Dr. Sandra Cox talks with Robbie Parker—father of six-year-old Sandy Hook victim Emily Parker—about the day of the 2012 shooting, the media and conspiracy-theory onslaught that followed, and his decade-long journey from raw grief to renewed purpose.
Robbie recounts intimate memories of Emily, describes meeting President Obama, explains how Alex Jones’s defamation campaign compounded his family’s trauma, and shares how therapy, art-based advocacy, and the lawsuit against Infowars helped him reclaim hope.
🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Connection heals. Robbie reveals how sharing Emily’s story and listening to others’ pain created a lifeline back to hope.
2. Grief is not a contest. Your hardest moment is valid—no matter how it compares to someone else’s tragedy.
3. Anger can be an ally. When channeled, it fuels boundaries, justice, and forward motion.
4. The system needs fixing. Mental-health gaps and online radicalization both played roles in the Sandy Hook tragedy—and still endanger families today.
5. Art speaks when words fail. Learn how the Emily Parker Art Connection uses creative expression to help traumatized kids process their emotions.
📚 RESOURCES & LINKS
Robbie’s book: https://www.robbieparker.net
Emily Parker Art Connection: https://emilyparkerfund.com
Safe and Sound Schools (school-safety non-profit): https://safeandsoundschools.org
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.nctsn.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US): Dial 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org
🙏 HOW YOU CAN HELP
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#SandyHook #RobbieParker #GriefHealing #TraumaRecovery #AlexJonesTrial #EmilyParker #AdversityToAscension #MentalHealthMatters #ChooseLove
Dr. Sandra Cox sits down with David Keck, host of The Process of Healing podcast, to discuss his harrowing journey through trauma, resilience, and advocacy.
David shares his deeply personal story—growing up as an openly gay man in the South, surviving a brutal hate crime, and navigating the long road to recovery. Despite immense hardship, he has turned his pain into purpose, advocating for survivors and working to create change in the justice system and mental health support for victims of violence.
🌟 Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ David’s early life and overcoming childhood adversity
✅ The attack that changed everything—and how he survived
✅ The failures of the justice system and the challenges of being a gay victim in Tennessee
✅ How therapy, grounding techniques, and advocacy helped in his healing process
✅ The importance of support networks and breaking the silence around trauma
✅ His podcast The Process of Healing and mission to help others
David’s courage and determination are truly inspiring. Don’t miss this moving conversation about survival, resilience, and the fight for justice.
🔔 Like, Subscribe & Comment! Let us know your thoughts and share this with someone who needs to hear it.
🎙 Listen to David’s Podcast: The Process of Healing: https://www.youtube.com/@theprocess_pod
📲 Follow David on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@david_keck
#HealingJourney #TraumaSurvivor #LGBTQ #SurvivorStories #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience
Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, the podcast where we explore how life’s challenges can be transformed into meaning and success. In this episode, Dr. Sandra Cox sits down with Jeff Comerchero and Eli Radford—an unlikely pair whose friendship defies stereotypes and societal expectations.
Jeff, a former mayor of Temecula, Vietnam veteran, and CEO of a billion-dollar real estate development company, spent most of his life as a staunch conservative. Eli, originally known as Liz, has since transitioned and now identifies as non-binary. Their story, captured in their book The Old Man and the Queer, is one of personal growth, unexpected friendship, and the power of open-mindedness.
In this episode, they discuss:
✅ How their friendship began despite political and social differences
✅ Jeff’s personal transformation in understanding gender identity
✅ Eli’s journey navigating family expectations and societal norms
✅ The challenges and victories of the LGBTQ+ community today
✅ The importance of breaking down barriers and fostering understanding
This conversation is a testament to the idea that real change happens when we are willing to listen, learn, and challenge our own perspectives.
