Dead America

Perseverance, Healing, and Becoming a Better Man About this episode/series: This podcast series is an honest, unfiltered journey through poverty, addiction, abuse, job loss, family breakup, and the brink of suicide, into choices that lead to recovery, growth, and purpose. The first 25 episodes chronicle my life’s downs and ups and share the hard lessons I learned along the way. Listen for raw stories about surviving drug and alcohol environments, escaping abusive situations, overcoming difficult bosses and layoffs, rebuilding after losing family, and turning despair into motivation. Who this is for: Anyone who needs hope, practical self-help, or a community that learns from real-life successes and failures. Men seeking self-improvement and people recovering from addiction, trauma, or loss will find actionable insight and solidarity. What you’ll get: Personal stories, practical lessons, emotional honesty, small steps for personal change, and an invitation to share your own story so we can all grow together. Subscribe and join the community: Subscribe for new episodes that help you survive, heal, and thrive. Share your story in the comments or record a message to be featured in future episodes. Connect: Leave a comment, rate the show, and share this series with someone who needs hope today.

#Perseverance #RecoveryJourney #SelfImprovement #MentalHealth #FromSurviveToThrive

Social media links

https://linktr.ee/brandonheld

https://www.brandonheld.com

In this insightful episode of the Dead America Podcast host Ed Watters speaks with Barbara Bowman author of What Not To Do at Funerals about practical funeral etiquette and compassionate ways to support grieving families. Barbara breaks down the most common faux pas at funerals and explains how simple thoughtful actions can make a profound difference during grief. Listeners will learn concrete etiquette tips for attending memorials offering condolences and honoring the needs of those in mourning.

Barbara shares stories that illustrate why presence matters more than perfect words and why listening and small acts of service build trust with grieving families. The conversation also covers how to navigate awkward moments at viewings and services how to offer meaningful support after the funeral and when to give space versus step in. This episode is a guide for friends family caregivers and professionals who want to show up well and reduce additional emotional burden for those grieving.

Barbara previews her upcoming book on escaping narcissistic relationships and provides practical advice for regaining control preventing further emotional harm and rebuilding personal boundaries. Listeners receive guidance on spotting manipulative behavior understanding its impact on grief and taking safe steps toward recovery. This episode blends grief support funeral etiquette and relationship safety into a compassionate toolkit for anyone facing loss or supporting someone through it.

Tune in to gain actionable etiquette strategies support ideas and resources to help grieving families with dignity and care. Subscribe to Dead America Podcast for more conversations on healing grief recovery and emotional resilience.

00:00 Understanding Narcissism: An Introduction

00:54 Meet Barbara Bowman: Author of 'What Not To Do at Funerals'

01:12 Barbara's Personal Experiences with Grief

02:48 The Importance of Funeral Etiquette

03:32 Key Takeaways from 'What Not To Do at Funerals'

05:17 Navigating Grief and Offering Support

20:28 The Role of Grief Counseling and Support Groups

36:03 Barbara's Upcoming Book on Escaping Narcissism

45:26 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Barbara

Links:

https://www.bowheart.com

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Malisa Hepner—author, speaker, podcast host, and licensed clinical social worker—to explore her transformative journey from trauma to healing.

Malisa opens up about her childhood marked by neglect and abuse, sharing how she overcame profound emotional darkness to discover her purpose. Through spiritual awakening and entrepreneurial courage, she now dedicates her life to helping others heal—one story at a time.

Listeners will gain insight into how toxic family environments shape social development and how inner work can lead to lasting personal growth. Malisa discusses the therapeutic power of storytelling and podcasting, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance.

This episode offers practical tools for embracing every part of yourself, even the wounded ones, and highlights the role of vulnerability in building strength. Whether you're on your own healing journey or supporting someone through theirs, Malisa’s story is a beacon of hope and transformation.

Tune in to discover how embracing your truth can lead to empowerment, purpose, and peace.

00:00 Introduction and Dopamine Highs

00:54 Meet Malisa Hepner

03:02 Malisa's Background and Early Life

06:51 Struggles in School and Social Life

10:25 College Years and Early Adulthood

20:25 Podcasting as Therapy

30:16 Malisa's Services and Offerings

34:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Website

https://www.empoweredwithmalisahepner.org

Social media links

https://www.instagram.com/malisa.hepner/

https://www.facebook.com/

#embracingyourtruth

In this enlightening episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters welcomes Tigrilla Gardenia—plant advocate, founder of the Naturally Conscious Community, and host of the Reconnect with Plants Wisdom Podcast. Together, they explore the healing power of plants and the profound connection between humans and nature.

