Walk With Me

What if the struggles in your relationships aren't random—but rooted in patterns you've been carrying your whole life? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brian Power, an integrated attachment theory coach, to explore how childhood experiences shape the way we love, communicate, and connect. From a chaotic upbringing marked by instability and addiction to nearly losing his marriage, Brian shares the journey that forced him to confront his deepest wounds—and ultimately transform them. This conversation is a powerful look at what happens when we stop blaming, start taking ownership, and finally learn the tools we were never taught. In This Episode, We Explore: How childhood instability and abandonment wounds shape adult relationships The impact of addiction, emotional absence, and generational patterns Why we repeat unhealthy relationship cycles (even when we don't want to) The role of subconscious beliefs in driving behavior What attachment theory is—and why it matters How miscommunication and emotional triggers escalate conflict The breaking point that nearly ended Brian's marriage How doing individual healing work can transform a relationship The importance of tools, structure, and support in personal growth Why healing is a lifelong process—not a one-time fix Key Takeaways: We are not broken—but we are often carrying unhealed wounds Awareness is the first step to changing patterns You can't change your partner—but you can change how you show up Even one person doing the work can shift a relationship dynamic Rock bottom can become the foundation for transformation Healing requires consistency, support, and willingness to look inward About the Guest: Brian Power Brian Power is an Integrated Attachment Theory Coach dedicated to helping individuals and couples understand their patterns, heal core wounds, and build healthier relationships. After transforming his own relationship through deep inner work, Brian now helps others navigate the same journey. Connect with Brian: Website: https://myrelationshipfail.com Podcast: My Relationship Fail Free Relationship Strategy Session available through his website Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, and you're ready to go deeper into your own healing journey, visit: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Explore more conversations, tools, and resources designed to support your growth, your relationships, and your path toward embodied healing. And if you found value in this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it—because healing expands when we walk together. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04   Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

A powerful conversation on trauma, suicide, shame, and healing through brain health. Dr. Theodore Henderson shares how neuroplasticity, ketamine, and infrared light therapy are changing mental health treatment. What if healing isn't just about coping—but actually repairing the brain? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Theodore Henderson shares his journey from severe childhood trauma and years of suicidal ideation to becoming a leading voice in brain health and innovative mental health treatment. We explore the lived reality of trauma, the hidden role of shame, and the small, daily decisions that can keep someone alive when everything feels impossible. Dr. Henderson also breaks down the science behind neuroplasticity and how emerging treatments like ketamine therapy and infrared light are helping people heal from depression, PTSD, and even dementia. This conversation challenges the way we think about mental health—and opens the door to something far more hopeful. Keywords trauma healing, PTSD recovery, neuroplasticity, ketamine therapy, infrared light therapy, depression treatment, brain health, childhood trauma, mental health podcast, suicide awareness Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Theodore Henderson 05:00 – Childhood trauma and survival 15:00 – Living with suicidal ideation 25:00 – Understanding shame as a survival mechanism 35:00 – From trauma to purpose 45:00 – Neuroplasticity and brain healing 55:00 – Ketamine therapy explained 01:05:00 – Infrared light therapy and breakthrough treatments 01:15:00 – Why brain health > mental health Resources & Links Book: Brighter Days Ahead  If this episode spoke to you, there's more support waiting for you. Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com for more conversations, tools, and resources to support your healing journey. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder: brighter days are possible. Click here to join PodMatch and be my guest: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom   We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04  

Episode Summary What happens when the conflict you grow up in becomes the very thing you're called to change? In this episode, I sit down with Joe Dillon, divorce mediator and co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, who shares his deeply personal story of growing up as an only child in the middle of a long, litigated divorce in the 1980s. What began as a childhood shaped by silence, conflict, and emotional disconnection followed him into adulthood—impacting his relationships, emotional regulation, and worldview. But Joe's story doesn't end there. After years of navigating his own patterns, he reached a pivotal moment in his 30s that changed everything—choosing to stop reacting from his past and start creating a different future. That decision not only transformed his personal life, but ultimately led him into a career helping others avoid the same kind of damage he experienced. Today, Joe helps couples move through divorce in a way that prioritizes respect, emotional awareness, and the well-being of their children—proving that even in endings, there can be intention, integrity, and peace. In This Episode, We Discuss: What it's like to grow up in a high-conflict divorce How unresolved childhood trauma impacts adult relationships The moment everything shifted: choosing response over reaction Emotional regulation and why it matters in conflict "Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?" The hidden dynamics behind arguments (it's rarely about the surface issue) How mediation creates a healthier path through divorce The long-term impact of conflict on children—and how to reduce harm Why preparation is critical in any negotiation Turning pain into purpose and using your story to serve others Key Takeaway "It didn't happen to me… it just happened. Now what am I going to do with it?" Joe's story is a powerful reminder that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can choose how we move forward—and that choice can change everything. About Joe Dillon Joe Dillon is a divorce mediator and co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services. With a background in finance and negotiation, combined with his lived experience as a child of divorce, Joe helps couples navigate separation in a way that is cost-effective, respectful, and focused on long-term well-being—especially for families with children. Connect with Joe 🌐 Website: https://equitablemediation.com Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, or if you're navigating your own healing journey, I invite you to explore more resources, conversations, and support. 👉 Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find podcast episodes, tools, and insights designed to help you move forward with more awareness, intention, and peace. And if you know someone who could benefit from this conversation, share this episode with them. You never know who might need to hear it.We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show:Click here to join PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom    CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04  

Episode Summary What does it really look like to rebuild your life after unimaginable loss? In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Becky Smith-Gallai, author, speaker, and resilience expert, whose life has been shaped by profound adversity—and an unwavering commitment to finding possibility through it. From losing her brother at a young age… to raising multiple children with complex medical needs… to becoming suddenly paralyzed as a single mother—Becky's story is not just about survival. It's about transformation. Together, we explore how grief evolves over time, how to navigate uncertainty when there are no answers, and the practical tools that can help you keep moving forward—even in the hardest seasons of life. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to carry what life has handed you—this conversation will meet you there. In This Episode, We Discuss: Becky's concept of "Pivot to Possible" and what it means in real life Navigating multiple layers of grief and unexpected loss The reality of raising children with special needs Living with paralysis and rebuilding identity after life-changing events Why grief is a "strange companion" that never fully leaves The power of journaling to process emotions and move forward How to build your support system—"who's in your boat" Managing uncertainty and conserving your emotional energy Turning pain into purpose through writing and service Daily practices that support resilience, gratitude, and healing Key Takeaways: Grief looks different for everyone—and there is no "right" way to process it You don't have to have all the answers to take the next step Small, consistent actions can carry you through even the darkest seasons Community and connection are essential for healing Life can be good… but it takes intention and effort About Becky Smith-Gallai Becky Smith-Gallai is an author, speaker, and advocate for resilience and possibility. Through her writing and lived experience, she helps others navigate grief, uncertainty, and life's unexpected challenges. She is the author of: Rethinking Possible: A Memoir of Resilience Morning Fuel: Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day Her work has touched thousands through her writing, speaking, and the communities she's helped build. Connect with Becky https://rebeccafayesmithgalli.com/ Books available through major retailers (Amazon, etc.) Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step in your own journey. 👉 Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more powerful conversations, resources, and tools to support your healing, growth, and transformation. And if you found value in this episode: Share it with someone who needs to hear it Leave a review to help us reach more people Subscribe so you never miss a conversation Final Thought "Life can be good no matter what… but the operative word is can. It takes effort—but it's worth pivoting to possible." We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04

In this episode of Walk With Me Conversations, we sit down with Edward Okafor, a high-performance wellness strategist and founder of Wisdom of Men, a platform focused on helping men develop discipline, confidence, and supportive brotherhood. Raised in North Carolina by a single mother, Edward grew up navigating life without a consistent male role model — an experience that deeply shaped his understanding of the challenges many men face today. After studying industrial design and briefly stepping into the corporate world, Edward realized the traditional path wasn't aligned with his purpose. A life-changing opportunity took him overseas, where he eventually built a life centered around education, personal growth, and helping others become the strongest version of themselves. Through personal struggles, heartbreak, therapy, and self-reflection, Edward discovered a deeper calling: creating communities where men can find support, accountability, and connection. Today, he leads wellness initiatives, networking events, and brotherhood communities focused on mindset, discipline, health, and personal development. This conversation explores purpose, healing, masculinity, and the importance of building strong communities in a world where many people feel increasingly disconnected. In This Episode We Discuss • Growing up without consistent male role models • How martial arts shaped discipline and mindset • Choosing purpose over the traditional corporate path • Living internationally and expanding perspective • The impact of heartbreak and personal transformation • ADHD, therapy, and understanding how the mind works • Building brotherhood and community for men • The role of discipline, movement, and physical health in emotional healing • Why mindset and environment shape the life you create Key Takeaways Community matters Many men struggle in isolation. Building strong brotherhood networks can provide accountability, support, and growth. Hard experiences can become catalysts for growth Heartbreak and adversity can reveal deeper purpose when approached with reflection and intention. Discipline creates freedom Daily habits like exercise, mindset work, and self-reflection create the foundation for long-term well-being. Life moves forward whether we participate or not Purpose must be chosen intentionally, or we risk living according to someone else's vision. Resources & Links Edward Okafor Platform: Wisdom of Men – Men's wellness and personal development community Connect with Walk With Me Conversations If you enjoyed this episode and want more conversations about healing, growth, and resilience: 🌿 Visit the official website: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you can explore: • Full podcast episodes • Guest resources and articles • Healing tools and modalities • Insights from the Walk With Me community Share This Episode If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may benefit from hearing it. These stories are meant to remind us that none of us walk the path alone. We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04

In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie sits down with David Richards — a Marine Corps veteran, author, yoga instructor, and coach whose life journey spans military service, personal transformation, and a deep exploration of spirituality and purpose.  David grew up in a military family and eventually followed that path himself, attending Penn State and becoming a Marine officer. His career included leadership roles and deployment to Somalia during the early 1990s. The experience gave him a deep understanding of discipline, strategy, and the psychology of human behavior.  But David's story is about far more than military service. Behind the structure of his career, he was navigating a much deeper personal journey — wrestling with questions about love, identity, faith, and what it means to live in alignment with truth. Through relationship challenges, spiritual awakenings, and years of self-reflection, David began exploring tools like meditation, journaling, coaching, and mindset practices to better understand himself and the human experience. Today, David uses his experiences as a writer and coach to help others explore purpose, personal responsibility, and the deeper spiritual questions that shape our lives. This conversation explores: Growing up in a military family and entering the Marine Corps Lessons from combat leadership and military culture The impact of childhood experiences and spiritual awakening Relationship patterns and personal transformation The power of journaling, meditation, and mindset work Exploring faith, purpose, and personal responsibility If you've ever found yourself questioning your path or searching for deeper meaning in your experiences, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at what it means to do the inner work. Connect with the Guest http://www.davidrichardsauthor.com/  Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated with you, you can explore more conversations, healing resources, and podcast episodes at: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll also find links to past guests, additional resources, and ways to stay connected with the Walk With Me community. We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon   Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes  Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04  

