*****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*****
In this powerful episode, Caralyn Dreyer shares her journey through adoption, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and an eating disorder—and the lifelong work of healing that has followed.
We openly talk about reclaiming identity, building self-worth after trauma, and the role therapy, forgiveness, and community play in recovery.
As a fellow mother and mental health advocate, Caralyn opens up about breaking generational cycles and finding strength through vulnerability.
Her story shines a light on the courage it takes to face the past and the beauty of resilience. She and I very candidly dive into what it truly means to heal.
If you or someone you love is navigating trauma or mental health recovery, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and hope.
More from Caralyn Dreyer:
Read Caralyn's Blog: Darkness to Dialogue – Living Well With Mental Illness – Honest stories, trauma-informed recovery tools, and stigma-busting insights for those living with depression, anxiety, and more.
Follow Caralyn on Instagram for daily reflections, lived experience, and advocacy.
Listen to “Through the Darkness” – A Mental Health Recovery Podcast
Subscribe to Caralyn’s Substack for essays, recovery resources, and ongoing conversations about healing.
In this episode, returning guest Sylvie, first featured in Episode 41, rejoins the conversation to share how her journey of healing from domestic violence evolved into a passionate mission to help others reclaim their power.
Connect with Coach Sylvie on Instagram
Now a trauma recovery coach and emotional wellness advocate, Sylvie guides individuals through their own healing journeys—helping them process grief, navigate trauma, and rediscover authenticity after pain.
She reflects on how embracing radical honesty, emotional awareness, and spiritual intuition not only transformed her life but became the foundation of her coaching work.
Sylvie believes healing is never about being rescued from the outside—it’s about learning to rescue yourself from within.
This episode explores how she empowers clients to connect with their emotions, peel back layers of pain, and build resilience through self-trust and community support.
Key Takeaways
Pain can become the foundation for purpose and advocacy.
Healing from trauma begins with inner strength and self-compassion.
Radical authenticity is the doorway to transformation.
Anger is valuable information that guides emotional clarity.
Healing unfolds in layers, revealing the root of deeper wounds.
Intuition and self-trust are essential tools for self-healing.
Community connection fuels empowerment and recovery.
Coaching creates a safe space for exploring and releasing pain.
Emotional awareness strengthens resilience and confidence.
Everyone has the capacity to heal and grow beyond their past.
Memorable Quotes
"The rescue is an inside job."
"Anger is just information."
"You belong to God, not to a box."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Healing and Advocacy
02:56 Purposing Pain — Turning Adversity into Advocacy
06:00 The Inner Journey — Finding Strength Within
08:53 Radical Authenticity — Living Your Truth
11:59 Emotional Intelligence — Understanding Anger and Grief
14:44 Layers of Healing — The Root Analogy
17:53 The Power of Intuition — Trusting Yourself
20:56 Authentic Living — Finding Where You Belong
23:55 Coaching & Empowerment — Guiding Others Through Pain
26:43 Community Healing — Why We Need Each Other
29:40 Closing Reflections — Embracing the Ongoing Journey
This episode was deeply personal and inspiring—my conversation with author and psychonaut Adam Butler cut to the heart of what it means to struggle, heal, and grow.
Adam’s work, especially his book Butler’s DMT Field Guide: A Brief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences From a DMT Saturated Consciousness, captures his life-saving journey through mental health battles and hundreds of DMT experiences.
Follow @booksbyadambutler
Our dialogue explored how psychedelics, radical self-awareness, and inner work can transform lives.
Adam shared how facing his darkest hours and travelingacross America gave him tools for healing—through reflection, therapy, community, and DMT’s powerful insights.
This episode is an invitation to dive into those uncomfortable places, honor growth, and find hope, whether through books, conversation, or your own journey.
Key takeaways
Healing flourishes when we share stories and connect, and this episode is proof of that!
What happens when a teacher’s favorite student grows up to become a force in the music industry—and your podcast partner, twenty years later?
This episode is a celebration of those full-circle moments that remind us why sticking to your passion matters, even when the road gets tough.
Back in 2005, I taught math and science to Julian, a creative seventh grader with a passion for music. Now, as a producer working with the likes of The Chainsmokers and Netflix—and my own podcast editor—Julian joins me for a heartfelt conversation about:
The unforgettable school year at Mission Charter in Arizona
-Turning a love of music into a thriving production career
-Honest stories from inside the music industry: the good, the bad, and the dark side
-Lessons on perseverance, creativity, and finding light in adversity
-The joy of reconnecting and working together after twenty years
Tune in to be inspired by a story of growth, mentorship, and the power of holding on to your dreams—even when life is unpredictable.
