Humanity Unlocked

In this episode we have Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn, a Behavioral Scientist who worked as a family nurse practitioner for over 25 years joining us. On July 20, 1990, Dr. Joyce experienced a sudden cardiac event in a swimming pool following an adult relay race. Her heart had stopped. After getting rescued at the bottom of the pool, she received 22 minutes of CPR & was airlifted to UC Davis Hospital where she was admitted into the ICU & put on a respirator. Over the months and years that followed, Dr. Joyce suffered from aphasia and cognitive delays due to an injured temporal lobe. She required speech therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and suffered with anxiety and depression as she fought to regain brain function. This single event launched Dr. Joyce onto a path of discovery where she learned of a concept referred to as Posttraumatic Growth, or PTG.    Dr. Joyce went on to earn her Master's degree in Nursing and her Doctorate in Education. After becoming discouraged with the current rehabilitation models, Dr. Joyce focused her Doctoral research on developing and organizing a new model called Metahabilitation, a philosophy and system of recovery and rehabilitation promoting posttraumatic growth (PTG). Her ongoing research and writing focuses on recovery, survivorship and posttraumatic growth, promoting Metahabilitation in clinical areas. Today Dr. Joyce is a Professor of a Traumatology course at Cal State University Sacramento. She is the author of multiple publications & lectures all over the world to help survivors of trauma apply Metahabilitation in a variety of recovery and rehabilitation settings.   In this episode we're talking about what we get wrong when we are dealing with trauma, why the antidote to despair is action, and the importance of believing another story about ourselves, to find a way - not just out of our trauma - but up!   You can find Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn online HERE   Find out more info & register for Women's Wellness Day on September 7th HERE   Order Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn's book, Anatomy of a Survivor HERE   Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!       Find us on TikTok!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/        

In this episode Dr. Catherine Schweikert, author of the book The Compassion Remedy, joins us to discuss the work she is doing within the medical field to integrate compassion into healthcare practices.   Catherine describes the current state of our healthcare model and tells us why the absence of compassion is causing both patients and physicians to suffer unnecessarily. We talk about the multiple benefits, common fears, and proven science demonstrating the positive impact that compassion has on our health and overall wellbeing. Catherine illustrates the difference between empathy and compassion & why self-compassion is necessary in order to be of true service to others. She dispels myths surrounding the term "compassion fatigue" and why these misconceptions exist. We explore the reason people "need to be needed" and how sacrificing oneself in the process of helping another is not a compassionate action. As we wrap up Catherine shares info about the documentary she is working on: Compassion Heals. You. Me. The World. To find out more information about this project or to get involved, please email: [email protected] For more information about Dr. Catherine Schweikert & the work she is doing, you can find her her online at https://catherineschweikert.com/ Purchase Catherine's BOOK, The Compassion Remedy: https://www.worldchangers.media/catherine-schweikert-the-compassion-remedy      Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Find us on TikTok!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/    

Today Dayna Summers joins me to talk about the pros and cons of her experience with 3 different GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide, Ozempic, and Mounjaro) and what led to her choice to begin taking them. After a complicated upbringing, Dayna went on to become a marathon runner, triathlete, and bodybuilder. She built her Real Estate brokerage from the ground up & is now among the top 1% of realtors, nationwide. While at the top of her game in 2017, complications in her personal life lead to an onslaught of stress, weight gain, and a devastating diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.   A lot of us have heard the buzz surrounding these weight loss prescriptions, and most of us know at least one person who is taking them. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Semaglutide are names that, by now, many of us are familiar with. The reaction from the public regarding these medications is pretty split, depending on who you ask. Some will suggest that those who decide to go the route of weight loss prescriptions are taking the easy way out. They are accused of being lazy, lacking discipline & will power.   As with most polarizing topics, there are two sides to consider before rushing to judgment and I think Dayna's story will help us understand things a bit differently.     Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Find us on TikTok!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.    **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/

On June 28, 2024 I said goodbye to my beloved Tucker. I have been unable to speak about this for the last few weeks. I told very few people. I had a hard time saying (and even texting the words), that Tucker, my sweet and faithful Soul Dog of 10 years, had gone to heaven to be with Bubba.   I knew I would experience intense grief after his passing, this is something I expected, especially after what I went through losing Bubba. But the gaping whole in my heart & profound emptiness I have had to endure day after day after losing him...this is something nobody could have prepared me for. In this episode I talk about the last few weeks of Tucker's life. I describe the arduous task of weighing out every option that was presented by his vet, and share the recurring thoughts and feelings that lead me to make this impossible decision. Tucker has been my trusty companion for the last 10 years. I adopted him at a time when I was very sick with Lyme disease and in many ways, he saved my life. I wanted to honor him by talking about his life, including the day of his adoption & why we chose Tucker among all of the available dogs. He was the definition of a Soul Dog, in every sense of that term.     Watch this episode on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Find us on TikTok!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.

WELCOME TO SEASON 4!! Today we have licensed marriage and family therapist, Kateri Ross, joining me to kick off the season with an episode about Confidence vs. Insecurity. We are using the subject of confidence as an umbrella topic because beneath that umbrella lies some key behavioral characteristics that often determine if we are, in fact, confident...or if we're actually insecure!   Some of those characteristics include:     Judgment, Vulnerability, Arrogance, Humility, Over Sharing on Social Media, Self Awareness, Negative Thinking, Apologizing, Perfectionism, Hyper-Sexuality   In this episode we will talk about each of these characteristics & discuss whether we think the presence or absence of each one is a sign of confidence or insecurity.   If you live locally and want to get in touch with Kateri, you can find her online at  https://www.thinkwell.health/      Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Find us on TikTok!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/

Today I am sitting down with Rana Alkhalil. Rana is a 46 year old married mother of two teenagers. She was born and raised in Dubai, attended college in Lebanon where she received her degrees in Advertising and Communications. Rana is fluent in 3 languages: English, French, and Arabic and at the age of 23 she moved to the US, where she later started her family. For many of us, putting time and effort into our appearance can feel stressful and it can feel like a lot of work. But for Rana this is more than superficiality, which is an assumption I think a lot of people might make. Rana believes the practice of putting herself together each day when she leaves the house is in preparation to face the world as the best version of herself. Rana grew up around fashion with parents who worked in the industry and when she moved to the US she was taken aback by the lackadaisical approach that Americans take towards their appearance. Many of us view this as "normal" but where she is from, the lack of effort toward image is incredibly abnormal. Which I believe makes for a very fun and interesting conversation. We are all very familiar with getting judged & insulted for having a poor image. But interestingly enough, being "too much" can also make us a target for insults like "She's just trying to get attention" or "She needs to tone it down". Rana is here to talk about all of this & more! Her resounding message throughout this episode is: "Look Good. Feel Good. Do Good!" Follow Rana @luxurydealandsteal3 on Instagram! Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest. **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/

