Giants Amongst Us

Real stories, told by real people.

Nice to be back with you all. Hope this finds you in good spirits. We've got another story to share. Today Justin joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

From a small town in Montana with a population of roughly 300 people. Justin enjoyed time as a child. Remembering the times his mother would take him up to the mountains in a jeep. But things would get a little shaky as he got older. As a teenager, rumors and false accusations began to spread about him. It turned ugly quick. And he was bullied because of it. Being harassed, and threatened in and out of school. And an angry mob of teens, attacking him, out of fear, Justin dropped out of school. He refused to go out in public, stayed inside, and completely out of sight.

Reflecting back as an adult, Justin talks with us about what he was going through as a child. As well as the emotions, pain, fears, and destructive habits that would follow-- heavy drinking, gambling, and depression. Destroying his health, relationships, and desire to live. Eventually he hit a wall, and became sick of the person he had become. And that's when things started to change. He's now enjoying life on his terms. With being creative, traveling, and enjoying a healthy relationship with both his daughters. We've got another GIANT AMONTS US folks, and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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Justin :

Amazon Book : https://www.amazon.com/There-Are-Ghosts-These-Pages-ebook/dp/B0CWCKDF1B/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

Spotify Music : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Z4airQQ1Vr1aI0eztnX1j

Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/7wgQYdYhV1YNzDayaop5tJ

Pillow Pals Podcast Linktree : https://linktr.ee/pillowpalspod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYrZwW7YE87pQoXq4cXlRQ-9wgDAXNvDbEisn_etqVrrQfh52QW1YiWuPk_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's great to be back to share another story with you all. I certainly do hope this finds you in good spirits. Today Jonathan joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Originally from Ecuador. Life as a kid was pretty normal for Jonathan. He played soccer, hung out with friends, and enjoyed time with family. But at 12, life would completely change. Countless hospital visits, and huge medical cost with trying to find a treatment for his condition. Left no results. Eventually, with nothing, but the clothes on their back. Jonathan and his mother left for Canada. Seeking any kind of assistance, medically, that might help save his life. Having survived cancer twice. Jonathan recalls one of many, near death experiences.

He's also a recipient of a bone marrow transplant. 10 people underwent surgery at the same time as Jonathan, only 2 are still alive. Through the pain his body endured, the effects from chemo therapy and radiation, graft versus host disease, and a long list of other complications. He's still hopeful for the future, and doing much better.

Along with the medical staff and their support, his mother was a big reason he was able to keep fighting and stand strong. Talk about the unconditional and unwavering love a mother can have for their child. In his own words, "she was the only reason I kept fighting and held on." He also acknowledged gratitude (offline, after recording) towards the donor (from Germany) who was his perfect match. Making the transplant possible, and a success. Jonathan might be the first to give someone else credit before he gives it to himself.

But, today we're going to honor this man's courage, and resilient spirit. You're without a question, another GIANT AMONGST US. May the thoughts, well wishes, and prayers of those who listen to your story bring comfort to you, filling you with peace, and the promise of brighter days.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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Jonathan :

Email : [email protected]

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

As always it's good to be back. Hope you all are doing well. I'm happy to introduce to another guest. Today, Ethan joins us and he has a story to tell.

In school, everything came pretty easy for Ethan. His teachers considered him gifted. But, not too long into high school, he started noticing a change - depression, feeling sluggish and tired all day, brain fog, problems with sleep. His condition wouldn't get better, and he found himself struggling socially, shying away from people, he felt awkward, overwhelmed with anxiety, which was a startling contrast to how he was as a child.

This led him down a year long journey trying to figure out what it was that was affecting him mentally, physically, emotionally. And despite all his efforts - engaging in hobbies, intermittent fasting, changes in diet, psychotherapy, his condition seemed to only get worse.

Eventually, he stumbled upon a condition, and things started to click. Upper Airway resistance syndrome, which is a type of sleep apnea. And something I wasn't too familiar with prior to our conversation.

Ethan's going to walk us through how this type of sleep apnea affect every aspect of his life. What may of caused it, some of the ways he's tried to cope with it, including a past surgery, and a big motivation as to why he has fought tooth and nail, being totally pro active in his road to recovery, and his big why being music.

So here goes, another GIANTS AMONGST US. Hope you all enjoy the conversation today.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND.

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Ethan :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/42Es7nle2xppSfW0O9jMhg?si=Hm00T5_DRM-dtw8lrsjpUQ

YouTube : https://open.spotify.com/artist/42Es7nle2xppSfW0O9jMhg?si=Hm00T5_DRM-dtw8lrsjpUQ

Bandcamp : originofstyx.bandcamp.com

Soundcloud : soundcloud.com/originofstyx

Patreon : patreon.com/OriginOfStyx

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Intro track by Origin of Styx :

https://youtu.be/uZk5iXuwYv8?si=DHIbeDkT0wF1jLjk

Real stories, told by real people.

