Nowhere To Go But Up

In this episode I am having a conversation with Nate Glover. I met Nate when I posted in a Facebook group that I belong to for a virtual reality poker game that I play. I wanted to record an episode while playing poker. That idea didn't really work, but Nate started listening to my show and reached out and asked to be a guest. Below is a little bit about Nate and why he reached out. * In 2006, I lost my brother Jason to suicide. He was 19 years old. He suffered from paranoid schizophrenia that stemmed from him being sexually assaulted by a family member when he was 15. * Everyone knows someone that is struggling with depression, but they often don't know what to do or what to say to help them. * I feel it is important to recognize that mental anguish is no different that a physical ailment, such as cancer. * I'm proud of how I got through some incredibly difficult times, and how I've learned from them. I feel more prepared as a parent, and as a friend to anyone who is struggling with depression. It is one of my life goals as a Humanist to use what I've learned in life to help others. * Nate's Blog: https://nateglover.blogspot.com/ * Nate's Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheApostateNate

For the past five years, Carmen R. Johnson, Ph.D., has been fighting for exoneration by judges and the courts. She has gone all the way to the Supreme Court with no remedy and she is now back in the appellate court, continuing to seek justice as of August 24, 2020. Carmen stated, “Even though I am still fighting in their courts, I do not see a remedy for me. I understand the difference between exoneration and a pardon. Based on Article 72, I am asking the President to look into my case and grant me a full pardon. Only the courts can decide to exonerate me and I have no faith in that system. I am not asking for forgiveness, however, I am asking the President of the United States for justice, by way of a full pardon.” * For over twenty years, Carmen had been a successful businesswoman in Maryland. She ran a for-profit business that offered credit restoration, debt negotiations, household budgeting, preparation for bankruptcy and did loans by paying off people’s debts. She reported these loans and services to the credit agencies. The non-profit taught financial literacy to the youth. She sat on countless organization boards. With one role as housing chair of the Maryland State Conference, NAACP. Carmen was investigating foreclosures that ravaged through the black community after the financial crisis of 2009. In her campaigns, she requested a moratorium on those illegal foreclosures and she even drafted bills involving lost notes. She received countless phone calls from power brokers in Maryland to stop this narrative. She was ordered to announce publicly that there were no illegal foreclosures in Maryland and she refused. * In March of 2011, her home and businesses were raided. However, when she talked to the prosecutor, she was told that no laws, statutes, or codes were broken and she was relieved. In July of 2014, men with guns appeared at her home in the early morning. They seized all her tax paid assets and called them “substitute assets.” They told her that she was not cooperating and they took her to jail. She was indicted on 24 counts of mortgage, bank, and wire fraud along with 14 other people. She only recognized 2 Real Estate Agents and she had not seen them in over 7 years. She did business with mostly real estate agents, mortgage companies, and major banks for years by offering their clients services and paying off their debts. Carmen was a victim as those banks, mortgage, and title companies were, but they were not implemented, not even the real estate companies those 2 realtors worked for. Her attorneys tried to use coercion, force, and intimidation to obtain compliance with the 3rd Assistant State’s Attorney to take a PLEA. Even after suffering a nervous breakdown, Carmen refused to take a PLEA. *

Ruxandra's Bio:

*

Rux is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue University. She has conducted research with farmers in Mexico, the Peruvian Andes, and the United states. She specifically looked at how climate change affects farming practices, and at what factors motivate people to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviors and technologies. In this episode, she shares the challenges she overcame during her PhD, and how these challenges made her a better researcher.   * 00:00 Sean introduces Ruxandra Popavici, a Duke scholar, and they open with a discussion about the challenges of working in this new, virtual world in the field of education. With this new concept of working remotely, worry is expressed for current and future generations learning in disconnected, isolated environments. She also explains the process of meeting with a professor playing the role of an advisor who mentors students trying to acquire their PhD.

*

03:00 Ruxandra expresses the crisis she faced in the midst of trying to get her PhD and the confusion and lack of motivation she battled to complete her work. The committee of advisors that were her oversight sensed her struggles and deemed her inadequate for the program. She felt that the more she kept trying, the more her work was rejected, and some professors displayed a bizarre amount of disinterest in helping her or even communicating with her at all. She felt that her world was crumbling apart because she was told her work was never good enough, while going through a separation with her ex-husband at the same time.

*

06:30 She is a social scientist, and at Duke she traveled the world researching and interviewing forest owners. She recounts evaluating government programs that were attempting to conserve forests in Mexico. Ruxandra adds that emphasizing creativity in certain research fields can be a catch-22 when there's only so much you can do to set your work apart from similar studies already done in the past. She does however come up with something original enough to earn her dissertation.