In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, we sit down with Meridee Hlokoff — a spiritual guide, addictions coach, life coach, and business coach dedicated to helping people break free from destructive patterns and reconnect with their authentic selves. transcription Meridee's story begins in a challenging environment marked by generational trauma and a mother struggling with serious mental health issues. Growing up in that instability forced her to confront difficult questions about identity, responsibility, and the cycles we inherit from our families. transcription As she became a parent herself, those lessons deepened. Raising a son with ADHD and oppositional defiant tendencies pushed Meridee to rethink everything she believed about parenting, control, and human behavior. Instead of trying to change her children, she began focusing on conscious parenting, self-reflection, and personal accountability. transcription Over time, that journey led her into coaching and addiction recovery work. Meridee believes that trauma often sits at the root of addiction, and that healing begins when we stop blaming circumstances and start examining our own responses to life's challenges. transcription Throughout this conversation, Meridee shares powerful insights on: Why authenticity is one of the highest forms of personal alignment How trauma and emotional pain can lead to addictive behaviors The importance of boundaries and accountability in relationships Why growth requires the courage to look honestly at ourselves How conscious parenting can help raise emotionally aware children Learning to find gratitude even in life's most difficult moments This episode is a reminder that while we may not control what happens to us, we always have the power to choose how we respond. Connect with Meridee Hlokoff Addiction Recovery & Coaching Services 🌐 https://laserquittherapy.ca Instagram 📱 https://www.instagram.com/sobercoachmer/ Meridee works with clients in addiction recovery, life coaching, business coaching, and personal development, helping people align their actions with the life they truly want to live. Listen, Learn, and Walk With Us If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more powerful stories of healing, resilience, and personal growth. 👉 Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com to discover more podcast episodes, resources, and conversations that remind us we're not alone in our journeys. And if you found value in today's episode, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Sharnael, a practitioner, author, and educator whose work blends holistic health, spirituality, and the science of human energy and physiology. Dr. Sharnael shares the deeply personal journey that led her into the world of natural healing. After years of struggling with serious health issues and being placed on more than thirty medications without improvement, she began searching for answers beyond conventional medicine. That search eventually led her to explore biohacking technologies, naturopathic approaches, and the intersection of spirituality and science — a path that ultimately transformed her health and her purpose. Today, Dr. Sharnael works with clients both online and in person, helping people uncover root causes of health challenges and guiding them toward greater physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Throughout this conversation, Stephanie and Dr. Sharnael discuss the importance of questioning assumptions about health, the power of mindset and perspective, and why many people today feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or exhausted. They also explore how healing can sometimes begin with something simple but powerful: remembering who we are and reconnecting with purpose, gratitude, and love. This episode is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even after seasons of illness, struggle, or uncertainty. In This Episode Growing up in a military family and how constant change shaped Dr. Sharnael's worldview The health crisis that pushed her to search beyond traditional medical approaches Exploring the connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and spirituality The role of biohacking, naturopathic therapies, and lifestyle changes in healing Why so many people today feel exhausted, discouraged, or disconnected The importance of perspective, gratitude, and community during difficult seasons Encouraging people to remember their purpose and the value of their life About Dr. Sharnael Wolverton-Sihon Dr. Sharnael Wolverton-Sihon is a practitioner, author, and educator focused on holistic wellness, energy medicine, and spiritual development. She works with clients through remote and in-person services, including biofeedback, frequency work, and wellness consultations designed to help individuals restore balance and vitality. She is also the host of a weekly podcast and the author of multiple books, including The Science of Miracles. Connect with Dr. Sharnael Website: https://drsharnael.com Through her website you can learn about: Soul Audit sessions Biofeedback services Retreats and events Books and wellness resources Podcast episodes and educational content Walk With Me Podcast If this conversation resonated with you, there are many more stories of resilience, healing, and transformation waiting for you. Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Explore more podcast episodes Discover guest stories and resources Access tools for personal growth and healing Stay connected with the Walk With Me community 👉 Visit: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Share This Episode If you found value in this conversation, please consider: ⭐ Subscribing to the podcast ⭐ Leaving a review ⭐ Sharing this episode with someone who might need encouragement today Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, we sit down with Kay, a lifelong community developer, entrepreneur, and health advocate who believes that the choices we make every day can dramatically change the trajectory of our lives. Kay grew up in a large Midwestern family as the oldest of eight children. That early responsibility helped shape her curiosity about people and her desire to serve others. Over the years, that curiosity led her far beyond her hometown—working in community development projects in inner-city Chicago and eventually across the world. For decades, Kay helped communities identify what they wanted for their future and develop practical strategies to make it happen. Her work took her from the United States to Western Samoa and Zambia, where she spent years working alongside local leaders to improve access to healthcare, education, and community resources. Through those experiences, she discovered a powerful principle: transformation begins when we shift our focus from what's wrong to what's possible. After returning to the United States, Kay transitioned into entrepreneurship, building a career in health insurance and later expanding into wellness education—helping people understand how diet, inflammation, and lifestyle choices impact long-term health. Now in her seventies, Kay continues to share her knowledge about vitality, aging, and personal responsibility for health. She believes that by making intentional choices—about food, mindset, and daily habits—people can dramatically improve their quality of life. This conversation explores: How childhood experiences shape our mindset about life Lessons learned from decades of global community development Why focusing on what you want is more powerful than focusing on what you don't want The connection between inflammation, diet, and chronic disease How lifestyle choices influence energy, longevity, and vitality Why gratitude and mindset play a critical role in overall health Ultimately, Kay's message is one of empowerment: small changes in thinking and daily habits can lead to meaningful change over time. About Our Guest Kay is an entrepreneur, health advocate, and community development leader who has spent decades helping individuals and communities improve their lives through intentional decision-making and lifestyle change. After years of global community development work, she now focuses on helping people improve their vitality through nutrition, mindset, and healthy lifestyle practices. Learn More About Kay Website: https://masteryourvitality.com Free Report: https://masteryourvitality.com/free Listen, Learn, and Walk With Us If you enjoyed this conversation, we invite you to explore more powerful stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. Visit the Walk With Me Conversations website to discover more episodes, guest stories, and resources. 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Support the Show If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform Subscribe so you never miss an episode Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories that remind us we're never walking alone.

Episode Overview In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie speaks with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Adrienne shares her extraordinary journey from childhood abuse, homelessness, and foster care to becoming a survivor, mother, and advocate for healing. Adriene grew up surrounded by generational trauma, poverty, and instability. Her mother struggled with schizophrenia, and throughout her childhood Adrienne experienced physical abuse, extreme poverty, and constant upheaval—attending 13 different schools before graduating high school.  Despite these challenges, Adriene found refuge in education. School became the one place where she felt safe and capable. That determination eventually helped her graduate from college with honors and begin building a life outside the patterns she grew up in.  Along the way, Adriene faced addiction, heartbreak, and moments where life nearly fell apart. But becoming a mother changed everything. She made the conscious decision to break the cycle of trauma and create a different future for her daughter. Today, Adriene is sharing her story through her memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, offering hope and perspective for others navigating trauma, recovery, and resilience. This conversation is a powerful exploration of healing after childhood abuse, overcoming addiction, and becoming a cycle breaker. Key Topics Discussed Surviving childhood abuse and generational trauma Growing up in extreme poverty and homelessness Experiences within the foster care system Finding stability and identity through education Overcoming addiction and self-medication Becoming a cycle breaker for the next generation The healing power of writing and storytelling Lessons learned from surviving trauma and rebuilding life About Adriene Caldwell Adriene Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a memoir detailing her journey through childhood trauma, foster care, addiction recovery, and ultimately rebuilding her life. Her story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of transformation even after unimaginable circumstances. Connect With Adriene Caldwell 🌐 Website https://unbrokencaldwell.com 📖 Book Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines 📚 Read the Prologue & Chapter One Available on her website. 💬 Reader Remarks / Contact Adriene welcomes messages from readers through the contact section of her website. Listen to More Stories of Healing and Resilience The Walk With Me Podcast shares powerful conversations with people who have faced trauma, addiction, loss, and adversity—and found ways to move forward with courage and resilience. If this story resonated with you, explore more episodes and resources at: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Share This Episode If Adriene's story of resilience and recovery inspired you, please consider: ✔ Sharing this episode with someone who may need encouragement ✔ Leaving a review for the podcast ✔ Visiting WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore more powerful conversations Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, we sit down with Alicia Johnson-Niles, founder of Unlikely Courage and author of the forthcoming book Angel in Arlington. Alicia's story begins with a devastating loss—her father was murdered when she was just two years old. Though she grew up surrounded by love and stability, the trauma of that loss quietly shaped her inner world for decades, manifesting as anxiety, fear, people-pleasing, disordered eating, and a constant sense of bracing for the worst. In this conversation, Alicia courageously explores what it means to grieve someone you don't consciously remember—and how unresolved childhood trauma can live in the body and nervous system long into adulthood. She shares how facing the truth about her father's death in her 30s became a turning point, opening the door to healing, spiritual connection, and ultimately, freedom. This episode is a powerful reflection on: Childhood grief and complex PTSD How trauma shapes our sense of safety and self-worth The role of spirituality and meaning-making in healing Giving ourselves permission to feel, grieve, and remember Finding courage in the places we once avoided At its heart, this is a story about reclaiming your voice, honoring love that never disappears, and discovering the strength you didn't know you had. 🌿 About the Guest Alicia Johnson-Niles is the founder of Unlikely Courage, a platform dedicated to helping people overcome trauma by accessing the courage already within them. She is also the author of Angel in Arlington, a true story weaving together grief, spirituality, true crime, and personal transformation. 🔗 Connect with Alicia Unlikely Courage: https://unlikelycourage.com Angel in Arlington: https://angelinarlington.com 👉 Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more stories like this. Visit 🌐 WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Listen to more episodes Learn about upcoming guests Dive deeper into conversations about healing, resilience, and the human experience And if this episode spoke to your heart, please consider sharing it with someone who might need it today. You don't have to walk alone. 💛

