Adversity to Ascension

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
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on turning adversity into ascension.
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💬 COMMENT below—What part of Robbie’s journey resonated with you?
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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.

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.

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.

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.

🔗 Sarah Parlow the Artist on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahparlowtheartist?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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.

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.