📖 Get their book, The Old Man and the Queer:
🔗 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Queer-Transformative-Retired/dp/B0CWGY2D63
🔗 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-old-man-and-the-queer-jeff-comerchero/1145027398
🔗 Website: https://theoldmanandthequeer.com/
🎧 Listen & Subscribe to Adversity to Ascension
🔹 Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/inspiring-stories-of-triumph-over-hardship-with-dr/id1777513787?i=1000675402178
🔹 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/71AOfCUZJK5m3lZGlQILq4
👍 If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of transformation and growth!
#LGBTQ #PersonalGrowth #Friendship #AdversityToAscension #Podcast #JeffComerchero #EliRadford #TheOldManAndTheQueer
Dr. Sandra Cox welcomes Carol Chea, host of Solitary Magic Podcast, to share her incredible journey from a strict Southern Baptist upbringing to discovering her path in Appalachian witchcraft and spiritual self-discovery.
Carol opens up about the struggles of being deeply embedded in evangelical culture—marrying young, homeschooling her children, and dedicating her life to the church—only to face a personal crisis when her marriage ended. This turning point led her to question the doctrines she once followed blindly and ultimately guided her toward a spiritual awakening rooted in nature-based practices, ancestral wisdom, and personal empowerment.She discusses the deep influence of her great-grandmother, a “holler witch” known for healing and prophetic dreams, and how that connection helped her reclaim an intuitive, earth-based spirituality.
Carol also explores the significance of deities like Brigid, The Morrigan, and Hecate, explaining how they serve as archetypal energies that guide her through life’s transitions.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Cox and Carol reflect on religious trauma, the rise of witchcraft as a spiritual movement, and the deep calling many women feel to return to ancient wisdom in today’s world. They discuss the importance of community, spiritual sovereignty, and embracing a practice that isn’t about rigid rules, but about aligning with the cycles of nature and the power within.
✨ Topics Covered:
🔮 Leaving evangelical Christianity & religious trauma
🌿 Embracing Appalachian witchcraft & ancestral wisdom
🕯️ The role of deities and archetypes in spiritual practice
🔥 The resurgence of divine feminine energy
💫 How spirituality can be a path to healing and personal power
🎧 Listen to Carol’s podcast, Solitary Magic:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SolitaryMagicPod
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xSc5FyRgfWkHft1um3fRN
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solitary-magic/id1766319759
🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts in the comments below!
#SpiritualAwakening #ReligiousTrauma #Witchcraft #AppalachianMagic #SpiritualJourney #AdversityToAscension
Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, a podcast dedicated to transforming life's hardships into opportunities for growth and meaning. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Hartfield, co-owner of Inland Empire TMS, whose incredible story of overcoming addiction, trauma, and adversity will inspire you. Joined by Dr. Sandra Cox, Kyle shares his journey of battling mental health challenges, 20+ years of addiction, and the profound impact of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy on his recovery. Kyle opens up about his struggles growing up, navigating a tumultuous childhood, and his ultimate path to sobriety after years of alcohol and substance abuse. He reflects on pivotal moments, including the intervention that changed his life and the miraculous recovery aided by TMS therapy. This revolutionary treatment not only transformed Kyle’s mental health but also reignited his passion and drive to help others through his work. In this heartfelt conversation, you’ll learn: • The truth behind addiction and self-medication. • The role of ADHD, depression, and trauma in Kyle’s life and recovery. • How TMS therapy is revolutionizing treatment for mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. • Why a strong support system and a purpose-driven approach to life can make all the difference. This episode is a raw, vulnerable look into the life of someone who hit rock bottom and climbed back up, stronger than ever. Kyle’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of second chances, and the transformative potential of modern mental health treatments. 🔗 Links and Resources: • Check out Kyle's YouTube: https://www.italktms.com • Learn more about Inland Empire TMS: https://www.inlandempiretms.com Follow us for updates and testimonials: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook 🌟 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to inspire someone who might need it. Let’s spread hope and healing together. #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #TMS #OvercomingAdversity #AdversityToAscension
