gardening, support for Indigenous communities, and sacred space for people to reconnect with who they really are.We also talk about her “Daily Crumb” series on YouTube and TikTok, her poetry collection (yes, it’s on Amazon and Barnes & Noble), and the hard-earned wisdom that led her here.If you’ve been trying to hold it all together, this episode is your permission to let go and just be.Let your weirdness shine. Your inner child is begging for a playdate. And remember—healing is hard, but hiding who you are is harder.Connect with Christianna: [email protected]

What do you do when the world you built burns to the ground?
On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer Rogers sits down with Coppe Cantrell — a singer, songwriter, producer, and real force of nature who turned heartbreak into holy fire.Raised in Los Angeles and part of the music scene that helped define an era (think 2Pac and Death Row Records), Coppe lived it all behind the scenes with her late husband, multi-platinum producer Johnny "J." But after his tragic death, she faced the fight of her life: surviving grief, rediscovering herself, and stepping into a new purpose through faith in Christ.Coppe opens up about supernatural experiences that pulled her from despair, how she unlocked her true singing gift at 40 through a prophecy, and why financial independence isn't optional—it's survival, especially for women.From running a business as a solo mom to creating a foundation for widows and recording her faith-driven album The Breastplate of Righteousness, Coppe’s journey is a masterclass in rising from the ashes without losing your soul.This episode hits every raw nerve—grief, identity, faith, survival—and reminds you: your story isn’t over just because your world fell apart. It's just getting louder.Tune in if you're ready to armor up, claim your worth, and walk through hell with your head held high.Connect with Coppe: https://coppecantrell.com/

When life throws its hardest punches, some rise from the canvas stronger than ever. Jennifer Rose Goldman, a wellness entrepreneur and motivational speaker, faced such a moment when a sudden stroke left her fighting for her life just before turning 31. In this powerful episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer Rogers engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer and her mother, Caryn Meg Hirshleifer.Together, they dive into the harrowing experience detailed in their memoir, In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing. Jennifer recounts relearning basic functions and discovering the "gift of presence" amidst adversity. Caryn shares the emotional journey of witnessing her daughter's transformation and the challenges of adjusting to a new reality.This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of familial bonds, and the human spirit's capacity to find meaning in the face of catastrophe.Connect with Jennifer and Caryn: https://inthefaceofcatastrophe.com/

In this soul-punching episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer is joined by the unstoppable Bekah Slider—former pastor, confidence coach, mother, and OnlyFans creator—who rips the bandage off purity culture, religious trauma, and the shame that comes with owning your body and your voice.Bekah opens up about growing up under the suffocating weight of Christian pillars, seggsual shame, and promise rings. At 15, she broke free—literally and figuratively. But it wasn’t a straight path. From toxic relationships to marriage, ministry, motherhood, and ultimately deconstruction, Bekah shares how losing her religion led her to find herself.She sheds light on the brutal loss of community, the quiet agony of rebuilding identity, and the loud, liberating power of saying “This is me. Take it or leave it.” From preaching to polemic, Bekah now helps men and women embrace their confidence—yes, even on OnlyFans.This episode is raw, bold, and brutally beautiful. If you've ever been told you're too much, too loud, or too sexual, this one’s for you.Trigger warning: We talk faith, seggs, loss, shame, and power—unfiltered.Connect with Bekah: https://www.facebook.com/[email protected]

When your body betrays you, how do you rebuild your life—piece by piece, breath by breath?In this raw episode of the Affirm That Sh!t Podcast, guest host Portia Booker from Groove with Portia takes the mic while Jennifer Rogers is away—and she’s bringing the fire.Portia sits down with Anna Kerry, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and wellness coach, who was just 35 years old when her world flipped upside down—after a stroke in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.Healthy. Fit. Strong. And still—her life was nearly stolen from her.Alone in the hospital with no visitors allowed, Anna shares how grief, fear, and identity loss nearly broke her. But her husband’s voice echoed in her mind—“Inhale. Exhale.” Those two words pulled her back from the edge and became the mantra that carried her into recovery.From dismantling the myths about strokes to learning how to grieve the woman she once was, Anna's story is a battle cry for anyone who’s ever faced down life and said, “Not today.”She’s living proof that rock bottom can become sacred ground, and that the breath is more than survival—it’s a reclamation.If you've ever lost yourself in the chaos and wondered if you'd make it back, this episode is your mirror. Connect with Anna Kerry on social media and stay tuned for her upcoming book, where she dives deeper into healing, resilience, and rewriting your narrative after trauma.Connect with Anna: https://annakerrycoaching.com/

