Butler's Babble

Tessa Belanger, who is half Algonquin and half Vietnamese, shares her journey of resilience and healing after experiencing childhood abuse. Tessa discusses her upbringing, the impact of her experiences on her mental health, and her journey to create 'Pass the Sage,' a platform for storytelling and healing. She emphasizes the importance of speaking out about trauma, the challenges of motherhood, and her commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices. Tessa's story is one of strength, transformation, and the power of community.

In this episode of Butler's Babble, host John Butler interviews Dr. Rob Kelly, a recovery expert who shares his incredible journey from a troubled childhood in Manchester, England, to becoming a successful doctor and entrepreneur in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kelly discusses his early exposure to alcohol, the impact of addiction on his life, including homelessness and violence, and his eventual path to recovery. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming addiction and the need for open conversations about alcoholism. Dr. Kelly also highlights his current work helping others and the significance of family in his life.

Samantha talks about her tumultuous journey through childhood trauma, bullying, and addiction. She discusses her high school years marked by substance abuse and the challenges of motherhood in toxic relationships. Through her story, Samantha emphasizes the importance of healing, self-acceptance, and the ongoing journey of personal growth. she emphasizes the significance of seeking help, the power of sharing one's experiences, and the ongoing journey of healing and personal growth.

Dani shares her journey of addiction, starting with marijuana and alcohol in her early 20s. She discusses how her addiction escalated and affected her schooling, relationships, and mental health. Dani eventually sought help and found recovery through AA. Dani discusses her academic struggles, including being diagnosed with dyslexia and receiving special accommodations. She also opens up about her mental health challenges, including depression, self-harm, and an eating disorder.

Derrick McManus, a former South Australian police officer, shares his story of resilience and survival. After joining the police force, he eventually joined the special task and rescue group (also known as STAR). Derrick became a sniper, a diver, and trained with the SAS in counter-terrorism. He served with STAR for 11 years out of his 42-year police career. He shares his experience of being shot 14 times during a mission. He describes the events leading up to the shooting and the injuries he sustained. Despite being shot multiple times, McManus remained calm and focused on controlling panic and shock. After three hours, backup arrived and he was rescued.

Julia Pearce shares her personal journey of raising her son Dallin who had multiple disabilities. Sudden onset of his seizures, Dallin showed resilience and determination, relearning skills after each seizure. The cause of his seizures remains unknown, but Julia and her family continued to support him and celebrate his audacity to keep going. He lived his life to the fullest and inspired others with his strength and positivity until his untimely passing a month before his 22nd birthday. Original Video version of this podcast can be found at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

Christine Levesque shares her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming an advocate for autism awareness and support. Christine faced challenges in school due to language barriers. As a teenager, she experienced homelessness and couch-surfed to survive. Despite these hardships, Christine was determined to finish high school and pursue a better life. She eventually moved to Niagara Falls, where she faced a life-altering bus accident that left her bedridden and struggling with mental health issues. Christine's life took another turn when her son was diagnosed with severe autism, leading her to become an advocate for autism services and support. She overcame her own struggles with postpartum depression and isolation to fight for her son's rights and the rights of other families affected by autism.

Elizabeth shares her journey as a figure skater and the challenges she faced, including her coach's departure and personal struggles. She talks about the opportunity to train in Lake Placid and the difficult living conditions she experienced. Elizabeth opens up about her mental health issues and the stigma surrounding it. She discusses the intense training and loneliness she felt during that time. Elizabeth also shares a funny story from her experience at Nationals. In this conversation, Elizabeth Manley, an Olympic silver medalist in figure skating, shares her journey of overcoming mental health challenges and finding success. She discusses the cutthroat nature of figure skating and the rise of the sport's popularity. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of empowering and inspiring others, particularly in the context of mental health. She highlights the impact of mental health on performance and the need for support in the sports industry. Elizabeth also shares her personal experiences with online bullying and the power of words and support. She encourages individuals to pursue their passions and prioritize their mental health.

Tabatha shares her childhood experiences growing up in Nebraska. She also discusses her mother's chronic illness and the impact it had on her family. She opens up about her sister’s mental health struggles, including her battle with addiction and bipolar disorder. Tabatha shares her experiences and the impact it had on her family. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and putting up walls to protect herself and her family. Despite the challenges, Tabatha highlights the transformation and belief that can come from facing adversity.