In this episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie sits down with David Auger—environmental engineer, author, husband, father, and deep thinker—to explore sustainability as more than a scientific metric. David invites us to consider sustainability as a normative, values-based question: What do we want to hold onto, protect, and pass forward? David shares his personal journey growing up in Denver, attending West Point, serving in the military, and transitioning into a long career in environmental engineering focused on water, air quality, wildlife habitat, and industrial responsibility. Alongside his professional experience, David opens up about one of the most defining chapters of his life—walking with his family through his young son's four-year battle with childhood leukemia, an experience that reshaped his understanding of resilience, family, and purpose. The conversation weaves together science, philosophy, history, and deeply human stories. David discusses the ideas behind his book Man's Search for Sustainability, inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, and shares unexpected lessons from nature—comparing honeybees and desert locusts to illustrate how stress, community, and adaptation shape survival. He also reflects on Colorado mining towns, baseball as a form of community resilience, and why sustainability is never a fixed destination, but an evolving journey shaped by expectations and participation. This episode is an invitation to pause and ask a powerful question: Why do we want to sustain anything at all? Topics Covered Sustainability as a values-based, human question Growing up in Denver and family legacy Military service and a career in environmental engineering Water, air quality, and wildlife habitat stewardship Parenting through childhood leukemia and family resilience Lessons from honeybees and desert locusts Viktor Frankl, meaning, and the power of "why" Community, culture, and sustainability through history About the Guest David Auger is an environmental engineer with decades of experience in water and air modeling, industrial compliance, and wildlife habitat management. He is the author of Man's Search for Sustainability, a philosophical exploration of sustainability inspired by Viktor Frankl's work on meaning, and is currently working on a second book rooted in Colorado history, community, and resilience. 📘 Book: Man's Search for Sustainability If this conversation resonated with you, explore more episodes, stories, and reflections at 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find past conversations, resources, and ways to continue walking alongside meaningful stories of healing, resilience, and purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share—it helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.

In this deeply honest and unconventional conversation, we sit down with Dale Walsh—poet, mentor, and mental health advocate—who shares his lived experience with schizophrenia spanning nearly five decades. Dale's journey began in the summer of 1975, when a psychotic break during his freshman year at Dartmouth College led to involuntary hospitalization and a diagnosis that would shape much of his adult life. What followed were years inside psychiatric institutions, long-term stigma, and a mental health system that, at the time, offered little hope for recovery. In this episode, Dale speaks candidly about: The culture of psychiatry in the 1970s and how it framed schizophrenia as incurable The lasting impact of being told he had "broken his brain" Anosognosia—why many people with mental illness don't believe they're ill The language gap between those with mental illness and those without Cannabis, personal agency, and controversial paths to self-regulation Creativity, poetry, and meaning-making as survival tools What it means to finally release a lifelong delusion and reclaim identity Today, Dale is living independently, writing poetry, and mentoring family caregivers of people with schizophrenia, helping them move out of burnout and codependency and into resilience, self-worth, and compassionate understanding. This episode challenges conventional narratives around mental illness and recovery—and offers a powerful reminder that healing is not linear, fast, or one-size-fits-all. 🌱 About the Guest: Dale Walsh Dale Walsh is a poet, mental health advocate, and mentor for family caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia. Drawing from decades of lived experience, Dale focuses on educating caregivers while helping them rebuild self-esteem, emotional resilience, and healthy boundaries. 🔗 Connect with Dale Website: https://www.dewlivelove.net Schedule a Session (Calendly): https://www.calendly.com/dalecoach55 ✨ Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more stories like this at 👉 https://www.WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find podcast episodes, reflections, and resources centered on healing, resilience, and the shared human experience. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help these stories reach the people who need them most.

In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, we sit down with Damian Bloss, author, recovery advocate, and mental health group leader, to explore a story of grief, addiction, redemption, and hope. Damian shares how a seemingly "normal" childhood—filled with baseball dreams and close family ties—was forever altered by the suicide of a father figure during his late teens. Carrying unspoken guilt and unresolved trauma, Damian turned to alcohol as a way to numb the pain, a coping mechanism that slowly grew into a 20-year battle with addiction. What followed were years of fractured relationships, legal trouble, emotional isolation, and a growing sense of despair—until Damian reached a breaking point in his late 30s. In a moment of crisis, an accidental phone call became a lifeline, leading him to rehab, recovery, and a completely new way of living. In this conversation, Damian opens up about: Losing a loved one to suicide and the weight of survivor's guilt Using alcohol to cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression Hitting rock bottom and confronting suicidal thoughts Entering rehab and learning how to truly heal—not just stay sober Trauma therapy, accountability, and emotional honesty Rebuilding trust with his wife and children Repairing a broken relationship with his daughter Becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for mental health and addiction recovery Turning pain into purpose through service, speaking, and writing Today, Damian facilitates mental health and addiction support groups, mentors incarcerated individuals through partnerships with local law enforcement, and continues to share his story so others don't have to suffer in silence. This episode is for anyone navigating addiction, grief, mental health struggles—or loving someone who is. It's a reminder that healing is possible, help can come from unexpected places, and one honest conversation can change a life. 📚 About the Guest Damian Bloss Author of Breaking the Silence Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Advocate Group Facilitator & Mentor 🔗 Connect with Damian: Book: Breaking the Silence Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all major online retailers Facebook: Breaking the Silence Instagram: Breaking the Silence Linktree: Available via Damian's social profiles for book and contact links If this episode resonated with you, or if you're looking for more honest conversations around healing, resilience, and the human experience, visit: 👉 https://www.WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find more episodes, resources, and ways to stay connected. If this story helped you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it—and remember, you don't have to walk alone.

✨ What We Talk About What it's like growing up undiagnosed autistic and ADHD in the 90s Masking, people-pleasing, and the cost of being "the good kid" Panic attacks, anxiety, and sensory overload that went unseen Why autism in women and girls has been historically missed Parenting neurodivergent kids while discovering your own diagnosis Sensory sensitivities (sound, food, textures, touch, water, heat) Learning to work with your brain instead of against it Redefining self-care, routines, food, hygiene, and daily expectations Letting go of shame and embracing a neuro-affirming life Why there is no "right way" to be human 💡 Memorable Takeaways "I wasn't lazy. I didn't lack discipline. I just didn't have the words." "Good food is food you can eat." "It's not your job to dim yourself to make other people comfortable." "Different is not wrong." 📚 About the Guest: Dr. Kristen Williamson Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor specializing in autism, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. She works exclusively with neurodivergent clients and is passionate about normalizing late diagnosis — especially for women. Kristen is also the creator of: Neuro-Spicy Workbooks designed to help adults understand their brains with compassion A forthcoming book on late-diagnosed autism in women, from puberty through menopause You can find her educational content on TikTok and Instagram by searching Dr. Kristen Williamson. 🎧 Why This Episode Matters So many adults — especially women — grew up without language, support, or validation for their neurodivergence. This conversation offers relief, understanding, and permission to stop forcing yourself into boxes that were never made for you. You are not broken. You are not behind. You are not too much. 🌱 Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, there are more conversations just like this waiting for you. 👉 Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore episodes, resources, and stories that remind you that healing doesn't happen alone — it happens when we walk together. And if you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs to hear they're not alone.

Guest: Matt Von Becklin – Founder of QuitKit Episode Summary In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Matt Von Becklin shares his journey through addiction, identity loss, abandonment wounds, and ultimately recovery. From growing up with an absent father and feeling perpetually on the outside socially, to navigating substance use through alcohol, cigarettes, tramadol, and kratom, Matt opens up about how addiction became both a coping mechanism and a cage. Matt explains how his lowest moment—facing suicidal thoughts—became the catalyst for radical self-responsibility and innovation. Drawing on his background in chemical engineering, he developed QuitKit, a non-prescription, research-backed supplement regimen designed to ease opioid and kratom withdrawal symptoms. What started as a personal survival tool quickly became a lifeline for others. This episode explores the emotional roots of addiction, the dangers of socially accepted substances, the mind-body-spirit trifecta of healing, and how one person's willingness to stop abandoning themselves can ripple outward to help others reclaim their lives. 🧠 Topics We Cover Growing up with abandonment, loneliness, and feeling "different" The social pressure to fit in and how it fueled substance use Alcohol as a culturally normalized escape The transition from recreational use to dependency Tramadol and kratom addiction—and why kratom is dangerously misunderstood The moment suicidal ideation forced a life-or-death choice How Matt used science, research, and self-trust to heal himself Creating QuitKit as an alternative to traditional detox pathways The power of being just "one or two steps ahead" and reaching back Redefining self-worth through service, recovery, and integrity ✨ Key Takeaways Addiction often stems from unresolved emotional pain and self-abandonment Healing requires addressing the physical, mental, and emotional layers together Quick fixes train the brain to abandon long-term solutions You don't need to have everything figured out to help someone else—just be a step ahead True freedom comes from reclaiming agency and honoring who you really are 🔗 Connect & Learn More To explore more conversations like this—focused on healing, resilience, and real human stories—visit: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find podcast episodes, reflections, and resources designed to support meaningful growth and connection. 💬 Final Reflection Matt's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes our darkest moments hold the blueprint for our purpose. When we stop abandoning ourselves, we create space not only for our own healing—but for the healing of others.

Episode Summary In this episode of Walk With Me Conversations, I sit down with author Tony Stewart to explore a love story shaped by creativity, devotion, and the hardest kind of grace. Tony shares his background growing up as a free-range kid in Manhattan, driven by theater, filmmaking, and a lifelong impulse to create. But the heart of his story centers on his late wife, Lynn, and the seven-year journey they walked through her stage-four non-smoker's lung cancer. With honesty and tenderness, Tony opens up about caregiving—the fear at diagnosis, becoming the "project manager" of treatments, pushing himself past his limits, and learning to accept help. He also reflects on the surprising beauty inside the hardest moments, especially during Lynn's home hospice, which he describes as sacred and deeply meaningful. Through it all, Tony shows what grief can teach us about love, presence, and the possibility of joy alongside sorrow. What You'll Hear in This Episode Tony's early life in Manhattan and how creativity shaped his identity His path from lighting design and filmmaking to software and global consulting The unexpected way he met Lynn at a college swimming pool Lynn's humor, spirit, and the ease she brought into Tony's life The shock of her cancer diagnosis and the terrifying early days of uncertainty How caregiving reshaped their world—and Tony's sense of himself The role of CaringBridge in building community, documenting the journey, and staying connected Tony's breakdown after the first year, and the healing that came through openness and support The narrowing of life through illness, and the deepening of love within it Home hospice, Lynn's death, and the grief that followed Why Tony wrote Carrying the Tiger and what he hopes it offers others walking similar paths A powerful reminder: don't run away from the sacred parts of dying and grieving Memorable Moments / Key Quotes (paraphrased) Lynn's wicked deadpan humor was part of what made Tony feel truly at home with her. Caregiving was both brutal and beautiful—filled with exhaustion, fear, intimacy, and love. Sharing the journey publicly helped them survive it privately. Grief and joy can coexist; joy doesn't betray love. Being present for a loved one's death can be one of life's most meaningful experiences. About the Guest Tony Stewart is the author of the memoir Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving. His book chronicles the caregiving and grief journey he shared with his wife Lynn, offering a compassionate, unfiltered look at illness, death, and the long road after loss. Resources & Links Tony's memoir: Carrying the Tiger: Living with Cancer, Dying with Grace, Finding Joy While Grieving CaringBridge: A private community platform for sharing health journeys and receiving support Call to Action If today's conversation resonated with you, there are more stories like this waiting for you. Visit WalkWithMeConversations.Com to explore episodes, guest resources, and ways to stay connected to the community. And if this episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone who might need it too.  

