In this deeply moving episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, Dr. Amanda Hackford speaks with Ellie Riga, a mother who turned unimaginable grief into purpose after losing her son Kenny to suicide. Together, they open an honest, faith-centered discussion about trauma, healing, isolation, support systems, mental health, and the powerful impact of community.

Ellie shares how her life changed after her son’s death, how her family reacted, what she learned about grief that never truly goes away, and why storytelling and connection are vital for healing. She also explains why suicide loss is different from other types of grief — the unanswered questions, guilt, stigma, and the painful “why” that survivors struggle with Most importantly, Ellie discovered purpose: she now leads a suicide grief support group, providing a safe space for survivors to be heard, understood, and surrounded by others who truly “get it.”



📞 If you or someone you love needs help:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text anytime
- 211 Mental Health Hotline — Free, confidential, and untraceable
- Ellie’s Suicide Grief Group — A safe space for survivors to share and heal 

❤️ A message of hope:
You are not alone.
You are not a burden.
You matter.

If you’re hurting, please reach out — there is help, there is hope, and there are people who care about you more than you realize. 

In this powerful episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, host Dr. Amanda Hackford welcomes Connie Allgood, trauma therapist and founder of Allgood Counseling Center in Sebastian, FL. Together, they explore the life-changing impact of EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — a proven, God-given approach to releasing past trauma and reclaiming peace. 

Discover how unresolved childhood wounds shape who we believe we are, why healing requires revisiting the pain, and how EMDR helps you see your story through new eyes. Connie shares her faith-driven perspective, personal insights, and real-world results showing that healing is possible — mind, body, and soul. 

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, trauma, or the feeling that something is holding you back from your purpose, this episode will speak directly to your heart. 💖  

⏱️ Episode Highlights: 

• What EMDR really is (and what it’s NOT)
• How trauma hides in the body and subconscious mind
• Why healing hurts before it helps
• Seeing yourself through God’s truth, not past pain
• Real stories of hope, faith, and restoration

 
🌿 Listen, Reflect, and Heal
Your past doesn’t define you — it prepares you. Tune in, take notes, and remember: You are worthy. You are loved. You are not alone.
 

 In this powerful episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul Podcast, Dr. Hackford sits down with Jason Hunnicutt, intake coordinator at Dynamic Life Recovery Community, to talk about faith, addiction, relapse, and the road to redemption. 

Jason opens up about his journey through addiction, recovery, and how God transformed his life through the combination of faith and 12-step recovery. Together, they explore what it really takes to rebuild your life — body, mind, and soul — and why no one is ever too far gone to find freedom. 

💬 What you’ll hear in this episode: 

• The truth about addiction as both a disease and a choice — and how healing begins when you face it head-on
• The 74% success rate at Dynamic Life and what makes their program so unique
• The power of faith-based recovery combined with 12-step principles
• Why relapse isn’t failure, it’s part of the journey back to purpose
• How trauma, environment, and genetics play a role in addiction
• Real testimonies of men who found restoration through faith and community

💡 Whether you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this conversation offers hope, truth, and practical wisdom for taking the first step toward recovery.

🎯 Dynamic Life Recovery Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian organization helping men overcome addiction through faith, structure, and accountability.

👉 If you need help, don’t wait. Reach out today. You are never too far gone.
 

In this episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul Podcast, Dr. Hackford welcomes Dr. Brooke Hall, trauma-informed care specialist and Director of Outpatient Services at Tykes & Teens, to dive into a powerful conversation titled “The Bond Beyond Behavior.” 

Dr. Hall shares her journey from Nashville to Vero Beach, where she’s dedicated her career to helping children and families through trauma-informed care and mental health education. Together, they explore the critical importance of connection over judgment, especially for children who struggle with behavior, trauma, or inconsistent caregiving. 

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: 

• Why behavior always has a function — and what it’s really telling us
• The role of trauma and childhood experiences in shaping adult challenges
• How educators and parents can meet kids where they are through non-judgmental care
• The concept of the “window of tolerance” and why self-care matters for caregivers
• Practical strategies for building connection with children who resist it (consistency, nonverbal cues, repairing after ruptures, patience, and more)
• Real-life insights into how love, bonding, and intentional parenting can change the trajectory of a child’s life

📊 Dr. Hall also discusses eye-opening statistics about the link between trauma, poor parental bonding, and long-term behavioral struggles — along with hope-filled solutions for breaking these cycles.
 
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or anyone working with children, this episode will challenge and encourage you to see beyond behavior and invest in authentic connection.
 
🙏 Tune in, share this episode, and be reminded that one person can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
 

 

In this episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, Dr. Hackford sits down with Tiffany Rochelle — aka “The People’s Cheerleader” — to explore the power of forgiveness and living authentically. 

Tiffany opens up about her journey from teenage motherhood to becoming a voice of encouragement and authenticity for others. Together, they break down what it really means to: 

✨ Show up as your true self without apology
 ✨ Forgive others and yourself — even when it feels impossible
✨ Divorce painful memories from the emotions tied to them
✨ Stop letting the past dictate your future
✨ Embrace grace, perspective, and the daily process of healing 

You’ll hear real stories, biblical truth, and even surprising statistics and studies on forgiveness — including how it improves hope, health, and self-esteem. Whether you’ve struggled with resentment, battled depression, or wrestled with your faith, this conversation will remind you that true freedom is found in letting go. 

