Behind Beautiful Things

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author Kalyani to discuss her novel, The Invisible Canvas, and the deeply personal experiences thatinspired it. Together, they explore her childhood growing up as an immigrant, why she chose to tell her story through fiction rather than a traditional self-help book, and the universal mental health journey that shapes all of our lives.

This thoughtful conversation dives into identity, resilience, healing, storytelling, and the power of fiction to reveal emotional truths. Whether you're interested in mental health, personal growth, the immigrant experience, or the creative writing process, this episode offers meaningful insights and an inspiring perspective.

Tune in to hear Kalyani's story and discover the beautiful conversations that happen behind life's most meaningful moments.

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

Check out Kalyami’s work:

•          https://www.kalyaniadusumilli.com/

•          https://www.facebook.com/people/Kalyani-Adusumilli-Author

•          https://www.instagram.com/kalyani_adusumilli_author/

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 milestone 200th episode of Behind Beautiful Things, the tables are turned as guest host Kelly—Kevin's sister (and, yes, a doctor!)—takes over the microphone to interview Kevin.

Together, they reflect on Kevin's childhood, his lifelong creativity, the close bond they share as siblings, and how being raised by two strong women helped shape the person he is today. Along the way, Kelly shares stories from her life, making for a heartfelt, odd, and memorable conversation.

Reaching 200 episodes wouldn't have been possible without our incredible listeners. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in, shared the podcast, and been part of this journey. A very special thank you goes to our producer, Brent, whose talent, kindness, and generosity have helped make every episode possible.

Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes of Behind Beautiful Things with laughter, family stories, gratitude, and a look back at the journey that brought us here.

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 Kate for a powerful conversation about surviving religious trauma and the journey toward healing. Kate shares what it was like growing up in a deeply conservative Christian family, navigating the oppressive beliefs that shaped her early life, and coping with the devastating trauma caused by her father's crimes.

With remarkable humility, honesty, and humor, Kate reflects on faith, deconstruction, resilience, and recovery while offering thoughtful insight into the lasting effects of religious trauma and the rise of Christian nationalism in America. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and hope for anyone wrestling with faith, family, or the impact of childhood trauma.

Join us for an honest and unforgettable conversation about healing, identity, and finding beauty after unimaginable pain.

Please note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of minors. Please take care while listening.

Check Out Kate’s Work:

Substack: https://katejohnsonwrites.substack.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katejohnsonwrites

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katejohnsonwrites

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@katejohnsonwrites

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/katejohnsonwrites.bsky.social

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 Paul, author of Forgiving Dr. Jekyll: From Hyde to Healing—A Memoir About Trauma, Recovery, and Regaining Control. Paul shares his deeply personal story of growing up in a dysfunctional family, navigating a painful relationship with his father, and desperately searching for a way to escape the trauma of his childhood. He also opens up about his battle with addiction, the challenges of recovery, and the transformative journey toward healing, forgiveness, and reclaiming his life.

This powerful conversation explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma, family dysfunction, addiction recovery, and the resilience it takes to find hope and healing. Whether you've experienced similar struggles or want to better understand the path to emotional recovery, this episode offers honest insights and encouragement. Join us for this inspiring conversation.

Please note: This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and violence against children in the home. Please take care while listening.

Check Out Paul’s Work:

https://pauldrugan.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 Emily to explore the powerful connection between mental health, childhood trauma, and healing. Emily shares her experience working with children in the mental health field, discusses the different types of trauma and their lasting impact, and offers insight into the journey of trauma recovery. Together, they also dive into the transformative role of creativity and art in the healing process, highlighting how creative expression can foster resilience, hope, and emotional well-being.

Whether you're interested in mental health, trauma-informed care, childhood healing, or the therapeutic power of creativity, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insights, and inspiration. Join us for this meaningful discussion.

Check Out Emily’s Work:

http://www.larkspurtherapy.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 author Julianna to discuss her powerful memoir, Life With Less of Me. Julianna shares her extraordinary journey of resilience, survival, and healing, offering an intimate look at the challenges that shaped her life.

During their conversation, Julianna opens up about her traumatic childhood, the experiences that influenced her personal and professional path, and her battle with a devastating flesh-eating disease. She recounts the physical and emotional toll of her illness, the lengthy recovery process, and the strength it took to rebuild her life after unimaginable adversity.