📄 Episode Summary: In this uplifting and unexpected conversation, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Zander Phelps — also known as Z Play Coach — a creative soul on a mission to help the world reconnect with joy through play, laughter, and presence. From his idyllic childhood in Orange County to the stark reality of military life underground in Japan, from corporate burnout at NBC to selling everything he owned to travel the world with just a backpack and a foot bag — Zander's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the magic of human connection. You'll hear how a single sack (or "foot bag") opened the door to global friendships, spontaneous laughter, and a lifelong purpose. Zander also shares the benefits of juggling, laughter yoga, and cultivating play as a daily practice for better health, happiness, and human connection. 🗣️ Topics We Explore: Why play is not a luxury — it's a fundamental human need How juggling helps you focus, balance, and relax your brain The healing power of laughter (and why adults need it more than ever) How one foot bag turned into a passport to connection around the world Zander's mission to inspire a new generation of "ambassadors of play" The science behind why play makes us more productive, creative, and joyful 🛠️ Tools, Takeaways & Resources: Learn more about Zander's work: Try juggling or foot bag play to engage your brain and body Start your day with a 10-minute laughter exercise to reset your mood Embrace play as a form of resistance against stress, burnout, and isolation 🔗 Connect & Explore More: 👉 For more inspiring conversations like this one, visit: WalkWithMeConversations.com Your journey to healing, purpose, and deeper connection starts here.  

💬 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie sits down with Lori Maher — a trauma survivor, holistic healer, and the heart behind Compassionate Empowerment — to explore her remarkable path from childhood abuse and chronic illness to healing, self-discovery, and purpose. Lori shares how early emotional neglect and trauma led to decades of anxiety and physical exhaustion, culminating in a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome at the age of 30. With mainstream medical options failing her, Laurie turned inward and began a transformational journey through somatic healing, yoga, energy work, and trauma education. Today, she's a wellness center owner, coach, and retreat host helping others reconnect with themselves and reclaim their inner power. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to rethink how we view trauma, healing, and the importance of feeling safe in our own bodies. Lori's story is both deeply personal and universally relevant to anyone on a path of recovery and self-love. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: Childhood trauma and its lifelong effects on the body and mind The limitations of traditional talk therapy for trauma healing Discovering somatic and energetic healing modalities (yoga, acupressure, Reiki) The role of the nervous system and adrenal fatigue in chronic illness How to rewire your inner critic and reclaim self-worth Finding safety, alignment, and empowerment after trauma The ripple effect of healing and conscious connection ❤️ Memorable Quotes: "You're not going to heal unless you feel safe." "We are not our thoughts. We are our heart and our gut." "Healing is not linear — it's a practice, a daily return to self-love." 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Lori's work and connect with her directly. Recommended reading: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk 📣 Call to Action: If Lori's story resonated with you, or if you're ready to explore your own healing journey, we invite you to dive deeper at WalkWithMeConversations.com. Explore past episode and find tools to support your own path toward wholeness.

In this episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie sits down with Clinton Bartok—former Colorado adventurer and licensed acupuncturist—whose life reshaped overnight after a devastating bike accident in 2017 left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Clinton shares the surreal calm of the moment he crashed, the terrifying reality of not being able to breathe or call for help, and the inner voice that told him he would recover. What follows is a powerful story of neuroplasticity, relentless rehab, and a mindset anchored in possibility. Clinton walks us through his long road back: from ICU and rehab at Craig Hospital, to relearning movement inch by inch, to picking up his guitar again and even climbing a rock wall seven and a half years later. He also speaks candidly about chronic nerve pain, the emotional cost of losing independence, and how moments of despair pushed him to search for anything that could help him stay alive and moving forward. Ultimately, Clinton's story is a reminder to focus on what's still here—what you can do—and to keep building your life around that truth. What We Talk About Clinton's upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio, and the emotional independence he learned early in life A restless, adventurous adulthood that took him traveling, into music, and finally to Colorado outdoor life The 2017 bike crash: helmeted impact, instant paralysis, and the eerie peace of the scene Why his injury allowed recovery: contusions, stenosis, and neuroplastic re-routing Intensive rehab, visualization, and self-designed exercises to regain hand and body function Returning to guitar through adaptive techniques and persistence Chronic neuropathic pain and the mental toll of being abruptly cut off from prescribed pain meds How kratom became a bridge for pain survival when other options disappeared Adaptive sports and reclaiming joy: three-wheeled mountain biking, support organizations, and getting back outside Clinton's guiding philosophy: "What can I do?" and learning gratitude for the small things Memorable Moments ·         The split-second shift from terror to certainty that he would be okay after the crash "Belief and vision" as a core part of recovery, alongside medical reality Rebuilding a life through tiny wins: a thumb, a hand, standing, walking, and playing music again Gratitude as a daily practice rooted in regained independence Resources Mentioned Clinton shares places to learn about spinal cord injuries, support research, or find adaptive-sport help: Spinopedia Christopher Reeve Foundation Unite 2 Fight Paralysis (U2FP) High Fives Foundation Kelly Brush Foundation About the Guest Clinton Bartok is a former extreme-outdoor athlete, licensed acupuncturist, musician, and spinal cord injury survivor. After being diagnosed as a quadriplegic with central cord syndrome, he rebuilt his life through rehab, adaptive sports, and a deep commitment to accessibility advocacy. If this conversation moved you, please take a moment to share the episode with someone who might need it. And for more stories of resilience, healing, and the human spirit—plus past episodes and resources—visit WalkWithMeConversations.com.

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of Walk With Me, we sit down with Susie St. Angelo, a former banking executive turned health coach, podcast host, and advocate for mental wellness. Susie shares her incredible journey through personal trauma, chronic stress, toxic relationships, and major life transitions—all of which ultimately led her to a life of purpose, passion, and authenticity. From surviving the emotional fallout of a fiancé's family suicide just weeks before her wedding, to enduring two marriages plagued by alcoholism and emotional disconnect, Susie's story is a powerful testament to the strength it takes to walk away, heal, and start over. She opens up about adrenal fatigue, the toll of perfectionism, the healing power of dogs, breath work, and the surprising pivot that led her to launch her own health-focused podcast—built around the simple but profound idea of sharing an "SOS tip" to help others take small steps toward wellness. Her transformation from "Susan the professional" to "Susie the authentic" is both inspiring and relatable—especially for midlife women facing their own crossroads. 🧠 Topics We Cover: Panic attacks and early signs of emotional misalignment How functional medicine helped Susie identify stress as a root cause The impact of suicide and unspoken grief Leaving a successful career and two marriages to reclaim her life Why holistic health coaching goes beyond food and fitness Finding meaning through breath work, gratitude, and storytelling The importance of community, connection, and asking for help Redefining health, happiness, and identity at midlife 💡 Favorite Quote: "You can't heal in the environment that made you sick." 🎯 Call to Action: If this conversation moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And for more inspiring episodes like this, visit WalkWithMeConversations.com — where stories of healing, resilience, and transformation are always just a click away.

In this episode of The Walk With Me Podcast, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Danielle Bernock — author, trauma survivor, and emotional healing coach — to explore her powerful story of transformation. From a childhood shaped by generational trauma and emotional neglect to a young adulthood marked by loss, rebellion, and self-destruction, Danielle's early years were filled with pain and confusion. But a spontaneous road trip to California in 1978 became a turning point — a journey filled with divine protection, unexpected encounters, and the first spark of hope that would lead her back to herself. Today, Danielle helps others break the chains of trauma through her SELF Process: See, Expose, Love, and Free. Her work reminds us that love — unconditional love — is the greatest healing force we have, and that redemption runs deeper than our wounds. Together, Stephanie and Danielle discuss: The impact of generational trauma and emotional neglect How faith and grace brought healing to deep emotional pain Danielle's journey from rebellion to restoration The meaning of unconditional love and forgiveness The courage it takes to dare to love yourself again This episode is a beautiful reminder that no matter how broken your past may feel, there is always hope for healing — and a way home to love. Guest Bio: Danielle Bernock is an author, speaker, and trauma-informed coach who helps people reclaim their self-worth and connect to the love that heals. She is the creator of the SELF Process and the voice behind the movement That Lady on the Internet Who Loves You. Learn more about her work at DanielleBernock.com. Connect & Reflect Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more inspiring stories of redemption, resilience, and healing. There you'll find full show notes, resources mentioned in the episode, and ways to join our growing community of listeners walking toward wholeness — one story at a time.

In this episode of Walk With Me, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Anat Peri, an inner child expert and mentor to coaches and healers, to explore what real healing looks like beyond "just thinking positive." Anat shares her personal journey from childhood in Israel to becoming a mentor for those seeking emotional resilience and self-trust. She opens up about the impact of growing up in a home where love existed, but emotional expression did not — and how that early conditioning shaped her ability to connect, self-soothe, and feel safe within herself. Through candid stories and practical wisdom, Anat reveals why positive thinking alone can't heal emotional wounds, how reparenting the self can create lasting transformation, and what it means to build true safety in the body. Together, we unpack the difference between coping and healing — and why learning to feel is the key to freedom. What We Talk About The limits of "thinking positive" and the cost of emotional bypassing Growing up in an environment where discomfort was avoided How friendship and reflection sparked Anat's journey toward self-discovery Reparenting the inner child and learning to hold space for difficult emotions Practical tools to regulate the nervous system and create safety within Why emotional resilience is essential for breaking generational cycles Key Quotes "My mom believed all you had to do was think positive — but she didn't know how to make room for us to feel." "Healing isn't about fixing yourself; it's about remembering how to feel safe being you." "Your nervous system is always listening — it's sensing either safety or threat. The goal is to stay present while you feel." "When we learn to hold our emotions, we stop outsourcing our peace." Connect with Anat Peri 🌐 trainingcampforthesoul.com Connect with Stephanie Bloom Explore more conversations on healing, growth, and human resilience at 👉 WalkWithMeConversations.com Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who's ready to start feeling — not just thinking — their way toward healing.