📖 Scriptures shared: Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14–15, Luke 6:37, Matthew 18:21–22 

🙏 Need encouragement today? This episode will refresh your soul and inspire you to release the past so you can live unchained. 

In this powerful episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, Amanda and Dr. Hackford sit down with Gwen McLeod—founder of We Leap, Inc. and owner of Successful Solutions Multi-Service Business Center—to talk about breaking cycles of abuse, overcoming trauma, and building a life rooted in empowerment.

Gwen shares her journey as a survivor of domestic violence, the mission behind her nonprofit, and her work in anger management, life coaching, and relationship restoration. From the impact of generational cycles to the hidden struggles men face as abuse victims, this conversation is raw, real, and filled with hope.

We dive into:

Expanding the mission of We Leap to address ALL forms of violence

How trauma triggers can shape behavior into adulthood

The “Savior Syndrome” trap and why real change starts with willingness

Breaking free from strongholds and walking in true freedom

Practical advice for anyone ready to heal and reclaim their life

Whether you’re a survivor, know someone who’s struggling, or simply want to learn how to be part of the solution, this episode offers powerful insights and encouragement.

📌 If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to We Leap, Inc. or connect with us for resources. You are NOT alone.

In this heartfelt episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, Amanda sits down with special guest Nikkia — a passionate mom, advocate, and faith-driven woman — to talk about the beautiful, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey of raising children on the autism spectrum. 

Together, they unpack: 

• Early signs and navigating diagnosis
• Advocating for your child in school and the medical system
• Coping with the emotional weight as a parent
• Building a support system rooted in faith and community
• Celebrating neurodiversity while staying grounded in self-care

Nikkia shares her raw truth, lessons learned, and encouragement for any parent feeling overwhelmed or unseen. This conversation is real, vulnerable, and filled with hope — a must-watch for anyone raising or loving someone on the spectrum.
 
💙 If you're navigating this journey, you're not alone. Subscribe for more mental health, faith, and family-centered conversations.
 
📲 Follow us on IG, YouTube, Spotify & TikTok: @HydratedMindAndSoul
 

Big news for the Hydrated Mind & Soul fam! In this special turning point episode, Mikey & Amanda announce a major shift—Hydrated Mind & Soul is evolving into TWO powerful podcasts! That’s right, to better focus on their individual passions and bring you even more valuable content, Amanda will continue leading Hydrated Mind & Soul with a focus on mental health, therapy, and deep emotional healing, while Mikey launches Sacred Soldiers, a new podcast diving into mindset, faith, holistic wellness, and of course… water 💧

You’ll still catch them guesting on each other’s shows, but now, you’ll get twice the value, more specialized guests, and content that dives deeper into the topics that matter most to YOU. Whether you're here for healing or high-vibes, faith or flow, there’s a seat for you at both tables.

🔔 Subscribe to Hydrated Mind & Soul AND Sacred Soldiers on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more.
🎙️ Need a studio on the Treasure Coast? They proudly record at [Riley Black Studios]!
👇 Drop a comment: What topic do you want to hear on the new shows?

In this episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, “Mental Health Through New Eyes,” we sit down with therapist Saul Alvarez to explore therapy from a fresh perspective. From breaking stigmas to building authentic client relationships, this conversation dives deep into what real healing looks like—and how therapy isn’t just about “fixing problems,” but about rediscovering yourself.

🔍 Topics We Cover:

What it’s really like being a therapist today

Why authenticity beats textbook therapy

Mental health vs. physical health (why both matter)

How therapists manage burnout

The importance of micro-goals in personal growth

Finding the right therapist for YOU

What therapy costs (and free/affordable options!)

Saul’s faith-based approach to mental wellness

🎙️ Whether you’ve never been to therapy or you’re a long-time believer in mental health support, this episode is packed with powerful stories, professional insight, and refreshing realness.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to support authentic conversations about mental health and healing.

In this heartfelt episode of Hydrated Mind & Soul, Amanda and Mikey open up about grief, grace, and the light that can follow deep loss. From losing a parent to navigating complicated emotions, they discuss the 5 stages of grief, common misconceptions, and how healing looks different for everyone. Whether you're processing the loss of a loved one, a broken friendship, or a major life change, this conversation offers raw honesty, spiritual insight, and practical coping strategies.

✨ Topics Covered:

The 5 stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance)

Why time doesn’t heal but helps us adapt

Non-death forms of grief (friendship loss, divorce, identity)

Mental health, trauma responses, and faith-based healing

How kids process grief—and what schools aren’t doing to help

Real talk on drinking, therapy, and choosing healthier coping mechanisms

💬 Amanda shares her experience losing her dad, Mikey opens up about his recent loss of his mom, and both speak on how their faith in Jesus has helped them find peace in the pain.

👉 Don’t go through grief alone. If you're struggling, message us or email—we’re here for you.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to support real conversations on mental health and healing.