Follow Julian’s journey on Instagram: @jacklondonmusic for music highlights and behind-the-scenes glimpses!
#education #musicproducers #teachers #students
On this final day of #SuicidePreventionMonth, I hope and pray this honest conversation becomes a light for anyone struggling in the dark — and a guide for those walking alongside a friend or loved one through their hardest battles.
I'm so grateful I was able to connect with Pam Sharp, a fellow mom and podcast host of "Fight Hard, Love Much". Listen or watch Pam's podcast
"Fight Hard, Love Much" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Pam bravely shares the adversity her family has faced in losing their son, Sam, to suicide in 2020, at just 16 years old. She openly shares how she and her family are doing their best to navigate their path to acceptance and healing every day.
The Sharp family of 9 is the real deal. Since interviewing her incredible sons, Jake & Joe Sharp of @jduofit on ep. #45 of Adventures in Adversity: Ep. 45: Carrying Sam’s light! Brotherhood,...
I’ve been deeply moved by their whole family's authenticity, their strength, and their ability to turn Sam’s light and memory into a vehicle for others to find God and find healing.
I feel so blessed to know them and welcome Jake, Joe, & now Pam to the podcast as treasured guests.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s okay to ask for help. Every single one of us deserves a helping hand, and support is available. 🎗️
Need compassionate mental health support?
If you live in the United States
U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988 (FREE - English & Spanish)
If you live outside the United States:
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Topics covered
Timestamps
0:02 – Meet Pam and remembering Sam
0:10 – How faith shapes the journey of loss
0:23 – Grief, healing, and hope in tough seasons
0:32 – Resources, support, and honoring Sam’s legacy
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories about family, faith, and healing.
💬 If this episode touched you, share your thoughts in the comments and help spread hope by sharing this video.
❤️ You’re not alone—light and support are out there.
In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brumley, a trauma-informed adoptee coach whose own story is nothing short of courageous. For over 15 years, she has helped other adoptees overcome addiction, regulate their nervous systems, and find a sense of true belonging.
Julie Brumley - Trauma-Informed Adoptee Coach
The Resilience Project - Where Adoptees Find Belonging
As an adoptee herself, Julie survived unimaginable early life adversity—abandonment, attempted abortion, & multiple caregivers in the first 7 weeks of her life.
Julie weaves somatic therapy, community, and fierce self-compassion into everything she offers. Her wisdom speaks to the primal abandonment wounds many adoptees share, and her bravery in transforming pain into powerful purpose is inspiring.
If adoption has touched your life—or if you've ever felt out of place, struggled to belong, or wrestled with grief—you’ll resonate with the honesty and hope in this episode.
What we dive into:
-How adoption trauma and the “primal wound” can shape identity
-Julie’s survival story and journey to finding belonging within
-The role of somatic healing and nervous system work
-Radical self-acceptance as a path to wholeness
-Why processing grief is essential
-The unique set of challenges adoptees face in community and relationships
-How pain transforms into purpose
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:08 Meeting Julie and starting her journey
04:53 Naming adoption trauma
08:53 Julie’s calling to support adoptees
11:05 How addiction links to abandonment wounds
13:35 Finding birth family and the realities that followed
16:49 Loss, resilience, and adversity
19:31 Therapeutic tools for real healing
22:21 The impact of adoption on emotional intimacy
25:07 DNA, self-discovery, and identity
27:40 Connecting to biological and cultural lineage
29:45 Navigating relationships & emotional overwhelm
33:18 Slowing down and honoring the reunion process
36:55 Transmuting pain into purpose
40:57 Belonging—starting from within
44:03 Grief and living with loss
47:32 Setting boundaries in relationships
50:49 Emotional processing techniques
56:07 The ongoing journey to self-acceptance and belonging
What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?
September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health.
As reported by the World Health Organization, 720,000 people take their own lives per year.-Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
-73% of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries
-The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
-For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide.
A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
These stats are heartbreaking...and alarming...and we have to talk about them, BEFORE we lose more people.
I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open.
I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open.
2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peace
It was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone.
In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about college experiences with suicide and trauma, as well as an experience my family had last year with someone we lost.
I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart.