What would you do if your child vanished without a trace?On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with Monica Estevez, a Life Enrichment Director and a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors. But today, she speaks as a mother—one who lived through every parent’s nightmare.In May 2022, Monica’s daughter, Briana, went missing. For over a year, she lived in a relentless cycle of fear, grief, and desperation, searching for answers that never came. Then, in November 2023, an Instagram post revealed the unthinkable—her daughter had been trafficked, sold from hotel to hotel, and returned home as a different person. The scars run deep, and the road to healing is anything but easy.Monica shares how she leaned on her faith, the brutal realities of human trafficking, and the red flags every parent needs to know. She speaks on the failures of the system, the importance of tracking loved ones' locations, and her mission to help other families facing the same nightmare.This episode is raw, heartbreaking, and a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of the fight against human trafficking.Connect with Monica: https://www.facebook.com/monica.estevez.5811

What happens when you stop living for everyone else and finally choose you? Six years ago, Sanet Van Breda stood at a crossroads—fade into the background or step into her power. She chose to live. Now, as Your Voice Amplifier, she’s helping extraordinary souls amplify their message through Your Voice TV Network, Diamond Moments Magazine, Soul Diamond Publishers, and more.In this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer and Sanet dig into the real, raw work of transformation—self-love, forgiveness, and the power of boundaries. Sanet opens up about the moment she realized she had given everything to others but nothing to herself. She shares how she wrote a letter, burned it, and finally forgave the one person she had neglected—herself.Sanet also drops wisdom on how movement fuels energy, why saying “I love myself unconditionally” every morning can change your life, and how the Japanese principle of Ikigai helped her align her passion with her purpose. If you’re struggling to find your voice, to set boundaries, or to finally put yourself first—this episode is for you.Connect with Sanet: https://selflove4me.com/

Ever felt like the universe is ignoring you? Like you’re screaming into the void, but no one—not even God—is listening? On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with award-winning speaker, poet, and author Raul "Wise Wolf" Marin to rip the mask off self-doubt and dive deep into self-love, faith, and the raw power of gratitude.Raul opens up about his lifelong struggle with love—how society, family, and even his own inner voice told him he was missing something. But a single event in 2020 changed everything. When asked, How much do you love yourself on a scale of 1-10? and Why isn’t it a 10?, he was forced to confront the truth: self-love isn’t just a concept—it’s a daily commitment.In this episode, we break down the chains of limiting beliefs, explore what it really means to trust in a higher power, and challenge you to redefine your own worth. Through poetry, purpose, and raw honesty, Raul shares how embracing gratitude unlocked his true potential—and even led him to the love of his life.If you’re ready to silence your inner critic, own your worth, and step into your power, this is your wake-up call.Connect with Raul: https://www.raulthepoet.com/

What do you do when life doesn’t go as planned? Andrea Hunt is here to tell you—pivot, adapt, and embrace the adventure. From heartbreak and job loss in Germany to a whirlwind journey across continents, Andrea shares how she rebuilt her life with courage, curiosity, and a rock-solid morning routine.Teaching English in China, working in PR in Beijing, and becoming fluent in Spanish—Andrea's story is a testament to resilience. Now, as a coach, she helps others break through fear, resistance, and self-doubt using EFT tapping. In this episode, she and Jennifer dive into what it means to truly reinvent yourself, how to recognize when you’re stuck, and why fear of success can be just as paralyzing as fear of failure.If you're craving a fresh start or just need a reminder that you hold the power to change your life—this episode is for you. Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe!Connect with Andrea: dreahunt.com https://ebooks.dreahunt.com/free-ebook-learn-more https://ebooks.dreahunt.com/anxiety-stress-book450844