Welcome to Adversity To Ascension, the podcast that explores how to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose. In this episode, we sit down with Ann Marie Houghtailing, a storytelling and business development expert who has trained thousands of professionals across the U.S. and beyond. Ann Marie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring: from navigating the 2009 recession as a single mom supporting her family, to pioneering one of the first academic sales certification programs in the U.S., to becoming a sought-after consultant for billionaires, incarcerated men, hospice patients, and everyone in between. Her work is rooted in the power of storytelling—a tool she says can influence, connect, and create profound change. 📕 Check out Ann Marie’s book, How I Created A Dollar Out of Thin Air, available on Amazon, for a deeper dive into her journey: https://www.amazon.com/How-Created-Dollar-Out-Thin/dp/0988618206 🔍 Find Ann Marie Houghtailing online at: https://annmariehoughtailing.com/ In this engaging conversation, Ann Marie reveals: • The neuroscience behind storytelling and why it’s essential for leadership and communication. • How she built her business from scratch during economic turmoil, armed with resilience and determination. • Practical advice for overcoming imposter syndrome, handling rejection, and finding your unique value in a crowded market. • How to break free from "the waiting place" and take that first, tiny step toward your goals. Whether you’re stuck in a career rut, dreaming of a big pivot, or simply seeking inspiration, Ann Marie’s insights will motivate you to embrace your creativity, value yourself, and trust in your ability to reinvent. ✨ Take a listen and get ready to unlock your full potential—because your story is far from over. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on transforming challenges into growth and empowering journeys through adversity. Follow Me On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adversity2ascension/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559255852318 #StorytellingMastery #Resilience #CareerPivot #AdversityToAscension #Inspiration
In this powerful solo episode of Adversity to Ascension, Dr. Sandra Cox addresses the fears and anxieties gripping many Americans following recent political shifts and societal changes. Drawing from her extensive experience as a mental health professional, Dr. Cox explores the challenges posed by changes in civil rights, healthcare, LGBTQ+ protections, and racial equality under the current administration. Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode: 🔥 The Rising Tide of Fear: Why many feel anxious about the future of civil rights, healthcare, and societal norms. 💬 Real Stories, Real Concerns: Insight into the lived experiences of marginalized communities and the rising challenges they face. 🌱 Tools to Thrive: Practical strategies to connect, build resilience, and find purpose during uncertain times. 🤝 The Power of Meaning and Connection: Lessons from Viktor Frankl and the science behind social bonds for mental and emotional well-being. ✅ Actionable Advice: How to engage in community activism, practice gratitude, and maintain hope for a brighter future. 📚 Resources Mentioned:
🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on turning Adversity into Ascension! 🎧 Available on on all platforms. 📲 Follow us on social media for updates and inspiration. 💬 Connect with Dr. Sandra Cox: 📧 Email: DrSandraCox@Adversity2Ascension.com Let’s transform adversity into strength—together. 🌟 #Resilience #MentalHealth #OvercomingAdversity #CivilRights #ThriveThroughChallenges
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Adversity to Ascension! Today, we’re honored to host Sarah Parlow—an accomplished nurse anesthetist, actress, writer, life coach, and LGBTQ advocate. Sarah’s journey is one of courage, authenticity, and transformation. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah shares her experiences as a trans woman who transitioned in 1995, navigating societal challenges while remaining steadfast in her mission to educate and empower. From her early years overcoming gender dysphoria to her current work as the founder of Aligned with Sarah, a coaching service, Sarah reveals how alignment and authenticity have shaped her life and helped her thrive both personally and professionally. Join us as we explore: 🔸The power of authenticity in overcoming adversity. 🔸Sarah's insights on the societal and political landscape surrounding trans rights. 🔸The importance of community, self-love, and personal growth. 🔸How her work in coaching and hypnosis helps others break through limiting beliefs. Sarah’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative impact of living your truth. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about resilience, inclusion, and the ongoing fight for equality. 🔗 Follow Sarah Parlow: https://linktr.ee/consciousquestpodcast 🔗 Conscious Quest on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConsciousQuestYouTube🔗 Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesarahparlow?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 🔗 Coaching - Aligned with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/aligned_with_sarah?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