Tigrilla shares her transformational journey, including a life-changing encounter with a musical plant that awakened her to nature’s frequency. She explains how grounding, pausing, and tuning into the rhythms of the natural world can lead to emotional clarity, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. Her insights reveal how plants communicate, heal, and guide us toward deeper self-awareness.

This episode dives into the importance of trusting oneself, embracing stillness, and cultivating community support as essential tools for growth. Tigrilla’s work as a world ambassador for plant consciousness offers a refreshing perspective on how nature can be a partner in healing—not just a backdrop to our lives.

Whether you're curious about plant intelligence, seeking spiritual alignment, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with the earth, this conversation offers practical wisdom and soulful inspiration. Discover how nature’s subtle messages can help you live more consciously, compassionately, and in tune with your true self.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:54 Meet Tigrilla Gardenia

02:07 Discovering Plant Music

04:50 Connecting with Nature

19:02 The Importance of Grounding

27:10 Balancing Life and Nature

29:20 Podcast Insights and Reflections

40:43 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Website

https://tigrillagardenia.com

Social media links

https://facebook.com/tigrillagardenia

https://instagram.com/tigrillagardenia

https://youtube.com/@tigrillagardenia

https://linkedin.com/in/tigrillagardenia

In this deeply moving episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Julie Barth—author, mother of six, and founder of the nonprofit Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie shares her powerful journey through grief and trauma, including the heartbreaking loss of her husband and the challenges of raising a special needs child. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment to helping women in crisis.

Julie opens up about the emotional toll of navigating abusive relationships and the importance of trusting one’s instincts when systems fail to provide meaningful support. She highlights the systemic gaps that leave many women vulnerable and explains how her nonprofit offers a tailored, proactive approach to intervention—designed to help women before they lose everything.

This episode sheds light on the strength it takes to rebuild after tragedy and the critical role that community and support systems play in that process. Julie’s insights offer hope and practical guidance for women facing adversity, as well as for those who want to be part of the solution.

Whether you're experiencing grief, supporting someone through trauma, or seeking ways to empower others, this conversation is a must-listen. Julie Barth’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, advocacy, and healing.

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Backup Plans

00:54 Meet Julie Barth: Author, Mother, and Nonprofit Founder

01:20 Julie Barth's Personal Journey and Mission

02:47 Understanding Abuse Prevention

05:36 Challenges in Asking for Help

08:49 The Impact of Personal Tragedy

15:53 Starting the Nonprofit: CJB Outreach

20:30 Systemic Issues and the Need for Change

40:44 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

https://www.juliebarthauthor.net

Social media links

https://www.facebook.com/julie.e.barth/

https://www.instagram.com/julie_barth_author/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebarthauthor/

https://www.tiktok.com/@juliebarthauthor

In this deeply moving episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Susan Snow—trauma resilience coach, speaker, and author—about her powerful journey from personal tragedy to emotional healing and advocacy.

Susan recounts the devastating night in 1985 when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was killed in the line of duty. The trauma of that event led her down a difficult path marked by PTSD, depression, and emotional isolation. Yet through courage, support, and a commitment to healing, Susan transformed her pain into purpose.

She shares how seeking the right help, embracing vulnerability, and building a strong support system allowed her to reclaim her life. Today, Susan empowers others facing trauma by offering guidance, hope, and practical tools for resilience. Her story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise, heal, and inspire.

Listeners will gain insight into the emotional toll of sudden loss, the importance of mental health support, and how trauma can become a catalyst for transformation. Whether you're navigating grief, supporting a loved one, or seeking your own path to healing, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and strength.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:22 Susan's Tragic Story

08:07 The Aftermath and Struggles

20:15 Journey to Healing

24:47 Support Systems and Family Dynamics

33:00 Becoming an Advocate

45:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

https://susansnowspeaks.com/

Social media links

IG- @susan_snow1

TT- @susansnow1

Linkedin- susan snow

In this inspiring episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Lawrence Harris—youth empowerment speaker, author, and trauma survivor—for a powerful conversation about resilience, healing, and personal transformation.

