In this episode, we talk to Mark Blacknell. He describes himself as expansive, flawed and an amalgamation of primordial stuff. Mark lives in the United States. 

Mark tells us about sitting on a comma with PTSD and feeling “messy” in life. While his life was threaded with anxiety, depression, and challenging thoughts, Mark found ways to move forward despite the struggles. What was missing for him was a sense of calm, warmth, peace and stability. On his journey, he found the clarity to seek help and discovered a pathway to these goals through zen meditation. Tune in to hear what Mark means when he says “I stopped to take my mental illness seriously”.

You can find Mark on:

• Website:  https://stareatthewall.org/

• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/stareatthewallwithmark/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-blacknell/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stareatthewallwithmark

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stareatthewallwithmark

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stareatthewallwithmark

Mark would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

Christine Ramos  https://influentialwomen.com/connect/christine-ramos

Peter Coyote, My Teacher  https://petercoyote.com/

Lewis Richmond  https://www.lewisrichmond.com  Lewis Richmond is a bestselling author, editor, blogger, and musician/composer.

Paul Shippee  https://paulshippee.com  Paul Shippee, MA Psychology, has been teaching and facilitating NVC practice groups continuously for 14 years, after intensive training with NVC founder, Marshall Rosenberg, PhD and other NVC trainers, in addition to study with Native American teachers and yoga masters.

#ptsdaffects #stability #stopandreflect #zenmeditation #takementalillnessseriously #gettinghelp #birdsknownoboundaries #alwayschasing #faceyourself #needtostabilize #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Aaron Ryan. He describes himself as a dual storyteller, family man and provider/protector. Aaron lives in the United States. 

Aaron tells us about sitting on several commas around career and job pivots. As a creator his entire life, Aaron enjoys being a storyteller. While he has told many stories in many ways throughout his life, his passion revolves around writing his books. With the goal in mind of generating most of his income from his novels, he finds himself pivoting and facing the challenges of uncertainty. What serves Aaron is boldly getting started and slowing down while taking the steps. Tune in to hear what Aaron means when he says “you cannot microwave your way to success”. 

You can find Aaron on:

• Website:  https://authoraaronryan.com 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/authoraaronryan

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/authoraaronryan/

• Links:  https://dot.cards/authoraaronryan 

Aaron would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife and editor Janine Graves: www.denouementediting.com 

Fellow author, highly supportive friend 

Victoria Richmond: https://www.richmondscraftycorner.com/books 

Vance Pease, hugely supportive reader and personal friend 

Walker Armstrong, for the invaluable referrals to provide verisimilitude for the Dissonance saga

#manifestsuccess #creativestoryteller #providerandprotector #unfetteredbelief #couragelikeadog #pantserwriter #writingnovels #leavingalegacy #deafeningsilence #startquicklygoslowly #methodicaldiscipline #keepwriting #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Kate Hendrickson. She describes herself as family-oriented, southern-proud, and strategic. Kate lives in the United States. 

Kate tells us about sitting on many commas and the process she follows each time. Whether it was what to study at school, the work she wanted to do, or a critical life decision in the midst of a natural disaster, Kate learned to trust her gut about life changes that would serve her best. Despite second-guessing and worrying about what others might think, she found that her journey always involved taking steps and reflecting back at the results of her actions. Tune in to hear what Kate means when she says, “I never want to forget this moment in my life”. 

You can find Kate on:

• Website:  https://www.kate-hendrickson.com/ 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kwhendrickson/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hendrickson-fl02/

Kate would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/  Each day, thousands of people – people just like you – provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world. We roll up our sleeves and donate time, money and blood. We learn or teach life-saving skills so our communities can be better prepared when the need arises. We do this every day because the Red Cross is needed - every day.

My family and friends who are my amazing support system!

#midlifeawakening #reflectionandpride #youngerpresenting #lifeisastory #whatsnext #makeadecision #feltlikechaos #Ineverwanttoforget #recoveringpeoplepleaser #6monthsinOrlando #multiplecommas #onedecisionatatime #takeaction #trustmygut #learnfromcommas #OfftheCommapodcast #offthecomma 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Margaux Amie. She is a storyteller at heart who is calm and focused. Margaux lives in the United States. 

Margaux tells us about sitting on a comma after the death of her husband following the loss of her mother and grandmother prior. When everything came to a stop for her, she found silence, darkness and depression. Margaux relied on the necessity of moving forward to find her ascension out of the grief, with the help of friends and therapists to serve as her mirror. As she climbed toward a better place, Margaux found a new sense of purpose in uplifting her professional community and the broader community of women. Tune in to hear what Margaux means when she says “I’m going to put my community back to work”. 

You can find Margaux on:

• Website:  https://trueselffilms.com/ 

• Instagram:  @margauxamie,  @trueselffilms

• Facebook:  Margaux Amie,  True Self Films

Margaux would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My family, for supporting me through my journey. 