We're back with another one, I hope this finds you all in good spirits. Today D'Angelo joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Life as a child was rough for D'Angelo. An abusive home, full of violence, drugs, and instability. D'Angelo took to the streets at the tender age of 11, to escape the abuse at home. He was hurting, afraid, and longing for acceptance in love. From juvenile halls throughout his adolescence to becoming a registered nurse as an adult. Working in trauma units, while still struggling with his own childhood trauma. D'Angelo eventually found himself in the belly of the beast, addicted to drugs, robbing banks, and then came an 11 year prison bid.

What happened during his incarceration? How did he handle those demons which haunted him for so long? D'Angelo opens up and talks about some of these questions. He also has his book - ‘On My Own-Reflecting on Yesterday' , a memoir now available. There's children books he's working on, educational material on addiction. Writing, and penning has been therapy for him. This is about redemption, and not being bound to the past. After all D'Angelo's been through, he made it out the other side, bringing hope with him, and embracing a new day. I'm pleased to introduce another GIANTS AMONGST US. Enjoy the Show.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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D'Angelo Stefani :

On My Own: Reflecting on Yesterday : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY9T9GB5

Website: www.dangelostefani.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/boston2tulsa

Email: [email protected]

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Multispective Podcast :

Website : https://www.multispective.org/

YouTube : https://www.multispective.org/

Instagram : instagram.com/multispectiveorg

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ww9d7Hmq6CfdKwN21CC09?si=8250d55251ac47d8

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@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's good to be back with another edition of the Show. Hope you all are in good spirits. Today Peter joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Peter comes from humble beginnings "I grew up off grid....like solar power house....my dad would haul water, and pump it up this huge hill." He would ride bikes, build mini bikes, wreck a few every now and then. It was an interesting childhood, but beautiful with two loving parents. Unfortunately, Peter would lose his mother to breast cancer. He was only 12 years old when his mother passed away. Struggling with grief, and losing his mother, he started acting out. Although, Peter would be the first to tell you that's no excuse for his actions.

Things would eventually escalate. From smoking weed, and stealing cars to meth and heroin addiction. Peter's life quickly stared to spiral out of control. His addiction took him down a dark path of selling dope, robbing, people over dosing around him, being on the streets, hustling for his next high and then hitting a wall - county jail. Peter's made some BIG changes in life since then. He's started an LLC, owning a business and pushing to hit six figures this year. Plus he's sober. I'd like to introduce another GIANT AMONGST US, and let Peter's story remind you, that it's never too late.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Hope all is well with you on this fine Sunday afternoon. Today Jason joins us, and he's got a story tell.

A retired veteran who served 31 years in the military. Jason opens up, talking about his struggles early on. From osteomyelitis, failing the first grade, and dealing with learning disabilities, Teachers and school counselors told Jason "you're not going to college." Guess what? He proved em wrong. Jason didn't just go to college, he earned 3 degrees. How in the world did he manage to do that?

Jason takes us along, sharing how life was for him overseas, and in combat. Roadside bombs, live fire, and the emotional turmoil from his father passing, plus pending accusations, and investigations his chain of command. All while being deployed. Jason walks us through these dark times, and what became of the false allegations, as well as his work towards peace, balance, and mental health.

An author of two books : A Soldier Against All Odds, and Out Of The Uniform, Back Into Civilian Life, No Nonsense Benefits Guide. I'd like to welcome another GIANTS AMONGST US. Life in and out of uniform, and the inspiration behind both of Jason's books, plus a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy today's conversation. If you do, share it with a friend, it's FREE OF CHARGE, drop us a line, then give it a review. Appreciate you.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Jason Pike :

Website : https://www.jasonpike.org/

Jason's First Book, A Soldier Against All Odds: A Memoir : https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Against-All-Odds-Memoir/dp/B0BV1F28LK/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1

Jason's Second Book, Out of the Uniform, Back into Civilian Life: No Nonsense Veterans Benefits Guide : https://www.amazon.com/Uniform-Back-into-Civilian-Life/dp/B0CK3XGCV1/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696250650&sr=8-1

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jasonpike.org

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

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pike-7b6774137/

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

It's good to be back for another episode. Hope you guys are well, and in good spirits. If this is your first time tuning in, this is Giants Amongst Us, where we share in the unique Human experience. Real stories told by real people, aimed at highlighting the resilience of the Human spirit. So, if you're in a dark place right now, let these stories be reminder, that you're not alone, and things can in fact get better. There's 2 decisions we're faced with. One of them being to accept things the way that they are. And the other, to accept responsibility to change the situation. The choice is yours. For years, and years, I've struggled with this. I wanted to sit down and share some of those struggles with you all today.