🎧 Episode Title: From Chaos to Inner Peace with Anne Hintz Episode Summary In this deeply moving conversation, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Anne Hintz, a woman who transformed a lifetime of trauma into a journey toward profound self-awareness and peace. From an early life marked by instability, loss, and fear to her discovery of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Anne shares how she learned to quiet her mind, release long-held emotional pain, and reconnect with her true self. Through her story, Anne reveals how unresolved trauma lives within the body — and how learning to feel our feelings fully can unlock lasting freedom. Her healing journey moves from emotional release to physical transformation, even down to changes in her posture and sense of embodiment. Together, Stephanie and Anne explore: The impact of childhood trauma and generational conditioning How EFT (tapping) helps release emotions stored in the body The connection between physical tension and emotional healing Why true peace begins with radical self-acceptance How awareness, compassion, and presence can transform not just your mind — but your entire being About Anne Hintz Anne is the author of A Pathway to Insight and a passionate advocate for emotional and energetic healing. Through her writing, YouTube channel, and workshops, she helps others experience the same inner peace she discovered through self-awareness and somatic release. Learn more about Anne and her work at AnneHintz.com. Key Takeaway Healing is not about escaping pain — it's about feeling it, understanding it, and allowing it to move through you. As Anne reminds us, "The only way out is through." Listen Now Tune in to hear how Anne turned chaos into calm — and how you can begin your own journey toward inner peace. 👉 For more inspiring conversations and resources on healing, self-discovery, and transformation, visit WalkWithMeConversations.com.

🌿 Episode Summary In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Walk With Me, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Tyler Kania — former athlete, cybersecurity professional, and author of The Maniac With No Knees. Tyler shares his remarkable story of resilience: from growing up in privilege to facing addiction, mania, and multiple suicide attempts — and ultimately finding purpose through writing, coaching, and connection. This is a conversation about what it means to lose everything, find yourself again, and use your story to help others heal. 💡 Key Themes & Takeaways Empathy born from contrast: Growing up in a small farm town and attending a struggling inner-city school shaped Tyler's early understanding of privilege and perspective. When success and struggle collide: Behind career wins and athletic fame, Tyler battled undiagnosed bipolar disorder and crippling self-doubt. The moment that saved his life: A near-suicide interrupted by a glimpse of sunlight — and a friend's wedding — changed everything. Rediscovering purpose through coaching: Returning to rugby as a coach gave Tyler a new mission — to build people up, not just teams. Writing as a mirror and medicine: Through storytelling, Tyler turned pain into purpose and built a legacy of openness and hope. Choosing authenticity over shame: Tyler reminds us that being open with the world is easier than hiding in the shadows. 🗣️ Notable Quotes "I attempted suicide… and the clouds parted, giving way to the afternoon sun. That small moment saved my life." "Writing became my therapy — a mirror for my thoughts. It gives me joy, purpose, and challenge." "The truly strong are the ones suffering in silence. It doesn't have to be that hard. Being open with the world is a lot easier than being closed." 🔗 Connect with Tyler Follow Tyler on Instagram: @tyler_kania Check out his short stories and upcoming book projects — all born from the belief that sharing our stories can save lives. 🙌 Listen, Share, and Walk With Us Tyler's story is one of courage, redemption, and the power of authenticity. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, know this: you are not alone. 🎧 Listen now and explore more inspiring conversations at WalkWithMeConversations.com

Guest: Lisa Franz — Nutrition Coach, Digital Nomad, and Host of the Nutrition Coaching and Life Podcast Host: Stephanie Bloom Podcast: Walk With Me 🌍 Episode Overview In this episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie sits down with Lisa Franz, a world traveler and nutrition coach who's helping people around the globe break free from restrictive diets and find joy in mindful, balanced living. From growing up across continents to finding her calling after a personal battle with food restriction, Lisa shares her journey of transformation — one that began with tears in a Thai food court and blossomed into a life of freedom, balance, and compassion. 💬 In This Conversation, You'll Hear About: Lisa's international upbringing — from Germany to West Africa to the American Midwest How her global experiences shaped her view of humanity and connection The breaking point that led her from food fear to food freedom Why moderation and consistency are the real keys to health The shift from being a police officer to becoming a full-time nutrition coach What she's learned from 53 countries about how culture and food connect us How slowing down and eating mindfully can change your life The importance of self-compassion, curiosity, and living with intention ✨ Memorable Quotes "We're all a lot more alike than we are different." "I started crying in Thailand because everything felt off-limits — that's when I knew I wasn't meant to live in fear of food." "Moderation and consistency sound boring, but they're magic." "Food should enrich your life — not take away from it." 🔗 Connect with Lisa Franz Website: Nutrition Coaching and Life Podcast: Nutrition Coaching and Life Instagram & YouTube: @nutritioncoachingandlife LinkedIn: Lisa Franz 💡 About This Episode Lisa's story is a reminder that wellness isn't about perfection — it's about awareness, balance, and freedom. Whether you're on your own health journey, exploring new cultures, or learning to trust yourself again, this episode will inspire you to take the next step with courage and compassion. 🎧 Listen & Learn More Listen to this episode and explore more inspiring conversations at WalkWithMeConversations.com — where stories of healing, resilience, and self-discovery come to life.

🧠 Episode Overview In this episode of Walk With Me, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Andy, author of Dopamine Mountain, to explore how understanding dopamine—and learning to master it—helped her rebuild her life after addiction, burnout, and long COVID. Andy shares her deeply personal journey from self-doubt and exhaustion to purpose, balance, and self-discipline. Through small daily actions, she retrained her brain to generate motivation naturally, proving that the path to healing is built on effort, reward, and rest. If you've ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected from joy, this episode will help you see how science, mindset, and compassion can work together to create real change. 💬 What You'll Learn How dopamine drives motivation—and how to rebalance it. Why effort before reward is key to long-term happiness. How to use action to lift mood when mindset alone isn't enough. Simple, science-based tools for rewiring your brain through daily habits. Why discipline isn't restriction—it's a path to freedom. 🔑 Key Quotes "Addiction is wanting, but not necessarily liking. The craving itself becomes the dopamine hit." "Self-discipline is just choosing action over choosing quick dopamine." "Each little step is a success—celebrate it, reward it, and then go again." 🌄 About Andy Andy is a writer and creator whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, healing, and personal growth. Her book, Dopamine Mountain, explores how dopamine management and small daily actions can transform motivation, mental health, and self-worth. Learn more at DopamineMountain.com. 🔗 Connect & Explore More ✨ Listen to more powerful conversations about resilience, growth, and healing at WalkWithMeConversations.com 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 📲 Follow @WalkWithMePodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes moments. 🔥 Hashtags #mentalhealthawareness #dopamine #mindsetshift #growthmindset #resiliencebuilding #neuroplasticity #motivationdaily #brainhealth #wellbeingjourney #selfworthjourney #effortbeforereward #balanceforwellness #mindfulmovement #selfcarematters #actionnotjustintent #rewardyourself #healththroughaction #youarenotalone #breakthestigma #walkwithmeconversations

Episode Summary What happens when the story you tell yourself becomes the barrier to your healing? In this episode, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Blake Hunt, a therapist who turned his darkest struggle into his greatest source of service. Blake opens up about growing up in a family that moved frequently, carrying hidden resentment, and using alcohol as a way to quiet the emotional noise of unprocessed pain. As his addiction deepened, Blake lost everything that once gave his life meaning—his marriage, his career, and his sense of purpose. But in a moment of surrender, he said yes to help for the first time. That decision led him on a path not only toward sobriety but toward rediscovering his own humanity. Today, Blake works as a therapist at the same treatment center where he began his recovery, helping others learn to trust, regulate emotion, and rebuild their lives from the inside out. His story challenges us to look deeper—beyond the surface of success or suffering—and ask what part of ourselves is still waiting to be seen, heard, and healed. Key Takeaways How childhood instability shapes emotional coping patterns in adulthood The connection between resentment, addiction, and avoidance Why surrender—not strength—is often the first step to real recovery The role of humility and trust in long-term healing How to transform pain into purpose through service and self-awareness Memorable Quote "Healing meant asking: now that this happened—what do I do with it? I stopped being a victim to my story and started learning from it." — Blake Hunt About the Guest Blake Hunt is a therapist based in Utah who works with clients navigating addiction, trauma, and emotional regulation. His lived experience gives him a unique perspective on healing—one grounded in empathy, accountability, and the power of personal transformation. Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear Blake's story. 🎙 Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore more stories of healing, connection, and resilience.

🎙 Episode Overview In this episode of Walk With Me – Conversations with Real People, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Dan Vaysburd, a former investment banker who transformed his life from addiction and escapism to service and recovery. Dan's story is a striking example of what happens when external success collides with inner emptiness — and how choosing self-awareness and service can rebuild a life from the inside out. 💬 Episode Highlights The Double Life – Dan shares how his pursuit of perfection in a high-pressure, achievement-focused upbringing created an identity crisis that fueled addiction. Losing His Mother – The grief that sent him spiraling into escapism through video games, alcohol, and drugs. Rock Bottom – A single night that exposed his hidden life and forced him to confront what he'd been running from. Rebuilding Through Recovery – How entering a 12-Step program and embracing accountability helped him discover humility, discipline, and spiritual connection. Fitness as Redemption – Dan's transition from finance to personal training, using movement and mindset to help others heal physically and emotionally. Service Over Self – Why helping others is now the foundation of his sobriety, fulfillment, and purpose. 🌱 Key Takeaways External success can't compensate for internal chaos. True healing begins when we stop escaping and start owning our story. Fitness and spirituality can be powerful allies in recovery. Service is not the end of the journey — it's the sustaining force of long-term transformation. 💡 Notable Quote "You can't move away from yourself — you bring you wherever you go." — Dan Vaysburd 🔗 Connect with Dan Website: DanVaysburd.com  🙌 Connect with Stephanie Bloom & Walk With Me Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Explore more inspiring episodes Join the community of listeners walking their own path of healing Subscribe for behind-the-scenes updates, upcoming guests, and exclusive tools for personal growth 📣 Call to Action If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that change is possible — and visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to keep walking with us.

