Scars to Stars™ Podcast

PODCAST · health

Scars to Stars™ Podcast

Welcome to the Scars to Stars™ Podcast, where we share stories of resilience and hope. Your host, Deana Brown Mitchell is the founder of the Realize Foundation whose mission is to reduce the number of humans who struggle with suicidal ideation by creating a world where having the conversation becomes commonplace.Like many, she kept silent about her own struggles with mental health for 23 years due to shame and stigma. It wasn't until she lost a friend to suicide that Deana realized the power of sharing our stories. In this podcast, we invite guests who have overcome adversity to share their journey and provide a safe space for vulnerability and openness. Our goal is to let other silent humans know that they are not alone and that there is always hope. Whether you are struggling with your mental health or simply feeling alone, this podcast is for you.Come join our community and let's inspire each other to turn our Scars to Stars.

  1. 126

    Triumph over Tragedy

    In this powerful episode of Scars to Stars, Deana Brown Mitchell sits down with motivational speaker, advocate, entrepreneur, and author Victoria Burmeister, whose life changed forever after a car accident at age 19 left her paralyzed. Defying medical expectations, Victoria shares how resilience, faith, and mindset transformed what could have been a life-ending tragedy into a life of purpose, impact, and hope. She opens up about navigating paralysis, redefining motherhood, raising three children after her accident, and becoming a grandmother—all while building a meaningful life filled with advocacy and service.Victoria also discusses her journey into holistic mind-body wellness, including overcoming chronic pain, regaining energy, and reducing medications through alternative approaches that supported her healing. This conversation explores identity, purpose, perseverance, and the truth that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. Whether you’re facing physical challenges, emotional struggles, or feeling “stuck” by fear or circumstance, this episode is a reminder that adversity does not define destiny—and that it’s possible to design a life without boundaries.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#disability #advocacy #paralysis #overcoming

  2. 125

    Ground, Release, Awaken

    In this Scars to Stars episode, Deana sits down with Grace Sophia—speaker, transformational coach, spiritual teacher, and “medicine woman”—to talk about healing, suicide prevention, and reclaiming inner authority. Grace shares her journey from immigrating from Siberia to New York City at age six, to dedicating her early life to helping her family and community through psychology. She studied educational psychology (CBT with children and families), worked as a neuroscience researcher, and spent time studying suicidality, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.Grace explains what stood out most in her suicidality research: warning signs can sometimes look like someone suddenly “feeling better” right before a suicide attempt—because having a plan can bring an eerie sense of relief. She also talks about how societal pressure, “toxic positivity,” and lack of authenticity can cause people to suffer silently—and why conversations and real connection matter.From there, Grace shares why she felt called beyond traditional academia into alternative healing modalities, including shamanism, reiki/energy work, somatic approaches, and sacred/plant medicine (as part of her work and teachings). She introduces her signature Magnetic GRACE Method—Ground, Release, Awaken, Create, Embody—and guides listeners through a short grounding meditation aimed at helping people return to their bodies, release heavy energy, and reconnect to life force.Grace also shares a transformation example (anonymized) that includes journaling practices, holistic supports, meditation, music as emotional medicine, and mentions plant medicine as part of the approach. The conversation comes full circle when Grace reveals she lost her younger brother to suicide—fueling her passion to help others stay, find support, and rediscover purpose.Disclaimer (for the treatments Grace mentions)This episode includes discussion of complementary/spiritual practices (e.g., energy work, shamanic practices, somatic tools) and also references plant medicine, including psilocybin. This content is for education and personal storytelling only and is not medical or mental-health advice. Outcomes vary by person, and some approaches may be illegal where you live or carry medical/psychological risks, especially for individuals with certain conditions or medications. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, and seek immediate help if you’re in crisis. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency number.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#MagneticGraceMethod #GroundReleaseAwaken #EnergyHygienePractice #FromResearchToRitual #HealingInCommunity

