In this episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, host Eric Stauffer welcomes Michael, a US Army veteran whose remarkable journey from battlefield to mental health advocate offers hope to those struggling with trauma.Michael retired from the US Army in 2015 after a diverse military career spanning roles as a Navy Corpsman, Army Infantry Officer, and Civil Affairs Officer. His service includes deployments to Iraq in 2008 and Africa in 2012. But it was his personal battle after leaving the service that would ultimately define his mission.In 2017, Michael faced his darkest hours as PTSD, deep depression, suicidal ideations, and paralyzing anxiety nearly ended his life. Through this profound struggle, he discovered a path toward healing that transformed his pain into purpose. Michael's wellness journey encompasses fitness, nutrition, mental health practice, maintaining connections, spirituality, and community service.Seven months ago, Michael launched United Veterans Worldwide on YouTube and Instagram, a platform dedicated to telling the stories of veterans, first responders, and anyone who has experienced trauma. His authentic approach and message of hope have resonated deeply, with his channel recently surpassing 100,000 subscribers.Join us as Michael shares his powerful story of transformation and discusses how his organization is creating space for others to find renewed joy and purpose after trauma. This conversation explores the unique challenges facing veterans, practical approaches to holistic wellness, and how sharing our stories can be the first step toward healing.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health and transformation!
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, host Eric Stauffer sits down with Janene Pack, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss the growing generational divide and its impact on mental health
Janene Pack recently moved to Utah from Virginia where she had a thriving practice working with adolescents, parents, adults, and families, and has continued the same work in the Salt Lake area.
Janene is passionate about adolescent development and the ongoing developmental process into adulthood. She has been working with adolescents, young adults, and parents for the last 15 years.
She received her master’s degree in counseling from the University of New Mexico, where she completed a dual program to be licensed to work privately and in private and local school systems. She gained extensive experience in the private sector and in schools counseling adolescents and young adults with Autism, ADD, Emotional Disabilities, Trauma, and Grief.
Janene uses attachment focus to support clients in building Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills to better understand themselves and connect with the people around them.
Janene’s therapeutic focus has expanded to treating individuals and families experiencing relationship trauma and grief and using physiological and cognitive-informed therapies to process intrapersonal and interpersonal awareness.
Janene has realized from personal experience how important the therapeutic relationship is in supporting, and challenging clients to gain insight from their own life to develop proactive life skills.
Janene’s particular passions are providing parent consultations to improve parent and adolescent relationships, psychoeducational presentations, writing informational journal articles, running processing groups for adolescents and young adults, and creating activities to assist clients in sharing inner thoughts and feelings to gain a wholistic sense of self.
When she is not running around with her husband and four children, you can find her researching and planning her next travel adventure, or she is curled up reading a good book!
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health and transformation!
*Part 2 of our conversation with Randy Wright*In this deeply moving episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, Eric Stauffer sits down with Randy Wright, a devoted husband and father, as he shares his journey through unimaginable loss. Randy opens up about the heartbreaking night he lost his daughter, Emily, and the years of grief, anger, and healing that followed.This conversation explores the weight of tragedy, the struggle to find meaning in loss, and the power of faith and community in the darkest moments. If you or someone you love has experienced loss, this episode is a must-listen. Randy’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the grace that carries us forward—even when we feel broken.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Be sure to subscribe for more inspiring and raw conversations.*In our podcast “Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation” we discuss a variety of sensitive subjects such as suicide, suicidal ideation, self harm, abuse, and faith crisis.Viewer discretion is advised*
In this deeply moving episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, Eric Stauffer sits down with Randy Wright, a devoted husband and father, as he shares his journey through unimaginable loss. Randy opens up about the heartbreaking night he lost his daughter, Emily, and the years of grief, anger, and healing that followed.This conversation explores the weight of tragedy, the struggle to find meaning in loss, and the power of faith and community in the darkest moments. If you or someone you love has experienced loss, this episode is a must-listen. Randy’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the grace that carries us forward—even when we feel broken.Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Be sure to subscribe for more inspiring and raw conversations.*In our podcast “Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation” we discuss a variety of sensitive subjects such as suicide, suicidal ideation, self harm, abuse, and faith crisis.Viewer discretion is advised*
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, Maria Hunsaker speaks with Lori Reynolds about overcoming immense challenges and finding a path to healing. Lori shares her experience of losing her first husband, enduring an abusive marriage, and rediscovering hope through faith and resilience.