Ditch any assumptions you may have had of our disabled population, because what you're about to hear will change everything!   Today I am sitting down with Alycia Anderson. Alycia is a disability advocate, nationally sought after DEI speaker, trainer, and motivational TEDx speaker. She is the head of The Alycia Anderson Company and she is the host of the podcast Pushing Forward with Alycia. Every episode of her podcast is a story of empowerment, resilience, and breaking barriers. It's everything she is known for & more... (and truthfully, that's putting it modestly).   Alycia has been featured in countless magazine articles, on news shows, and speaks to communities, companies, and various organizations across the nation about the benefits, principals, and practices of accessibility & inclusion.   Alycia is a tennis player, a cyclist, & an identical twin who has been a wheelchair user since birth. She has a remarkable story and an empowering message for all of us, which is to "believe in the things we've never seen before".   You can find Alycia online!   Subscribe to Pushing Forward with Alycia on Apple Podcasts! Follow Alycia on Instagram! Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   **We are located in Sacramento, CA. All episodes record in person** **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE 01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/

Today we are discussing the topic of postpartum depression. My guest, Katie, did all she could to ensure a healthy happy arrival for her first born baby. She was married in 2011 and became a homeowner 4-5 years prior to starting her family. Katie experienced a normal healthy pregnancy. She created a birthing plan that included a natural childbirth and attended classes during pregnancy to prepare for motherhood. With all of the education, the planning, and the preparation, the topic of postpartum depression was never addressed by her clinicians or her course instructors.   Looking back on her experience we discuss what a disservice this is to new moms everywhere who despite their best efforts, are unwarned and uneducated about how to navigate postpartum depression and the darkness that can show up when we least expect it.   Katie joins me to share her story in an effort to help others understand the realities of postpartum depression, and she gives encouragement to anyone who is in the trenches, as well as practical advice for how to overcome it.   Check out these online resources mentioned in today's episode:   https://www.postpartum.net/   https://fit4mom.com/workout-classes/stroller-strides   Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   **We are located in Sacramento, CA. All episodes record in person** **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE#01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/

My guest today is Boomer Bennett. Boomer is an ex-gang member with a compelling redemption story. Today Boomer is a proud husband and father of five. He's a Public Speaker, a Coach, a Pastor, and a Leadership Development Expert for youth and young adults. This is who he is today, but that is not how his story begins.   When Boomer was just 11 years old, he was recruited into a well known infamous gang, called the Crips and was in and out of detention centers and prison for the 20 years that followed. He shares his story in great detail. How it all began, the mindset he had, and the innerworkings of the lifestyle he was apart of. As a high ranking gang member, Boomer admits he was a menace to society, up until age 24 when his life was forever changed.   In this episode Boomer shares his story and explains why young boys become attracted to gangs and a lifestyle of committing crimes. We explore the effects of fatherlessness and how the absence of a positive male role model can result in an increase risk to the choices our children make.   Follow Boomer Bennett on Instagram Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!     Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.     **We are located in Sacramento, CA. All episodes record in person**     Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]     **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE#01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.com/  

When most of us think of issues that are stigmatized, weight loss doesn't generally come to mind. Ambition doesn't either. But the truth is, the decision to pursue a career calling and the choice to get into the best shape of your life as you approach 40...this will put you in a staggering minority of individuals who have dared to ramp up at an age when most of us are slowing down, and -dare I say- letting ourselves go.   My guest, Jessica Barrie, is a 43 year old wife and a mother of three, with twin 16 year old daughters and an 8 year old son. For years she's worked as a part time photographer & stay at home. In this episode Jessica shares how the onset of minor health condition lead to her decision to make some minor incremental changes, after years of feeling "frumpy, dumpy, and grumpy" (her words!). She shares how these changes gradually lead to even bigger, braver, and better ones that paved the way to the path she's on now.   The fact is, when we choose to better ourselves and our circumstances and we share it on social media, especially later in life, there will always be naysayers. The "who does she think she is" crowd will watch from a distance, judging the person who dares to go against the grain to better their life. These people exist. They are alive and well, but they are not thriving and it upsets them when you are.   This was not Jessica's direct experience per se, but we are both keenly aware that this is oftentimes the reason more women our age will choose not to go against the grain, because "what will people say about me". In this episode we talk about the choice to go against the grain at 40 and the different ways people react to a later in life transformation, and why that is.     Follow Jessica's fitness journey on Instagram   Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube!   Follow us on Instagram!     Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.     **We are located in Sacramento, CA. All episodes record in person**     Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]     **Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty** DRE#01463125 https://www.sacplatinumrealty.net/    

Our favorite Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Kateri Ross, is back with me for the 8th time in the studio today to talk about ALL THINGS ANXIETY! If you are new to this channel (or new to the podcast), Kateri is a practicing therapist and she is the owner and founder of a private practice called Thinkwell Mental Health Services, located in Gold River, California. Kateri specializes in the area of anxiety has battled with this disorder herself, making her the perfect person to address the many questions, concerns, and myths regarding this highly complex and misunderstood topic. In this episode we talk about the various anxiety disorders, unpacking them one by one: -Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) -PTSD -OCD -Social Anxiety -Panic Disorder -Phobias -Agoraphobia Kateri addresses the strong and powerful link between workaholics & anxiety, as well as perfectionism and imposter syndrome, and why these issues are so common with anxiety sufferers. We discuss known causes and theories behind the root cause of anxiety disorders. We also talk about the physical symptoms & side effects that will will oftentimes manifest and why, such as shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues, and immune disorders, especially if gone untreated. We talk about our own personal battle with anxiety and why it looks different for each of us. Most importantly, Kateri shares proven tools & techniques she has used herself & with her clients to help them manage and ultimately conquer their anxiety, once and for all. If you live locally and want to get in touch with Kateri to explore her approach to therapy, get pricing, and/or get scheduled, she can be found online at https://www.thinkwell.health/ Watch & Subscribe to our show on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]  

