HealingUS Podcast

n this powerful and forward-thinking episode, Daniel Regan sits down with Gledis Vogli, the founder of KuraHealth, to explore how technology, data, and human-centered design are reshaping the future of mental health and addiction treatment.

Gledis shares the origin story of Kura Health, a platform she describes as “a centralized nervous system” for treatment centers - built to solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges: disconnected tools, siloed data, and missed opportunities to improve client care. What started as a response to inefficiencies has grown into a transformative solution that empowers clinicians, operators, and entire treatment systems.

Welcome back to the show. Today’s episode brings you a powerful story—one that reminds us that even in our darkest chapters, there is always room for redemption, healing, and a new beginning.

Our guest, Nick Small, is living proof of that. His journey hasn’t been linear or easy. It’s been raw, honest, and marked by both struggle and transformation. But through resilience, self-reflection, and a deep commitment to becoming the best version of himself, Nick has rebuilt his life piece by piece.

This is more than a conversation—it’s an exploration of what happens when someone chooses growth over guilt, purpose over pain, and healing over hiding. Nick’s story is a testament to second chances, to the work it takes to change, and to the impact one person’s evolution can have on an entire community.

So settle in. You’re about to hear a journey that inspires, challenges, and reminds us that redemption is always possible.

Let’s dive into the story of Nick Small.

Daniel Regan sits down with Latina social worker and author, Tania Vargas, founder of Just a Little Step. Created to support marginalized communities and break the stigma around mental health, Tania’s mission is rooted in empowerment and inclusivity. As a woman of color, she strives to create a safe space where therapy isn’t about being told what to do but about exploring your own thoughts and feelings, and learning how to prepare for a stronger future.

As Jesse Cody neared his 40th birthday, he was convinced it would be his last. Battling internal demons and thoughts of ending his life, everything changed after a powerful turning point that opened his eyes to what he stood to lose. Today, Jesse is the founder of Hike The Good Hike, a movement that inspires others through nature, resilience, and hope. His journey is raw, uplifting, and a reminder of the strength found in choosing life.

On this episode of the HealingUS Podcast, Daniel Regan sits down with Nicholas Lucarello for an inspiring and emotional conversation. From surviving a childhood marked by his parents’ heroin addiction to taking on the responsibility of raising his baby sister at just seven years old, Nick’s story is one of resilience and strength. Today, he leads Fight Life, dedicating his journey to empowering others and proving that adversity can fuel purpose.

In this powerful episode of the HealingUS Podcast, Daniel Regan sits down with Patrice Lenowitz to share her deeply moving journey after the tragic loss of her son, Max, to an accidental overdose from a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl. Patrice opens up about her heartbreak, resilience, and how she’s transforming grief into action. Discover the incredible work she’s leading to protect and empower teenagers across New Jersey.

On this episode of the HealingUS Podcast, host Kylie Christine sits down with Kim Ciccone to uncover her powerful journey of resilience and transformation. From navigating the challenges of adoption and feeling out of place to facing bullying head-on, Kim shares how she turned adversity into fuel for growth. Today, she’s a thriving entrepreneur and her story is a testament to perseverance, healing, and building a life of purpose.

On this episode of the HealingUS Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with Lenny Antonina—a powerhouse in holistic healing and a beacon of resilience. A registered nurse, holistic health coach, yoga teacher, Reiki Master, and mother of five, Lenny’s story is one of profound healing, spiritual awakening, and unwavering determination. At just nine years old, Lenny lost her brother—a Vietnam War veteran—to suicide, a trauma that led to PTSD and a battle with bulimia. At 19, she endured a major car accident that reshaped her life yet again. Rather than succumb to pain, Lenny turned to holistic healing: embracing yoga, meditation, nutrition, and energy work as pathways to recovery. Today, she empowers others through her comprehensive health framework, The Five Pillars of Lenny, and her podcast, Ageless Vitality with Lenny Antonina. 🎧 In This Episode: Childhood trauma, PTSD & the ripple effects of loss The healing journey from bulimia & physical injury Embracing yoga, Reiki, and nutrition for whole-body wellness What it means to live with ageless vitality Insights from “The Five Pillars of Lenny” Real talk on resilience, motherhood, and mind-body healing Lenny’s wisdom and vulnerability will leave you feeling uplifted, grounded, and inspired to reclaim your own wellness—no matter where you’re starting from. You can find out more about Lenny and follow her here - https://linktr.ee/LennyAntonina?

In this episode of the HealingUS Podcast, we’re joined by Nick Pirrera—NPC bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and founder of Nitro Nutrition. Hailing from Toms River, New Jersey, Nick shares his powerful journey from student athlete to elite competitor and business owner, revealing the mindset and discipline it takes to thrive in both the fitness world and entrepreneurship. We dive deep into his early influences, the mental toll of competitive bodybuilding, and how he overcame major setbacks with grit and purpose. Nick opens up about launching Nitro Nutrition, managing stress under pressure, and the importance of building a supportive fitness community. Whether you're chasing a goal in the gym or life, this episode delivers raw insight into the power of resilience, consistency, and staying mentally strong through it all. 🎧 Topics Covered: Nick’s journey from Toms River to the NPC stage Mental health challenges in bodybuilding Starting Nitro Nutrition & fueling performance Stress management & mindset practices Advice for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs What’s next for Nick in fitness and business 💥 This is an inspiring listen for anyone passionate about self-improvement, wellness, or chasing their dreams with relentless focus.

In this episode of the HealingUS Podcast, we sit down with Derek Pitera—entrepreneur, father of two, and founder of SC Arms, one of New Jersey’s largest and most respected firearms dealerships. From building a business in one of the country’s most tightly regulated states to becoming a trusted resource for celebrities, pro athletes, and law enforcement, Derek shares the real story behind his success. We explore Derek’s journey into the firearms industry, the challenges he faces as a business owner in a high-pressure and often controversial space, and how he stays grounded through it all. Derek opens up about fatherhood, mental health, and the resilience it takes to balance personal growth, family, and entrepreneurship. This conversation goes far beyond business—it's about grit, clarity under pressure, and what it means to lead with integrity and heart. 🎧 In This Episode: The origin of SC Arms & navigating NJ gun laws Mental health in entrepreneurship Handling public perception in a controversial industry Balancing fatherhood and business Strategies for stress, resilience, and mental clarity Core values and advice for entrepreneurs & parents 💡 Whether you're a business owner, parent, or simply looking to hear a raw and inspiring story of hustle and heart—this one's for you.