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

In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom podcast, host Janet Sandberg is joined by the resilient Rachel Coleman, an author, speaker, and adventurer who shares her incredible journey from the depths of suicidal ideation to living a life filled with purpose and passion.

Rachel opens up about her childhood struggles with sickle cell anemia and growing up in a conservative environment while grappling with her identity. She candidly discusses the challenges of feeling like a burden and the impact of unsupportive therapy. Despite numerous attempts to end her life, Rachel found a turning point through music, therapy, and a newfound determination to live life on her terms.

Through her journey, Rachel discovered the power of creating a list of things to do before you go, which she turned into a book, 42 Things to Do Before You Go: Finding a Reason to Stay. Her story is a testament to the importance of finding personal joy, building a supportive community, and embracing one's authentic self.

Chapters:

(00:00) Janet Sandberg welcomes Rachel Coleman to Phoenix Wisdom podcast

(00:23) Introduction

(01:49) Suicidal ideation has been something in my life since I was a kid

(08:44) In 2017, I got divorced from my husband after several years of marriage

(14:31) I went to a very good mental health facility

(21:15) After getting divorced, I was on medication and therapy to manage depression

(26:59) I ended up going the self publishing route

(32:20) How are you doing with relationships and health wise with sickle cell

(36:07) What advice would you give to somebody who is struggling right now

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Join the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle on Facebook for support and encouragement.

*****

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Jeremy George, a TEDx speaker and founder of BucketMatch, who shares his transformative journey through suicidal ideation and the profound impact of living a deliberate life.

Jeremy opens up about his experience with suicidal thoughts beginning in April 2019, despite having what appeared to be a successful life in New York City. He discusses the challenging realization that achieving societal milestones did not equate to happiness and how this led him to question the meaning of life. Through a series of life-changing events, including his mother's health scare and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeremy found clarity in pursuing a life that truly mattered to him.

Jeremy shares how creating a bucket list and actively engaging in activities that brought him joy helped him reclaim his enthusiasm for life. From skydiving and seeing the Northern Lights to simple acts of kindness, Jeremy's journey highlights the importance of embracing one's authentic self and the power of community and connection in overcoming mental health struggles.

Chapters:

(00:00) Janet Sandberg welcomes Jeremy George

(03:15) Jeremy introduces himself

(07:45) The onset of suicidal ideation in 2019

(11:30) The impact of societal expectations on mental health

(15:20) The turning point: Jeremy's mother's health scare

(20:05) Embracing a bucket list lifestyle

(24:50) Simple acts of kindness and community engagement

(29:45) The role of deliberate living in mental health

(34:15) Advice for those in the depths of despair

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Join the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle on Facebook for support and encouragement.

*****

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.

Dr. Jeannie opens up about her early struggles with mental health, including a suicide attempt at the age of seven, and the stigma she faced within the medical community. She candidly discusses how Prozac played a crucial role in stabilizing her life, allowing her to see the world in a new light. However, it was the discovery of somatic breath work that truly revolutionized her healing journey, enabling her to release deeply held traumas and embrace life with renewed energy and perspective.

Chapters:

(00:00) Janet Sandberg welcomes Dr. Jeannie May

(02:16) The first time I attempted suicide was at 7 years old

(08:06) Using your breath can shift your nervous system from fight or flight to rest

(12:46) I went off antidepressants in 2010

(16:03) Somatic means getting into the body

(18:45) Somatic breath work

(20:31) What advice would you have for listeners currently in the dark and 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.

Join the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle on Facebook for support and encouragement.

*****

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Katherine Knight, a compassionate caregiver, coach, and advocate for those navigating the challenges of dementia. Katherine shares her transformative journey from overwhelming despair to becoming a coach for others facing similar struggles.

Katherine opens up about the emotional turmoil she experienced while caring for her mother and mother-in-law, both diagnosed with dementia. She recounts the pivotal moment of feeling overwhelmed and the steps she took to regain control and find joy in life again. Through seeking support, building a community, and embracing small, meaningful changes, Katherine found her path to healing and happiness.