I was using and abusing drugs and alcohol for 15 years. Cocaine, hard rock (crack), methamphetamines, ecstasy, and narcotics. These chemicals took precedence over everything else. No self control, self worth or plans for the future. I was only concerned about the moment. Which turned into a vicious cycle fueled by negative thoughts, that led to poor choices, feeding bad habits, and in the end, killing me from the inside-out. It was fun for a time, but "nothing gold stays." In desperation to get back on track. I decided to enlist in the Military. The day the towers in New York were hit (9/11), was the day my recruiter picked me up to send me on my way. I share a little bit of how that all played out and what happened during my short time as an infantry man.

From receiving two D.U.I's and spending 30 days in jail. To losing my girlfriend of 5 years, who was killed by a drunk driver. I wasn't in a good place at all. It felt like life had ate me up, and spit me right back out. My mentality for so many years, was to blame everyone and everything else for my problems. How did things change? When did things change? The drugs, heavy drinking, and lack of responsibility and accountability? I talk about that as well. Along with meeting my wife, who has been a huge blessing in my life. Couldn't of asked, hoped or prayed for a better woman by my side. Here's to that piece of happiness, we're all reaching for.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

To Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Ladies and Gentleman, welcome back to another edition of 'In between The Stories'. We're gonna get into something I've been thinking about lately, party due to my re-reading of a book by John Taylor Gatto, Dumbing Us Down. If you haven't read it, I highly encourage you to give that book a decent read. It isn't very long, but really packs a punch. A school teacher in New York City for 30 years, Mr. Gatto became outspoken and critical of modern education, it's ideologies, history and methods. His colleagues, and staff at times didn't appreciate his way of doing things. But, his students loved him.

Today I wanted to share some thoughts on public schooling and homeschooling. Kids are the future. Was it Aristotle who said "give me a child for 7 years, and I'll show you the man?" Those early years are critical for a child's development - mentally, physically, emotionally. As for myself, I attended public school throughout my adolescents. I've gauged some of the conversations on and offline from parents who have children in public school, and some of the concerns seem to involve the safety, and lack of support for their child's needs. Over the years there's been an uptick with parents pulling their kids out of public school. Have you noticed that in your area?

And on the flip side, you have parents and children who had a negative experience with homeschooling. Suggesting more resources toward public education - adequate teacher training, sufficient funding. When these 2 needs are met, progress can be made. Taking those things into consideration along with a few points Mr. Gatto's book highlights, fueled this episode. I hope you can join the conversation and share your thoughts, if any of it resonates with you.

Drawing from Chapter 1 of Dumbing Us Down, these are the 7 lessons discussed :

1. Confusion
2. Class affiliation acceptance
3. Indifference
4. Emotional dependency
5. Intellectual dependency
6. Provisional self-esteem
7. Surveillance

If you're a teacher in public schooling or a parent/student who has homeschool experience and you'd like to share some of your experience on the show. I'd be happy to connect.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto :

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/225850.Dumbing_Us_Down

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Listen to Chris's story :

https://rss.com/podcasts/giants-amongst-us/956757/

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

To Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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@bnoizemusic

What's up guys! I didn't realize it until after recording. But, it's been 1 year to date. Jan 11, 2023 I recorded the intro for the Show. An idea and concept turned into an opportunity to meet people from all over, so we can talk and share story. And, on a whim today, I wanted to touch bases with everyone. I had no clue, that today pretty much marks us being one full year in. What a coincidence, huh? LoL

I hope this finds you all in good spirits. I'm really looking forward to more. Thanks for rocking with the Show. Let me know where you're listening from, and how you're doing. I'd love to hear from you guys. Just thought I'd share some thoughts, and we'll catching up for more.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

To Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Happy Holidays, we're back!!! Today, Scott joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Imagine losing everything and everyone. Family, friends, and any support once had, gone. All because a difference in belief. Scott, lost his entire family, 17 members on his fathers side, ex-communicated him. Scott left the church 15 years ago, and hasn't had any contact with his family for 13 of those 15 years. In the world of Jehovah's Witness, it's called "shunning - "children being taken ... grand kids being cut off .... tragic family separations"

Leaving the church, and the want to remove himself from anything to do with the cult, he eventually moved to Vietnam. And that's where things get interesting - "I would of probably just lived with that traumatic thing inside, and never said anything about it, but something started happening living there." From trying to escape his story to becoming an activist.

Since 2016, he's been part of a project : The Witness Underground documentary, as well as The Witness Underground podcast. I'd like to welcome another GIANT AMONGST US. I enjoyed the conversation we had and Scott left a lot of good nuggets on the table, take what you will from it.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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FIND OUT WHAT'S ON DECK, UPCOMING STORIES, AND ANYTHING NEW WITH GIANTS AMONGST US :

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

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Scott Homan :

Website : WitnessUnderground.com | BananaIslandFilms.com

Twitter : @WitnessFilms

Instagram : @WitnessUnderground

Youtube : Youtube.com/@WitnessUnderground

Facebook : WitnessUnderground

Support : Patreon.com/WitnessUnderground

-> Also 50% off discount to watch link (RENT (one week watch) or BUY (download))

https://vimeo.com/r/3M2P/VC9vbnNNdm

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : [email protected]

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic