Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation

"I resolved that it was time to go." - Michael Tallon

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠ speaks with ⁠Michael J Tallon⁠, who shares his profound journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Michael recounts his experiences leading up to his diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, and the pivotal moment in the bathtub that led him to choose life. He reflects on the importance of love, connection, and the purpose of life, emphasizing that despite the challenges, there is always hope and a reason to keep going.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Tallon

02:43 Michael's Journey to Guatemala and Writing Career

05:19 Health Crisis Begins: The Warning Signs

09:34 Diagnosis and Hospitalization: A Life on the Edge

14:43 The Genetic Condition: Understanding Hemochromatosis

18:58 The Emotional Toll: Family and Spiritual Awakening

25:02 The Bathtub Incident: A Moment of Despair

32:58 Confronting Reality: The Impact of Illness on Identity

33:26 Confronting Vulnerability and Identity

36:45 The Edge of Despair

41:39 A Moment of Clarity

46:55 The Decision to Live

49:57 The Purpose of Life

56:56 The Importance of Connection and Community

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: health crisis, memoir, personal growth, resilience, love, life lessons, spirituality, recovery, emotional journey, transformation, suicide, hemochromatosis

"I was ready to go." - Michael Tallon

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Michael Tallon, who shares his profound journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Michael recounts his experiences leading up to his diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, and the pivotal moment in the bathtub that led him to choose life. He reflects on the importance of love, connection, and the purpose of life, emphasizing that despite the challenges, there is always hope and a reason to keep going.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Tallon

02:16 Michael's Journey to Guatemala and Writing Career

04:19 Health Crisis Begins: The Warning Signs

07:50 Diagnosis and Hospitalization: A Life on the Edge

12:10 The Genetic Condition: Understanding Hemochromatosis

15:37 The Emotional Toll: Family and Spiritual Awakening

20:34 The Bathtub Incident: A Moment of Despair

26:52 Confronting Reality: The Impact of Illness on Identity

27:14 Confronting Vulnerability and Identity

29:52 The Edge of Despair

33:26 A Moment of Clarity

37:29 The Decision to Live

39:58 The Purpose of Life

45:14 The Importance of Connection and Community

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: health crisis, memoir, personal growth, resilience, love, life lessons, spirituality, recovery, emotional journey, transformation, suicide, hemochromatosis

"You have to confront grief to heal." - Kandiee Campbell

In this episode, Janet Sandberg and Kandiee Campbell discuss the complexities of grief, mental health, and the importance of confronting emotional pain. Kandiee shares her personal journey through grief, including her experiences with loss, trauma, and the impact of suicide. They explore the significance of acknowledging feelings, the various forms of grief, and the necessity of finding healthy coping mechanisms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of expression, whether through journaling or sharing one's story, as a means of healing and helping others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Transformation and Grief Counseling

02:25 Navigating Life's Curveballs

04:39 The Impact of Grief on Mental Health

07:03 Confronting Grief and Trauma

09:39 The Ripple Effect of Suicide

11:47 Understanding Grief Beyond Death

14:11 The Importance of Acknowledging Loss

16:18 Coping Mechanisms for Grief

18:42 Finding Ways to Release Pain

20:58 Encouragement for Those in Pain

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: grief, mental health, healing, suicide prevention, emotional well-being, coping strategies, personal journey, trauma, loss, counseling, transformation, awaken hope

"The pain can last generations." - Andy Campbell

In this poignant episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Andy Campbell, who shares his deeply personal journey of loss following the suicide of his son, Heston. Andy discusses the complexities of mental health, the impact of suicide on families, and the struggles of grieving parents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the pain that lingers after such a loss and the ripple effect it has on loved ones. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by gifted children and the unique pressures they experience. Through his story, Andy aims to raise awareness about suicide and the need for open conversations around mental health.

Chapters

00:50 Facing Suicidal Ideation in the Family

03:15 The Ripple Effect of Suicide

06:26 The Struggles of Grieving Parents

09:14 The Impact on Siblings

11:58 Understanding the Mind of a Gifted Child

15:12 The Value of Every Life

21:05 Reflections on Loss and Understanding

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: suicide, mental health, grief, parenting, family dynamics, gifted children, coping strategies, loss, support, healing, suicidal ideation, generational trauma

"It's okay to feel it." - Keren Cardoza

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Keren Cardoza about her journey through struggles with purpose, faith, and the importance of helping others. Keren shares her experiences with mental health, the role of faith in her life, and how helping others has provided her with a sense of purpose. They discuss the power of writing as a form of self-expression and the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions. Keren offers advice for those struggling, emphasizing the need for patience and self-compassion.Chapters

01:29 Struggles with Purpose and Direction

04:16 Finding Faith and Hope

08:31 The Importance of Helping Others

12:52 Advice for Those Struggling

16:06 The Power of Writing and Self-Expression

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: purpose, faith, mental health, support, writing, hope, personal growth, podcast, self-help, community

In this special episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg reflects on the two-year journey of the podcast, sharing her personal motivations for starting it, the importance of sharing stories of hope, and the various healing modalities discussed throughout the episodes. She emphasizes the significance of finding someone to talk to during difficult times and invites listeners to share their own stories. Janet also highlights the podcast's global reach and expresses gratitude for the community that has formed around it.