What if the key to healing is buried in the wounds of your past?In this episode of Affirm That Sh!T, Jennifer sits down with Shalina Bell—single mom, author of Don’t Worry Inner Child, We Got This!, Reiki Master, and creator of the #DailyRituals movement.Shalina opens up about losing her mother at 24, the PTSD that followed, and the emotional toll of 20 years battling tumors. She refused to accept a future without children, pushing through countless surgeries before reclaiming her life with a hysterectomy. But her journey didn’t stop there. She turned her pain into purpose—helping others heal from within.In this deep and moving conversation, Shalina reminds us that emotions are energy in motion, that self-love starts with asking the right questions, and that healing isn’t about masking pain—it’s about doing the work. From reiki and mediumship to inner child healing and gratitude, this episode is a wake-up call to step into your power.Connect with Shalina: https://www.instagram.com/shalinab_?igsh=c244dWJ2aDRzaHV6&utm_source=qrhttps://www.tiktok.com/@myserenity615?_t=ZT-8tgkueLgAOo&_r=1

Not all battles leave visible scars. Some hide in the silence, the perfectionism, and the need for control. On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with Clare Loewenthal—author, magazine publisher, book coach, and entrepreneur—to unravel the reality of eating disorders, mental health, and self-reinvention. Clare had a picture-perfect childhood, but when she left for college, she spiraled into anorexia—a disease that wasn’t just about food, but about punishing herself through deprivation. At her lowest, her body was on the brink of collapse. Hospitalization saved her life, but leaving treatment brought a new challenge: a future she wasn’t prepared for. With no home to return to and fear of relapse creeping in, she had to fight for more than just survival—she had to rebuild from the ground up. Through writing, resilience, and an unexpected spark of inspiration, Clare turned her struggles into strength. From overcoming social isolation to launching her first magazine, her journey proves that true recovery isn’t about a number on a scale—it’s about rediscovering who you are. Tune in for a brutally honest conversation about identity, healing, and why survival is just the beginning. Connect with Clare: https://www.clareloewenthal.com.au/

On this raw and riveting episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with Eve Csakvary, "The Legendary Coach," for an unforgettable conversation about survival, strength, and the fight to rebuild. Founder of the Open Hands Institute and host of the Openminds2Openhands podcast, Eve has dedicated her life to empowering others—but her journey to becoming a beacon of transformation wasn’t without battles of her own.Eve opens up about the silence she carried for 15 years. At just six months old, her daughter was sent to live with Eve’s mother in Europe, a heart-wrenching decision that left Eve questioning everything. Missing milestones like her daughter's first steps and enduring guilt, Eve vowed that this wouldn’t be her ending.With grit and determination, Eve clawed her way back—through food shortages, cold homes, and feeling like a foreigner in her own life. A surprise second chance at love in the United Kingdom gave her the life she once dreamed of in Chicago, proving that the hardest part of transformation is staying where you don’t belong.Eve’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and faith. She reminds us all: you’re stronger than you think, and it’s worth fighting for the life you deserve.Connect with Eve:[email protected] Open Hands Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/4genHyS

He didn’t like the guy in the mirror—so he changed him.On this unfiltered episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with US Navy Submarine Veteran, author, and The Legacy Coach for Men, Ernest “Ernie” Wood. His book, Asshole to Awesome: Journey to Joy and Happiness, isn’t just a title—it’s his life story. Raised by a 14-year-old mother, begging for food as a kid, and falling into bad habits like gambling and stealing, Ernie was headed for disaster. But when he learned he was about to become a father, everything changed.Joining the Navy was just the beginning. Ernie takes us through his transformation—the discipline, the self-sabotage, the brutal lessons, and the breaking point that forced him to redefine his entire existence. He opens up about his struggles with forgiveness, how his own mother cut him out of her will, and why gratitude became his greatest weapon.Ernie’s message is clear: Awesome isn’t just a feeling—it’s a destination. If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start building a legacy you’re proud of, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Ernie:Www.ernestwood.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-wood-5609b1330/https://www.facebook.com/ernest.wood.758https://a.co/d/6lZcze4