My close and personal friends, for their support. 

My colleagues and coworker friends, for their support. 

I want to lift up women, for whom I am dedicated to support. 

True Self Films  https://trueselffilms.com/   At True Self Films, we create compelling feature films, TV episodics, and documentaries that inspire, entertain, and challenge perspectives. We are committed to storytelling that uplifts underrepresented voices and fosters inclusivity in the film industry.

Rosie Carter  https://thelifeside.com  To restore alignment, resilience, and vitality in the lives of those aged 30-60 through the power of presence.

#keepgoing #keepmoving #survivinggrief #everythingstopped #moveoutofnecessity #ascension #fromtheabyss #gettinghelp #buildingback #creativespirit #newpossibilities #carvemyownpath #flagshipfilm #trueselffilms #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Laura Ballet. She describes herself as consciousness in motion, who is active and a writer. Laura lives in the United States. 

Laura tells us about sitting on a comma with self-doubt over the creation of her book. Despite her love of the publishing community and thought leaders, Laura wanted to take the challenging path and publish on her own. When faced with the fear of not being qualified, she embarked on a journey of validation and creation that not only saw the publication of her book, but confirmation in her value, experience and contribution. Tune in to hear what Laura means when she says “I don’t fear…I can recalibrate fast”. 

You can find Laura on:

• Website:  https://thescienceofempowerment.com/ 

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thescienceofempowerment/

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-brennan-ballet-bb426751/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/laura.brennan.56614/ 

• Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBfQy8Sp78NZIZ9Q-

• Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3qsx4GX 

Laura would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to here and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My brother Chris Brennan

Babirye Meron - https://www.facebook.com/babirye.meron.1  

Simona Stefanakova (Garcia) https://www.youtube.com/@simonaslibrary/videos 

#selfdoubt #responsibilitytomakeitwork #explorationformyself #goingmyownway #thechallengingpath #juststart #thoughtenergy #poweroftheuniverse #qualificationdoubt #recalibratefast #springboardtoflight #scienceofempowerment #nostagnation #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, our guest shares intimate details about his experience with sexual abuse and suicide ideation. If this is a sensitive topic for you, please consider this before listening. 

In this episode, we talk to John Comerford. He describes himself as a mental health advocate and spokesperson for men who have had childhood sexual trauma. John lives in Australia. 

John tells us about experiencing sexual assault as a child and the trauma that held him on a comma for 40 years to follow. After being raped by a trusted educator in school, John didn’t feel safe to tell anyone. For the majority of his adult life, the secret manifested in actions and behaviors that affected his relationships with himself and others. As his spiral of shame and guilt twisted down, he was faced with a critical decision and found hope in the prospect of protecting his own children; beginning a process of rebuilding his self image, self belief and ability to help others. Tune in to hear what John means when he says “I got really good at seeing other people’s struggles”. 

You can find John on:

• Website:  https://jjcomerford.com

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/_jjcomerford_

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-comerford-8a76a510a/

John would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My partner Amber, for saving my life

My children, for the defining moment and getting me on the right path

My family for being so supportive

SAMSN Survivors & Mates Support Network  https://www.samsn.org.au  Since 2011, SAMSN has been delivering services and programs that prioritise the wellbeing of survivors, supporters and health providers. We also have many resources that can be read, watched and/or listened to. All our services for survivors and supporters are FREE.

Average Joes Mens Collective  https://averagejoes.net.au  Average Joes officially began in September 2018

when good friends Wayne Taylor and Eliot Krause put a call out on social media along with a selfie of two very average lads eating chicken wings and sipping beers to local men in the area to join them for a beer and wings every Wednesday for an hour at their favourite pub for a real and raw chat about the issues men face all whilst making a mate.

#survivorofabuse #childhoodtrauma #holdfor40years #chameleon #sinkingdown #silencehurts #notasafespace #100otherboys #shameandguilt #beingvictimized #depressionlivesinthedark #tellingmystory #lettingitout #healing #helpingotherstellthestory #turninglifearound #grattitude #powerofyourvoice #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Pamela Thibodeaux. She describes herself as a strong woman, good mother & grandmother, and a good person. Pamela lives in the United States. 

Pamela tells us about sitting on a comma with the passing of her husband. After a fulfilling life of support roles and shared identities, Pamela found herself alone and discovering who she was as an individual. Now single and no longer raising children, her quest took her on a journey of discovery, exploration and finding a sense of place at a guest ranch in Texas. Everything she learned in the process was through experimentation and taking action. Tune in to hear what Pamela means when she says “Bandera saved my life”. 

You can find Pamela on:

• Linktr.ee:  https://linktr.ee/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelasthibodeaux/

Pamela would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My mom and my husband, for being my biggest supporters.

My son, who now teaches me things.