  3. 124

    Broken Medical System

    In this Scars to Stars episode, Dr. Rachael Degurse opens up about what happens when the career you dreamed of your whole life starts costing you your mental health. Raised in Colorado, Rachael poured everything into becoming a physician—medical school, residency, years of relentless dedication—believing that once she “made it,” life would finally feel steady and fulfilling.But after her physician-owned practice was sold to a corporate entity, medicine became less about patient care and more about productivity, shrinking appointment times, changing pay structures, and constant pressure to do more with less. Rachael shares the reality behind the white coat: skipping meals, not having time to drink water or use the bathroom, carrying emotional exhaustion home, and feeling depression deepen as the joy of connecting with patients was stripped away.At her lowest point, she considered leaving medicine entirely—until she found a different path. Rachael courageously built a med spa while still employed, then took the leap to become her own boss. The result? Less money, but more freedom, more time with patients, and a return to herself. Now she’s expanding again—opening a membership-based primary care practice that gives patients longer visits and gives doctors back autonomy.This episode is a powerful reminder that caregiving shouldn’t require self-destruction—and that there is a way out of broken systems.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#PhysicianBurnoutTruth #CaregiversNeedCareToo #MedicineWithoutTheMachine #AutonomyHeals #DirectPrimaryCareJourney

  4. 123

    Journey of Becoming

    In this Scars to Stars episode, Leandra shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of becoming who you are—not just what you do. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she followed the “get the degree and the job will come” promise… and instead found burnout, long commutes, imposter syndrome, and the quiet pressure of trying to keep up.From public health and nonprofit work to serving pregnant and postpartum moms in the Black Infant Health Program, Leandra’s heart for community has always been clear—but so was the cost of hustle culture on her mind and body. When COVID hit (and family loss hit even harder), she began asking deeper questions about identity, purpose, and what really matters.Leandra opens up about taking a terrifying leap into entrepreneurship, the grief and financial strain that followed, and the hard-but-holy work of untangling worth from titles and paychecks. She also shares what she learned as a domestic violence advocate—reminding listeners: it’s not your fault, and you deserve a safe plan and support.This episode is for anyone rebuilding, pivoting, grieving, or realizing they can’t “push through” anymore—you need your people, your peace, and a path forward.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#PivotWithPurpose #WorthBeyondWork #BurnoutToBoundaries #CommunityIsCare #FromSurvivingToStrategizing

  5. 122

    Radiant Connections

    In this Scars to Stars episode, I sit down with Irina Baker—founder of the Radiant Connections Network—for a powerful conversation about what happens when you “change everything” on the outside… and still feel broken on the inside.Irina shares her journey from the former Soviet Union to America, and the unexpected truth she discovered: location doesn’t heal pain—inner work does.We talk about hopelessness, spiritual awakening, and how purpose can become the lifeline that keeps you here when you don’t want to be. Whether you’re navigating darkness, searching for meaning, or craving a new way forward, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and there is another chapter after the hard part.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #HopeAfterHard #PurposeOverPain #pastlives

  6. 121

    Freedom From the Mind

    This episode of Scars to Stars is one of those conversations that reminds you people can completely rewrite their story.Vishrant shares how he went from an “uncontrollable” kid and gang leader—armored, angry, and disconnected—to a life devoted to healing, purpose, and love.A pivotal encounter cracked his defenses, but it was a near-death experience at sea that opened his heart in a way he couldn’t ignore, leading him to walk away from everything and spend years searching for what mattered most: the heart.Today, he teaches people how to step out of the exhausting “dream in your head,” find real presence, rebuild relationships, and break free from addiction and victim-thinking.The episode weaves through purpose, suicide prevention, kindness, and the power of conversation—ending with a simple message that lands like a lifeline: “I love you.”#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #YouAreNotAlone #ConversationsSaveLives #FindingPurpose

  7. 120

    The Brain Health Breakthrough: How Omega Balance & Simple Testing Can Change Everything