(00:00) Welcome Katherine Knight

(04:13) Katherine is taking care of her mother and her mother-in-law, both with dementia

(09:22) Getting a support group has made a world of difference

(13:29)Learning the tools and techniques of dealing with dementia was huge

(20:27) After my son passed, a friend of mine took me to Las Vegas

(24:45) Katherine says she enjoys having a puppy around to help with dementia

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Join the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle on Facebook for support and encouragement.

*****

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.

In this episode, Janet Sandberg welcomes Stu Morris, a passionate advocate for neuroplasticity and cognitive health.

Stu opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, including the impact of his grandmother's dementia, the loss of his father, and his own struggles with physical and emotional pain. He recounts how these experiences fueled his passion for helping others through the science of neuroplasticity and how he found strength in focusing on others rather than himself.

Stu offers insights into the power of changing one's mindset, building empowering habits, and the importance of laughter and joy in overcoming life's challenges.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcomes Stu Morris

(02:36) Stu's nana was diagnosed with dementia when he was 10 years old

(10:00) Your brain shaped your values

(15:10) The two ways you build habits are highly emotional states

(17:55) Stop fighting your habits

(23:15) Sometimes it's more of a "have to" than a "want to" type of change

(24:29) What did you do to get past that pain

(28:59) Your brain is selfish

(31:19) Every day is a good day when you learn something

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Join the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle on Facebook for support and encouragement.

*****

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

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.

In this episode, Janet Sandberg welcomes Kevin Palmieri, a dynamic podcast host and self-proclaimed "ultimate cat dad." Kevin shares his profound journey from a seemingly successful life plagued by insecurity and suicidal ideation to finding fulfillment in podcasting and personal growth.

Kevin opens up about the pivotal moment when he realized that external success did not equate to internal happiness. Despite having a high-paying job, a model girlfriend, and a sports car, he felt empty and lost. A supportive conversation with a friend became the turning point, encouraging Kevin to change his environment and pursue his passion for podcasting.

Today, Kevin is dedicated to sharing his story and advocating for vulnerability and mental health awareness. His insights into the power of small, courageous steps and the importance of supportive relationships offer hope and inspiration for those facing similar struggles.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome to the Phoenix Wisdom podcast

(01:48) Kevin started podcasting full time at 26 with no college degree

(07:20) Kevin says he reached out for help

(11:28) Mental health is vulnerability

(16:29) The more you share your insecurities, the more you can help others

(20:19) Kevin Hines jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge and survived

(23:40) Having friends and mentors who can give you guidance

(27:01) Do something extremely small

(31:12) Self awareness is important

(33:14) Progress is personal and courage is personal

(34:02) Thank you

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Meet other listeners and find support and encouragement with others who have been where you are now at the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle group on Facebook.

*****

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

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Justin McSweeny, a passionate interviewer, philosopher, and advocate for understanding the human experience. Justin shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood and teenage years marked by depression and suicidal ideation to a life of curiosity and philosophical inquiry.

Justin opens up about his early struggles with self-destructive behavior and substance abuse. Despite these challenges, Justin found solace and recovery through his love for botany and the arts, which helped him rebuild his cognitive abilities after a chemical brain injury.

Today, Justin is the host of the IdeaCast Interview Series, where he explores profound questions of existence, meaning, and the human condition. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, community, and philosophical exploration in overcoming life's darkest moments.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome

(03:29) When you were feeling suicidal, what was happening?

(08:26) The depression started ebbing off at about 21

(14:43) There are multiple aspects or perspectives

(17:45) Passion for plants helped him overcome addiction

(21:46) One species, one human species

(24:19) Art of surrender is letting go and just letting what happens happen

(25:48) Cognitive scientists say we use predictive processing

(31:56) There's procedural, perspectival, participatory and propositional knowing

(40:29) The solution to high rates of suicide among young people is building small communities

(46:22) Be your authentic self

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Meet other listeners and find support and encouragement with others who have been where you are now at the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle group on Facebook.