My family, for telling me “you got this!”

#nohurtfromloveandjoy #thejourneyofgrief #itsalreadyinside #findingmyself #whoamInow #foundmyplace #lifeontheranch #spiritualhealing #liveinintegrity #procrastinationkills #justdoit #appreciatemore #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast 

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to John Bukowski. He describes himself as a nice guy, good thinker and good writer. John lives in the United States. 

John tells us about sitting on a comma after the 2008 recession and writing his first “draft” novel. When unemployment created hardship, John looked at the opportunity in the down time and decided to finally write his first novel. While not published, this experience began the journey that would follow and showed him that he was capable of success. Drawing on past evidence and practicing progress one day at a time, John eventually turned his passion into a pursuit of fulfillment and growth. Tune in to hear what John means when he says “you have to break the 90,000 words up one day at a time”.

You can find John on:

• Website:  https://www.thrillerjohnb.net

• X:  https://x.com/jabukow2021 

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bukowski-74a304236 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwc.johnb 

John would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My wife, Susan Aiello

My beta reader and writing buddy, Elizabeth Haines

All the veterans who serve to protect our freedom

USO  https://www.uso.org  WE'RE WITH ALL SERVICE MEMBERS & MILITARY FAMILIES From the moment they enlist, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the people serving today can rely on the USO because of your support.

Wounded Warrior Project  https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org  Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families. From mental health and physical wellness to VA benefits assistance, peer support, and more, we’re changing the way our nation cares for veterans and helping them thrive for a lifetime.

#90000words #writersgroups #beingawriter #scienceandexploration #fictionislies #researchwork #daunting #writersblock #thickskin #rejectionisnotaboutyou #youcansucceed #giftoftime #offthecomma #OfftheCommapodcast

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ 

Come Alive.

Do you have a story to tell about being on your own comma? If so, come JOIN US on the podcast! Message me if you’re interested in being a guest! https://offthecomma.com/podcast/ 

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website: https://offthecomma.com/mylinks/ 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Rachel Kerr Schneider. She describes herself as someone who has supernatural joy and hopes to help others find joy. Rachel lives in the United States. 

Rachel tells us about sitting on a comma when her husband received a fatal diagnosis with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. When faced with the reality of his death in 3-5 years, she had to begin the work of helping her husband die. In the process, she learned about challenging expectations, facing mortality and allowing herself to receive help. Leaning into her faith and the deepening bond with her husband prepared her for the life that lay ahead of her. Tune in to hear what Rachel means when she says “I was anticipating the grief of what was not going to happen”. 

You can find Rachel on:      

• Website:  https://spiritedprosperity.com

• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritedProsperity

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rachelkerrschneider

• Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkschneider/

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/rachel.k.schneider.1

Rachel would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to her and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My friends and family, especially my Mother in Law, Elaine

My Faith, that has helped me let go of needing to have the answers

Live Like Lou Foundation  https://www.livelikelou.org  Our mission is to create and connect communities to stimulate emerging ALS research and uniquely support families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease.

#lougehrigsdisease  #ALS #helpingsomeonedie #fataldiagnosis #neverheardofit #faithandjoy #reflectnotreact #talkaboutthedead #resilienceintragedy #findinghumor #acceptinghelp #donthaveanswers #keepheartopen #choosecommasforreflection

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

In this episode, we talk to Nick Foreman. He describes himself as gritty, adventurous and inquisitive. Nick lives in the United States. 

Nick tells us about sitting on a comma right now with the next big transition in his life. As an explorer of life, Nick is no stranger to making big career pivots. As his family grew, the pivots took on new forms and with greater caution. Nick’s current pivot hasn’t yet unfolded and has left him feeling excitement, fear and uncertainty - while also holding a sense of surety in his ability to “go back” if needed. Tune in to hear what Nick means when he says “I need to go all in!”.

You can find Nick on:

• ​Website:  https://gritcible.carrd.co
• ​Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-foreman-72b0786/

Nick would like to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations and/or causes that matter to him and invite you to consider supporting them and/or sharing their messages:

My Faith, without it I wouldn’t be where I am. 

My Wife, who has been a big inspiration to me and supported my pivots. 

F3: https://f3nation.com/  F3 started in 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina and has grown to more than 46 states and 3,400+ scheduled workouts each week through the efforts of men whose lives have been changed by their involvement with F3. The three Fs in our name stand for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — the last of which we define as simply a belief in something bigger than yourself.

Are you sitting on a comma in your life? Work one on one with me to unpack what’s holding you back. Contact me to explore your possibilities! https://calendly.com/paulbriley/i-want-to-get-off-my-comma 

While we grow this podcast, you can learn more about me at www.offthecomma.com. All of my social media links, organizations I support and other ways to reach me can be found on my website www.offthecomma.com 

Until next episode, keep noticing and keep listening!

Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/

Come Alive.