Grief doesn’t come with a rulebook, but Lynn Lewis found a way to turn unimaginable loss into a mission of healing. In this raw and unfiltered episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with Lynn—a Certified Grief Coach, Educator, and the author of My Suicide Grief Journey Journal & Memory Book—to talk about surviving the unthinkable: losing her only child, Daniel, to suicide in August 2019.Lynn takes us through that devastating day, the frantic search for Daniel, and the moment her world shattered. But instead of letting grief consume her, she made a choice—she refused to die with her son. Through therapy, support groups, and relentless resilience, she clawed her way back to life, proving that joy and sorrow can coexist.Now, as a grief coach, Lynn helps others navigate the darkness, sharing powerful insights on healing, the difference between therapy and coaching, and why the hardest part of grief is simply telling the story again. She reminds us that the weight of loss is too heavy to carry alone and that moving forward isn’t forgetting—it’s choosing to live.If you or someone you know is struggling with loss, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an honest, soul-stirring conversation on survival, healing, and the power of choice.Connect with Lynn Lewis:destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com [email protected]

Brace yourself for an unfiltered, soul-shaking episode of Affirm That Shit! Jennifer Rogers welcomes the unstoppable Regina LaFrance, an author, survivor, and advocate whose story will leave you speechless. Hailing from a small village in Portugal, Regina’s life was forever altered by a violent attack in her childhood—a trauma that lingered for decades in the shadows of self-doubt, depression, and destructive inner dialogue. But Regina didn’t stay down. In 2015, she picked up her pen and wrote Shayla—a novel born from her pain, her truth, and her relentless desire to protect vulnerable children from similar horrors. In this episode, Regina doesn’t hold back. She talks about confronting her inner child, breaking free from the chains of ego, and how affirmations became the backbone of her healing. With fiery passion, she shares how discipline, mindset resets, and faith reshaped her life—impacting everything from her marriage to her sense of self-worth. Regina reminds us that healing isn’t passive—it’s a full-throttle, unapologetic commitment to joy, growth, and relentless self-awareness. Through scripture, vulnerability, and raw honesty, she’s building not just a story but a movement. Tune in to this episode and get ready to feel every word. Because this isn’t just a story—it’s a revolution.

This week on Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer Rogers welcomes the fierce and fearless Connie Walton—Founder of Elemental Massage and Bodyworks, Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner, and Manifestation Coach. Connie dives deep into her journey of transformation, from being labeled the “black sheep” of her family to navigating abusive relationships and breaking free from societal expectations.Connie opens up about the struggles of being a young mother, entering a toxic marriage based on what she thought she “should” do, and losing herself in the process. When the pandemic hit, it became a catalyst for her awakening. She shares how losing her job, experiencing grief, and confronting her unhappiness led to a powerful rebirth and a deeper spiritual path.Connie’s story is raw, real, and packed with lessons about resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to pivot toward a life that feels authentically yours. From her binge-worthy love for the It’s Fucking Spiritual podcast to the retreat that changed her life, Connie shows us what it means to shed old identities and embrace the freedom of living unapologetically.Tune in to hear Connie’s unfiltered truth—it’s a conversation you don’t want to miss.Connect with Connie:https://www.conniewalton.com/https://www.facebook.com/ReallifebeautyRN

Get ready to be rocked to your core on this episode of Affirm That Sh!t! Jennifer Rogers welcomes the fierce and fearless Roberta Campbell—International Bestselling Author, Podcast host of UnleashHer, and an unstoppable Motivational Speaker. Roberta opens up about a phone call that shattered her world: her daughter had been struck by a car as a pedestrian, leaving her with a traumatic brain injury and a long road to recovery. But Roberta isn’t one to crumble. Through the heartbreak, the sleepless nights, and the relentless battles for her daughter’s wellness, Roberta chose faith, gratitude, and healing. She dives deep into her journey of overcoming an abusive relationship, her transformative experience with mentors like Bob Proctor, and the powerful lessons she’s learned about self-awareness and accountability. Roberta doesn’t sugarcoat a thing—she talks about the moments she felt broken, the faith that carried her through, and how gratitude became her saving grace, even in 2020's chaos. Together with her daughter, she poured their story into a book that became an international bestseller, turning their pain into purpose. This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a battle cry for anyone ready to reclaim their power, heal unapologetically, and rise stronger than ever. Tune in, buckle up, and get ready to Affirm That Sh!t!Connect with Roberta:https://linktr.ee/shelooksfineofficial