This weeks conversation focuses on breaking the silence around abuse, leaning on others for support, and finding light in life’s darkest moments. Lori’s journey is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, and life can be rebuilt with love and courage.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Be sure to subscribe for more inspiring stories.
Join Eric Stauffer in this episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, as he sits down with Reverend Gregory Johnson to discuss faith, mental health, and building unity across religious divides. Reverend Johnson shares his journey from founding interfaith initiatives in Utah to fostering meaningful dialogue between Evangelical and Latter-day Saint communities. Together, they explore the power of grace, the role of faith in overcoming life’s challenges, and how healthy conversations can bring healing and hope. Reverend Johnson’s inspiring work reminds us that we’re stronger together than apart. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and subscribe for more episodes on mental health and transformation! https://www.standingtogether.org
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard: Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill dive into the complex world of boundaries and relationships. They discuss the importance of both protective and containing boundaries and how these concepts can lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections. Using relatable metaphors like the “boundary house,” they illustrate how boundaries can define self-respect and foster deeper, more meaningful interactions.
You’ll learn practical steps for developing boundaries, overcoming common challenges, and recognizing the role of differentiation in creating balanced, mature relationships. Whether you’re struggling with boundary-setting or looking to strengthen your connections, this episode offers valuable insights.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes exploring mental health, relationships, and personal growth!
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill dive into the essential yet challenging topic of boundaries. Building on their previous discussions about differentiation, they explore how healthy boundaries serve as the “skin” of our relationships—allowing positive elements to flow in while keeping harmful influences out.
Listeners will gain insights into the role of attachment styles, family systems, and personal responsibility in shaping how we establish boundaries. Eric and Jill also discuss the misconceptions surrounding boundary-setting, addressing the tension between autonomy and connection and how to navigate discomfort for growth.
Join them as they untangle the complexities of boundaries, providing practical advice and thought-provoking metaphors to help you strengthen your relationships and sense of self.
This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly conversations on mental health and growth.
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill talk about how values can guide us through tough times and help us grow. They share how knowing and living by values like compassion, authenticity, and faith can make decisions easier, improve relationships, and bring more meaning to life.
You’ll also get tips and questions to figure out your own core values, so you can handle challenges with purpose and confidence.
Listen now to learn how staying true to your values can help you live a better, more intentional life. Find this episode on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly episodes on mental health and personal growth!
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill dive into the concept of self-compassion and its vital role in personal growth. They explore the balance between tender and fierce self-compassion, sharing how these approaches help us navigate discomfort, overcome shame, and foster resilience. With practical examples and profound insights, Eric and Jill discuss how extending kindness to ourselves can transform our mindset, improve relationships, and open pathways for healing and maturity. Tune in to learn how self-compassion can empower you to embrace imperfection and thrive in the face of life’s challenges. This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube! Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly episodes on mental health.
In this week’s episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, host Eric Stauffer welcomes Emily Adams, an attorney, mother, and author, as she shares her deeply personal journey through a profound spiritual crisis that led to unexpected struggles with depression and anxiety. Raised in a faith-filled environment, Emily opens up about the pain of feeling abandoned by God and how this silence challenged her understanding of faith and self-worth.
Throughout her journey, Emily explored diverse spiritual perspectives, turning to both faith and science to find solace and clarity. She reflects on how embracing God’s goodness, even in moments of silence, became the foundation for her renewed, resilient faith. Together, Eric and Emily discuss the nature of spiritual crises, the importance of finding community, and the healing power of vulnerability and empathy.
Emily’s story is a testament to the strength found in embracing difficult questions and trusting in personal growth, even when answers are hard to come by. Join us for an inspiring conversation on navigating faith, mental health, and the importance of supporting others through their own silent struggles.