Learning about suicide in my own life and through the lives of my guests on this podcast has changed the way I look at others and myself.
Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help.
These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time.
Reaching out isn’t weakness. Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense.
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES
Stay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities.
Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and Spanish
MENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS)
Calm — Meditation and sleep aid
Headspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxation
Bearable — Mood & symptom tracking
Finch — Habit tracker and daily self-care
ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S..
SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use)
This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast Studio
Special thanks to Louiza for making this happen and DK, my fantastic sound engineer!
In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.
Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.com
Buy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's Perspective
Follow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/...
Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America.
He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community.
We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey.
Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon.
The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities.
Highlights from this episode include:
Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption.
Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth.
The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity.
The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path.
Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike.
His story, his attitude, and the way Wilson lives his life is a true source of encouragement to approach adoption with openness, love, and a willingness to learn.
In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner, a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform.
Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War.
***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE
***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram
***Connect with Alfred on LinkedIn
As a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated.
His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly.
The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜
Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield.
Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home.
In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir.
"Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his official website or Amazon.
Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.
In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of Menopalz.
"As a certified menopause coach, health warrior, and founder, she suffered through a whirlwind of misdiagnoses (Celiac disease!) and perimenopause brain fog...and then she turned her experience into a mission.
Menopalz is your warm, supportive space to navigate menopause with purpose, joy, and a dash of sass. Whether you're feeling confused, empowered, burnt out, or all of the above—this is your place to land, learn, laugh, and thrive."
Raquel is a true source of wisdom for anyone moving through menopause or perimenopause.
Follow @mymenopalz on Instagram
Her story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about finding laughter, connection, and a sense of community in the midst of change.
We dig into the everyday ups and downs of menopause, including 54+ symptoms that women may experience!
Along the way, we swap stories, share honest moments, and even find the humor hiding beneath the surface.
There’s something powerful about being able to laugh through hot flashes and mood swings, and realizing we’re all in this together.
If you’re currently in the menopause or peri journey—or just want to understand it better—this episode promises real talk, support, and (importantly) some well-earned laughs. Here’s to facing change with community, hope, and a good sense of humor!
MORE ABOUT MENOPALZ
"Welcome to Menopalz, your midlife sanctuary for real talk, real tools, and real transformation.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all program. This is a choose-what-you-need, when-you-need-it experience designed with real women in mind.
This space was built with you in mind—because no woman should have to go through perimenopause or menopause feeling confused, dismissed, or alone.
Here, we talk openly, share honestly, and support each other through the mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and all the other “fun” stuff no one warned us about.
You’ll find expert advice, real-life tips, live classes (like cooking, movement, mindset, and more), and a community of women who actually get it.
No fluff. No shame. Just sisterhood, support, and solutions.
You’re not crazy.
You’re not alone. You’re in the right place.
Thank you for being our Menopalz 💕"
I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life.
He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time.
Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward.
Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection.
Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage.
Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm.
His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too.
Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through.
This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai.
Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength.
If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you.
Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below!
FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOW
Fireside Adoptees Instagram Page
Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group
"Welcome to Fireside Adoptees!
Our motto in a nutshell is:
C community
A advocate
M mentor
P pace
We want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journey
We aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges."
Join us!
Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm EST
Sundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving!
"We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now!
Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!"
Adoptee Garage Facebook Group
"Welcome to Adoptee Garage!
This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you.
We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption.
This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted.
Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys.
Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."
In this episode, I sit down with Jason Heinritz and dive deep into his inspiring transformation—from chasing success in sales to finding real fulfillment in his faith as a Christian.
We talk honestly about the wake-up calls that nudge us toward something greater, the power of intentional morning routines (Jason calls them “Sacred Starts”), and what happens when we return to a deeper relationship with God.
Wake Up Jesus People - Life-Giving Disciplines to Awaken the Warrior Within
Join Jason's 40Forge Challenge
Subscribe to Jason's YouTube channel
This conversation is personal, heartfelt, and real. We touch on the challenges that push us to grow, and how prayer and daily spirituality help us face life’s struggles.
Jason shares his experience and insight into why surrounding ourselves with a faith community brings support and growth.
Together, Jason and I explore why setting healthy boundaries matters, how forgiveness is a journey, and how adversity can actually lead us closer to joy and God’s peace.
In this episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Benjamin Kintisch, former chaplain and creator of "Life Review: The Hospice Musical".
We dove into his journey from chaplain to musical creator, proving that life is indeed a stage—and sometimes a comedy.