*

11:10 Sean makes an inquiry about conflicts of interest, government grants in the medical field, patenting new discoveries, and that tax-payers are the ones funding the research. He uses Dr. Fauci and Bill Gates as prime examples of influence when it comes to Covid vaccines. Ruxandra gives valuable advice about publishing, the pressure it can cause, and outdated research that eventually becomes obsolete. Sean shares his frustration with two students in the Social Justice Field who fabricated a mockery of a story and ended up getting published in a legitimate journal, after publicly stating the whole thing was a joke.

*

17:10 Ruxandra reveals the lack of incentive editors receieve when they review papers and how regular people with no credentials can be chosen for this job. She also reflects on how she went from a well-reknowned student to hitting rock bottom and offers tips to listeners. People won't take you seriously unless you have a clear vision about what you're doing. She replays many instances early on when she lacked focus, made some wrong decisions, and how she fine-tuned her brain towards success.

*

25:00 For the conservation of nature in Mexico, are government programs operating alone more effective than a government partnering with a non-profit organization? Ruxandra elaborates on this topic in-depth, sequentially earning her her PhD. Sean ties in the cartel and avocado farming. Ruxandra portrays the great lengths of precaution she had to take in order to perform her work whilst steering clear of the cartel.

*

31:20 Sean lightheartedly jokes about how sheltered he is and the only thing he's experienced is prison. He recalls a close friend who went through a similar dangerous situation as Ruxandra. El Chapo gets referenced and as a result of hi

In this episode I am going to talk to Justin Hughes about where he was in his life at one time. Having to overcome homelessness, being locked up, being diagnosed schizophrenic, and ultimately attempting to take his own life. * Fortunately Justin made it through that dark period in his life and can share the story of how he persevered and overcame those obstacles to become a business owner and pulled himself out of that hole and created a stable life for himself. * I believe that it is extremely important to broadcast and share these stories especially in the fragile and tumultuous times we are facing as a population across the world right now. There are plenty of people that are struggling with mental health, incarcerated/ formerly incarcerated, homeless/ or facing homelessness due to the current condition that our country finds itself in with regards to the Pandemic. * Justin's Bio: * "Justin Hughes is the illegitimate son of a high school cheerleader and a rodeo bronco buster. Dealt bad card after bad card in life, he played the hand he was dealt; severe persistent mental illness, abusive upbringing, addiction in the family, and abject poverty, and became the go-to guy for creating business sales opportunities. Now a successful entrepreneur, Justin Hughes is proof that no circumstance is unbeatable." * * If you like the streaming platform that I am using called StreamYard use the link below to sign up with and receive a $10 credit for signing up. I will get a credit as well and that of course will help the show. * Facebook Live-stream:

Tim Davis's Bio: * As recovering addict and alcoholic with 13.5 years sober now. When I hit several bottoms, and finally got tired of digging deeper. Been sober since 2007 and have gone on to accomplish things I never imagined in sobriety. I got a Masters degree because my 2 oldest sons "trolled" me about it. I have completed 12 Ironman triathlons, over 50 ultramarathons, and seven 100-mile endurance runs. I recently wrote about about my journey called TRIPOLAR: The Story of a Bipolar Triathlete, which I'd like to talk about on your podcast, if that is okay with you. I've been on over 25 podcasts in the last several months as my "virtual book tour" due to the pandemic. Also, I have been a high school science teacher and coach for over 20 years now, though I did take a few years off in my mid to late 20s while I bounced in and out of several rehabs. * Tim's Book: TRIPOLAR: The Story of a Bipolar Triathlete * Tim's Website: https://ultratimdavis.com/ * Tim's Social Media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tripolar_tim/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ultratimdavis

Professionally, Cassandra is an Enrolled Agent, the only federally-licensed tax Practitioners who specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. She is the owner and operator of her own tax practice, Wallace Tax, where she specialize in preparing individual and business income tax returns, IRS correspondence, and tax planning services. * In 2020 she partnered with PG Spirit Paris to release her own perfume, “Ms World America” by PG Spirit Paris. The designer of the perfume created the scent based off of interviews and getting to know Cassandra. It is representation of her personality in the form of a scent. * Cassandra Wallace is the winner of a number of pageant titles, including Mrs. Poulsbo, Mrs. Washington, Ms. World America, Ms. World International Mrs. She also holds the title of Pageant Planet Best of Fitness for all Ms./Mrs. Pageants worldwide for 2019. Cassandra won her titles of Ms. World America and Ms. World International Mrs. in 2019. However, because of the Covid related postponement of this year’s pageant, her reign will be extended for an additional year (2020). * Cassandra is also an ambassador for the Ligue Nationale De Football Des Jeunes D’Haiti(LNFJH). This is the official, and only, youth soccer league in Haiti, and was launched in 2020. In addition, all registered players are provided with a full home and away uniform. Prior to this year, there had been no organized youth league in Haiti. By participating in the league, young players are provided with a positive outlet and an atmosphere that promotes both physical and mental health. Playing the sport of soccer is also known to develop life skills, such a self-confidence and teamwork. The cost of their experience is completely subsidized, and allows them to play in the league at no cost. * When Cassandra originally was approached about being an ambassador for the league, one of the biggest concerns was the present gender inequity. Many boys were sponsored to play but there were not currently enough girls sponsored to play in the league. *

The stigma on mental health prevents people from seeking the help that they need in order to reach their full potential in life to truly be happy. Labels and fear of mental health issues are often misunderstood and by breaking the barrier on this, the world can see mental health is nothing to fear or be ashamed of. * The mission and passion of the “Moments of Clarity with Tiffany” live interactive radio show is to educate and help end the stigma on mental health through the inspirational stories of exceptional guests, and the resources on this website.   * Tiffany Werhner is Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Author of an Author Academy Awards Nominated book, and Host of the “People’s Choice Nominated” Radio Show, called “Moments of Clarity With Tiffany”, which has been aired for the past 6 years and on several radio stations and podcast platforms. * Tiffany's Links: * Facebook @MOCwithTiffany: https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.werhner/ https://www.facebook.com/MOCwithTiffany * Instagram - @MOCwithTiffany: https://www.instagram.com/

00:00 Introducing Denise Bernardini, wife of a man with alcoholism. Sean explains the afflictions of both sides of addiction: the addict and the ones affected by their behavior. Denise explains the feelings of blaming her spouse for all their marital woes and coming to terms with the fact that sometimes both parties play a role in the problem. She celebrates her now, ex-husband's, achievement of long-term sobriety and their post-divorce relationship.

*

08:40 Sean elaborates on the glimpses you have of the person you fell in love with that can give you glimpses of hope, only to have destructive cycles repeated. Denise explains dealing with a gaslighting husband whilst trying to cope with death in the family and feeling bound to this man when she discovers she is pregnant.

*

13:00 Manipulation, blackmail and the complete unconsciousness of a spiraling alcoholic is depicted. To try and escape the weight of their burden on your life can sometimes feel like a frivolous task and Denise recounts her daunting journey to find a way out of what can seem like an endless maze of abuse. Property battles, paying rent, insurance and other struggles only add extreme stress to this type of situation, especially while trying to support children emotionally and financially.

*

18:00 Denise finds redemption when she relocates her family, goes to school, earns a degree, and finds stability for herself and her children. Her parents wholeheartedly step in and give her the emotional support she needs. She expresses the guilt and hopelessness of trying to hide her ex-husband’s alcoholism for 14 years. Her unrelenting love for her kids is what kept her driven and motivated. Sean weighs in on staying or leaving in an abusive relationship, considering the debilitating effect it can have on children.

*

27:15 Denise teaches Sean the difference between a trailer and an RV and her vehicular struggles that she faced with her ex-husband. She states you cannot be anyone’s mommy in a relationship and at a certain point the endgame becomes damage control. Sean quote, “I’m gonna love the demons outta ya!”

*

32:05 Denise takes her kids to see their father for the first time after a certain level of harassment but maintains their distance and declares shared custody could never be a possibility. Sean relates his addiction history and personally he chose to distance himself from people he cared about that he could potentially hurt. He recounts past relationships he had with people in active addiction and emphasizes the disbelief that takes place when you see good people fall so far into an abyss. Denise expresses her empathy and extreme sadness she has for addicts and alcoholics but can never come to intellectually understand it. Sean talks about his experiences in Vegas and how it “chewed him up and spit him out”, as well as his relationship with a Higher Power.

*

42:20 Denise reminisces about her experiences with an Evangelical College while getting her doctorate degree and the judgement she faced there in relation to her divorce. She talks about zealots in all religions and the oppression it can create in people’s lives. Sean expresses his grievances with government interference within the church and how it can be a money grab and the dire need for a legitimate third-party system in this country.

*

Denise's Bio:

*

Dr. Denise Ritter Bernardini has taught voice on the University level for 20 years.  She enjoys helping both musicians and non-musicians achieve optimal breathing, and giving them the tools necessary to embrace their mind, body and spirit. Her book and podcast with co-author Toni Crowder is called Mindfulness of Singing.  The book is to be released in 2021 the podcast can be found on most major podcast platforms and on YouTube as well. *

You can find Denise here:

*

Podcast:

I will be talking to Angela Marsden about the circumstances that caused her to make the video of the movie company that was allowed to set up outdoor seating 50 feet from her own outdoor dining patio that was shut down by the the Mayor and the Governor because it was deemed unsafe.

*

I had seen the viral video when it came out as I was scrolling through my social media feeds. A week later I saw an interview on YouTube that randomly popped up interviewing Angela and another gentleman that is experiencing the same kinds of restrictions in his area of the country with his restaurant. So I reached out to Angela since I am located in Northern California, and I was able to set up this live interview.

*

I am going to drop some links to the viral video and some links if you want to help support or follow The Pineapple Hill Saloon's social media channels.

*

Viral Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cYPm__73XI

*

Go Fund Me Campaign:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-pineapple-hill-saloon?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all

*

Instagram Page:

https://www.instagram.com/pineapplehillsaloon/

*

Facebook Business Page:

https://www.facebook.com/phsaloon

*

Here is where you can find me:   *   Linktree:   *   https://linktr.ee/Nowheretogobutup

Highlights:

*

3:15 Sean points out the shortcomings of western medicine and its tendency to only mask symptoms. The title of “social anxiety” and the stigmas attached to it can negatively impact one's mentality further, creating an even greater disadvantage.

*

27:00 “If your mind is on it, you will progress through it.” Michael highlights the importance in building a circle of trust/support system and the costly luxury of paying for a life coach. Even if you are desperate for help, always stay vigilant when people are trying to deceive you or take your money. He explains why statistical data and proof is most important to him when seeking help from a professional. How much does Tony Robbins charge for his services? The answer is shocking!

*

 

00:00 Introducing Brian Choi 

 

*

01:40 Brian speaks on social anxiety and how its origins were deeply rooted into his high school experience. “The thought of approaching someone and having a conversation with them can feel crippling”. Fear of rejection only perpetuates the fear. Sean briefly touches on online interaction, dating, and getting to know people virtually.

*

06:10 Overcoming pressure of first impressions, getting out of your own way, defeating self-doubt and talking to pretty women are discussed. There are genetic implications with social anxiety and we’re all hard-wired to experience it to a certain degree.

*

09:00 Brian mentions the severity of social conditioning and the negative emotions of inferiority that are embedded in us at a young age. Drawbacks with socialization could potentially be a life-long struggle and usually requires seeking out help. Brian urges listeners to help introverts in structuring a positive reality around them. The phrase “crabs in a bucket” is correlated to unhealthy social environments as it relates to social anxiety. Sean reveals he is a crabbing connoisseur. The pervasiveness of cultural expectations, especially in Korean culture, and the pressures that come with it are pointed out. Sean shows familiarity with K-Pop, explains his perspective odds of sleeping with a woman, and puts it into a business philosophy. “Don’t be cheesy”.

*

15:00 How do you add value to social interactions with women? Authenticity is key and social media’s contradictory highlight reels only showcase achievements, but suppress failures. The importance of experiencing mistakes first-hand and translating them into later success is emphasized.

*

20:20 Everyone struggles with social anxiety and realizing you’re not alone is part of the battle. If you’re having difficulties would you rather hear motivational stories or see concrete evidence of success? Sean ties in fighting addiction with social anxiety and how the effects on your thought processes can be similar. For both, it is imperative that you set your intentions, persevere through inevitable hardships until you see results, and convert what you learn into a lifestyle.

*

34:55 Michael elaborates on the two choices he believes you have when seeking mentorship and weighs the elements of time and money. He also explains the paradigm of money and happiness. Sean discusses his podcasting and business experiences with adversity, setting priorities, maintaining an appropriate workload, and all of the hidden intricacies you only uncover after you start.

*

44:00 Sean reveals his time management strategies, distinguishing between hobbies and passions, adversity you face when mastering your craft, and all the hard work that goes unnoticed. He also spotlights the idealization of profiting off your passion and touches on different business personality types.

*

47:30 Micheal gets into the reticular activating system (RAS) and the role it plays in our brains. He then dives deep into the immense significance of skewing your priorities and perspectives to tailor them t