In this episode we are discussing the topic of Alzheimers disease, and what life look might look like after a loved one receives this diagnosis. My guest today is Jennifer Fink. Jennifer is the host of the podcast Fading Memories. A show focused on sharing advice, wisdom, and hope, for caregivers and by caregivers, of loved ones who are living with Alzheimers. Her real world experience with this subject goes back decades, and today she joins us to share everything she's learned about being a caregiver to a person with Alzheimers disease. Jennifer is an advocate for those living with this disease and is both a community educator & facilitator of an online support group through the Alzheimer's Association, offering advice and support to local caregivers. I asked my own mom to be here as well. She herself has been navigating the fears & uncertainties that exist with Alzheimer's after receiving news of her older sister's diagnosis last year. When our once strong, sharp, & capable parents or family members begin to require the same level of care they once gave to us as children, this could result in an onslaught of emotions that we may not be prepared for. It could be very easy to start seeing them as a different person in the event an aging family member begins to display behavior that is inconsistent with what we're familiar with. My goal for today, to raise our awareness of this disease, and increase our understanding about what it means to look beyond the grips of Alzheimers and see their humanity in spite of it. For more information, visit Jennifer Fink online Add Jennifer on Instagram!   Watch Jennifer's Podcast, Fading Memories, on YouTube!  You can also find Fading Memories on iTunes:

Welcome to Season 3! In this episode I am joined by my husband Mark Daya and together we tell the story of how my TEDX Talk speaker opportunity came along. We recount why I almost declined the offer...and how I ALMOST BACKED OUT after accepting it!  We also pick up where we left off & discuss my 2 month break from recording new episodes. We talk about why this break was so necessary in order for me to get clear on the direction of the show, and to answer all of the questions I was wrestling with at the end of Season 2.   The mindset and the objective I am returning with for Season 3 feels fresh, new, and most importantly...CLEAR!! I also tease some of what you can expect in the new season and I give a rundown of topics I am still looking to book guests for.   Check out Humanity Unlocked Podcast on YouTube THIS EPISODE WILL GO LIVE ON THE YOUTUBE PLATFORM AT 1PM PST (SAME DAY)   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!   Does one of the topics we discussed today resonate with you? Visit our website and send us an inquiry for more info about becoming a guest. Or send me an email! [email protected]   **We are located in Sacramento, CA. All episodes record in person**   Sponsored by Mark Daya: Owner & Founder of Sac Platinum Realty DRE#01463125

That's a wrap on Season 2! In this episode I asked my husband Mark to join me as I look back on our last 2 seasons & discuss plans for the podcast moving forward. Today we also announce our YouTube launch as well as what to expect over the next 30 days as we recaliberate for Season 3.   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on  Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss in Season 3? Send me an email: [email protected]

Meet Jasmine. She is my 15 year old daughter and she's a sophomore in high school. She joins me this week to talk about teenagers *this day and age* and everything they either want their parents to know or wish they understood better. Jasmine is here to mostly speak on behalf of kids her age; what she's heard, what she's seen, and some of what she has experienced herself.   For those of us who are parents of teenagers, we know it's an entirely different world from when we were their age. Some aspects bear some resemblance to what they were 30 years ago when I, myself was 15...and others are wildly different. But there is one thing that hasn't changed, and that's actually my primary reason for wanting to do this episode. And that is the feeling that our parents just don't understand.   Today we're gonna do our best to bridge the generational gap that can exist between teenagers and their parents by creating a dialogue that we hope will be duplicatable in other families and households. This episode will explore questions such as...   What do teenagers struggle with or worry about most that their parents may not know about?   Why don't some teenagers confide in their parents? What are they afraid of?   What can parents do to more, or less of to help their teenager open up to them more?   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on  Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Send me an email: [email protected]

Meet Maya. Her story begins nearly 20 years ago, at age 26, with a difficult break up and a prescribed SSRI. A prescription that led to her picking up the pieces of her health for over a decade later. It's been 13 years since she last took this medication and now looking back, she wonders if she ever really needed it to begin with.   As a population I think the majority of us appreciate the relief antidepressants provide when our mental health hangs in the balance. Especially when our capacity for survival is at risk. But many of us are not warned in advance about the possibility of severe side effects or ways to mitigate them. When these medications are prescribed appropriately, one would assume the benefits should outweigh the risks. If severe side effects persist, we trust that our physicians know what is best and would adjust our prescriptions accordingly. In Maya's case, a cascade of physical side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, gut dysbiosis, overactive bladder, significant weight gain, and severe sleep disturbances were the result of 6 years on a prescription that her body simply could not tolerate.    In this episode Maya tells us her story and our resident therapist Kateri Ross LMFT is back to walk us through some of our questions regarding standard protocols for mental healthcare.   We talk about the difference between taking an SSRI temporarily versus the need to be on one permanently.  We discuss our grievances with health insurance companies regarding the lack of mental health care benefits for most individuals when it comes to long term psychiatric therapy.  We also dive into why coupling therapy alongside an SSRI prescription is vitally important for long term healing.  We discuss the issue of tapering off of an antidepressant and the importance of doing it correctly. And SO much more!   Please be advised that this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of YOUR personal qualified healthcare provider with any follow up questions or concerns you might have with respect to what is best for YOU and your health.   Visit Kateri Ross, LMFT online at ThinkWell.health. Her website covers her approach to therapy, pricing, and how to contact her for scheduling.   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]  

Kateri Ross, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist is back with me in the studio this week to discuss a topic we're talking more and more about these days. Many people have heard of it, some have experience with it, and others have struggled trying to implement it because it's not necessarily something we're taught. We are talking about the topic of boundaries! In this episode Kateri identifies the 5 different types of boundaries & we do a deep dive into why it's important for us to honor each one. We discuss the anxiety many of us have surrounding this issue & talk candidly about our own experiences with setting & enforcing boundaries, both socially and professionally.   Most of us know we need to be better at setting boundaries, but in many cases we either don't know how, or if we do know, we're afraid to create one for fear of how others might react. We unpack all of this & more!   ALSO!!! In this week's episode we make a very special announcement!! Kateri has officially opened up her private practice in Gold River, CA and I ask her a few basic questions on behalf of our listeners regarding her protocol. For more info you can visit her online at ThinkWell.health. Her website covers her approach to therapy, pricing, and how to contact her for scheduling.   Follow Humanity Unlocked Podcast on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]    