    In this episode of Scars to Stars, I sit down with Bibi, a former nurse who’s passionate about brain health and whole-body wellness. She shares why omega-3 and omega-6 balance matters so much for inflammation, mood, and cognitive function—and what makes her approach unique: at-home dry blood testing that shows your baseline and tracks progress over time. We talk about how most people are unknowingly out of balance, why that can impact energy, brain function, and overall health, and how Bibi saw a dramatic shift in her son’s mood and emotional regulation after correcting severe deficiency. If you’ve been trying to “eat healthy” but still don’t feel your best, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical perspective on supporting your brain and body from the inside out.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #omega3 #omega6 #balanceoil #brainhealth

  8. 119

    Hope Speaker

    In this Scars to Stars™ episode, Rachel shares how she went from a place of unimaginable grief and isolation... losing her husband to suicide, facing spiritual abuse, and becoming suicidal herself, to rebuilding a life rooted in deep healing and bold hope. She speaks honestly about widowhood, trauma, and the dangerous “mental space” where suicide can start to feel like an option, while offering a compassionate, empowering message: you can survive this season, you can protect your own life, and today’s reality is not your forever. This conversation is a powerful reminder that hope isn’t denial, it’s a decision, a practice, and a lifeline.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #suicidelosssurvivor #suicideattemptsurvivor #hopespeaker

  9. 118

    Promise to Make a Difference

    In this Scars to Stars™ episode, John K. Bates opens up about surviving not just one, but multiple life-threatening health crises; first nearly dying from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and years later enduring a severe post-surgery infection that spiraled into clinical depression, anxiety, and akathisia. He shares candidly what it’s like to lose hope, to quietly consider ending it all, and to feel like joy and normalcy are gone forever. How one promise he made to “make a difference” and one person telling him, “You’re going to be okay,” helped him hold on. John’s story is a powerful reminder that our intuition matters, our pain is real, and that even in the darkest seasons, healing and purpose can return. This conversation is for anyone who has felt invisible inside their own struggle and needs to know, deeply, that they are not alone and that conversations truly can save lives. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #Stevens-JohnsonSyndrome #infection #depression #anxiety #akathisia

  10. 117

    Narcissistic Religion

    Heather was a Registered Nurse that became a caregiver for her dad. After marrying, she was questioning her faith and lived with an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. Her marriage (after kids) ended in divorce which she attributes to “Narcissistic Religion.” #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #narcissitic #religion #divorce #caregiving #lifecoach

  11. 116

    No Good Book for This: Cara Lockwood’s Breast Cancer Journey

    What happens when a routine mammogram flips your whole life upside down?In this episode, USA Today bestselling romance author Cara Lockwood shares how an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis collided with raising five kids, money stress, and a daughter battling depression, along with how humor, F-bombs, and radical honesty became her lifelines. We talk early detection, why you must get that mammogram, how laughter can coexist with fear, and why real conversations and community are non-negotiable for both cancer and mental health. If you or someone you love is walking through cancer or a hard season, this one will make you feel seen, less alone, and a lot more hopeful. 💗#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #BreastCancerJourney #YouAreNotAlone #RealTalkRealHope

  12. 115

    Please Tell Her that I Love Her

    Anne and I discuss her daughters suicide attempts along with her experience with domestic violence and divorce. She also shares about how she got through it all through art and painting.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

  13. 114

    From Shifting Paths to Shaping Purpose

    Dr. Patricia Timerman Barbosa da Silva shares how immigrating to the U.S. as a teen and “losing her voice” shaped her life’s work in mental health. Drawing on suicide hotline, prevention/intervention, and postvention experience, she explains why isolation fuels despair, how connection and clear communication reduce risk, and offers practical tools—like code words and her Intention-Action-Perception (IAP) model—to help people speak up, support each other, and grieve well.Key TakeawaysIsolation is the accelerant; connection is the antidote. Depression often feels like a “500-lb invisible blanket” or a “seductive vampire” that distances us from love. Social interaction is kryptonite to that isolation.Start with the pain before the positives. When someone feels suicidal, asking why they want to die helps “drain the cup” before pouring in reasons to live.Say the word “suicide.” Avoid euphemisms (“hurt yourself?”). Ask directly and non-judgmentally.Notice behavior changes. Any meaningful shift—stopping a routine or suddenly adopting a new one—invites a caring question.Use code words to make asking for help doable. Co-create a simple word (e.g., “banana”) with clear instructions so support can be triggered without long explanations.Tears are a release, not weakness. Allowing emotion (rather than numbing) prevents it from “leaking” out in unhealthy ways.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

