Beyond the Darkness

BONUS EPISODE | Big Dreams, Bigger Purpose

What happens when a dream becomes a mission, and that mission starts changing lives?

In this special episode of Beyond the Darkness, The Evie Effect co-founders Jessica and Michael Domingos sit down together to talk about the dreams that started it all, the journey so far, and their vision for the future.

From the literal dream Mike had that sparked Evie Rocks to a vision board filled with goals that once seemed so far away, we're sharing the heart behind our work, the people who helped us along the way, and what we think Evie would be most proud of.

We talk about growing a nonprofit with limited resources, our love for this community, expanding Evie Rocks into other cities, and our hopes for reaching even more people through suicide prevention, education, and support.

And here's what makes this conversation even more special. We recorded it a year ago!

At the time, we were preparing for our very first Restoring Hope Retreat and dreaming about taking Evie Rocks beyond Tyler. Fast forward to today, and we've held several retreats, built a growing community of suicide loss survivors who continue supporting one another, and we're taking real steps toward expanding Evie Rocks into another city!

We also give a special shout-out to Ben Stuart and Lacy Yount, who helped us bring the very first Evie Rocks to life.

There's plenty of banter, a few laughs, some big dreams, and a whole lot of heart.

Because beyond the darkness is hope. And we're just getting started.

Your story belongs here!

💚 Want to be part of The Evie Effect? Learn more about our mission, explore our programs, and help us continue making an impact through advocacy, awareness, and education.

Visit www.evieeffect.org to learn more, get involved, or make a donation.

Beyond the Darkness Podcast | Finding Your Voice Through Music with Gabi Brown

Soft-spoken offstage, but a powerhouse when she steps up to the microphone, Gabi Brown proves that sometimes our strongest voices come through music.

In this episode of Beyond the Darkness, Gabi sits down with The Evie Effect Co-Founder Michael Domingos for an open and heartfelt conversation about mental health, the emotions we carry, and the importance of finding healthy ways to let them out.

For Gabi, music is more than performing. It's an outlet, a release, and a powerful way to connect with others. Through singing and sharing the stage with an audience, she has found a way to express what isn't always easy to put into words.

Their conversation is a reminder that we all need an outlet, that vulnerability can be a strength, and that sometimes the greatest connections happen when we allow ourselves to be seen and heard.

Because your voice matters. Your story matters. And your story isn't over.

🎙️ Beyond the Darkness is a podcast presented by The Evie Effect, creating conversations that break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, one story at a time.

Find out more about The Evie Effect at https://evieeffect.org

Become an Effect Maker and support our mission to change the public's perception on mental wellness and suicide by fostering a community of advocacy, awareness, and education at https://patreon.com/EvieEffect

In this episode of Beyond the Darkness, Jessica sits down with Heather Spann for a deeply personal conversation about grief, shared loss, and learning to keep going after losing a child.

Heather shares about her son, Tanner, and the love, pain, and memories she carries with her. Together, Jessica and Heather talk about the way their paths have crossed through loss and how grief can connect people in ways they never expected.

This conversation is also about permission.

Permission to grieve.
Permission to have bad days.
Permission to ask for help.
Permission to not have it all together.
Permission to keep loving, remembering, and living.

Heather’s story is honest, tender, and full of the kind of truth that reminds us we do not have to walk through grief alone.

Listen to this episode of Beyond the Darkness wherever you stream podcasts.

Beyond the Darkness: Finding hope in every story.

If you are in need of resources, please check out our resource page at https://evieeffect.org

In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Beyond the Darkness Podcast, Michael Domingos sits down with Kendrick Brown for an honest conversation about music, survival, and the long road to healing.

Kendrick shares how music became his lifeline at a young age as he navigated a childhood marked by neglect and emotional pain. What began as a way to cope slowly became a source of purpose, connection, and transformation. Through music, Kendrick not only found his voice, but also found love. It ultimately led him to his wife, Gabi, and helped shape the life he is building today.

Rather than turning away from his pain, Kendrick learned how to live alongside it. He speaks openly about mental health, resilience, and how his lived experiences continue to guide how he shows up in the world. Today, Kendrick channels that story into his work, his relationships, and his music.