Benjamin's stories are as entertaining as they are inspiring, and he even graced us with a live performance that might just make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices all at once.
Key highlights:
-Benjamin's leap from chaplaincy to the bright lights of musical theater
-The touching and humorous inspiration behind "Life Review: The Hospice Musical"
-Creative insights and how to turn life's lemons into a Broadway show
-A live performance that will have you singing along (or at least humming in the shower)
Don't miss the chance to experience this unique blend of storytelling and music—it's like a therapy session with a soundtrack!
Life Review: the one-man play is booking both in-person and virtual performances through Fall 2025. Benjamin is currently looking for theatrical partners at schools, community theaters, festivals, and more.
It's a new musical celebrating life, love, and loss through three seasons at a residential hospice.
The story follows our young Rabbi David, the new chaplain at the facility. He arrives in autumn, eager and naive, caring but lonely. As he ministers to the patients, Rabbi David learns from his patients even as he cares for them. and their loved ones.
Each patient sings their story.
We hear from a proud mother remembering snow, a brave but scared young man wondering what's to come, an older man looking for one last friend, and a man of God singing praises.
This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) therapist Hannah Sinkovitz—someone who shows up with hope, comfort, and a genuinely safe place to land.
Follow Sacred Story Counseling on Instagram
Follow Howdyhannahsinko on Instagram
Our conversation is a mix of laughs and real moments, where we get straight to the heart of therapy: how it changes both the people seeking help and those doing the helping.
I'm beyond grateful that Hannah and my paths crossed last year, in April 2024, when we joined an online business school program: Tiffany Roe's Feel Deal Heal Business Mastermind Cohort: Unlocking Your BADASS Potential - a 7-month program that changed our lives!
Follow troebizschool on Instagram
Since participating in that cohort, Hannah launched her private therapy practice, and I launched my podcast! I'm incredibly lucky to have connected with Hannah for so many reasons, as you'll see in this episode.
She's a gem of a human being, and a FANTASTIC therapist.
Hannah opens up about her path into this work, the creative ways she supports her clients, and why making folks feel truly safe is everything. We talked honestly about what it takes to grow, what it means to be deeply heard, and why self-care isn't just a nice idea—it's survival for anyone supporting others.
If you’ve ever wondered about the power of having someone in your corner or needed to know you’re not alone in facing the tough stuff, this episode is definitely for you.
Interested in working with Hannah as your therapist? She currently practices mental health coaching worldwide, so reach out via the links above!
This week on Adventures in Adversity, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sabine Lemmo, the passionate founder of Fostering Wishes—a nonprofit bringing hope and tangible support to children in foster care in Northern California, specifically in Contra Costa County.
Our conversation was deeply personal and eye-opening, as Sabine shared the story of how she was drawn to fostering, the invisible challenges foster kids face every day, and the gap Fostering Wishes strives to fill in the system.
Listening to Sabine, I was struck by just how much fostering is about more than providing a home—it’s about restoring dignity, nurturing belonging, and reminding every child that they matter.
We talked about how something as simple as offering a duffel bag instead of a trash bag can completely change a child’s experience, and how empowering it feels when the community steps in to help.
One message that resonated with me is that fostering isn’t a one-way street; the families and children both grow, heal, and inspire each other.
We also explored the urgent need for more foster homes and community volunteers, reminding me—and hopefully all of us—that creating change takes all of us working together.
If you’ve ever wondered how you could help, big or small, this episode will give you ideas and renewed hope.
Raheel Siddiqui’s journey is the very definition of a “Wall Breaker” story—a testament to the relentless human spirit and the power of breaking down barriers, both physical and emotional.
In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting with Raheel and unpacking the mindsets and moments that helped him transform his life.
What you'll hear in this episode:
-The 405-pound wall: Raheel opens up about reaching his peak weight and the wake-up call that changed everything.
-Turning point: How a heartfelt conversation with his father pushed him toward reclaiming his health.
-Shedding 150 pounds in one year: The strategies, setbacks, and triumphs Raheel experienced as he rebuilt his habits—one choice at a time.
-Facing loss and finding purpose: The impact of his father’s passing and the emotional journey through grief.
-IVF, partnership, and parenthood: Why Raheel considers his wife’s support the cornerstone of their path to becoming parents.
-The Wall Breaker mindset: Insights on resilience, self-respect, and why quitting simply wasn’t an option for him.