  14. 113

    Advocate for Civic Engagement with Chip Webster

    Chip and I take you through a journey of his RV trips, his time with Vistage, his nonprofit in Tampa, FL and how our country is so divided and what we can do about it all the way to survival of our supply chain, threat of war, and how technology and AI are changing the landscape of the world.Chip Webster is a seasoned leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for civic engagement. As the former president of Vistage Florida, he spent over 25 years mentoring CEOs and driving business growth and is the current Chairman of the Board of Tampa Bay Watch. Beyond the corporate world, he recently founded Unity in Service Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding trust through volunteerism and civic action. His latest book, Unity in Service: A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship, explores how service can bridge divides and strengthen democracy. Chip continues to mentor young entrepreneurs and champion the power of responsible citizenship. EMAIL: [email protected]#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #unityinservice #vistage #entrepreneur #business #dividedcountry #community #worktogether

  15. 112

    A Different kind of Psychiatrist Chat with Dr. Fred Moss

    Dr. Fred Moss is a mental health advocate/psychiatrist serving in many capacities: keynote speaker, psychiatry expert witness, podcaster, mental health coach, and teacher. A desire to help people be real and heard has been the driving force leading him to multiple settings and roles as a psychiatrist over the years and compelling him to continually look for better, more effective ways to provide the highest quality care to align people with their most authentic self to deliver into an eagerly awaiting world. He is the amazing creator of Welcome To Humanity, The True Voice Course, Healing the Healer, and Global Madness.As the founder of the Welcome to Humanity movement, and the True Voice Mastermind and methodology, Dr. Fred now finds himself making the difference he came here to make. His years in the community, where he has been a physician to over 40,000 patients, and his storied and adventurous life traveling around the world has left him uniquely qualified to remind us of what we already know. Communication is where love arises from, and speaking the truth and listening authentically is the source of that love.He is the author of "Creative 8 - Healing Through Creativity and Self-Expression" and "Find Your True Voice!". He has written many articles for Psychology Today. Also, he has won an award for the best essay at the 2019 Conference for Global Transformation, titled "Global Madness, What Must Happen to Unite.”Fred has also led many courses in True Voice Podcasting, taking people from zipped-lip to podcaster in 12 short weeks. His most recent course is titled "True Voice Course" and is intended to help people who know they have something to say, to rediscover what that really is and get it out into the world. His most recent work is centered around the healing of the healers, aptly named Healing the Healer. The brilliant virtual course reminds the transitioning healers of the world that are released from their official position of a doctor, nurse, social worker, or clinician of any type, which may not be the trauma that they are likely feeling. In fact, it may be an opportunity to reset, rediscover and reenter the healing world in a new capacity, profoundly more aligned with themselves than they have ever been. A mastermind of like-minded individuals is also offered to capitalize on the essential power of community to assist when making significant paradigmatic shifts.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#psychiatry #welcometohumanity #thehealthyhealer #[IN]Sanity

  16. 111

    You Are Worthy Network

    Speaker * Author * Coach * Executive Director of Hurt to Hope * MinisterSteve shares about his struggles as a child with an absent father and how that shaped him as a father, and later a minister.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#absentfather #divorce #speaker #author #coach #minister #hurttohope

  17. 110

    AvyHD: Where Neurodivergence Meets Entrepreneurship

    Avy shares with us some things she has never talked about publicly… she is vulnerable, intentional and real with her words. She has dealt with eating disorders, ADHD, depression, anxiety and of course feeling ‘not enough’. She has built a business and raised 2 children with the help of her husband and now she helps other business owners organize their lives!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #ADHD #depression #anxiety #momlife