Meet Pauline McCullough. Pauline is actually my mom! In keeping with the parenting theme this month, I decided why not just go ahead & air this practice episode that we recorded back in March of this year. My mom was a trooper, agreeing to let me interview her so I could get some practice with podcast hosting. And while this is probably not my best work...and although the audio is sub-par (as we had not yet begun recording in studio), I really appreciated our conversation and thought it would be particularly relevant to share with you this month.   In this episode we talk about my mom's experience with raising 2 toddlers, while simultaneously taking on a full time caregiver role for her terminally ill mother. After the passing of my grandmother she went on to raise us as a single mom, with very little means.   My mom made a series of unconventional choices she felt were in the best interest of her children, one being the decision not to date or remarry until her kids were out of the house. A choice that was super confusing to just about everyone! My mom also made a conscious decision to co-parent in a manner that eliminated any contention between herself and the father of her children. So much of who I am and the way I parent and co-parent with my son's dad can be credited back to my mother, her positive example, and how I was raised. I hope you guys enjoy the episode because I am so proud to share her story with you!   Follow Humanity Unlocked on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]     ReplyForward

Meet Jess Rojo & Laura Valtierra. Jess & Laura are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts, both mothers of 3 children, and together they host a brand new podcast called In The Pink Room! After listening to just one episode I was so impressed that I contacted them to ask if they would co-host an episode with me about Motherhood!   The subject of Motherhood, just in general, feels very misunderstood. A lot of us moms at one point or another have assumed that being a "good mom" looks a certain way. I was dying to talk about this on the podcast & when I found Jess & Laura I knew they'd be the perfect guests to co-host with me. What I love about these ladies is that they are both incredibly humble, super transparent, and they were definitely not afraid to get real about the realities of motherhood!   The goal of this podcast is to help my guests tell the untold side of their stories, or to reveal a misunderstood side of different subject matters that we discuss. In this episode we talk about mom guilt, mom shaming, working moms vs. stay at home moms, getting & giving unsolicited parenting advice to other mothers, our biggest strengths & weaknesses as moms, traditional vs. modern day parenting roles in the home, breast vs. bottle feeding, and even co-sleeping. We also chat about the different transitions in parenting; from being a toddler mom to an adolescent mom to a tween mom to a teenager mom! The 3 of us are all at different stages of motherhood which means we are all dealing with different stressors, different behavioral challenges, different schedules, etc. This was such a fun & enlightening episode to record, I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did!   Listen to In the Pink Room   Follow In the Pink Room on Instagram    Follow Humanity Unlocked on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]    

Meet Jordan Stutsman. Jordan is my 21 year old son and he grew up as a child of divorced parents. His dad and I split up when he was baby, at just 7 months old. Jordan was brought up living with two very different sets of parents. Now age 21, he's able to look back on the experience with an understanding of its pluses and minuses, the important role his step-parents each played in raising him, and the unique perspective he has after being exposed to two different lifestyle philosophies. Jordan's insight may both surprise and encourage you, especially if you are co-parenting in a similar situation.   We also discuss his personal transformation. From an undisciplined, argumentative, & very ADHD child, to a massive self improvement + health & fitness enthusiast. Jordan's discipline extends from diet & fitness to mindset to career to relationships. And it all started before the age of 18. A great episode for all parents, step-parents, and young adults!   Find Jordan on Instagram!    Follow US on Instagram!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]        

Humanity Unlocked tuned 90 days old on December 1st!!    We open this episode with a discussion about the performance of the podcast & fill you in on what to expect for the remainder of Season 2!   Then, we circle back to revisit the purpose of this podcast and there's a lot I need to say...   About a week ago I was talking to Mark about a podcast discussion I wanted to have in an upcoming solo episode. Midway through me sharing my thoughts he pointed out that our conversational dynamic could actually work really well for this particular topic. I immediately agreed & asked him to come on with me to help facilitate this episode discussion.   Today we are circling back with a conversation about how to honor our beliefs without passing judgment, how I lean into curiosity instead of criticism, and the importance of listening to & learning from others who are unlike ourselves. I also talk about my personal connection to the concept, something I've never shared publicly.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!      

David Casler's love life took a hard left turn with the demise of his marriage just over a year ago. Single for the first time in 14 years, this is when his journey into the world of dating began.  David is an attractive, entrepreneur who owns care homes for the elderly and also happens to be a trauma and relationship coach. So in addition to being candid about his own dating and relationship experiences, he also shares a bit of knowledge & expertise that he has gained working in this arena. In this episode we go deep into the topic of relationships in general, and we talk about the personal growth that is required for them to thrive. The importance of self love and compatibility comes up quite a bit and with that we go on to explore the potential impact of our own relationship triggers when they go unrecognized. The different ways men and women communicate are discussed as well as the topic of infidelity & why both men & women cheat.    Find David on Instagram to learn out more about the work he is doing in the area of trauma & relationship coaching.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!    

Meet David Casler. As a 46 year old father of 6, David's love life took a hard left turn with the demise of his marriage just over a year ago. Single for the first time in 14 years, this is when his journey into the world of dating began.  David would be considered a great catch by most people's standards. He was born in Orange County, raised on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and later joined the marines at 18. David is an  attractive entrepreneur who owns care homes for the elderly and also happens to be a trauma and relationship coach. So in addition to being candid about his own dating and relationship experiences, David shares knowledge & expertise that he has gained working in this arena. It should be noted that about a quarter of the way through our recording I realized this episode was going to be about so much more than just men who are dating in their forties. We go deep into the topic of relationships in general, and we talk about the personal growth that is required for them to thrive. The importance of self love and compatibility comes up quite a bit and with that we go on to explore the potential impact of our own relationship triggers when they go unrecognized. The different ways men and women communicate are discussed as well as the topic of infidelity & why both men & women cheat.    Find David on Instagram to learn out more about the work he is doing in the area of trauma & relationship coaching.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!    

