Most people think strength is about staying strong. But real strength shows up when life changes in an instant and you still choose how to move forward.

Today’s guest is Tristan Hite, a speaker, author, and advocate whose life has been shaped by profound loss and unimaginable challenges. After facing two life-altering tragedies, she was forced to confront deep trauma and uncertainty.

Instead of becoming bitter or giving in to the weight of it, Tristan chose to do the hard work of healing and rebuilding her life, turning pain into purpose.

This episode explores trauma, healing, and what it takes to rebuild when life breaks you.

Show Flow

00:19 Meet Tristan Hite 

01:43 Running Into a Career in Banking

04:57 The Relationship That Changed Everything

10:06 A Guns N’ Roses Proposal

13:10 A Tragic Loss and the Reality of PTSD

17:55 Choosing “Up” and the Power of Community Support

21:54 Finding Grace While Moving Through Grief

25:59 Taking Small Steps Back Toward Life

29:17 Letting Go of Sad Drinking and Choosing Healing

31:44 Learning Gratitude and the Power of Listening

34:05 The Difference Between Being a Fixer and a Listener

36:00 Her Daughter’s Brain Tumor Diagnosis

37:31 Hospital Room 314 and the Reality of Surgery

41:23 Fighting Through Two More Years of Uncertainty

45:34 Panic Attacks and the Role of Therapy

50:53 Writing the Book Perfectly Imperfect

56:17 Learning to Pilot Your Own Plane in Life

59:26 “Babysit Yourself” and the Importance of Sleep

01:05:08 Advice, Music, and Star Wars

01:09:48 Final Thoughts