  18. 109

    Rugby Injury forced Change

    Camden shares about how a Rugby injury changed the course of his life. He became a coach because he could no longer play. The irony is that he found his true calling in leadership due to the set back!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#rugby #backinjury #coach #10xyourteam

  19. 108

    Let’s Break the Silence

    Angeline shares her story of being married in New York, wining and dining and making great money with who she thought was the love of her life. The abuse started as words and ended up with her in the hospital with a broken nose needing surgery. After her divorce, she has startedLet’s Break the Silence and helps women in similar situations find their voice and purpose.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#domesticviolence #letsbreakthesilence #verbalabuse #physicalabuse

  20. 107

    Bullied Kid to Jiu Jitsu Champion

    Julio Angel Rivera vulnerably shares how he was bullied as a kid in New York and was in constant fear. At 8 years old he witnessed a murder from his living room. His journey took him to body building, Jiu Jitsu, competitions, becoming an instructor and owning his own gym. He is the author of “Internal Jiu Jitsu” and “Brokedown Sensei”.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#bullied #murderwitness #bodybuilder #jiujitsu #blackbelt #self-defenseinstructor #champion #coach #author

  21. 106

    Trying Not to Die

    Deb Krier shares in depth about her diagnoses of Stage 4 triple-positive breast cancer in 2015, basal cell carcinoma in 2021, and thyroid cancer in 2023. She talks about the journey with different doctors and navigating the medical industry. Deb transformed her personal journey into a mission to help others thrive.#ScarsToStars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #SaveALifeChallenge <a...

  22. 105

    Inner Transformations with Sound Healing

    Amandine shares so much about herself growing up with eating disorders and never feeling ‘enough’. Now she is a wealth of knowledge in many modalities to heal the body, mind and soul.She talks about how important self love is, and how we are each amazing human beings and worthy of love. She teaches us that if we have a negative thought, treat it as a cloud and let it float by and do not act on it. This too shall pass!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #mindfulness #Transformation #SoundHealing #Wellness #InnerPeace #Reconnect #Harmony #eatingdisorder

  23. 104

    Healing Musicals

    In her past, Deborah was a marketing executive. In this episode, she shares how creativity can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity and building self-worth. She creates children’s plays, musicals and books with fundamental lessons that help them understand their self-worth. She is headed for Broadway folks!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #marketing #creativity #selfworthinitiative #luckypenny #paisley

  24. 103

    Brain Tumor at 23

    Benjamin shares how he was diagnosed with sever dyslexia at a young age and to this day has a 3rd grade reading level. Despite that he owns a successful event company in Austin, TX and has met many celebrities! At age 23 he had trouble hearing in one ear and was smart enough to get it checked out as it was a golf ball size brain tumor.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #dyslexia #learningdisability #braintumor #eventproducer

  25. 102

    Losing My Eye

    Diana vulnerably shares her journey of being a divorced mom of two you boys when she was diagnosed with cancer. Little did she know, she would end up losing her left eye in a rare diagnosis and even more rare surgery. She built a unique bond with many at the hospital.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #executive #leader #cancerthriver #maxwell

  26. 101

    The Mental Health Comedian

    Frank shares his history of mental health and suicide in his family. He has been a comedian for decades and also wrote jokes for Jay Leno and the Tonight Show for 20 years. He has a goal of saving a life a day.Also, he has just landed his 14th TEDx talk, making him the human with the most in the world!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #comedian #tedx #speakercoach

  27. 100

    Incredible MS Journey

    Jess shares how she woke up one morning as a teenager and her eye would not move... she was diagnosed with MS.Multiple sclerosis (MS) is&nbsp;a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.&nbsp;It's an&nbsp;autoimmune disease,&nbsp;meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, in this case, the&nbsp;myelin sheath&nbsp;that insulates nerve fibers.&nbsp;This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms.&nbsp;The journey Jess has been on is miraculous, scary and incredible!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #msdiagnosis #teenager #hospitals #stemcells #servicedog