Join us for an inspiring discussion about overcoming trauma, surviving serious illness, personal growth, recovery, resilience, and the power of hope. This episode is a moving story of perseverance that will resonate with listeners interested in memoirs, health journeys, mental health, and stories of triumph over adversity.

Please note: This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and animal abuse. Please take care while listening.

Check Out Julianna’s Work:

https://www.juliannaburmesch.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.

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome author, speaker, Vietnam veteran, and former nurse Joe, whose book All Bones Considered: 52 Laurel Hill Women shines a light on the remarkable lives of women buried in Philadelphia's historic Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In this fascinating conversation, Joe shares his journey from nursing and serving as a medic during the Vietnam War to becoming a nationally and internationally recognized speaker. He discusses the inspiration behind All Bones Considered: 52 Laurel Hill Women and reveals the stories of trailblazing women whose achievements helped shape history but are often overlooked today.

Join us as we explore women's history, historical biography, cemetery history, military service, leadership, and the enduring legacies of 52 extraordinary women memorialized at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Whether you're interested in American history, inspiring women, genealogy, or historical storytelling, this episode offers compelling insights and unforgettable stories.

Check Out Joe’s Work:

https://allbonesconsidered.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 Ed, the owner and leader of EDA Contractors, to discuss leadership, workplace mental health, and building a people-first company culture in the construction industry.

Ed shares his personal journey as a hardworking entrepreneur whose relentless drive ultimately led to a mental and physical breakdown. He opens up about the lessons he learned from burnout and how those experiences transformed both his life and his business.

The conversation explores EDA Contractors' commitment to a "Humanity as a Strategy" approach, where employee wellbeing, mental health awareness, and psychological safety are treated as core business priorities. Ed explains why supporting his team on multiple levels has become essential to creating a healthy work environment, improving employee engagement, and fostering long-term success.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, contractor, or someone interested in workplace wellness and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights into building stronger teams through empathy, trust, and human-centered leadership.

Tune in to hear Ed's powerful story of resilience, recovery, and redefining success through people-first leadership.

Check Out Ed’s Work:

Company website: http://www.edacontractors.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EDACONTRACTORSINC

Instagram: www.instagram.com/edacontractors/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eda-contractors-inc./posts

Ed's LinkedIn: Ed DeAngelis | LinkedIn

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 Deena Kamm, author of Lessons From the Future: STORM the Empowered Empath, for a powerful conversation about empathy, emotional burnout, healing, and personal transformation.

Deena shares her childhood experiences and explains how becoming the person everyone depended on eventually led to emotional exhaustion and a personal breakdown. She opens up about the challenges faced by highly empathetic people, the importance of emotional boundaries, and how her journey inspired her mission to help others avoid burnout and reclaim their emotional well-being.

The conversation also explores Deena’s work with the Department of Education, where she helps children better understand empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. If you’re interested in empowered empathy, mental health, emotional healing, personal growth, or helping sensitive children thrive, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Tune in for an honest and uplifting discussion about empathy, resilience, emotional health, and turning life’s hardest moments into purpose.

Check Out Deena’s Work:

Deena’s Website: https://lessonsfromthefuture.org

Buy Deena’s Book: https://amzn.to/4beOg84

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.

On this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Ria joins Kevin for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about trauma, survival, addiction, crime, and redemption. Ria shares the story behind her memoir, Off-road Destiny, opening up about her childhood, her mother’s suicide attempt, and growing up between Slovenia, Hungary, and Dubai.

The episode dives into Ria’s descent into drug smuggling, the life-changing moment she was caught, and the reality of serving time in prison. She also reflects on rebuilding her life after returning to Hungary and the lessons she learned through resilience, recovery, and self-discovery.

If you enjoy true stories, memoir interviews, personal growth podcasts, and conversations about overcoming adversity, this episode of Behind Beautiful Things is one you won’t want to miss.

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

Check Out Ria’s Work:

https://www.offroaddestiny.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rianeme?igsh=ZzY3OWZuNW14aHQw&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@offroad.destiny?_r=1&_t=ZN-965X1qZQ7cc

https://x.com/neme_ria?s=21

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.