In this episode of Walk With Me – Conversations with Real People, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Mark Struczewski, better known as Mr. Productivity. Mark shares his inspiring journey from being a latchkey kid in Rochester, New York, to a radio DJ, to the 2005 pivot that ultimately launched his career as a productivity coach, speaker, and podcaster. With honesty and humor, Mark unpacks the struggles of 15 years of unclear direction, the hard lessons of trial and error, and the breakthrough that came when he discovered the power of clarity. He explains why simplicity beats complexity, why joy is a non-negotiable in productivity, and why there's no shame in doing what it takes—whether that's driving for Uber or taking on unexpected work—to pursue your bigger goals. Listeners will also hear Mark's unique take on technology, the importance of setting boundaries, and his simple yet powerful advice for reclaiming focus in a distracted world. His "Tigger energy" and practical wisdom will leave you both smiling and motivated to get clear, slow down, and choose positivity. Key Takeaways Why clarity is the foundation of lasting success. How pivot points—like being fired—can become turning points. The importance of joy in true productivity. Simple practices (like going outside barefoot without tech) to recharge your brain. Why there's no shame in doing what it takes to support your goals. The ripple effect of positive energy and intentional choices. Memorable Quotes "Even though I'm known as Mr. Productivity, I am fascinated with helping people get their life back." "All your success starts with getting clear." "Productivity without joy isn't really productivity." "You don't always need to be on your phone—please tattoo that on your brain." "You can't control what people say, but you can control your reaction." Connect with Mark 🌐 MrProductivity.com – One-stop hub for Mark's podcast, coaching, and resources. Call to Action If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe to the Walk With Me podcast and share this episode with a friend who could use a boost of clarity and positivity. To support the show and gain access to more inspiring conversations, visit WalkWithMeConversations.com.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Scott Howard Swain—writer, empathy advocate, and creator of Empathy Bot—to explore what it truly means to practice empathy, rather than just perform it. Scott shares how a transient childhood shaped his emotional radar, why cognitive empathy became his framework for healing, and how he went on to build practical tools like a therapeutic card game and an AI empathy coach. From managing type 2 diabetes through fasting and keto, to helping parents reframe how they respond to their children's emotions, Scott's story offers a compelling look into emotional intelligence as a learned, teachable skill. Whether you're a coach, a parent, or simply someone navigating your own healing, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about connection, communication, and what it means to truly be with someone in their pain. 🔑 Key Topics: Early childhood survival and emotional hypervigilance The difference between cognitive and affective empathy Building emotional fluency through pattern recognition Scott's health transformation using intermittent fasting and keto Parenting with empathy instead of distraction The origin and use of Empathy Bot and the "Play to Evolve" card game Why emotional attunement is critical for both kids and adults 🧠 Notable Quotes: "Empathy isn't being nice or mean—it's about being real." "Most people don't even know they're not practicing empathy." "Gratitude gives me clarity. And clarity helps me show up better for others." 📍Resources Mentioned: ClearSay.net: Scott's website featuring his book, card game, and Empathy Bot Book: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Topics: Emotional resilience, self-inquiry, empathy in parenting, and AI tools for connection 📣 Call to Action: If this episode moved you, challenged you, or gave you new language for your emotional world, don't keep it to yourself—share it, rate it, and visit🌐 WalkWithMeConversations.com

In this episode of Walk With Me, host Stephanie Bloom is joined by certified divorce coach and mediator Andra Davidson, who shares her journey of healing after childhood trauma and a 20-year marriage. Together, they explore how early survival patterns like people-pleasing and emotional masking can shape adult relationships — and what it takes to begin again, this time with boundaries, clarity, and self-trust. Andra opens up about the courage it took to walk away from unsafe environments, the quiet unraveling of a marriage built on rescuing, and the radical shift of choosing herself. Now, as a divorce coach, she helps others navigate one of life's most overwhelming transitions by offering grounded, practical emotional support that makes space for grief, resilience, and real change. Whether you're currently navigating a divorce, supporting someone who is, or healing from your past, this conversation offers tools for emotional clarity and a reminder: you don't have to do this alone. What We Talk About in This Episode: The hidden cost of people-pleasing and emotional masking Why emotional support during divorce isn't optional — it's critical How unresolved trauma shapes our adult relationships The impact of choosing calm over chaos, and what happens when we outgrow old patterns Setting gentle but effective goals during emotional overwhelm Why the stories we tell ourselves can either cage us or set us free Quotable Moments: "I had blended in so much that no one even knew who I was." "I didn't need rescuing anymore — and that changed everything." "You don't have to do this alone. Emotional support isn't extra — it's essential." Resources & Links: Learn more about Andra Davidson's work: https://www.andradavidson.com Explore coaching support for divorce and emotional clarity Tools for boundary setting and healing through transition 💡 Connect + Support the Show If this conversation resonated with you, consider becoming a supporting member. Visit 👉 WalkWithMeConversations.com to access bonus content, resources, and more transformative interviews like this one.

In this episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Peter Teuscher, a life coach based in Hamburg, Germany, who shares a powerful story of transformation. From growing up in Canada with hidden family truths to building a seemingly successful life that masked deep emotional pain, Peter recounts how depression shaped his early years—and how self-awareness ultimately became his way forward. Through meditation, therapeutic practices, and a willingness to face his inner narrative, Peter uncovered the strength to leave behind a business, a country, and a life that no longer fit. Now, as a systemic coach, he helps others do the same: get unstuck, ask better questions, and build lives rooted in clarity and meaning. 🧠 Topics We Cover: The hidden impact of childhood shame and family silence The misconception of "laziness" as a symptom of depression What it's like to have outward success but inward despair The life-saving power of yoga, meditation, and inner inquiry How coaching became both a personal and professional turning point Tools Peter uses to help others shift limiting beliefs Why self-awareness—not perfection—is the real goal 🧰 Mentioned Modalities & Tools: Meditation & breathwork Hypnotherapy & regression CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Journaling, gratitude, and affirmations Morning and evening rituals for emotional regulation 🔁 Key Quote: "Don't believe everything you think. I went from a really dark place to a life filled with joy. If I can do it, others can too." 🔗 Ready to Go Deeper? Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to become a supporting member, access bonus content, and connect with stories that heal, uplift, and transform.

In this eye-opening conversation, Adam Zuckerman—founder of Buried in Work—shares how the sudden loss of his father became the unexpected catalyst for building a resource that's helping thousands navigate the chaos of estate transitions. What began as a personal coping mechanism—spreadsheets, templates, and detailed tracking—has grown into a nationally recognized estate organization system, offering clarity, dignity, and ease during life's most difficult moments. From the emotional weight of saying goodbye to the cold bureaucracy of banks and legal documents, Adam talks candidly about what it really means to leave behind a legacy—and why we need to bring death into everyday conversation. You'll hear how risk-taking shaped his path, why organization is the ultimate act of love, and how he's turning personal loss into scalable impact through tools, conversation games, and now, a book deal. Whether you're navigating loss, planning ahead, or supporting aging parents, this episode offers insight, tools, and heart. Topics Covered: The emotional and logistical toll of estate management Why death should be part of everyday conversation Creating accessible tools for the "sandwich generation" Building a legacy rooted in service How small acts of preparation ease massive burdens Quotable Insight: "Your legacy isn't about being remembered in 200 years—it's about the impact you leave behind right now." — Adam Zuckerman Resources Mentioned: Adam's site: BuriedInWork.com 🎧 Connect with More Conversations that Matter Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore past episodes, access healing resources, and sign up for updates on future guests and tools that help you live with more intention, clarity, and care.

In this deeply human conversation, Cesar Cardona joins Stephanie Bloom to reflect on a life marked by disconnection, survival, and eventual transformation. Raised between cultures, between cities, and between two parents who struggled to coexist, Cesar's early life was full of isolation and identity confusion. He shares candidly about his time in gangs, substance use, and the violent moment that almost ended his life. But what follows is a story of reclamation—through meditation, therapy, Buddhist philosophy, and a commitment to healing. At the heart of it all is one courageous decision: to forgive the men who nearly killed him, and to forgive himself. If you've ever wondered how to break generational cycles, find peace in chaos, or transform your pain into something useful—this conversation will move you. 🔑 Key Themes Identity confusion and cultural displacement Childhood trauma and early independence Gang involvement and life-threatening violence Plant medicine, therapy, and mindfulness as healing tools Redefining masculinity through peace and compassion Choosing forgiveness over revenge Breaking intergenerational trauma cycles 💬 Notable Quotes "If I responded with more anger, they would've jumped me every day after that." "What you're looking for is in your back pocket. All those years chasing identity, and it turns out—it was me I was looking for." "The trauma didn't start with me, but it can end with me." 🔗 Resources & Mentions Cesar's website: CesarCardona.com Ram Dass, Schopenhauer, and Buddhist teachings Mindfulness and trauma healing practices Meditation and contemplative recovery tools 🧭 Connect with Us For more stories of transformation, healing, and conscious living, explore: 🌐 WalkWithMeConversations.com

Episode Summary: In this energizing and candid conversation, Robert B. Foster shares how growing up as the youngest of seven—and being seen only as "so-and-so's little brother"—ignited a competitive fire that shaped his life. From a sidelined Olympic dream to being blindsided by a panic attack on the way to work, Robert's journey is filled with moments where he chose belief over resignation. He talks about walking away from a 60-hour-a-week job, transforming his garage into a gym, coaching himself through recovery after major surgery, and reclaiming the track medals others said he'd never earn again. Now a speaker, author, and coach, Robert teaches others how to rewrite their narrative, face fear with action, and show up even when you're not at 100%. What We Talk About in This Episode: Growing up with a drive to prove himself The power of physical movement to release stress Leaving a steady paycheck to pursue passion How to handle doubt when starting from scratch The mental shift from imposter syndrome to self-leadership Recovering from major physical setbacks Lessons from parenting, failure, and coaching Helping others find purpose through action Quotable Insight: "You don't have to be 100% every day. Just stay above 51%—keep moving forward." Resources & Links: 📘 Robert's Book: Shut Up and Grind 🎤 Robert's Podcast: Shut Up and Grind with Robert B. Foster 🌐 Connect with Robert: robertbfoster.com ✅ Love this conversation? Want more real, raw stories of healing and self-discovery? Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for full episodes, resources, and ways to support or get involved.

