Behind Beautiful Things

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Janice, author of Girl Bomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about childhood, mental health, resilience, and finding a way forward.

Janice shares her experiences growing up in a turbulent home and the difficult decision to leave home at a young age. She opens up about her struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the challenges that came with navigating her mental health while trying to find stability and a sense of belonging.

Janice also discusses how talk therapy, self-awareness, and understanding her own experiences helped her move forward in life. Her story offers an honest look at childhood adversity, mental health, and the importance of seeking support and developing greater awareness of ourselves and our experiences.

Join Kevin and Janice for a powerful conversation about mental health, Borderline Personality Disorder, childhood trauma, homelessness, therapy, resilience, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence — please take care while listening.

Check out Janice’s Work:

Website - https://janiceerlbaum.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janice.erlbaum/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/girlbomb

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82676.Girlbomb

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Girlbomb-Halfway-Homeless-Janice-Erlbaum/dp/0812974565

Bookshop - https://bookshop.org/p/books/girlbomb-a-halfway-homeless-memoir-janice-erlbaum/faf4d8c6713829aa 

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Scott, author of Play From the Heart, for an inspiring conversation about athletics, resilience, health, and the unexpected turns life can take.

Scott shares his journey through sports and athletics, reflecting on his experiences as a coach and his continued involvement in the world of sports. He also opens up about facing numerous health challenges, the lessons those experiences have taught him, and the perseverance it takes to keep moving forward.

Scott and Kevin also discuss the deeply personal experience of becoming a father later in life and how fatherhood has shaped his perspective on family, purpose, and what truly matters.

Join Kevin and Scott for a meaningful conversation about sports, overcoming adversity, health challenges, resilience, fatherhood, and finding purpose through life’s challenges.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.org

Check out Scott’s Work: Play from the Heart

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this deeply personal episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Anthony, author of Deadly Dilemma: Suicide, Faith, and the Search for Identity and Purpose, for an honest conversation about mental health, family, faith, identity, and finding purpose.

Anthony opens up about his painful relationship with his father, why he learned to never ask for anything, and his lifelong experience with suicidal thoughts. He also shares why telling his story became important—not only for himself, but for his family and others who may be struggling with similar feelings.

Through vulnerability and reflection, Anthony explores the complex connections between suicidal ideation, family relationships, faith, identity, purpose, and the search for hope. His story offers an honest look at experiences that are often difficult to talk about and highlights the importance of sharing our stories and creating space for meaningful conversations about mental health.

Join Kevin and Anthony for a powerful conversation about suicide awareness, mental health, faith, family, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to tell your story.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.org

Check out Anthony’s Work:

https://anthonygurley.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anthonygurleyauthor

https://www.instagram.com/anthonygurleyauthor/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-gurley-a7321119/

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Kathleen, author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me, to talk about her passion for helping children communicate, learn, and grow together.

Kathleen shares her work with American Sign Language (ASL) and her commitment to making children’s lives better through creativity, connection, and inclusive learning. She discusses how that passion inspired her to create engaging children’s picture books designed to empower kids, encourage communication, and make learning more accessible and meaningful.

From ASL and children’s education to storytelling and creative expression, this conversation explores the importance of giving children the tools and confidence they need to connect with the world around them.

Join Kevin and Kathleen for an inspiring conversation about children’s books, ASL, communication, inclusion, education, and empowering the next generation.

Tune in and discover the beautiful things happening when creativity, compassion, and a desire to help children come together.

A Free Gift for Listeners!

Just visit ASLPictureBooks.com/freebie to download Kathleen’s free ASL Education Pack. 

•           It includes a printable ASL alphabet chart, 

•           a visual handshape guide,

•            the five parts of a sign,

•            and other resources to help families and educators begin using American Sign Language with confidence.

Check out Kathleen’s Work: https://www.aslpicturebooks.com

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with David, author of Forged by Limitations, for a powerful and inspiring conversation about living with cerebral palsy, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through life’s limitations.

David shares his story of the complications he experienced at birth that ultimately led to his cerebral palsy diagnosis, as well as the extensive medical interventions he has undergone throughout his life. He opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of living with cerebral palsy, including his experiences with anxiety and depression.

Together, Kevin and David explore what it means to face limitations while refusing to let them define your life. David discusses how his struggles have shaped his perspective, strengthened his resilience, and helped him discover purpose and personal growth through adversity.

If you or someone you know is navigating life with a disability, dealing with mental health challenges, or searching for inspiration to overcome difficult circumstances, this episode offers an honest and encouraging perspective on turning limitations into strength.