For 10 years personal fitness trainer Lupe Ryan was immersed in the world of bodybuilding and is an 8 time figure competitor. After her last figure competition in 2016 she decided to retire from the sport of bodybuilding to take up mountain climbing. From Yosemite and Nepal to Ecuador and Russia, Lupe has climbed more than her fair share of 14,000-19,000 ft mountains...some of them, in the snow.    In part 2 of this episode the conversation about her transition into mountain climbing continues. I ask her a bunch of questions about some of her most notable climbs & her internal desire to push herself into challenging endeavors.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!  

Meet Lupe Ryan. Lupe has been my personal trainer in the gym for the past 7 years. She is an extremely driven & motivated individual, yet she's extraordinarily quiet about it. For 10 years Lupe was immersed in the world of bodybuilding and is an 8 time figure competitor. After her last figure competition in 2016 she decided to retire from the sport of bodybuilding to take up mountain climbing. From Yosemite and Nepal to Ecuador and Russia, Lupe has climbed more than her fair share of 14,000-19,000 ft mountains...some of them, in the snow. These are the things Lupe does for fun. She doesn't get paid to do them. This isn't her job. This is what she loves, and the fact that it's incredibly unrelatable for most of us is what makes her story so interesting.   In this episode we talk about the topic of fitness competitions; the prep and all the ins & outs relating to her participation in the sport of bodybuilding. We'll also recount my personal weight loss & fitness journey that she was an integral part of. And of course we chat about her transition into mountain climbing where I ask her a bunch of questions about some of her most notable experiences & her internal desire to push herself into challenging endeavors.   There are some people who are just wired very differently. There are people who naturally enjoy subjecting themselves to challenge for the sake of the challenge, and the desire to do so is as normal as the desire to breathe. Lupe Ryan is one of those people, and she is joining us to talk all about this topic and more.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!  

You asked for it and we're delivering! In this week's episode I sit down with my husband Mark and together we tackle the topic of marriage & relationships!  Mark & I have been together for over 20 years so we thought it might be interesting to share a bit about our relationship and how we've navigated the ups and downs of marriage. We talk about our strengths and weaknesses, both individually and as a couple. We discuss what comes easily to us & the areas where we've been challenged to learn and grow together over the years. We are sharing examples that are specific to our marriage, so if you're a listener looking for marriage advice, please know that the takeaway (most likely) will be less about the "what" and more about the "how". Because it is in the HOW that we've successfully navigated those circumstances, resulting in us having a happy healthy and long lasting marriage- despite our ups & downs! We do have one disclaimer! And that is to say this is just what works for us, given our personality types. That said, we feel like the basic principles behind what we share in this episode could be beneficial across the board. If you're in a relationship & struggling to turn trials into triumphs and tests into testimonies, this is a must listen!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!   COMING TO YOUTUBE SOON!    

PLEASE EXCUSE THE AUDIO IRREGULARITIES IN SOME PARTS OF THIS EPISODE. Welcome to Season 2! In this week's episode it's my turn to get personal. Kateri Ross LMFT is our host and I am the guest. As a twice married mom of a 21 & 15 year old, I am opening up and taking you back to the very beginning. From childhood to my first marriage at 20, to my divorce & second marriage to my husband Mark, I describe the dichotomy of living in an affluent town while growing up with very little means. I talk about becoming a single mom and starting over, then later the onset of a chronic illness.   Up until my early thirties I was extremely type-A. I loved working and the idea that I would eventually end up a partially disabled stay-at-home mom was something I never anticipated, nor did I expect that it would be my best work.    I was diagnosed with lyme disease and was in and out of a wheelchair for 2 years. After a series of failures amid a decade long quest to "go back to normal" I made the choice to turn inward. I spent 5 years focused primarily on my family & health, and all but ended any remnants left of a social life. I stopped chasing down professional success and physical validation from the outside world, and I did the work.   As the host of Humanity Unlocked we thought it was time for you to get to know me just a little bit better. In this episode I tell you the highs, the lows and everything in between. It's me, raw & unfiltered. But before we dive into my story I give you an update on one or two new features we've added to the show in Season 2!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!   COMING TO YOUTUBE SOON!  

PLEASE EXCUSE THE AUDIO IRREGULARITIES IN SOME PARTS OF THIS EPISODE. Welcome to Season 2! In this week's episode it's my turn to get personal. Kateri Ross LMFT is our host and I am the guest. As a twice married mom of a 21 & 15 year old, I am opening up and taking you back to the very beginning. From childhood to my first marriage at 20, to my divorce & second marriage to my husband Mark, I describe the dichotomy of living in an affluent town while growing up with very little means. I talk about becoming a single mom and starting over, then later the onset of a chronic illness.   Up until my early thirties I was extremely type-A. I loved working and the idea that I would eventually end up a partially disabled stay-at-home mom was something I never anticipated, nor did I expect that it would be my best work.   I was diagnosed with lyme disease and was in and out of a wheelchair for 2 years. After a series of failures amid a decade long quest to "go back to normal" I made the choice to turn inward. I spent 5 years focused primarily on my family & health, and all but ended any remnants left of a social life. I stopped chasing down professional success and physical validation from the outside world, and I did the work.   As the host of Humanity Unlocked we thought it was time for you to get to know me just a little bit better. In this episode I tell you the highs, the lows and everything in between. It's me, raw & unfiltered. But before we dive into my srory I give you an update on a new feature we've added to the show in Season 2!   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest.   Have a topic in mind that you'd like for us to discuss? Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email: [email protected]   Follow us on Instagram!   COMING TO YOUTUBE SOON!  

Welcome to the final episode of Season 1! Today we are celebrating the closing out of our first season with a series of clips from each one of our 10 amazing guests who've appeared on the podcast since our launch 2 months ago. I want to say a BIG thank you to James, Rachelle, Yelena, Michelle, Maddie, Heather, Jumana, Aimee, Tara, & Mia for bravely telling us your stories & for trusting me throughout the process.    If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd love it if you could leave us a 5 star rating and a review to let us know what episodes and topics you're loving, as well as any feedback about other topics you'd like to see us cover in season 2! I welcome your feedback in all areas, so please feel free to share it! Are you guys liking the length of the episodes? Do you like having the longer ones split into 2 parts? Are there other topics you're interested in? Fill me in!!   Also, don't forget to subscribe to our show to be notified about weekly episodes as they launch. If you're listening to us on Apple Podcasts there's a plus sign next to the follow button in the top right corner of our show page. On Spotify it's on the left, right beneath the cover photo. Once you hit that "Follow" button you will be counted not just as a listener, but also as a subscriber.    The growth & success of this podcast is directly linked to the support from our listeners & I could not be more grateful for all of you. This has been the most incredible experience for me. So from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you so very much for listening and for subscribing.    I hope you guys enjoy this quick compilation of highlights from our first 2 months as a published podcast. 10 guests & 20 episodes later, today is our official wrap on Season 1. We'll see you back here next week for the FIRST episode of Season 2!   Your Host, Kimberly Daya Xo   Follow us on Instagram! Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like more info about becoming a guest! Wanna co-host an episode with me? Send me an email!    