Be sure to follow and subscribe to Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more stories of hope, faith, and resilience.
Emily's book, Divine Quietness:
https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Quietness-Finding-Meaning-Heaven/dp/1639931228
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill explore the power of curiosity as a tool for growth and resilience. They discuss how developing a "spirit of curiosity" can help us handle discomfort, build compassion, and better understand ourselves and others. Through practical insights and examples, Eric and Jill show how questioning our reactions and embracing vulnerability can reshape how we approach life's challenges.
Tune in to discover how curiosity can lead to healing, happiness, and lifelong learning.
This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube! Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly episodes on mental health, growth, and the human journey.
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill wrap up their series on building a solid sense of self by exploring the core self through spiritual and therapeutic lenses. They discuss the internal family systems (IFS) model and offer practical insights on integrating various parts of our identity for personal growth and healing. Tune in to learn how connecting with your core self can foster balance, clarity, and self-compassion. This episode is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube! Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly episodes that delve deep into mental health, personal growth, and the human journey toward healing. References: https://www.amazon.com/No-Bad-Parts-Restoring-Wholeness/dp/1683646681/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15F010NHDG73I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uIScQM5ZyLSM4D3fl7N-EgzZlgQDaRcTSWcHA4BF0c_4gg5UMsBgkNcsF6AiYn0c5k3NZ0xbeudUZM4qSee5GxtBTvxTlqYKFDNkJQULfoEkYFnsEzYVq7xDx92zWUIL6fxkxdTabz8ZQQ6CzU_qXrTN5HiTSfY5ndoHeH1E2qy9t03otdzTt0ixTrXuzI0Zd4O707KSO55tjP7P8ypJmBd2C26Glmed6y5i9pSuZCU.a5q57P81MaalKhVWwEDkYa-IW0Lsi8RzPhVLM2pb4KM&dib_tag=se&keywords=no+bad+parts&qid=1729281725&sprefix=no+bad+%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Altogether-You-Experiencing-spiritual-transformation/dp/1734958405/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37T8E89NKZ1J8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ryabhTUrXsae9I_9D3jl-biOf1Ux3BcJ4oDI9EHI7_1f1jIjTjeZXG_NKqeValYW6DkgvenEFkHLqvtvb9jwH8I_h065IyppK8o-aCsI5BW6ku7e2YUE-hVPwFKHc3Sn0ZYqQZiXy8Jz8KkhWLFd-UW8wPFyHxG8E1HI2iUEjHXjD41ewJzslUmTETEtswSP.Zr1-e9C7-d7b4Eu9Nz-6W3pYb3tFRrHv6xKtF1i71CI&dib_tag=se&keywords=altogether+you+jenna+riemersma&qid=1729281749&sprefix=altogether%2Caps%2C155&sr=8-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8e_tAEM80k
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill dive into part two of their series on building a solid sense of self. They explore the concept of the "shadow self" based on Carl Jung’s theories and discuss how unacknowledged parts of ourselves—both light and dark—shape our identity. Using real-life examples and therapeutic insights, they explain how our hidden desires, suppressed emotions, and unexperienced potentials make up the shadow self.
Eric and Jill discuss the process of bringing these shadow elements to light to become more whole, balanced, and authentic. They also highlight the importance of curiosity and compassion in the journey toward self-awareness, offering actionable steps for integrating both positive and challenging parts of our personalities. Their conversation covers the role of therapy, faith, and safe relationships in this transformative work.
This episode is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube!
Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly episodes that delve deep into mental health, personal growth, and the human journey toward healing.