In this unforgettable episode, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Zulma Williams—also known as The Swearing Therapist—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming your life on your own terms. From growing up in Argentina and moving to the U.S. with nothing but hope, to surviving breast cancer and building a thriving therapy practice in her 50s, Zulma shares the truth behind what healing actually looks like. With wit, wisdom, and a few well-placed expletives, she challenges listeners to ditch perfection, embrace discipline over motivation, and stop asking "Why me?" and start asking "Why not me?" This is a conversation for anyone who's tired of playing small and ready to live out loud—especially if you've been through hell and want to make it count. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why Zulma moved to the U.S. at 31 with no job, money, or fallback plan The mindset shift that helped her face breast cancer with grit Why motivation is overrated—and how discipline is the real game changer Her unique style of therapy and the creation of Dragonfly Therapy Services A breakdown of Accelerated Resolution Therapy and how it helps people rewrite trauma responses The power of authenticity in the therapeutic process How to interview your therapist to find the right fit Her mission to help clients become the CEO of their own lives Quotable Highlights: "When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. So I took it as an adventure." —Zulma Williams "I had cancer. Cancer didn't have me." —Zulma Williams "Motivation is overrated. You've been doing hard s** your whole life without it. That's called discipline." —Zulma Williams Connect with Zulma Williams: Instagram: @theswearingtherapist Therapy Practice: Dragonfly Therapy Services 🔗 Call to Action: Inspired by this episode? Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore more powerful stories, access healing resources, and connect with therapists like Zulma who are redefining what support really looks like. 👉 One story can change your path. Let this be one of them.

Guest: Leighton Campbell, https://www.yourhappinesseq.com/ Host: Stephanie Bloom Podcast: Walk With Me Episode Summary: In this insightful conversation, Leighton Campbell shares his journey from a childhood marked by instability and emotional strain to a purpose-driven adult life defined by resilience, emotional growth, and professional grit. Born in Jamaica and raised in the U.S., Leighton navigated the turbulence of a fractured home and emerged with clarity about what matters most: redefining rejection, cultivating internal strength, and learning how to stand firm when everything inside you wants to quit. From enduring a grueling college sales program to forming lifelong bonds forged in struggle, Leighton reframes what it means to succeed—not by avoiding discomfort, but by walking straight into it and transforming it. Key Topics Discussed: The impact of childhood dynamics on adult identity Turning rejection into emotional training How resilience is built through repetition The importance of communication and sales skills in shaping a career Emotional recalibration and personal responsibility Why healing requires facing discomfort, not avoiding it

🔍 Episode Overview: In this heart-wrenching and powerful episode, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Dave Maheler, a recovery coach and Wall Street professional whose life has been marked by staggering loss and unwavering resilience. From surviving 9/11 inside the World Trade Center to losing both of his children—one to fentanyl poisoning and one to chronic illness—Dave has experienced devastation most cannot imagine. Yet, through grief and trauma, Dave found purpose. He now dedicates his life to supporting individuals and families navigating addiction, emphasizing the need for whole-family healing, dismantling stigma, and redefining what recovery really means. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: The difference between sobriety and true recovery How family dynamics can either hinder or support healing What it means to serve others as a path to healing Insights from coaching people in addiction recovery The impact of fentanyl and the urgency of awareness Dave's spiritual journey and how faith keeps him grounded Practical tools for relapse prevention and recovery support 💬 Notable Quotes: "Sobriety is stopping. Recovery is changing." "Families need to heal together. One person's recovery isn't enough if the whole house is broken." "Every small victory is a building block. Don't wait for the miracle—acknowledge the progress." ✅ Resources Mentioned: Dave's website: GroundZeroRecoveryCoaching.com Celebrate Recovery program Nar-Anon family support 👣 Connect + Take Action: If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear they're not alone. Healing is possible—even after devastation. 🖥️ For more powerful conversations about healing, resilience, and purpose, visit 👉 www.WalkWithMeConversations.com  

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Ash Perrow to explore a life shaped by adoption, rebellion, trauma, and ultimately, awakening. Ash shares the arc of his journey—from being given up for adoption in 1970s Australia, to navigating school bullying and emotional isolation, to finding solace in music, teaching, and fatherhood. A near-death experience following a medical error changes everything. What follows is a radical transformation: healing from PTSD, walking away from martyrdom, and choosing to live entirely from the heart. Ash now helps others do the same as a heart-centered coach, blending deep personal insight with practical tools for change. What We Cover in This Episode: The long shadow of adoption and the search for identity The damage of perfectionism and emotional neglect Rebellion as a cry for love Misdiagnosed mental health and the limitations of medication The life-altering moment of clinical death and what came after The wisdom of the body through somatic therapy How music became a sacred tool for survival and connection Living from the heart instead of the mind How Ash helps others turn pain into purpose Quotable Insight: "If I listen to my heart and devote myself to the work, the work devotes itself to me." – Ash Perrow Resources from Ash: Explore Ash's work and download free resources: ashperrow.com Take the Inner Critic Quiz Learn how visible your message is with the Visibility Quiz Download 11 Habits for Connecting to Your Inner Guidance If Ash's story moved you, inspired you, or helped you reflect on your own healing journey, there's more where that came from. Visit www.WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore past episodes, resources, and tools to support your path forward. Subscribe, share, and stay connected—because walking with others is the real work.

From Brokenness to Compassion: Gina Economopoulos on Grief, Faith, and Finding Purpose 🗓️ Episode Summary: In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me, host Stephanie Bloom speaks with Gina Economopoulos—author, end-of-life doula, and former Catholic nun—about how life's deepest wounds can cultivate our greatest compassion. Gina shares her journey through chronic illness, profound grief, religious trauma, addiction, and recovery, and how these trials ultimately equipped her to serve others at the threshold of death. Her story, told with unflinching honesty and fierce grace, invites listeners to reflect on how pain doesn't disqualify us—it prepares us to walk with others through theirs. 📚 Gina is the author of Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk, a memoir of loss, love, and liberation. 💡 Key Topics Covered: Growing up with illness and internalizing unworthiness Seeking belonging through people-pleasing and performance Joining—and being expelled from—a religious order after 12 years of service Losing her fiancé to alcoholism a month before their wedding Discovering her own alcoholism and beginning the healing journey at 49 Becoming an end-of-life doula and rediscovering purpose through presence What it means to help others die with dignity How trauma, grief, and spiritual surrender shaped her story of transformation 📌 Notable Quotes: "I got so used to bad things happening that it became normal. But healing meant choosing not to expect pain as my identity." "I don't fear death. I see Jesus in those I sit beside in their final hours." "If nobody told you they love you today—I do." 📖 Resources & Links: 📕 Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk – Available on Amazon 🌐 Visit Gina's website: www.ginaecon.com Learn more about end-of-life doula work: INELDA.org 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Here's how you can support the show: ✅ Subscribe to Walk With Me on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. 💬 Leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners who need these stories of transformation. ☕ Support my work by donating via Venmo 🔗 Share this episode with someone who is grieving, healing, or searching for meaning. You never know whose life it might change.

🎙️ Episode Title: Between Beauty and Pain: Navigating Love, Loss, and the Aftermath of Suicide 🎧 Guest: Paula DiMarco 🎤 Host: Stephanie Bloom Podcast: Walk With Me Episode Summary: In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, visual artist and writer Paula DiMarco opens up about surviving childhood dysfunction, loving someone with PTSD, and ultimately processing the tragic suicide of her partner, Alex. From her upbringing in Argentina to her creative healing journey in Canada, Paula shares the raw reality of trauma, the double-edged sword of hyper-adaptability, and how writing and art helped her make sense of the unimaginable. Together with host Stephanie Bloom, they discuss the rarely acknowledged trauma experienced by those who are left behind when someone threatens or dies by suicide. Key Themes: The unseen trauma of suicide threats Loving someone with PTSD and depression Grieving someone whose truth you never fully knew Emotional abuse vs. mental illness—holding both truths The role of art and writing in healing and identity reclamation What the system gets wrong about crisis support Setting boundaries when your survival is on the line Quotable Moments: 🖤 "Hyper-adaptability helped me survive, but it also made me tolerant of environments I should have never stayed in." 🖋️ "Writing became my lifeline—the only place where I could unpack everything without censoring or sugarcoating." 💬 "Being the one someone threatens suicide to is a trauma all its own." 🌊 "Art was how I stayed connected to myself while everything around me was falling apart." Resources & Mentions: Paula's blog and forthcoming book on surviving suicide loss Suicide Prevention Resources (e.g., Talk Suicide Canada, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

  🎙️ Walk With Me Podcast Episode Title: Healing the Root: Tammy Cox on Breaking Cycles, Reclaiming Self, and Transforming Love Host: Stephanie Bloom Guest: Tammy Cox – Relationship Coach, Host of Behind the Veil Podcast Episode Summary: In this raw and illuminating conversation, Tammy Cox shares her journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and religious control to becoming a transformational relationship coach. Tammy walks us through how she unraveled her own inherited wounds, recognized destructive patterns, and rebuilt her life through deep emotional work and spiritual clarity. Now, she helps other women uncover the subconscious beliefs keeping them stuck—especially in love—and walks with them toward genuine healing. Tammy's story is not just one of personal evolution; it's a blueprint for stopping generational trauma and choosing emotional freedom over inherited pain. This episode explores the connection between inner healing and outer relationships, the limitations of talk therapy, the power of somatic release, and why motherhood became her wake-up call to finally heal. What We Talk About: The trauma of being raised in a controlling and abusive environment Losing her father to AIDS at 11 and the psychological aftermath The internal conflict of grieving someone who hurt you How unresolved trauma shows up in motherhood and relationships Why traditional therapy didn't go deep enough The belief that ruled her life: "I am unlovable" What actually works to heal core wounds The importance of finding the root pattern and subconscious belief Releasing fear-based religion and embracing spirituality Creating a new legacy for her children by modeling emotional freedom The power of being fully present, even during conflict How she works with clients to guide them through deep transformation Why healing isn't quick—but it is possible Quotable Insights: "If I don't heal me, she is going to become me." "Talk therapy was just a band-aid. I needed to go deeper—into the body, into the belief." "You can't pass on what you haven't practiced. That includes peace." "Every traumatic event comes with a belief. And that belief is creating your entire life experience." "You're not just healing for yourself. You're healing for your lineage." Connect with Tammy Cox: Website & Coaching: Tammy's Linktree Podcast: Behind the Veil: Anonymous Transformations   Trending Topics Covered: mentalhealth • healingjourney • traumahealing • emotionalintelligence • selflove • innerchildhealing • somatichealing • mindfulness • resilience • relationshiprepair Subscribe & Share: If this episode spoke to you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone walking a similar path. Your support helps amplify these stories of transformation and hope.

