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

In this episode, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Dr. Robb Kelly, a renowned psychologist and behavioral scientist, who shares his remarkable journey from the depths of alcoholism to becoming a leading authority in addiction and childhood trauma recovery. Dr. Kelly recounts his personal battle with alcoholism that began at the tender age of nine and led him to lose everything, including his family and career. His harrowing tale of living on the streets for 14 months, multiple suicide attempts, and eventual redemption is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Today, the Robb Kelly Recovery Group boasts a 97% success rate in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms and hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guest discussing a variety of mental health issues. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Kelly emphasizes the importance of dialogue, community support, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. He shares profound insights into the neuroscience of addiction and mental health, highlighting the need for human connection and the power of simple acts of kindness.

Chapters:

(00:00) Welcome to the Phoenix Wisdom podcast

(00:57) Dr Robb Kelly is a psychologist and a behavioral scientist

(02:29) He was born into an alcoholic family and became addicted to alcohol

(07:29) He realized he couldn't stop drinking after four days sober

(13:15) Dr Kelly started studying addiction and childhood trauma and depression 30 years ago

(16:44) He is proud to say he has recovered from alcoholism and addiction

(22:42) Our subconscious brain wakes us up because of lack of oxygen, studies show

(27:48) No one wants to know about our research

(28:10) Anything that we're going through causes isolation

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 Katie Rose Jones, a resilient mother from Wales who has triumphed over chronic illness and suicidal ideation. Katie shares her journey of enduring 14 years of chronic fatigue syndrome, navigating the loss of friends, and managing the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood while battling debilitating symptoms. Her story takes a profound turn as she recounts a pivotal moment on her sofa, where a whisper of hope—"You are destined for more"—ignited her path to healing and self-discovery.

Katie opens up about her struggles with new symptoms, the emotional toll on her family, and the darkest moments when she contemplated ending her life. Through humor, sheer determination, and a transformative spiritual journey, Katie found ways to manage her illness, including nutrition, yoga, meditation, and Reiki. Her healing process also involved addressing deep-seated emotional traumas and shifting her mindset through neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).

Now symptom-free for four years, Katie continues to inspire others by sharing her story and offering practical advice for those struggling in the darkness. Her message of hope, resilience, and the importance of simple, consistent actions like gratitude and self-awareness shines through in this heartfelt episode.

Chapters:

(00:00) Phoenix Wisdom podcast features Janet Sandberg talking about mental health issues

(02:12) Kate suffered with chronic fatigue syndrome for seven years

(07:07) The tremors in her body would go away for five minutes at a time

(10:51) The hardest time for Kate was lying on the sofa

(16:07) Only just a year ago, she got better. Four years symptom free

(21:12) She took myself away for four days to figure out what was going on

(26:08) Katie is four years symptom free from chronic illness

(30:54) Katie found that nutrition and breathing helped. Basic things that we should know to stay alive

(35:19) Katie became obsessed with sound healing after undergoing NLP training

(39:48) Katie's first experience of dark thoughts

(43:57) Katie says gratitude can help people find their positives in life

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

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 Tywanah Evette, who is known as the Black Butterfly Goddess, an intuitive healer and psychic with 35 years of business experience. She guided entrepreneurs - and even White

Tywanah's path to recovery involved setting boundaries, embracing her psychic gifts, and finding a new purpose in helping others navigate their darkest moments. Her resilience and dedication to her spiritual mission offer a powerful message of hope, healing, and the importance of surrendering to the divine.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Tywanah Evette's background and the birth of the Black Butterfly Goddess

(05:00) The unhealed trauma of being impregnated by her father

(10:00) Poor life choices and abusive relationships

(15:00) The mental and emotional abuse from a partner

(20:00) A near-fatal suicide attempt and spiritual awakening

(25:00) Reconnecting with ancestors and embracing psychic gifts

(30:00) Healing through scripting and spiritual guidance

(35:00) Rebuilding relationships and finding purpose

(40:00) The importance of self-love and setting boundaries

(45:00) Tywanah's advice for those struggling with suicidal thoughts

(50:00) Closing remarks and words of hope

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

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, Dr. Kimberly Harms, a former dentist who shares her heart-wrenching story of losing her mother and son to suicide and her husband to a broken heart. Despite these profound losses, Kim has found joy and purpose in her life, becoming a grandmother to six and an author of the book "Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For." Kim's journey through grief, depression, and resilience offers a powerful message of hope and the importance of community and purpose in overcoming life's darkest moments.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Kim Harms' background and career as a dentist

(04:30) Coping with nerve damage and early retirement

(07:00) The impact of losing her mother and son to suicide

(12:00) The aftermath of her husband's death

(15:30) Writing her book and finding new purpose

(20:00) The importance of community and support

(25:00) Overcoming the pit of despair and finding joy

(30:00) Advice for those struggling with grief and depression

(35:00) Closing remarks and words of hope

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

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.