Resources:- https://www.amazon.com/Meeting-Shadow-Hidden-Power-Nature/dp/087477618X- https://www.amazon.com/Mindsight-New-Science-Personal-Transformation/dp/0553386395/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FOG142JET3OE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OMp0MUGq3A91t3p2dEmkIsFPKfZ_StGfOGlP1qfVcSW7HCsDFCSLJRogDX9ZVRwuA47WWTFX29ago3d-dYeycXAGfQ6NJTEppRBBTTbRD38doMfSpIPJOVW6V_HEXhexbYT0gatm7KektcMeR1g9n8aVdE5bqMqhoqo2WcXbdy-9njgQPzAZzoFKs7upfpL-D1XHG8PY_03RsjYszFQ_4uxop4_ME4fVGp_HYE-Lyjo.2t06AUJpl3Kdzg12o9wMTnkVnRPKfIJ7ZIhPJbEnJuY&dib_tag=se&keywords=mindset+daniel+siegel&qid=1728924993&sprefix=Mindset+Daniel+S%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1-https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-You-Transforming-Self-Sabotage-Self-Mastery/dp/B09WXLQM7J/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZI89AXS0171W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T6bU10Kxxz2au3T2j5jQkSw9sz7grILAwNmLFbmLnVdBffRiUL0Zvd9jGLDbELxZchKuZDmVq8LQiDbvP67Lyc_dEveQsLNDZYGHYrWCgBILmt0WVJnDflzkyN3QxJn-Vc9ymdr1RyUnmizbSHxPNcDbds6oLFpE8ArXQnY0udLuLSmAQSSltPziYw2ymSnwbnBWi5TjP9LmenvMVVgWhkeW0tV81Ix7U0qxuXLDAII.2uvnjwWZ00DBvcdvc_JBaTV0IrY3rHO5cuyh3fliZN0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+mountain+is+you&qid=1728925018&sprefix=The+Mountai%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1- https://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Imperfection-10th-Anniversary-Features/dp/B085LLCPT5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T039LVH228S2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wWxbUMiYDIVB9eQuL8CnIFQZpJ5WmJQXZPhspwEEYjrQfl5kLHd80jKnpHFwQz9x5A7DEjRFYX0YTqIP0OJtuoLYXkgakgJIbX3m3sHcY6TkhrWmgVvBs0LPStyfSOophgMkfYvdqBeiqwEWDSmtreCrCvSqsANveCnU094mN0e2dB2jcQUsJZOfQqLALkER38QyXwq-2qacKWb2uqCkQcPkJYFXByDVlsKx6DS15wk.tAbW0Rw0LI-OnPfSytLykDq1GrktQWNLOOwHSj21SoQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=imperfect&qid=1728925052&s=audible&sprefix=imperfect+%2Caudible%2C139&sr=1-1- https://www.amazon.com/The-Untethered-Soul-audiobook/dp/B006KZ8EBQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=12FYHELQBZD2S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tIxMfWF9jJXZI9qyJ3Zk5KE6ZLHFm57uGw7XaM3mxNfdSXUzvicGUlXnuu5JJlGV1FQJ8hzocEEg1f9ooBDl3y6X2NvaHqBVoDCpy-Qgwa0qUfH9twArcnl98WoYkMdyzGwoBqKCn3T1VRd_Mtl2kI4OUKeZ7C4PU3opgPJKNhgaFp2uVjrAyd_OJugOEHJ9C9nGBToNWaoAUgCSCynv0hO3NxRp6Cf9DakC4oTaPqY.2z_wTZDNww25K5yEsZT3CSIPoYzlZ7V6EWJs6yqjCm0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+untethered+soul+by+michael+singer&qid=1728925081&s=audible&sprefix=The+untether%2Caudible%2C122&sr=1-1
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, hosts Eric Stauffer and Jill Dickey dive into the topic of developing a strong sense of self. They talk about how knowing who you truly are—beyond what others think or expect—helps you grow and feel more secure in life. Jill explains how self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness all connect to our sense of self. Together with Eric, they discuss how we sometimes rely too much on achievements or relationships to feel good about ourselves, and how this can make us feel unstable. They also share tips on recognizing your strengths, working on your weaknesses, and finding balance. If you want to learn how to build a stronger, more authentic connection with yourself, this episode offers simple strategies to help you on that journey. Tune in for practical advice that can improve your self-understanding and mental well-being!