Join us for this meaningful conversation about cerebral palsy, disability, mental health, resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through limitations.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and self harm — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.org

Check out David’s Work: david-last.com

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author Christine to explore a remarkable story of resilience, motherhood, family, and overcoming unimaginable tragedy.

Christine shares how she found herself on her own at a very young age, navigated the challenges of becoming a young mother, and faced a devastating tragedy that forever changed her family. Through heartbreak, adversity, and profound loss, Christine continued moving forward—growing her family, finding strength, and pursuing her passion for writing.

This heartfelt conversation is a story of courage, perseverance, personal growth, and finding beauty in the midst of life’s most difficult moments.

Join Kevin and Christine for an honest and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, the strength of family, motherhood, resilience, and the power of sharing your story.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide, sexual abuse, and verbal abuse — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the following link: https://988lifeline.org  

Check out Christine’s Work: https://www.christineshuck.com

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author and educator Cynthia, author of the short story collection Prose Pizza. Cynthia shares insights from her extensive career in education, her passionate advocacy for public education, and her lifelong journey as a writer of poetry, prose, and fiction.

Together, Kevin and Cynthia explore the power of creativity, the importance of education, and the transformative role that storytelling and literature can play in our lives. They discuss the beauty of prose and fiction, the creative process, and why encouraging creativity and education matters now more than ever.

Whether you’re passionate about creative writing, poetry, fiction, education, or simply love meaningful conversations with inspiring authors, this episode offers plenty to think about.

Tune in to Behind Beautiful Things and join Kevin and Cynthia for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, literature, education, and the beauty found in the written word.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide — please take care while listening.

Check out Cynthia’s Work: https://booktrib.com/2025/12/08/proze-pizza-cynthia-schumacher/

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Frank for an honest and inspiring conversation about suicidal ideation, major depressive disorder, mental health, resilience, and finding hope through life’s darkest moments.

Frank opens up about his long-term battle with suicidal thoughts, his experience living with major depressive disorder, and the challenges of navigating mental illness. He also shares how humor, bodybuilding, inspirational speaking, and personal growth have played an important role in his journey.

As a competitive bodybuilder and inspirational speaker, Frank offers a unique perspective on mental health, strength, vulnerability, and overcoming adversity. His story is a powerful reminder that strength isn't always about what we can see on the outside—it can also mean having the courage to ask for help, keep moving forward, and share our story with others.

Join Kevin and Frank for a deeply personal conversation about mental health awareness, depression, suicidal ideation, perseverance, hope, and the power of finding beauty in difficult experiences.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.org

Check out Frank’s Work: https://mentalhealthcomedian.com

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Colleen, author of Life Beyond the Binge, to talk about addiction, recovery, grief, resilience, and finding hope after unimaginable loss.

Colleen shares her extraordinary story as a commercial fisherwoman, her years struggling with binge drinking and alcohol addiction, the impact of drinking on her marriage and life, and the devastating tragedy of losing her husband to suicide.

With honesty and vulnerability, Colleen opens up about the realities of binge drinking, addiction, marriage, grief after suicide loss, and the difficult journey toward healing and a life beyond addiction.

If you or someone you love has struggled with alcohol, binge drinking, addiction, grief, or the loss of a loved one to suicide, this conversation offers a raw, compassionate, and ultimately hopeful perspective on overcoming adversity and moving forward.

Join Kevin and Colleen for an unforgettable conversation about addiction, loss, recovery, resilience, and the possibility of building a beautiful life beyond the pain.

Listen now and join us for this important conversation.

Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide — please take care while listening.

If you are anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the following link: https://988lifeline.org

Check out Colleen’s Work:

https://lifebeyondthebinge.com

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Dr. Deb Butler, a life coach and former chiropractor who helps women navigate menopause, weight loss, emotional eating, and the physical and emotional challenges of midlife.

Deb shares her personal and professional journey from chiropractic care to menopause coaching, offering insight into the root causes of why we eat and the connection between food, emotions, and weight. Together, Kevin and Deb explore why weight loss can be especially challenging during menopause, how hormonal changes can affect our bodies and relationship with food, and practical ways women can better understand and navigate this important stage of life.

If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms, weight gain, emotional eating, or changes in your body and health during midlife, this conversation offers an insightful look at the challenges—and possibilities—of this transformative season.

Join Kevin and Dr. Deb Butler for an honest and empowering conversation about menopause, weight loss, emotional eating, and creating a healthier relationship with yourself and food.

Check out Deb’s Work:

https://drdebbutler.com

https://drdebbutler.com/podcasts

Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249

Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast

Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com

Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022

Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.