The Power of Forgiveness 

In this episode, host Mathew Blades shares a deeply personal journey into forgiveness, exploring its significance both biblically and psychologically. Through powerful storytelling—from confronting a public critic to healing a strained relationship with his mother—Mathew Blades reveals that forgiveness is a process, not an event, and is essential for emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. He discusses the effects of holding onto grievances, the dangers of revenge, and the healing that comes from releasing anger.

Drawing on conversations with experts and lessons from his own life, Mathew Blades encourages listeners to break generational cycles of pain and embrace forgiveness as a path to inner peace and growth.

This episode delivers practical wisdom and heartfelt inspiration for anyone seeking to rebuild relationships and move forward lighter and freer.

To bring Mathew into your church to speak, visit him here:

https://mathewblades.com/churches/

The Evolution of Faith: Mathew Blades on Rediscovering Joy

In this episode, Mathew Blades shares his deeply personal journey with faith, from his church-filled childhood to a long period of disconnection, and ultimately, to a renewed sense of spirituality.

After witnessing inconsistencies in those around him, Mathew Blades drifted from organized religion, exploring Buddhism and other philosophies in search of meaning.

The loss of his parents and struggles with mental health sparked a gradual reconnection—first through conversations with his mom, then through the powerful draw of worship music.

Attending a new church reignited his sense of joy and belonging, prompting new reflections on what it means to be “in the right car” in life.

With candor and openness, Mathew Blades reminds listeners that faith is a lifelong, evolving process—and that wherever you are on your journey, you are not alone.

Can you handle the truth?

Using biblical references and personal insights, Mathew introduces the concept of the "narrow gate" as a metaphor for the challenging but rewarding path to personal growth and authenticity. He encourages listeners to "air check" their lives, a technique borrowed from his radio career, to evaluate what's working, what needs improvement, and what should be eliminated.

You'll hear:

• How to create a life that feels authentically yours, despite personal limitations

• The impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviors and decision-making

• What it means to be a "transitional character" in your family or community

"I am not the smartest person in the room. I barely passed any test I ever took. I don't have any letters after my name. But I will say, through a lot of hard work and determination, I've created a life for myself that feels authentically mine." - Mathew Blades

To bring in Mathew to speak at your church, visit:

https://mathewblades.com/churches/

One of the most striking aspects of Chelli Look's story is her journey to forgiveness. She faced the unthinkable task of forgiving her brother-in-law for taking her sister's life. 

Chelli's experience teaches us that forgiveness isn't about excusing the act or forgetting what happened. Instead, it's about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment. As she put it:

This shift in perspective allowed Chelli to sleep better, think clearer, and move forward with her life. It's a powerful reminder that forgiveness can be a gift we give ourselves.

Visit our new website www.LearnfromPeoplewhoLivedit.com

Grief, Art, and Forgiveness: Chelli's Journey of Healing

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Chelli Look, a leather artist and entrepreneur (CHC) from Chicago, to explore her transformative journey through grief, forgiveness, and healing. She shares her heart-wrenching experiences of losing both her sister to domestic violence and her best friend in a car accident, and how she channeled her pain into creating stunning leather goods.

You'll hear:

• How her new documentary "Dusk Dawn" captures her path from devastation to inspiration

• The unexpected process of forgiving her sister's killer and its liberating effects

• Why art became a crucial tool in her healing journey

Chelli Look's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. From struggling with sleepless nights and violent thoughts to finding peace through forgiveness and creativity, her journey offers hope and guidance for anyone grappling with loss.

"It was initially not even on the table. It wasn't a thought in my mind at all whatsoever. She was killed in 2007 and it was again such a blindsided loss..." - Chelli Look

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Holding on to Hope When Life Gets Turbulent

In this heartfelt solo episode, Mathew Blades shares a personal story about a simple sweatshirt with the message "There is hope" and how it sparked unexpected connections.

Reflecting on lessons from gospel music and scripture, Mathew Blades explores the resilience required to hold onto hope—especially in turbulent times, both literal and metaphorical.

Through stories, song lyrics, and honest reflection, Mathew Blades reminds you that even when hope seems hard to find, it’s within reach—often requiring us to dig deep and reconnect with something greater than ourselves.

This episode is a gentle, uplifting reminder to be the source of hope the world needs now more than ever.

To bring Mathew in to speak for your Church, visit him here: 

https://mathewblades.com/churches/

One of the most striking aspects of Matthew's story is his emphasis on moral injury, a concept that's often overlooked in traditional PTSD treatment. As Dr. Dave, our resident psychiatrist, explained, moral injury occurs when someone witnesses or participates in actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs. This can leave lasting scars that are difficult to heal without proper support and understanding.

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Healing Through Golf

Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Matt McDonell, founder of Next 18, to explore the complex interplay of childhood trauma, military service, and mental health. 

Key highlights include:

• Matt's military experience and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life

• The creation of Next 18, a golf-based program supporting veterans' mental health

• Insights into moral injury and its role in hindering healing

Through candid discussions and expert insights, this episode provides a roadmap for those grappling with trauma, offering hope and practical strategies for healing. McDonell's powerful statement, "I feel like I have my soul back," encapsulates the transformative potential of addressing deep-seated emotional wounds.

Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or anyone dealing with past trauma, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the journey to reclaiming one's life and finding purpose beyond pain.

Visit Matt here: https://next18.org

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If I only had you for five minutes, what would I want you to know?  That is the very premise behind our QUICK TIPS episodes. 

Chrissy's story starts with a familiar tune - the pressure to be the "good girl" in a strict religious household. Sound familiar? Many of us grow up thinking we need to fit into a specific mold to be worthy of love and acceptance. But here's the kicker:

This belief system left Chrissy feeling disconnected from her true self, constantly striving for approval and battling with the fear of being "bad." It's a struggle many of us can relate to, whether we grew up in a religious household or not.

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This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance.

Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health.

You'll hear:

• How early exposure to strict religious teachings can lead to long-lasting trauma and disembodiment

• The challenges and triumphs of leaving organized religion and deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs

• Innovative approaches to healing, including therapy, psychedelic-assisted treatments, and embodiment practices

Chrissy's journey from constant self-doubt to self-acceptance is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her experiences with ketamine therapy and cannabis-assisted sessions, emphasizing the importance of guided support and integration work in these alternative healing methods.

"My number one tool would be don't do it alone. Find someone or a therapist or a coach who's been through it that you trust. That's also going to help you pay attention to your body, not theirs, not their story, your body." - Chrissy

Whether you're grappling with religious trauma, seeking to understand a loved one's experience, or simply interested in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and a message of hope for those on the path to self-discovery and healing.

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