**Content Advisory: This episode has discussion of suicide**

Our guests today have survival stories that deserve to be told. We were first made aware of Koda, when an Instagram follower messaged us about this pit bull who was living under a car in her neighborhood, the good human had been feeding her and giving her water. The dog had been there for weeks, and even with postings on all of the appropriate sites, no one claimed her. The weather was hot. and the road was busy. Her life was in danger every second. The pictures that accompanied the message were heartbreaking. Lindsay and I jumped in the car. Armed with a bowl of food and a slip lead, we prayed she would let us help her. And when I tell you the moment this girl slinked her skinny bod out from under the car, gratefully accepting the food with a humble wag, we knew then. That Koda is why we rescue. As soon as our friend Nathalie saw Koda's story, she reached out. Ellen, she said. We must meet her. I see something in her eyes. I've known our guest Nathalie for many, many years. She kicks my ass often, right here at The Beat Fitness. Nathalie is a multiple platform fitness and bodybuilding champion. She's inspirational, motivational, a mother and a friend. But what I didn't know then was the challenges she's faced in her own past. And most recently, watching her kick Cancer's ass. Together, Koda and Nathalie are beautiful.