Lawrence began his journey at just fifteen years old, navigating the aftermath of childhood abuse and complex PTSD. Through years of self-discovery and inner work, he emerged as a passionate advocate for turning adversity into strength. In this episode, Lawrence shares how self-love became the foundation of his healing and why building trust and setting achievable goals are essential steps in reclaiming one’s life.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of support systems, emotional intelligence, and community in overcoming personal trauma. Lawrence’s story is not only one of survival—it’s a blueprint for empowerment. His message resonates with anyone seeking to rise above pain and create a life rooted in purpose and impact.

Whether you're facing your own challenges or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical tools for growth. Tune in to hear how Lawrence Harris transformed trauma into triumph—and how you can too.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts

00:54 Meet Lawrence Harris: Youth Empowerment Speaker

01:20 Lawrence's Journey: Overcoming Childhood Trauma

07:49 Personal Reflections and Shared Experiences

12:51 The Importance of Self-Care and Support Systems

25:04 Building Discipline and Overcoming Bad Habits

31:47 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

42:15 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Social media links

Instagram: / lawrencec.empowers

Tiktok: / lawrencecempowers

Youtube: / @lawrencecempowers

My website: https://www.lawrencecharris.com

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Tywanah Evette—spiritual strategist, trauma recovery facilitator, and bestselling author—to explore her transformative journey from personal trauma to public advocacy and healing.

Tywanah bravely recounts her early experiences of abuse and the profound emotional toll they had on her life. Through resilience and deep inner work, she found her calling as a healer and medium, guiding others on their path toward wholeness. She opens up about founding the Heal Her Summit and the Why Movement, both powerful platforms created to amplify the voices of abuse survivors and equip women with the tools needed for recovery and self-discovery.

In this episode, Tywanah emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-care as key components of healing. She shares practical strategies for women looking to transform their pain into purpose and reframe their life stories with strength and clarity.

Listeners will walk away with renewed hope, greater compassion, and the inspiration to pursue spiritual growth and advocacy through adversity. This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating trauma, supporting survivors, or seeking deeper healing and empowerment.

Facebook: / blackbutterflygoddess888

Instagram: / blackbutterflygoddess

Twitter: / bbgoddess888

YouTube Channel: / @thunderbirdrising

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/blackbutterfly...

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/blackbutterflygoddess

Email: [email protected]

Website: Https://www.blackbutterflygoddess.com

HealHER Summit & WHY Movement Website (May 16-18, 2025 9am-6pm EST): Https://www.healHER.biz

In this compelling episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Kimber Foster, author of Year of Thorns and The Divorce Checklist, to explore the realities of surviving and thriving after narcissistic abuse. Kimber opens up about her harrowing 30-year journey within a toxic relationship and the transformational process of breaking free from emotional manipulation and psychological control.

Listeners will gain powerful insights into how narcissistic behavior affects mental well-being and how subtle tactics—like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and invalidation—keep victims trapped. Kimber offers practical steps for reclaiming personal power, including building self-belief, facing emotional challenges head-on, and rewriting the story of suffering into one of strength.

She also introduces her free guide designed to support individuals navigating the complex process of divorcing a narcissist, highlighting key checkpoints for legal, emotional, and spiritual preparedness. Kimber’s mission is to empower survivors to rise above pain and move toward healing with confidence and clarity.

Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or seeking deeper understanding of emotional abuse, this episode is both educational and deeply affirming.

00:00 Cutting the Chains of Control

00:54 Meet Kimber Foster: Author and Survivor

02:11 Recognizing Narcissistic Behavior

05:24 The Journey of Self-Discovery

10:58 Breaking Free and Finding Support

20:37 Practical Advice for Divorce

27:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

https://thehub.mastermind.com/v2/prev...

Divorce Checklist "The Ultimate Survival Kit to Freedom from a Narcissist" Free Copy for listeners

https://a.co/d/dzBrda9

Year ofThorns, What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist Amazon Link

https://a.co/d/fsYI5yy

Divorce Checklist "The Ultimate Survival Kit to Freedom from a Narcissist" Amazon Link

@yearofthorns Instagram

/ yearofthorns

Dr. James Perdue, Professor of Perseverance, shares other people’s stories of life tragedies of accepting adversities, begin battling, and conquer challenges to not only survive difficulties but also thrive in life so you can be prepared to persevere in life’s struggles. Professor of Perseverance Podcast will inspire you to face challenges head on in life so you provide motivation to be a leader for others by setting examples of winning through difficulties while encouraging people to live life to the fullest.