🔗 Sarah Parlow the Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahparlowtheartist?mibextid=LQQJ4d 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories! #TransRights #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #AdversityToAscension #LGBTQAdvocate #SarahParlow #LifeCoach #OvercomingAdversity
In this powerful first episode, host Dr. Sandra Cox dives deep into resilience, self-discovery, and recovery with thought leader Randy Haveson. With over 40 years of sobriety, Randy has become a beacon of hope, using his journey from addiction and self-doubt to inspire and uplift others. A bestselling author of Becoming Your Own BFF, Randy has shared his story on major platforms like CNN, CNBC, and TEDx, impacting countless lives. Join us as Randy opens up about his darkest moments—how hitting rock bottom at age 24 forced him to confront himself and find the courage to seek help. He reveals the crucial role that therapy, journaling, and self-compassion played in reshaping his life. Through candid anecdotes and honest reflections, Randy discusses the societal pressures that discourage men from expressing emotions, the challenges of confronting feelings in recovery, and how embracing vulnerability ultimately became his greatest strength. Key Takeaways: - How Randy transformed his inner bully into his best friend, building self-esteem and personal strength. - The importance of community and support networks in recovery, and why connecting with others helped him redefine his purpose. - Practical advice for those struggling with addiction and mental health, from changing environments to journaling as a tool for emotional clarity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating difficult times, searching for inspiration, or simply wanting to understand the power of resilience and hope. Tune in and discover how embracing vulnerability and reaching out for help can turn personal pain into a source of purpose and strength. 📕 Don’t forget to check out Randy’s book, Becoming Your Own BFF, available on Amazon, for a deeper dive into his journey: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Your-Own-BFF-Self-Esteem/dp/0998413828 🔍 Find Randy online at: https://randyhaveson.com/ 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on transforming challenges into growth and empowering journeys through adversity. #SelfEsteemJourney #OvercomingAddiction #ResilienceAndRecovery
Welcome to Adversity to Ascension with Dr. Sandra Cox! In this empowering episode, Dr. Cox sits down with Ginger Hitzke, a trailblazing first-generation real estate developer and president of Hitzke Development. Ginger shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in affordable housing, developing over 1,500 housing units and $430 million in real estate across California. Despite early challenges—including balancing a teen pregnancy and a career that began as an administrative assistant—Ginger grew into her role, ultimately founding Hitzke Development during the 2008 financial crisis. In this conversation, Ginger opens up about her unique path in the real estate world, the obstacles she overcame, and how her experience with housing instability inspired her to create sustainable, community-centered housing for low-income families and veterans. Through candid discussions about scarcity mindsets, mentorship, and the importance of trust, Ginger provides insight into her vision for housing affordability and her advocacy work for rent control and supportive housing. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, vision, and dedication to community—a must-watch for anyone interested in affordable housing, real estate development, or personal growth. #AffordableHousing #RealEstateSuccess #ResilienceJourney #OvercomingAdversity #HousingAdvocacy
Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, a podcast dedicated to exploring the incredible stories of people who have risen above life's most challenging obstacles. Hosted by Dr. Sandra Cox—a psychiatrist with nearly 30 years of experience, mother, and social justice advocate—this series delves into the raw and transformative journeys of those who have faced devastating setbacks and emerged stronger. In this debut episode, Dr. Cox shares her personal story, from growing up in a tumultuous household in rural Missouri to overcoming financial struggles and societal expectations to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. Along the way, she reflects on her parents' resilience, the hardships that shaped her own life, and the lessons learned from guiding her patients through their darkest times. Tune in to be inspired by stories of perseverance, learn about the science of neuroplasticity, and discover tools for personal growth. Subscribe now to hear how you can cultivate resilience and manifest a life of abundance, no matter the challenges you face.