This week, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Kirtti Sharrma, an energy alchemist and spiritual coach from India. Kirrti shares her harrowing journey from a life of despair and suicidal ideation to finding strength and purpose through spirituality and meditation. After enduring an abusive marriage and the devastating loss of her father, Kirrti found herself in the darkest of places, contemplating ending her life and that of her son. Through a profound spiritual awakening and the support of divine energies, she found the courage to leave her toxic environment and rebuild her life. Today, Kirrti helps others navigate their struggles by reading energies and guiding them through transformative spiritual practices. Her story is a testament to the power of inner strength, divine intervention, and the importance of seeking help.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:00) Kirtti's background and spiritual journey

(07:15) The impact of her father's death and the onset of depression

(12:30) Struggles in an abusive marriage and suicidal ideation

(18:45) A near-death experience and a turning point

(24:00) Finding strength through spiritual practices and divine guidance

(29:30) The role of meditation and Reiki in her healing process

(35:20) The importance of talking to professionals and seeking help

(40:50) Kirtti's advice for those struggling in darkness

(45:00) Closing remarks and words of hope

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

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 Carla Hooker, a kids dance specialist, caregiver, pageant coach, and author, shares her journey of overcoming suicidal ideation. Carla opens up about her traumatic experiences of being attacked twice during her college years and how she blamed herself, leading to deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Through the support of her fraternity brothers, her father, and a compassionate therapist, Carla found her way to healing and forgiveness. Her story is a powerful testament to the importance of speaking out, seeking help, and trusting your instincts.

Chapters:

(02:15) Carla Hooker's background and roles

(05:40) First attack during freshman orientation

(09:45) The second attack by a trusted family friend

(14:30) The impact of trauma and self-blame

(18:20) The importance of speaking out and seeking help

(23:10) Confronting and forgiving the attacker

(29:00) The role of counseling and therapy in healing

(33:30) Overcoming PTSD and reclaiming personal power

(39:15) Practical advice for safety and self-protection

(45:50) The power of positive affirmations and community support

(50:20) Final words of hope and encouragement

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

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 of the Phoenix Wisdom podcast, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer and child abuse survivor whose lifetime of trauma took him to the brink of suicide during a prolonged mental health crisis. Saved by the presence of his young children, Laverne sought help when he realized he could no longer fight through on his own. He has embraced healing and self-discovery and has finally learned to love himself for who he is.

Your host is ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can build a peaceful life that you love living.

Episode Chapters:

(00:42) breaking generational cycles

(04:02) sexually assaulted at nine years old

(11:02) stress leave due to depression

(18:41) depression and anxiety at work

(24:52) anxiety through the roof but didn't realize it was anxiety

(31:04) PTSD but feigning ignorance

(33:08) childhood trauma affected his mental health

(40:39) started practicing Reiki

(45:28) allowing yourself to feel the feelings is key to overcoming depression

(52:09) Being a parent is the best

(52:44) Advice for people struggling with mental health issues

Please subscribe to the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast 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 Nelanthini Rajesan, an empowerment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women overcome limiting beliefs and rewrite their stories. Nelanthini shares her poignant journey from the pressures of being a daughter of Tamil refugees in Canada to overcoming societal expectations and personal despair. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance and authenticity.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction by Janet Sandberg

(01:20) Nelanthony's background: Daughter of refugees and societal pressures

(09:45) The impact of a coworker's suicide and personal reflections

(14:30) Nelanthony's own struggle with suicidal ideation and the turning point

(20:15) The journey to self-discovery and authenticity

(28:00) The importance of movement meditation, journaling, and temperature checks

(35:40) Embracing cultural identity and overcoming shame

(47:10) Final words of advice and the power of faith in the universe

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, Reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose and confirm you're on the right path in order to build a peaceful life that you love following major life transitions, loss, or suicidal ideation.

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 of the Phoenix Wisdom podcast, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Frank King, the mental health comedian, to discuss his journey through major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation. Frank shares his personal anecdotes, the importance of mental health awareness, and how he turned his pain into purpose. Tune in to hear Frank's inspiring story and learn about suicide prevention, coping mechanisms, and the power of comedy in mental health.

Chapters:

(00:00) Phoenix Wisdom podcast welcomes Frank King, mental health comedian and healer

(01:27) You have two mental illnesses: major depressive disorder and chronic suicidal ideation

(06:38) You got to teach the audience something. So when you speak, create a self care plan

(12:35) Can you talk a little bit more about chronic suicidal ideation

(16:10) Anybody can stop a suicide, and you can do it by podcast

(20:03) There may be somebody listening who has chronic suicidal ideation

Your host is ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of expertise. She helps you find purpose, confirm you're on the right path, and feel good inside and out so that you can create a life that your enjoy living.

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.

My guest this week is Carleigh Burns, a holistic mental wellness coach who has triumphed over anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder without the use of medication. Carly's mission is to empower others to achieve true healing, just as she has done. Her journey from darkness to light is a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity for transformation.

Your host is Janet Sandberg, a spiritual badass with over 35 years of metaphysical expertise. She’s a soul interpreter, reiki master teacher, divine channel, intuitive life coach, and author who helps you find purpose and confirm you're on the right path in order to build a peaceful life that you love following major life transitions, loss, or suicidal ideation.

In this episode, Carleigh shares her harrowing yet inspiring story, starting from a childhood overshadowed by her father's undiagnosed bipolar disorder and her own struggles with undiagnosed mental health conditions. Despite the challenges, Carleigh chose a path of holistic healing. Today, she lives with bipolar disorder but maintains stability through daily self-care and holistic practices. She is dedicated to helping others achieve similar transformations.

Listen as Carleigh discusses the importance of lifestyle shifts, self-awareness, and the power of living each day with intention.

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.