As a Professional Consultant and Life Coach, Mia Vivone specializes in the area of trauma and is a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau. Stop Stigma is an organization funded by The Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health, & their mission is to reduce stigma and discrimination around the topic of mental health.   In this episode Mia tells us her personal story that's led to her career in professional coaching and survivor advocacy. We explore the stigma that is attached to mental illness, common barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help, and the resources available to anyone suffering in silence.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or a co-host on the show:   https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/  Follow us on Instagram!   https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==     Mia's website:   https://miavivone.com/   Mia's TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@traumacoachmia?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Mia's Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/traumacoachmia/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==      Visit Stop Stigma Sacramento online for Mental Health Services, Support, & Resources:   https://www.stopstigmasacramento.org/    Stop Stigma Sacramento is on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/stopstigmasac/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Meet Mia Vivone. As a Professional Consultant and Life Coach, Mia specializes in the area of trauma and is a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau. Stop Stigma is an organization funded by The Sacramento County Department of Behavioral Health, & their mission is to reduce stigma and discrimination around the topic of mental health. With a history of trauma that dates all the way back to childhood, Mia was a victim of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as a child and survived homelessness, rapes, and life-threatening domestic assaults as a teenager and young woman. Mia found the tools to carve a pathway to healing, and reclaimed her own humanity after decades of compulsive self-harm, suicide attempts, and addiction. And for nearly two decades, she has helped other survivors reclaim their's.    In this episode Mia tells us her personal story that's led to her career in professional coaching and survivor advocacy. We explore the stigma that is attached to mental illness, common barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help, and the resources available to anyone suffering in silence.   Visit our website and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or a co-host on the show:    https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/  Follow us on Instagram!   https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==   Mia's website:   https://miavivone.com/   Mia's TikTok:   https://www.tiktok.com/@traumacoachmia?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc   Mia's Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/traumacoachmia/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==    Visit Stop Stigma Sacramento online for Mental Health Services, Support, & Resources:   https://www.stopstigmasacramento.org/    Stop Stigma Sacramento is on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/stopstigmasac/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 

Part 2- With Tara's unusually perky and positive disposition, it's hard to imagine that her life was once consumed by severe trauma, as both a child and as an adult. From years of abuse and neglect to grief and codependency, her circumstances ultimately led to the manifestation of fibromyalgia, weight fluctuations, and a deep need for emotional healing.    In this episode Tara walks us through some of her experiences. She describes the thought process that kept her moving forward despite a lifetime of setbacks, and what led to her finally deciding to accept the care that she needed to heal. LMFT Kateri Ross joins the conversation to help shed light on the topic of Trauma: the different ways we cope, how and why it can be so misunderstood, and if it can actually manifest in the body when it goes untreated.  Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or a co-host on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 1- Meet Tara. A married mom of 4 and caregiver by nature who works in the healthcare field. With her unusually perky and positive disposition, it's hard to imagine that her life was once consumed by severe trauma, as both a child and as an adult. From years of abuse and neglect to grief and codependency, her circumstances ultimately led to the manifestation of fibromyalgia, weight fluctuations, and a deep need for emotional healing.    When we witness the results of unresolved extreme trauma, we often see coping styles that appear one of two ways. We commonly see a pattern of self destruction leading to a downward spiral. Another popular reaction to trauma is isolation, leading to a fear of engagement with the outside world. But Tara responded very differently. In this episode she introduces us to a manner of coping that often flies under the radar, making the need for resolution less obvious to those around her. And that manner is something I refer to as masking. In her case, she dove headfirst into a life of productivity, ambition, and caretaking that involved everyone except herself. The fact that Tara would have the capacity to remain so upbeat & positive in the face of this much tragedy is admirable. But the unresolved pain and trauma she kept hidden behind her smile is nothing short of heartbreaking.   In this episode Tara walks us through some of her experiences. She describes the thought process that kept her moving forward despite a lifetime of setbacks, and what led to her finally deciding to accept the care that she needed to heal. LMFT Kateri Ross joins the conversation to help shed light on the topic of Trauma: the different ways we cope, how and why it can be so misunderstood, and if it can actually manifest in the body when it goes untreated.  Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or a co-host on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 2- My conversation with Jumana continues. In this episode Jumana tells us a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about her life as a noncustodial mother.  In 2002 Jumana was 24 years old, serving active duty in the United States Air Force when she gave birth to her first child. After receiving orders to deploy to South Korea when her son was just a baby, she faced the painful reality of leaving him for an entire year to serve her country. Years later she came to find out that her child's father had become the primary custodian of their son during that initial deployment. A legal technicality that was established by default while serving her country stood firmly in the way of any parental rights she assumed were equally hers. Jumana and I discuss the judgment she encountered, the misinformed stereotypes that exist, and what it means for a zip code to have no bearing on a mother's emotional presence in her child's life.   Link to check out Jumana's Mindset Mastery coaching program: https://mailchi.mp/31765b0851f1/mindset-mastery-program   Link to Jumana's FIRST book, Weekend Warrior: Going to Visit my Mom: https://a.co/d/jaY5s3C   Link to Jumana's SECOND book, Weekend Warrior: Going to Visit my Dad: https://a.co/d/gOcRrh2   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or co-host on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 1- Meet Jumana. A 45 year old United States Airforce Veteran. She is a proud wife and mother, a personal development coach, a yoga teacher, and the author of two children's books. In 2002 Jumana was 24 years old, serving active duty in the United States Air Force when she gave birth to her first child. After receiving orders to deploy to South Korea when her son was just a baby, she faced the painful reality of leaving him for an entire year to serve her country. With a 13 hour time difference and very few updates from back home, her marriage to her son's father began unraveling at the seams. Upon her return one year later, an agreement to divorce and share joint custody was made. A few years later when she received orders to move from a base in Mississippi to one in South Carolina everything shifted. The realization that her child's father had become the primary custodian of their son during that initial deployment years prior stood firmly in the way of any parental rights she assumed were equally hers. A legal technicality that was established by default and without her knowledge, while serving her country, proved impossible to reverse, un-do, or amend despite her best efforts.   When a single father without primary custody is deployed we don't tend to react negatively. We see this as both honorable and heroic. And it is! But when it's a mother, we question it. Regardless of the fact that it wasn't her preference and regardless of the fact that she answered call after call to serve her county, the questions, judgements and assumptions lauded against her for 18 years about what kind of mother she must be to not have primary custody of her child, never ended.    In this episode Jumana tells us a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story about her life as a noncustodial mother. She breaks down exactly what occurred before, during, and after that initial deployment. We discuss judgment, stereotypes, and what it means for a zip code to have no bearing on a mother's emotional presence in her child's life. Link to check out Jumana's Mindset Mastery coaching program: https://mailchi.mp/31765b0851f1/mindset-mastery-program   Link to Jumana's FIRST book, Weekend Warrior: Going to Visit my Mom: https://a.co/d/jaY5s3C   Link to Jumana's SECOND book, Weekend Warrior: Going to Visit my Dad: https://a.co/d/gOcRrh2 Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest or a co-host on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 2- My conversation with Aimee continues. We discuss the fertility industry as a whole and the notion of capitalizing on desperation. We also talk about Aimee's plans going forward, scheduling infertility treatments around work, and her thoughts on surrogacy and adoption.    Following her divorce at age 37, Aimee took her first steps into the world of infertility. Many of us spend our younger years avoiding pregnancy with the expectation of it coming easily later on, when we have the means to support a child, or a partner to parent with…or both. We take for granted that when we choose to start our family that our bodies will comply. We assume if we decide to wait until our careers are established, our relationship is intact, and our lifestyle permits, that this option will still be there…ready and waiting for us. But oftentimes this is not the case. After spending over 6 figures in her effort to start a family using fertility treatments, Aimee was well on her way to being pregnant with twins just 3 weeks ago. But on September 1st she received the unfortunate news that her embryos didn't make it. In this episode Aimee tells us her story and sheds light into a world that many women are living in, yet seldom talk about.    Link to check out Aimee's mobile IV services: https://www.wellnessmobileservices.com/ Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 1- Meet Aimee. A 44 year old single woman, an ICU nurse/ nurse practitioner, a long time yoga teacher, and owner/operator of Wellness Mobile IV Therapy. Following her divorce at age 37, Aimee took her first steps into the world of infertility. Many of us spend our younger years avoiding pregnancy with the expectation of it coming easily later on, when we have the means to support a child, or a partner to parent with…or both. We take for granted that when we choose to start our family that our bodies will comply. We assume if we decide to wait until our careers are established, our relationship is intact, and our lifestyle permits, that this option will still be there…ready and waiting for us. But oftentimes this is not the case. After spending over 6 figures in her effort to start a family using fertility treatments, Aimee was well on her way to being pregnant with twins just 3 weeks ago. But on September 1st she received the unfortunate news that her embryos didn't make it. In this episode Aimee tells us her story and sheds light into a world that many women are living in, yet seldom talk about.    Link to check out Aimee's mobile IV services: https://www.wellnessmobileservices.com/ Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

PART 2- My conversation with Heather continues. She tells the story of what happened 3 years ago when her oldest son Austin was in a tragic accident that left him in a coma. His chances of surviving were slim, his chances of surviving without brain damage...even slimmer. Heather believed with every cell in her body that God would work a miracle and Austin would not only live, but he would go on to make a full recovery. Sure enough, defying all odds and mystifying the medical team in charge of his care, that is exactly what happened. No matter what your faith is, I encourage you to check judgement at the door and lean in with curiosity because that, after all, is what this podcast is all about. Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Part 1- Meet Heather Dubinetskiy. Married for 26 years and a mother to her 3 adult children. Heather is a philanthropist, a fashion & lifestyle influencer, and perhaps most notably, a woman of faith. The topic of our conversation is one that many people consider oddly taboo. We're talking about the topic of faith. Three years ago Heather's oldest son Austin was in a tragic accident that left him in a coma. His chances of surviving were slim, his chances of surviving without brain damage...even slimmer. Heather believed with every cell in her body that God would work a miracle and Austin would not only live, but he would go on to make a full recovery. Sure enough, defying all odds and mystifying the medical team in charge of his care, that is exactly what happened. In this episode Heather will tell the story of what happened the day of Austin's accident as well as what she witnessed the days, weeks, and months that followed. She will also share with us the path she's traveled that's led to her faith being what it is today. No matter what your faith is, I encourage you to check judgement at the door and lean in with curiosity because that, after all, is what this podcast is all about. Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show. Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==

Please be advised that this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse and self harm. Content may not be suitable for children, listener discretion is advised. Meet Maddie Reynolds. A 20 year old college senior who grew up in a happy healthy home with two loving and supportive parents. She lived in a nice neighborhood, did well in school, and had lots of friends. Yet for 7 years, unbeknownst to her parents, Maddie was a victim of childhood sexual trauma at the hands of an extended family member. When she emailed asking to tell her story, she was crystal clear about her objective: To help parents spot the warning signs and to advise them on how to respond in the event they receive news that their child has been victimized. In this episode Maddie offers us insight into how this occurs, why children don't speak up, and how to best support them when and if they do.   With decades of experience navigating this area of trauma with her clients, our resident therapist, LMFT Kateri Ross, joins the conversation. Together she and Maddie illustrate some of the downstream effects, especially when sexual trauma goes unrecognized. This episode comes with a strong trigger warning. Please be advised that common coping behaviors due to untreated PTSD including self harm, hypersexualization, and alcohol abuse are discussed in this episode.   National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Nationwide Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call or Text 988 (available 24/7)   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.      Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/humanityunlockedpodcast?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==  

Meet Michelle. She is a former Chico State college athlete who grew up in a nice home with two loving parents. Michelle is a happily married wife with 3 adult thriving children, and she has worked in the field of education as both a middle school teacher and a high school principal for the past 20 years. With a happy childhood, college education and teaching degree, combined with her achievements in college basketball that earned her a spot on the Chico State athletic hall of fame, there was no reason to think Michelle's future would be anything but bright. But behind the scenes she wrestled with a secret. Her tumultuous love affair with alcohol, spanning over 30 years, nearly destroyed her life. With almost 2 years of sobriety today, Michelle joins us on the podcast to tell us her story. What her story teaches us is that alcoholism does not discriminate based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. From coal miners and truck drivers to attorneys and physicians, alcoholism is an equal opportunity destroyer. Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

Our conversation with Yelena continues. After traveling through life at 100mph, a mixed bag of on-going health symptoms took control of the wheel and slammed on the brakes, sending her head first into a brick wall. The brick wall we're referring to is chronic illness. Days, weeks, and sometimes months in bed sleeping can elicit harsh judgment and criticism from others, and from ourselves. While the details of this story are unique to her own life, the sequence of how they occurred is textbook and it's something many of us who have fought this fight will relate to. In part 2, Yelena tells us about her diagnosis, her medical care, and the transformation of her mindset that's given her the strength to cope with her condition. Chronic illness often begins with a trigger. Excessive stress, physical &/or mental trauma, viral illness, harmful lifestyle factors and more can lower the body's defense mechanisms, thus creating a breeding ground for a chronic illness to develop. Kateri Ross, LMFT joins the conversation to give us additional insight and awareness on why and how this occurs.

Meet Yelena Chernyy. This type A high energy young woman faced a mother's worst nightmare following the birth of her first child. Her infant daughter was born with a condition that made it nearly impossible for her to grow and thrive. Yelena spent years trying to keep her daughter alive, meanwhile her own body was deteriorating. After traveling through life at 100mph, a mixed bag of on-going health symptoms took control of the wheel and slammed on the brakes, sending her head first into a brick wall. The brick wall we're referring to is chronic illness. And the aftermath was one she never saw coming. The shame and stigma that is attached to a chronic condition carries its own burden. Days, weeks, and sometimes months in bed sleeping can elicit harsh judgment and criticism from others. While the details of this story are unique to her own life, the sequence of how they occurred is textbook and it's something many of us who have fought this fight will relate to. Chronic illness often begins with a trigger. Excessive stress, physical &/or mental trauma, viral illness, harmful lifestyle factors and more can lower the body's defense mechanisms, thus creating a breeding ground for a chronic illness to develop. Kateri Ross, LMFT joins the conversation to give us additional insight and awareness on why and how this occurs. Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

My conversation with Rachelle continues on the topic of homelessness. She tells just a few of the many stories that exist of folks who have relaunched their lives and legacies with the tools that City of Refuge has to offer. Rachelle shares the expansion plans that are underway for a Restorative Housing Community for Children & Families, called Return to Wonder. This community will be located on Martin Luther King Blvd. in Sacramento, and is scheduled to break ground in March of 2024.   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

Meet Rachelle. She is the Co-founder & executive housing director at City of Refuge Sacramento. a community-based organization offering services for the following: Individuals experiencing homelessness, women that have been victimized by sexual exploitation and trafficking or abuse, at-risk youth engagement programs, workforce development, community outreach and life development programs. In this episode we tackle the stigma attached to the issue of homelessness. The judgements are harsh and they are cruel. Judgements made about issues like addiction & abuse are oftentimes ill informed, and I had a feeling the same could be said for homelessness. With over 25 years of outreach experience, Rachelle is here to help us understand the root cause of homelessness by unpacking and revealing what lies beneath the surface, where so many people refuse to look.   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

In my continued conversation with James, a path to redemption is revealed. After years of self destruction, James embarks on a road to recovery after the birth of his daughter, and he transforms into the man we know today. A man of integrity, accountability, and humility.   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast  

Meet James Arends. A 38 year old husband and a devoted father to his 11 year old daughter. With approximately 165lbs of lean muscle, James is covered in both tattoos and piercings. If someone were to judge him based solely on his appearance, you might say he is the perfect picture of toxic masculinity. But you would be wrong. Born into an alcoholic and abusive family, James clawed his way through his adolescent and teenage years, getting stuck in a repeat cycle of addiction, crime, homelessness, and shame. The "James" I know personally is a man of integrity, faith, and accountability. The James I know lacks any resemblance to the person he will describe in this episode. If his story teaches us anything, it is to remind us not to judge a book by its cover, or a person by their past. And that masculinity and humility aren't mutually exclusive.   Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

Our guest today is my good friend, Kateri Ross. Kateri is an LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist) who has worked in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I have offered Kateri a recurring guest spot on select episodes of the Humanity Unlocked podcast to help walk us through some of our more delicate discussions involving trauma. With her level of expertise, I am confident Kateri will be a tremendous asset to both our guests and listeners as we work together to understand life in someone else's shoes.    In this episode we talk about Kateri's extensive training and experience in the field of psychology, and her outlook on the future as she prepares to open her private practice. We'll discuss her diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, how it's impacted her life thus far, and her approach to coping with symptoms that accompany this particular disease. And lastly we'll talk about her role here at the Humanity Unlocked Podcast.    Visit our website at https://humanityunlockedpodcast.com/ and send us an inquiry if you'd like to be a guest on the show.    Follow us on Instagram at @humanityunlockedpodcast

It is clear we are living in unprecedented times and we are more divided than ever as a human race. This needs to change and that is the reason for this podcast. Over here, in my little corner of the universe, I have friends, relatives, and acquaintances from all walks of life. What I know is this. The more I know about a person's story  the more I understand why they do what they do, think what they think, and say what they say. And the greater my understanding is, regardless whether I agree, the more profoundly their humanity appears. Through raw and honest accounts of ordinary struggles that most can relate with, to extraordinary trauma that many have endured, we aim to offer both insight to those who may lack awareness (including myself), as well as a sense of community for anyone experiencing something similar.   Whether it's a person's upbringing or childhood trauma…their marriage or divorce…perhaps it's cultural or religious differences and beliefs…or maybe it's a battle with chronic illness or mental illness…it could be struggles with body image…with sexuality…with domestic abuse…perhaps it's financial challenges…or substance abuse…maybe it's raising or co-parenting children…the bottom line is, we discuss it all.   Please join me as I embark on the journey of a lifetime, to unlock and reveal the humanity of every guest I meet.