*****

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

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Jen Yundt Coles, a functional medicine and integrative health coach who shares her journey through anxiety, chronic health issues, and the profound impact of her brother's suicide. Jen opens up about her childhood struggles with anxiety, perfectionism, and digestive issues, and how these experiences shaped her path in life.

Jen recounts the challenges she faced, from postpartum depression to broken heart syndrome. She discusses the unexpected power of music and the realization of her own resilience. Her story is a testament to the importance of self-advocacy, the gut-brain connection, and finding joy in creativity.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome Jen Yundt Coles

(01:22) Jen is a functional medicine and integrative health coach

(02:43) What made you think about taking your own life

(03:36) I think I came out of the womb anxious

(09:36) Jen was diagnosed with broken heart syndrome after struggling with chronic digestive issues

(14:54) Shortly after that period, my brother took his own life

(19:17) When my children were younger, one of them really struggled

(24:34) Isolation, feeling alone, all in itself can cause disease

(26:21) Jen says there are always miracles in life, we just have to see them

(29:03) What brings you joy is really important for people with chronic illnesses

(31:37) Drinking water can help with many chronic health issues, including depression

(36:11) You have to have the right person looking for answers, Jen says

(40:34) Last words of advice for our listeners who are struggling

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

Follow the podcast on Instagram and YouTube.

Meet other listeners and find support and encouragement with others who have been where you are now at the Phoenix Wisdom Empowerment Circle group on Facebook.

*****

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

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Amy Taylor, a resilient single mom who has navigated the complexities of living with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and anxiety. Amy shares her journey from childhood trauma and suicidal ideation to finding hope and healing.

Amy shares the pivotal moments in her life and how she eventually found the courage to reach out for help. Her mother's unwavering support played a crucial role in Amy's path to recovery as well as the transformative power of therapy and medication in stabilizing her life.

Today, Amy is a proud mother, a grandmother, and an MBA graduate, living a fulfilling life she once thought impossible. She is the host of the podcast Mental Health Warrior and Neurospicy Mama, where she advocates for mental health awareness and celebrates neurodiversity.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome Amy Taylor

(01:26) When I was 18, I attempted suicide

(03:02) All of that stuff from the sexual assault when you were younger came up

(05:09) You were sexually assaulted as a kid and then you did drugs to self medicate

(11:38) So much courage to call your mom

(13:07) Now you have another child

(14:57) You've been in social work for 30 years and just got your MBA

(16:19) What advice would you give to somebody who is experiencing depression

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

*****

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

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.

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Jeni Simas-Layte, who has navigated depression, divorce, and the challenges of raising a special needs child. Jeni opens up about her struggles during 2021, a year marked by weighty depression and feelings of hopelessness.

Jenny recounts the overwhelming challenges she faced, including the isolation of pandemic lockdowns, the stress of single parenting, and the burden of past traumas. Despite these hardships, she found strength in the support of friends and the courage to seek help through therapy and inpatient care. Her candid discussion highlights the importance of recognizing suicidal ideation and the need for diverse therapeutic modalities.

Today, Jeni is a Sexual Health Alliance certified Sex Coach at The Intimacy Ally, LLC and the host of the podcast Story Time with the Intimacy Ally. She is an ex-military wife, an autism mom, an actor, a social justice warrior, studying to become a social worker, and living a life she once thought unattainable. Her story is a powerful reminder that change is possible, and even in the darkest times, there is always room for hope and transformation.

Chapters:

(00:00) Phoenix Wisdom podcast featuring Jeni Simas-Layte

(01:46) Jeni lost both parents and her surrogate parent

(08:34) Jeni tried to go work in school systems because she got kids in school

(14:33) Jeni drank and smoked cigarettes to balance out the depressant of the alcohol

(20:35) Jeni went inpatient at Shepherd Pratt

(27:03) Inpatient experience changed Jeni

(33:24) Having a partner who's not worried about you makes a huge difference

(39:19) No two medications are going to work the same on people

(45:52) The more we live our lives online, the less human contact we have

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

*****

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

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.