👤 Guest: Michael Blair – Therapist, Coach, Author, and Creator of the Spin Method 📝 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Michael Blair, a veteran therapist and passionate grandfather who introduces us to a life-changing emotional regulation tool: When in Doubt, Spin It Out. Drawing from over 34 years of clinical experience, Michael shares how his "Spin" method helps individuals rapidly release emotional pain, process trauma, and reclaim mental clarity — often in under 10 minutes. From suicidal ideation to anxiety, marriage conflict to chronic stress, Michael offers real-life examples where people found healing faster than they ever imagined. His approach isn't just therapeutic — it's transformational and accessible to anyone, even children. Through his book and free coaching demos, Michael is on a mission to bring this tool into 100,000 homes by 2025. 🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional talk therapy may not be enough for deep emotional healing How the Spin method works to "uninstall" negative emotions Real-world stories of trauma being resolved in minutes How to use this technique with children, partners, and yourself The surprising role of self-forgiveness in long-term emotional regulation Ways this process can support crisis intervention and suicide prevention Michael's vision for making healing scalable, fast, and freely available 📘 Resources Mentioned: Michael's book: When in Doubt, Spin It Out Website: www.whenindoubtspinitout.com QR code in the book links to $299 worth of free training sessions Expanded therapeutic model: Trauma Conversion Therapy (TCT) 💬 Memorable Quote: "When in doubt, spin it out. You don't have to carry your pain forever." – Michael Blair 🎧 Listen Now On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | WalkWithMeConversations.com 📲 Connect with Us: Learn more about upcoming guests and resources at WalkWithMeConversations.com

🔹 Podcast Show Notes: 🎙 Episode Title: Resilience Reset with Dr. Lynn Banas: Navigating Grief, Identity, and Rebirth 🎧 Summary: In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lynn Banas shares her journey through profound loss, personal transformation, and her mission to guide others through grief. After losing her mother, brother, and husband within a short span, Lynn used her background in psychology, coaching, and change leadership to rebuild her life—and help others do the same. From the fog of early grief to redefining purpose in later life, this episode is a testament to resilience, flow, and the power of choosing a new identity. 💡 What You'll Learn: The difference between moving on and moving forward How grief rewires the brain—and how to support that process Why isolation can feel physically painful How to help someone who's grieving (hint: don't avoid their name) Why grief mentorship must go beyond the first year 📘 Resources Mentioned: 👉 Dr. Lynn Banas' free guide: Five Answers to the Tricky Question: "How Are You?" 👉 Book recommendation: Healthy Grief by Dr. Karen Kramer 🔗 Connect with Dr. Banas: Visit Discovery Point Coaching Download her free grief guide (link provided in episode description)

Episode Title: Building Something Brick by Brick: The Journey of Nick Barrett Guest: Nick Barrett, Founder of Cord Brick LLC Episode Overview: In today's episode, we hear from Nick Barrett, the founder of Cord Brick LLC, as he shares his remarkable story of transformation—from overcoming addiction to launching a successful entrepreneurial venture. Nick's journey is one of resilience, creativity, and growth. Through his candid conversation, he highlights the power of community, the importance of personal growth, and how his experiences in recovery led to the creation of his innovative product. In this episode, we discuss: Nick's Early Life and Struggles: Growing up as a sports-loving 90s kid in Northern Virginia and later Philadelphia, Nick shares his childhood experiences and how insecurity led him to alcoholism as a way to cope. The Turning Point: How hitting rock bottom—through job loss, relationship breakdowns, and multiple DUIs—pushed Nick to confront his addiction and find sobriety. The Role of AA in His Recovery: Nick reflects on the importance of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and how the support and community in AA gave him the strength to rebuild his life. From Sobriety to Entrepreneurship: After getting sober, Nick transitioned into the entrepreneurial world, creating Cord Brick—an innovative product to solve the problem of tangled phone cords. Nick discusses the challenges and triumphs of building his business from the ground up. Building a Balanced Life: The importance of physical, mental, and emotional balance in both sobriety and entrepreneurship. Nick shares how he learned to prioritize self-care and discipline, leading to his success as a business owner. Mentorship and Giving Back: Nick's commitment to mentoring others and sharing his journey with aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes how helping others has been a crucial part of his success. The Power of Personal Growth: How Nick's focus on personal development, overcoming obstacles, and staying disciplined in both recovery and business has led to sustainable success. Key Quotes: "Building something, whether it's a product or a life, is all about doing it brick by brick." "The real power in recovery wasn't in the state-mandated programs, it was in the community I found through AA." "Every step in life is a chance to improve. Even when you're struggling, every new version of yourself is an opportunity to get better." "Sobriety taught me to manage risk, but being an entrepreneur taught me to embrace calculated risks and follow through." Where to Find Nick: Website: Cord Brick Amazon: Cord Brick on Amazon Social Media: Instagram: @cordbrick LinkedIn: Nick Barrett Resources: AA – Alcoholics Anonymous Florida Gulf Coast University Entrepreneurship Program Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing inspiring stories like Nick's to the forefront.

Episode Overview: In this powerful episode of the "Walk With Me" podcast, Joe Rosado shares his incredible journey of resilience, self-healing, and growth. From childhood trauma and loss to overcoming addiction and embracing holistic healing, Joe's story is a testament to the power of transformation. Join us as Joe reflects on his life's challenges, the lessons learned, and how he now helps others through his work in medical cannabis and addiction recovery. Key Topics Covered: Joe's Early Life and Trauma: Joe begins by sharing his childhood in the Bronx, his experience with physical abuse, and the emotional scars that shaped his worldview. His traumatic experiences at a young age set the foundation for much of his emotional struggles later in life. Loss and Beliefs About Love: At the age of 11, Joe's father's sudden death led to deep emotional beliefs about abandonment and loss, which impacted his future relationships and choices. The Healing Journey: Joe's path to healing started in his early 40s when he took a deep dive into understanding his trauma, behaviors, and emotional struggles. Through therapy and personal reflection, he started to unravel the beliefs and patterns that shaped his life. Addiction and Recovery: Joe opens up about his struggles with alcohol, the moment he realized he needed help, and the crucial role that community support played in his recovery. His commitment to his own healing journey reflects his understanding of addiction's complexities. Medical Career and Healing: With a lifelong dream of being a physician, Joe worked his way through various medical roles, from an orderly to a chiropractor, before becoming a medical doctor. He reflects on how his experiences as both a healthcare provider and a patient have shaped his approach to healing others. The Role of Medical Cannabis and Ketamine: Joe shares his work as a medical cannabis physician and his use of alternative treatments, including ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. His approach combines his clinical expertise and personal healing journey to help others overcome trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. Empathy in Medicine: Through his personal experiences, Joe has gained a deep understanding of what it means to be a patient, allowing him to empathize with his own patients who are navigating addiction, mental health challenges, and recovery. Quotable Insights: "Healing is a lifelong journey, and the most important step is the one we take to begin it." "Resilience is key, but we don't do it alone. It's the people around us, the tribe, that helps us heal." "The only difference between you and me is that you're sitting on that side of the desk and I'm sitting on this side." "Cannabis is medicine. It has the power to help people heal, both physically and emotionally." Connect with Joe: https://josephrosadomd.com/meet-dr-joseph-rosado/ 

Episode Title: Rodney Miles: Embracing Dual Identities in Creativity and Professionalism Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Rodney Miles, a man who beautifully navigates the balance between his professional career and creative passions. Rodney discusses how he adopted his full name, "Rodney Miles," as both his professional pen name and a symbol of his evolving identity. He shares valuable insights into how being a professional doesn't mean abandoning your creative soul, and how embracing both sides of yourself can lead to authentic success. Rodney's journey offers inspiration for anyone struggling to balance their creative pursuits with professional demands, emphasizing the importance of persistence, authenticity, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Key Takeaways: Dual Identity: Rodney explains how adopting his full name as a professional pen name allowed him to fuse his creativity with his career. Balancing Creativity and Professionalism: It's possible to excel in both realms by staying true to your creative soul while pursuing career success. The Power of Community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support your growth is essential for success. Evolving as a Creative: The importance of continuing to learn, adapt, and evolve, both professionally and creatively. Quotable Insights: "Being a professional doesn't mean you have to leave your creative soul behind." "Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and will support your growth." "Stay true to yourself, continue learning, and don't be afraid to evolve." Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Rodney Miles and the episode's theme 03:15 - Rodney's story and the significance of his full name as a professional pen name 08:45 - How Rodney balances his creative passions with his professional career 14:30 - The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community 20:00 - Evolving as a creative and the value of continuous learning 25:30 - Final thoughts and advice for aspiring creatives and professionals Connect with Rodney: Rodney Miles' Website: https://rodneymiles.com/ Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006731687965  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebookdude  Join the Conversation: We want to hear your thoughts! How do you balance your creative passions with your professional goals? Share with us on social media or send us a message!

Let the Wildflowers Grow – A Mother's Journey Through Adoption, Attachment, and BPD Guest: Brigitte Becker, author and advocate Summary: In this heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode, Brigitte Becker shares her journey from growing up in a loving immigrant family to becoming a mother through adoption. When her daughter began to exhibit signs of deep trauma and was eventually diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Bridget entered a new world of advocacy, therapy, and self-discovery. Her story highlights the complexities of mental illness, the systemic shortcomings in trauma care, and the deep reservoir of love required to keep showing up. Topics Covered: Childhood and family values Infertility and adoption journey Early attachment and signs of trauma The diagnosis of BPD and navigating treatment Challenges with the healthcare system and school Parenting strategies and self-care Letting go and holding on with love Advocacy through writing and community work Resources Mentioned: Let the Wildflowers Grow by Brigitte Becker NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) McLean Hospital – Adolescent BPD and DBT programs

From Heroin to Healing: Patrick Casey's Recovery Journey Guest: Patrick Casey – Nurse Practitioner, Personal Coach, Recovery Advocate In this episode, Patrick Casey shares his raw and honest journey from a chaotic childhood and teenage heroin addiction to 22 years of sobriety and a career in healthcare. Patrick discusses the emotional roots of addiction, the turning point that changed his life, and the importance of connection and laughter in recovery. He also opens up about his divorce, grief, and how he continues to grow and help others through his coaching and medical work. Topics Covered: Childhood trauma and emotional survival Addiction, rock bottom, and recovery Finding community and laughter in sobriety Life after treatment: relationships, growth, and setbacks Helping others as a recovery coach and nurse practitioner Notable Quotes: "I didn't want to die, but I didn't want to live either." "Helping others is what saved me." "I found more joy sober than I ever did high." Connect with Patrick: Patrick's Website