  28. 99

    Living With Chronic Disease

    Rhonda shares about being on the road with her husband, Wayne Nelson of The Little River Band and getting a cold that would not go away. She was eventually diagnosed with AERD. Rhonda is now an advocate for chronic disease, functional medicine and supports the Allergy Asthma Network as a board member. And… don’t miss the music stories at the end!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #AERD #chronicdisease #hope #notalone #diagnosis #medicallymanaged #biologics

  29. 98

    Losing a Life Long Friend

    Hollywood shares the story of losing a lifelong friend from an accident and having a hard time with closure. This turned into him writing the book, “The Ashes”. He explains how he lost that friend that knew all the things from his life that others did not understand.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #death #livelongfriend #writingishealing #theashes

  30. 97

    Is Happily Ever After Possible?

    Carissa shares about how her ‘happily ever after’ did not turn out the way she expected. Diagnosed with several forms of depression, and dealing with suicidal ideation, she finally found herself through searching, reading, learning, healing and traveling. #scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #divorce #depression #suicidalideation #bucketlist #butterfly

  31. 96

    Losing My Brother

    Barton shares how he lost his brother to addiction.The first time he tried heroin; it was laced with fentanyl.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters#brother #fentanyl #drugaddiction #overdose #sibling #crisis

  32. 95

    How Cancer Saved My Life

    Jennifer shares about her struggles to have a baby and then being diagnosed with the most aggressive type of breast cancer. She was given a death sentence, but you will want to hear the rest of the story!She wrote a book about the experience, “Everyone Needs A Larry!” You are also going to want to hear about what she is doing to help other women that are going through chemo treatments!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

  33. 94

    The Journey to Purpose

    Danielle shares how she went from thinking music would be her life to being an ecommerce expert. We also talk about all the ups and downs along the way!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #music #careerchange #ecommerce #businessowner #jackofalltrades

  34. 93

    The Fentanyl Crisis

    Brian shares about the fentanyl crisis from his perspective of a special agent in the DEA. He shares so much education on the subject and what we can do to warn our friends, family and communities.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #lawenforcement #deaagent #fentanyl #whatcanwedo

  35. 92

    One Man, One Motorcycle

    Steven shares about his passion for leadership and giving back. On a solo motorcycle ride around the perimeter of the USA, he learned about a veteran who had taken his own life in a town he had stopped in on the norther border. After that he dedicated the rest of his ride to veteran suicide.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #veterans #goldstarfamilies #motorcycle #giving back

  36. 91

    Losing My Mom to Cancer

    Ian talks about losing him mom to cancer in his thirties and how he dealt with grief along with friends who had lost a parent.He calls it, ‘the club you don’t want to be in.’ We also talk about how travel experiences have altered our mindsets, and how getting out in the world wherever you might be, is a way to clear you mind and have lasting memories.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #mom #cancer #travel

  37. 90

    Brain Glue

    Fascinating conversation about family dynamics andthings that shape us into who we are! James is a wealth of stories and lessons.He shares about his mother’s suicide attempt as well as the lengths he went toin order to have great relationships with his daughters.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #brainglue #marketing #family #fatherdaughter

  38. 89

    The $500,000 Mistake

    Josef vulnerably shares about hardships in his lifeincluding his fiancé breaking off their engagement as well as being taught a$500,000 business mistake by a former partner. He is also a wealth of knowledgein the Headhunter/Recruiter arena and offers some tips about job hunting incurrent times!#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #recruiter #headhunter #jobsearch #employment

  39. 88

    Cultivating Joy

    As a survivor of chronic pain and invisible illness, Michele wants to support anyone on a similar journey.&nbsp;We talk about how a health event ended her job as a Human Resources professional and how she has coped with her health and chronic pain for six years.She also has a brand new book, "But You Look Just Fine". (link below)#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #chronicpain #invisibleillness #butyoulookjustfine

  40. 87

    Servant Leadership

    LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service. We talk about his service, his leadership and the suicide epidemic that is taking so many of our veterans.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters #servantleadership #leadershiplegacy #360degreetrust

  41. 86

    Is Your House Making You Sick?

