"I have my purpose again." - Zach Tidwell
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran who lost all of his sight and hearing in one ear to a suicide attempt in 2019. He subsequently fell into and overcame rampant alcoholism, despite being diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease whilst trying to get sober. Today he's a speaker, award-winning, self-taught software developer and entrepreneur, athlete, podcast host, and soon to be published author who is sharing his story to save lives.
Zach shares his journey through trauma, depression, and recovery, emphasizing the importance of speaking up and finding purpose in life. He discusses the challenges he faced after his attempt, including relearning basic skills and navigating the world as a person with disabilities. Zach also highlights the significance of creating accessible solutions for others and offers advice for those struggling with mental health issues.
Your host, Janet Sandberg, offers support for mind, body, and soul. Through Reiki, channelled Soul Conversations, and trauma-informed coaching, she helps you discover who you are, why you’re here, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward with confidence and clarity. With a deep commitment to mental health and her own lived experience in grief, resilience, and personal growth, Janet creates a safe, compassionate space for insight, healing, and transformation that is available to everyone, regardless of location.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Zach Tidwell's Journey
02:58 The Path to Darkness: Zach's Struggles
05:57 The Moment of Despair: A Suicide Attempt
09:09 Rebuilding Life After Trauma
11:57 Finding Purpose Through Adversity
15:07 The Importance of Speaking Up
17:56 Navigating Recovery and Sobriety
20:48 Creating Accessible Solutions for All
24:10 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
27:09 Advice for Those Struggling
29:46 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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In Crisis?
Canada:
Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988
In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec
If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.
If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.
USA:
Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
Keywords: mental health, suicide prevention, resilience, accessibility, personal growth, recovery, purpose, trauma, depression, public speaking, suicidal ideation, inspiring wisdom, transformation, veteran suicide, traumatic brain injury, terminal illness, genetic disease, self-taught, entrepreneur, alcoholism, blindness, deafness, disability awareness