Kendrick is also the sound technician for many events hosted by The Evie Effect, and his band Toil the Earth has generously performed at Evie Effect events over the years, helping create powerful, meaningful spaces where music and mental wellness intersect.

If this episode brings up heavy emotions, you are not alone. Support and suicide prevention resources are available through The Evie Effect.

To learn more or get connected, visit evieeffect.org and follow The Evie Effect on Facebook and Instagram for resources, events, and community updates. You can also follow the Beyond the Darkness Podcast on Facebook to see what episodes and guests are coming up next.

Get connected. You belong here.

Content Warning:
This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised.

Season 2 begins with a powerful and honest conversation with Casey Muze. In this episode, Casey shares his personal journey through mental health challenges, resilience, and the moments that shaped who he is today. Together, we talk about what it means to sit with hard emotions, the importance of feeling seen and supported, and how sharing our stories can create connection and healing.

This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human. It sets the tone for a season centered on meaningful stories and honest conversations around mental wellness and suicide prevention.

If you or someone you love is struggling, support is available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.orgAvailable 24/7 in the U.S.

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)Resources, education, and support for those impacted by suicide
  www.afsp.org

• SocialWorx Advocacy GroupFree mental health navigation and community support in East Texas
  www.swadvocacy.org

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families
  www.nami.org

In this episode, Christine opens up about losing her daughter, her struggles with mental health, and how journaling became an outlet for healing. She shares how voice AI journaling helps her process emotions and expresses that “AI is for everyone.” Christine also discusses her plans to launch a voice AI mental wellness app to “help people harness technology for their own mental wellness” and her goal to expand The Best of Tyler Preferred Business Directory, nationwide.

Need Support? Call or text 988 (available 24/7) for the 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineNeed additional information visit:https://afsp.org/ for the American Foundation for Suicide Preventionhttps://www.nami.org/ for the National Alliance on Mental Illnesshttps://swadvocacy.org/ for the SocialWorx Advocacy Group

In this episode Lauren Deaton opens up about her journey of resilience with facing an unexpected diagnosis in high school, pursuing her education and career, and her move to East Texas. She shares how her experiences shaped her perspective and inspired her to start being more intentional with her life.

Need Support?

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call 800-333-0358 for the 24-hour Crisis line

Call 800-656-HOPE(4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline

For additional information and support visit:

https://www.etcc.org/ to go to the East Texas Crisis Center

https://afsp.org/ to go to the for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

In this episode, we welcome Lisa Lane, who shares her journey of grief and healing after losing her dad to suicide. Lisa opens up about the heartbreak of loss, how it reshaped her life, and the powerful role music played in helping her process her pain. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the importance of finding ways to heal after tragedy.

The Beyond the Darkness Podcast is dedicated to illuminating paths to mental wellness and suicide prevention. Each month, we share lived experiences, expert insights, and meaningful conversations that inspire hope and connection.

Resources from this episode:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline– Dial 988 (U.S.)

Andrews Behavioral Health 24/7 Crisis Line – 1-800-441-5555

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – https://nami.org

SocialWorx Advocacy Group (Free Mental Health Navigation in East Texas) – https://swadvocacy.org

Episode 1: Starting Over with Allison Sharp
Allison Sharp, daughter of our co-founders and sister to Evie, shares her powerful story of loss, survival, and starting over. In this episode, she opens up about the impact of Evie’s death, escaping an abusive relationship, and creating a new life for herself.

Learn more about The Evie Effect:
Website: https://evieeffect.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEvieEffect
Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondTheDarknessPodcast

Produced by Storytaler Studios
Hosted by The Evie Effect

Follow Allison Sharp on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok at @asharpworks to follow her journey or connect with her for artistic collaboration or projects.

Need support?
Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line
East Texas Crisis Center: https://etcc.org | 903-509-2526
National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://thehotline.org | 1-800-799-7233
Andrews Behavioral Health 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-877-934-2131

Topics in this episode:

• Losing a sibling to suicide

• Surviving abuse

• Rebuilding your life

• Mental wellness and healing

#BeyondTheDarknessPodcast #SuicidePrevention #TheEvieEffect #MentalHealthAwareness #AllisonSharp