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, hosts Eric Stauffer and Jill Dickey dive into the concept of emotional agility—our ability to navigate and manage emotions in a way that fosters personal growth and meaningful connections. Jill breaks down the science behind emotions, explaining how emotional agility allows us to hold space for even the most difficult feelings without being controlled by them. By learning to embrace our emotions rather than suppress or overreact to them, we can make choices that align with our values and intentions.
Drawing from both personal experiences and her clinical expertise, Jill offers practical strategies for building emotional agility. She and Eric discuss the importance of becoming aware of emotions, understanding their source, and finding ways to balance them with healthy behaviors. Whether you're dealing with stress, anger, or anxiety, this episode provides tools to help you stay grounded and intentional, even in challenging situations.
Tune in for insights on how emotional agility can transform your relationships, deepen your self-understanding, and enhance your overall well-being. If you're seeking ways to better navigate life's emotional landscape, this episode is a must-listen.
New podcast episode just dropped! 🤯In this week’s episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, we sit down with Ashley De Tello, a mother and writer who opens up about her journey of navigating life’s most difficult challenges. After her husband’s traumatic mountain biking accident left him in a coma with severe brain damage, Ashley was faced with uncertainty, heartbreak, and the task of finding hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation.
Ashley shares how her deep dive into the concept of hope, both from a spiritual and scientific perspective, helped her anchor herself during the darkest times. She also discusses how embracing God’s eternal perspective and trusting in His promises has transformed her approach to life’s obstacles.
Eric and Ashley explore the tension between faith, hope, and agency, as well as how hope isn’t just wishful thinking but an active, confident trust in God's promises. Ashley’s story is one of resilience, healing, and finding light amidst trials.Tune in to hear Ashley’s inspiring journey of learning to trust in God’s timing and discovering that even in the hardest moments, hope can lead to healing.Ashley's socials and sites:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/UnleashingHopePodcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/unleashinghope/Speaker Page/Website: ashleydetello.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleydetelloauthorTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashley.de.tello
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, hosts Eric Stauffer and Jill Dickey explore the concept of differentiation, an essential element in maintaining personal integrity and healthy relationships. They discuss how differentiation helps individuals stay true to themselves while remaining connected to others. Jill explains why balancing the needs for autonomy and connection is key for emotional maturity, personal peace, and relationship success.
Drawing from her own experiences and clinical work, Jill shares practical strategies for developing differentiation and addresses common struggles like people-pleasing, over-dependence, and challenges with self-regulation. Eric and Jill also talk about how differentiation impacts everyday life, from navigating social media to setting boundaries and managing reactivity in relationships.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on how differentiation fosters growth, intimacy, and healthier connections with those we care about. If you're looking for tools to improve your sense of self and relationships, this episode is a must-listen.
Resources:
Secrets of a Passionate Marriage abridged Edition by Schnarch, David (2003) https://a.co/d/7C2eahl
Everything Isn't Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety, and Finally Calm Down
https://a.co/d/5w1S5QC
In this episode of Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation, Eric and Jill dive deep into the topic of perfectionism. Jill shares insights from Katherine Morgan Schaeffler's book The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, framing perfectionism in two categories—adaptive and maladaptive—and discusses how striving for ideals can be both healthy and unhealthy. They examine how perfectionism relates to anxiety, shame, and self-worth, drawing connections to religious beliefs and social pressures.
Eric and Jill also open up about their personal experiences with perfectionism, including how faith can offer grounding in understanding self-worth. With engaging conversations and expert insights, they offer practical takeaways for listeners to better navigate their own perfectionistic tendencies.
Subscribe and follow Hearing the Unheard Stories of Transformation for weekly episodes featuring powerful conversations on mental health and inspiring stories of personal growth and healing.
Link to Katherine Morgan Schaeffler's book The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control:
We're launching a new series!📢
Meet Eric Stauffer and Jill Dickey, a dynamic brother-sister duo who are passionate about exploring the profound connection between mental health and faith.
Join us every week with Eric Stauffer, a professional religious educator, and Jill Dickey, a mental health counselor with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, as they provide us with:
Engaging Conversations
Expert Insights
Practical Takeaways
Don't miss out on these informative conversations! Subscribe to our podcast now!