Krista Buckingham discusses her health issues, including sleeping disorders, eating problems, and weight issues. She also shares her educational journey, health setbacks. Krista describes her experience of being bedridden for 14 years and her determination to find answers and improve her health. She talks about the challenges of getting off painkillers and the importance of finding alternative solutions for managing symptoms. She offers advice for people with EDS or similar conditions, emphasizing the importance of research, physical activity, and finding what works for individual health.

John talks with Selina Hinojosa about her addictions with alcohol and drugs which started at an early age until well into her 30's. Find out how she was able to kick the habits and come out stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Aubrey Johnston was diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) at 19 years old which left her extremely sick, depressed, and anxious. Not long after she found she also had an interstitial lung disease called GLILD. Find out how Aubrey was able to maintain a relationship, graduate with a college degree and take her life back.

Shanel grew up in a house where her mother had Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), more often referred to as Multiple Personality Disorder.

Sonia's story is a heartbreaking but empowering story of caring for her husband who was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer's at the age of 50.

Michelle was diagnosed at an early age with a learning disability and talks about how it effected her childhood both socially and academically, and all the way into adulthood.

A mother of three and a grandmother of eight, and married to the man of her dreams. Kari's life wasn't so happy years ago because of childhood abuse and living in a very controlled environment for many years as an adult.

Chris grew up in a broken home. The son of Filipino immigrants, his father detached himself from the family and turned to gambling. After a series of unfortunate events in grammar school and alcoholism, Chris took to the streets of queens, New York, where at twenty years old a near death street fight redirected his life and purpose. Chris then set off on a twenty-year journey which took him from New York City to Bangkok, Thailand and back again.

Rebekah shares her powerful story of how she overcame Shame and the way it drastically changed her life. Learn how Rebekah dealt with an abusive relationship, weight issues and a small baseball sized tumor on her left side of her face. Find out how she is in a better place in her life for her and her young daughter. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

From sexual abuse as a young person aged 9-16, an abusive relationship, an affair and then children not speaking to her, learn how Dawn was able to rebuild those relationships to even closer than before and be able to create a better life for herself. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

Claire grew up in the Barbados, where she sought relief from living under domestic violence. In March 2022, she lost her mobility, enduring emergency surgery to remove a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from her spine. After retuning to America, her daughter Amaranthia was severely bullied after spending her childhood in Japan. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

At Age 24 and pregnant, Jill was hit with the death of her husband. 5 years later, her dad died from Addison's disease. 6 years later, Jill found out she had Addison's disease herself. Find out how she has discovered self love and the need to empower others in their own health journeys. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

A span of 25 hours changed Jennifer's life forever when not just one, but 2 incidents left her with life-altering traumatic brain injury (TBI). Find out how she, despite a domino effect of challenges, has learned to move forward and find new purpose.

Charles has learned to survive in some of the most traumatic situations. From being orphaned, to having PTSD since he was 6 years old, to being in 30 years of addiction recovery, to being a suicide survivor, to being homeless. Charles has been through it all. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

Encountering bouts of depression and overwhelming anxiety after the suicide of her mother, Valerie sought answers and continues each day to work at not only her physical fitness, but her mental fitness as well. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

A car accident that left her permanently disabled, froze her growth to 4' 4" and left her needing crutches to walk. Learn her fitness journey that lead Michelle to a life transformational journey to fulfil her quest to climb Machu Picchu in Peru. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

From bullying, anxiety and an accident that left him paralyzed, learn how having a surgery that only 5 of 1000 patients walk out of allowed Corey to walk again. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

At the age of 15, Candice was in a serious accident and suffered a catastrophic brain injury and a stroke which resulted in the loss of more than half of her vision along with having to rebuild her life from the ground up. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

Growing up the oldest of 5 Children, Rob always found ways to get into trouble. From Encounters with the law to issues with alcohol to problems of anxiety, Rob was destined for failure. But, once Rob was bit with the photography bug, all that changed. This is Rob's fascinating story. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble

What happens when you life seems perfect - a loving family, healthy kids and an impressive career - and all of a sudden something stops you in your tracks? At age 39 Kerry Lee Brown ignored serious warning signs and had a heart attack. Learn how Kerrie Lee turned all that around. *disclaimer Original podcast was a video podcast and host and guests might refer to images on the screen. To see the visual, you can go to see the video version of the podcast at https://youtube.com/@butlersbabble