With over 35 years of experience, Janet offers soul-centered guidance to help you find clarity, confidence, and deeper connection. Drawing on her intuitive gifts, spiritual insight, and a lifetime of lived wisdom, she creates a safe, supportive space where you can reconnect with your inner truth. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, grief, or mental health challenges, Janet helps you rediscover your purpose and begin building a life rooted in meaning, passion, and peace.Benefits of Reiki for Mental Health:

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety
• Supports Depression Management
• Improves Sleep Quality
• Enhances Emotional Clarity: help process emotions, be more emotionally resilient
• Promotes Mindfulness and Presence
• Provides a Safe, Nonverbal Healing Space
• Boosts Overall Wellbeing and Self-Compassion

Benefits of Intuitive Life Coaching:

• Increases Self-Awareness

• Promotes Emotional Healing
• Supports Personal Empowerment
• Encourages Mind-Body-Spirit Integration
• Reduces Stress Through Clarity
• Improves Coping Strategies
• Fosters Hope and Motivation

Through compassionate guidance and deep listening, intuitive coaches help clients reconnect with their vision for life. This forward momentum often renews hope and motivation—vital components in mental health recovery.Choose Traditional Therapy if:

You can learn more about Janet and connect with her via her website: JanetSandberg.com

You can also follow, subscribe, and connect with Janet and the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Instagram.

If you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, you can apply here.

"Life is right here." - Dallas Collis

In this episode, Janet Sandberg interviews Dallas Collis, who shares his profound journey through trauma, addiction, and self-discovery. Dallas emphasizes the universal quest for happiness and the weight of personal stories that shape our identities. He discusses the importance of radical responsibility, the illusion of time, and the power of belief in transforming our lives. Through his experiences, he highlights the significance of living in the present and the simplicity of finding joy amidst life's complexities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Life

03:01 The Power of Storytelling and Personal History

06:09 Addiction and Defensive Mechanisms

09:03 The Wake-Up Call: Cancer and Loss

11:58 Understanding Depression and Trauma

15:02 The Illusion of Yesterday and Tomorrow

17:56 The Essence of Being: Beyond the Story

21:13 Finding Meaning and Happiness in Life

23:34 The Importance of Individual Stories

26:04 The Journey of Life: Overcoming Struggles

29:56 Living in the Present: The 16-Hour Mindset

35:05 Radical Responsibility: Taking Control of Your Life

39:00 Editing Your Life Story: The Power of Perspective

45:57 Simplicity in Complexity: Finding Meaning Within

47:08 Conclusion: Embracing Wisdom and Change

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: happiness, personal growth, storytelling, mental health, self-awareness, addiction, trauma, responsibility, meaning of life, consciousness, suicidal ideation, life lessons

"Start thinking about your thinking." - Liz Jakoi

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Liz Jakoi, an entrepreneur and ADHD coach, about her personal journey with ADHD. Liz shares her experiences of being diagnosed later in life, the challenges she faced, and the impact of ADHD on her mental health. They discuss the importance of understanding ADHD, especially in women and children, and the stigma surrounding it. Liz emphasizes the need for support, mindfulness, and self-reflection in managing ADHD, and encourages listeners to seek help and recognize that suicidal thoughts are not a reflection of one's identity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journeys

02:52 Understanding ADHD in Women

05:41 Struggles with Mental Health and Suicide Ideation

10:36 Navigating ADHD and Medication

12:48 The Importance of Support and Community

15:46 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

20:34 Finding Hope and Resilience

21:14 The Journey of Self-Discovery

22:27 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

23:56 Embracing ADHD: A New Perspective

25:18 Mindfulness and Managing Thoughts

27:53 Recognizing Impulses and Living Differently

29:31 The Nature of ADHD: Genetic or Environmental?

30:56 Childhood Experiences and Their Lasting Effects

34:17 The Connection Between Anger and Mental Health

36:57 Seeking Help and Breaking the Stigma

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: ADHD, mental health, neurodivergence, mindfulness, support, stigma, medication, women, personal journey, coping mechanisms, suicidal ideation

"You don't have to stay where you are." - Pamela Topjian

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Pamela Topjian, a former nurse turned hypnotherapist, who shares her profound journey from trauma to healing. Pamela discusses her experiences with childhood trauma, mental breakdowns, and the importance of therapy in her recovery. She emphasizes the power of storytelling and the need for support in overcoming life's challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of taking steps towards change and finding hope in difficult times.

Chapters

02:15 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

04:59 The Breakdown and Turning Point

07:47 Finding Hope and New Beginnings

10:50 Navigating Relationships and Career Changes

15:21 The Importance of Therapy and Healing

21:09 Advice for Those Feeling Hopeless

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.

Keywords: trauma, healing, hypnotherapy, mental health, resilience, therapy, childhood experiences, empowerment, personal growth, hope, suicidal ideation

In this episode , Janet Sandberg speaks with Lizz Luker, a mother of five and entrepreneur, who shares her harrowing journey through trauma, addiction, and the fight for her children. Lizz discusses her experiences with PTSD, the challenges of being a single mother, and her mission to support other mothers facing similar struggles. Through resilience and determination, Liz has transformed her pain into purpose, advocating for mental health awareness and providing resources for mothers in need.

Chapters

02:17 Life Before the Turning Point

05:04 The Impact of Trauma

07:09 Fighting for Custody

09:25 The Descent into Darkness

11:52 The Road to Recovery

14:14 Finding Purpose and Strength

16:00 Creating a Supportive Community

18:21 The Power of Sharing Stories

20:42 Advice for Those in Despair

Subscribe to hear more and share with those who might need to hear these inspiring stories.

Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.

USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.