On this episode of Affirm That Sh!t, Jennifer sits down with Jacky Foss, a healer, Angelic Reiki Practitioner, and creator of Recipe for Your Soul. Jacky takes us on an unfiltered journey through her mental health struggles, starting at just 22 years old when a mental breakdown left her feeling trapped and hopeless. With societal platitudes and a culture of “pushing through,” Jacky found herself stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, shame, and self-neglect.Jacky reveals how these struggles stemmed from childhood expectations and how they followed her into adulthood, leading to disassociation and disappointment. She speaks candidly about the turning points in her life, including the vital role her husband played as her anchor and leaving a toxic job to reclaim her joy.Now, Jacky creates safe spaces where individuals can embrace their authentic selves. Whether it’s through her Angelic Reiki practice or her soul-centered work, Jacky meets people where they are, helping them find hope, laughter, and connection one day at a time. This episode is a moving reminder that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding the courage to take small, intentional steps forward.

On this Affirm That Sh!T episode, Jennifer is joined by Christa Rose, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author of Skip the Pain, Experience the Pleasure. Christa’s life is a powerful testament to resilience. She opens up about surviving a head-on collision, losing her husband to leukemia, and facing a chronic illness after being told she had only four years to live — she’s now in year six. Christa candidly discusses battling depression, addiction, and the emotional toll of trying to be “perfect” after being labeled a “mistake” in childhood. She shares how shifting her mindset helped her rediscover purpose, using affirmations, gratitude, and the healing practice of Reiki.Tune in to hear how Christa transformed pain into strength, embraced imperfection, and reclaimed her identity. She even breaks down her life-changing HOPE acronym: Heck Over Pleasing Everyone or Hold On, Pain Ends.

The holidays can bring both joy and sorrow, and for those navigating grief, the season can be especially challenging. On this heartfelt episode of Affirm That Sh!T, I sit down with an incredible group of guests—Dr. Karen Kramer, Nicole Harvick, Lynn Lewis, Christa Rose, Maria Belanic, and Portia Booker—who open up about their personal experiences with loss and how they’ve been able to heal. We discuss how to cope with the empty chair at the table, the feelings of survivor’s guilt, and how to redefine or even let go of holiday traditions after loss. These raw, honest conversations provide insight into surviving the holidays and finding ways to honor your emotions, both the grief and the joy. You’ll hear about: Surviving the "second holiday" when the numbness fades (Dr. Karen Kramer) Embracing all emotions—grief, joy, and everything in between (Maria Belanic) Keeping traditions alive, or deciding it’s okay to let them go (Christa Rose) Creating new memories while cherishing old ones (Lynn Lewis) Finding spiritual meaning and signs after loss (Nicole Harvick) Navigating family dynamics and the loss of the matriarch (Portia Booker) This episode is about learning to move through the holidays with courage and authenticity, allowing yourself to feel everything and begin healing.

In this eye-opening episode of Affirm That Sh!t, I’m joined by Amber Durbin, LPC, a courageous woman who shares her journey through not one but two domestic violence marriages. Amber opens up about the patterns of control, manipulation, and abuse that she endured, and how she eventually found the strength to walk away—not once, but twice.  Amber’s first marriage began when she was young, and she believed the verbal abuse and control were “normal.” Isolated from friends and family, she endured years of apologies and excuses before a simple birthday party became the catalyst for her escape.  Her second marriage started with charm and promises but quickly revealed red flags that Amber dismissed as cultural differences. Over time, the relationship turned manipulative and abusive, even affecting her children. Amber recounts harrowing moments, like recovering from a C-section while being forced into uncomfortable situations, and the heartbreaking moment her oldest son was physically harmed.  Through her courage, Amber fought for her children’s safety, navigating a lengthy legal process to ensure their well-being. Now, she shares her joy in watching her kids thrive, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and how to protect your peace.  This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to break free and rebuild, and the importance of listening to your instincts.