-Support systems: Real talk about why no one breaks down walls alone—and how relationships can become our greatest tools for change.
If you’ve ever faced a “wall” that felt unmovable, Raheel’s story is for you.
Walls are meant to be broken—no matter how high they seem. Resilience is cultivated through adversity, not in spite of it.
The relationships you nurture can turn into sledgehammers against life’s toughest barriers.
Listen to Raheel's podcast on Apple Podcasts: Wallbreaker 200
In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I had the honor of sitting down with Nisha Batra—a brilliant early childhood educator and fierce advocate for people with disabilities.
Nisha opens up about her experience living with a nonverbal learning disability and how it’s shaped her purpose: helping children understand the beauty of difference.
Our conversation moved through some powerful terrain—from how we can teach inclusion early, to why it’s critical that we stop waiting for disability to enter the room before we talk about it.
We unpacked the quiet weight of invisible disabilities and the importance of creating space for those stories to breathe.
Nisha reminds us that compassion isn’t just a virtue—it’s a strategy for social change. And that storytelling, when done with truth and vulnerability, can be one of the most powerful tools for advocacy.
This episode is a tribute to that truth—and to the idea that being different isn’t something to overcome, but something to honor.
Follow Nisha on Instagram - @theswantransformation
Additional resources:
In the very first episode of my friend and business partner's new venture, The Results of Kindness Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Meral Alizada to dig into a topic that’s become impossible to ignore: the alarming rise of narcissism in the workplace.
This isn’t just a personality quirk we’re talking about—it’s a pattern that quietly poisons culture, causes high turnover, and kills productivity.
I’ve seen it.
I’ve felt it.
And I know I’m not alone.
Together, we explore what narcissistic behavior looks like on the job—not just the obvious red flags, but the more insidious ways it shows up in meetings, performance reviews, and team dynamics.
We talk about the emotional aftermath for those who endure it, and why so many people stay silent.
Narcissists often wear the mask of charisma, but behind it is manipulation, gaslighting, and a staggering lack of empathy.
We also dive into why emotional intelligence isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. If companies want to thrive, they need to wake up to these toxic dynamics and put real structures in place to protect their people.
Kindness, boundaries, self-awareness—these aren't just “nice to haves.”
They’re the new currency of leadership.
This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s the beginning of a movement.
Results of Kindness is about telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, and creating space for growth, healing, and change.
If you’ve ever felt the emotional weight of working with a narcissist, this one’s for you.
Follow @ResultsOfKindness on Instagram
Connect with Results of Kindness (ROK) on LinkedIn
In this episode, I sit down with coach, speaker, and podcast host Meghann Dawson to talk about her powerful journey through trauma, chronic pain, and deep personal healing.
She opens up about the family challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s turned pain into purpose.
We talk about the messy middle—the part no one wants to talk about—and why self-love and community are crucial in that space.
Meghann also shares her coaching approach, "The Imperfect Level Up", which is all about self-discovery, healing, and finding your way forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
This one’s for anyone who's felt stuck, broken, or unsure where to begin.
There’s something sacred about telling the truth, and this episode is a reminder of the power of sharing your story—mess and all.
Visit Meghann's coaching & speaking website
Listen to Meghann's podcast: Becoming is Messy
Follow Meghann on Instagram: @Becomingismessy
In this episode, I sit down with Jake and Joe Sharp—brothers, fitness instructors, and fierce advocates for mental health—in a real conversation honoring the life of their brother, Sam.
With powerful vulnerability, they open up about the pain of losing Sam to suicide in 2020, the silent grip of shame, and the long road of grief that follows.
As June marks Mental Health Awareness Month, their story shines a light on the importance of breaking the silence, embracing vulnerability, and seeking connection.
Together, we explore how movement, brotherhood, and faith in God have helped them navigate the storm—and why speaking the unspeakable is one of the most healing things we can do.
This episode is a tribute to the strength it takes to keep going, the courage it takes to speak up, and the love that never fades.
If you've ever felt alone in your struggle, may this conversation remind you: you’re not...you are loved!
Get to know Jake & Joe Sharp and experience who Sam was through countless beautiful videos
Need help with your fitness journey?
Take Jake and Joe’s All or Nothing Assessment
Listen to Pam Sharp’s Podcast (Jake and Joe’s Mom)
"Fight Hard Love Much" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Dial 988 in the USA to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
English & Spanish - available 24 hours