    Eliminating toxins from your home is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity!Lisa shares her story of moving into her newly renovated house around the time she got married and how she got really sick for months and finally uncovered the problem!

  42. 85

    Divorced but not Defeated

    Marquette shares about her experiences being marriedmultiple times and learning how she needed to find herself before she could behappy with a partner. She also shares how she went about doing that and alsoprocessing some childhood trauma that was limiting her belief in herself.#scarstostars #conversationsmatter #mentalhealth #personalstory#divorcedbutnotdefeated#winningwomen #healedheart #healsowecanwin #winning #marquettelwalker#marquettelwalkerminstries

  43. 84

    Being Driven is not always a Good Thing

    Clara shares about being a speaker, entrepreneur,mom and driven business person. She talks about the moment her young son tookher phone and said, “you are not paying attention to me.” &nbsp;#scarstostars #mindset #mentalhealth #conversationsmatter #personalstory #ownyourtime #burnout #momlife

  44. 83

    The Echoes of Silence

    Samantha shares with us her journey of being a first responder and how that did not even prepare her when a family member was murdered.She is a fierce advocate for suicide prevention and for her fellow #firstresponders.You can read more about her story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

  45. 82

    Lessons Learned

    Lora vulnerably shares many times of adversity in her life as a teacher.Murder, divorce, music and people played huge roles in her journey.You can read more about her story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

  46. 81

    My Thin Blue Line

    Bil shares about his experience of being bullied as a police officer, and the ongoing anguish that has brought him. We also chat about his favorite things... photography and his harley!You can read more about his story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.#mentalhealth #kindnessmatters #havetheconverstion #community #personalstory

  47. 80

    How I Got Here…

    Deb shares her story of mental health issues throughout her life, letting us in for some of her most defining moments as a teen, and then an adult.Deb is a board member and active partner of The Realize Foundation.She has also penned chapters in all four volumes of the Scars to Stars™ Amazon International Bestselling Book Series.

  48. 79

    How Basketball Changed Everything

    J.D. Leisky, with 12 stints in his heart, started spending time at his community basketball court. He would shoot basketball by himself to get some exercise at his own pace on a daily basis. You can read more about his story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.It turned into meeting new friends, strengthening his heart and a new coaching venue for teens and others that joined him.#mentalhealth #hearthealth #conversationsmatter

  49. 78

    Breaking the Cycle of Silence

    April shares her story of abuse by a family member and how she was sworn to secrecy for decades. She also shares how the process of writing in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4 healed her relationship some of her family members.You can read more about her story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #simicolon #mystoryisn’tover #yourworthit

  50. 77

    Breaking the Curse of Generational Trauma

    Jeanette shares about her childhood trauma and how she carried that into adulthood. As a U.S. Marine, she continued to receive abuse in multiple forms.You can read more about her story in Scars to Stars™ Vol 4.#scarstostars #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #conversations #community #personalstory #havetheconversation #savealifechallenge #virtualevents #amazonbestseller #suicideawareness #mentalhealthmatters #kindnessmatters

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the Scars to Stars™ Podcast, where we share stories of resilience and hope. Your host, Deana Brown Mitchell is the founder of the Realize Foundation whose mission is to reduce the number of humans who struggle with suicidal ideation by creating a world where having the conversation becomes commonplace.Like many, she kept silent about her own struggles with mental health for 23 years due to shame and stigma. It wasn't until she lost a friend to suicide that Deana realized the power of sharing our stories. In this podcast, we invite guests who have overcome adversity to share their journey and provide a safe space for vulnerability and openness. Our goal is to let other silent humans know that they are not alone and that there is always hope. Whether you are struggling with your mental health or simply feeling alone, this podcast is for you.Come join our community and let's inspire each other to turn our Scars to Stars.

HOSTED BY

Deana Brown Mitchell

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