In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with I.M. Aiken, a veteran first responder, author, and storyteller, as she opens up about what it truly means to be resilient — before, during, and after life knocks you down.

I.M. Aiken has spent decades working on ambulances off and on since the 1980s, beginning her journey in the Boston area where she was born and raised. She also served one tour in Iraq as a civilian member of the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, experiences that shaped her outlook on crisis, courage, and community.

In this episode, she shares one of her most personal and recent challenges: a serious accident in which she fell off a roof and broke both wrists, leaving her fully disabled for three months. Despite also suffering from concussions and the steepest physical toll of her life, she persevered — not by pretending life didn’t hurt, but by leaning into her resilience plan, her community, and her unshakable mindset that “I can’t” is not an option.

Through laughter, grit, and real-talk wisdom, I.M. Aiken takes us behind the scenes of her recovery — from medevac helicopter rides to the love and support of neighbors and friends — illustrating how preparedness, visualization, and showing up for life’s messiest moments can make all the difference.

We also dive into her creative work as a published author, including The Little Ambulance War of Winchester County, a Trowbridge Vermont novel that gives readers front-row access to the challenges and heroes in emergency medical services. She’s also written Stolen Mountain and a growing series of short stories in The Trowbridge Dispatch, all rooted in her deep experience in public safety and rural community life.

✨ Episode Takeaways:

What a real-life resilience plan looks like — and how to build one

The role of community support when life changes suddenly

How showing up (even when it hurts) strengthens resilience

Lessons from emergency response that apply to everyday challenges

Creativity, storytelling, and finding purpose after trauma

Whether you’re facing a major injury, a career pivot, aging realities, or simply want tools to be resilient ready, this episode with I.M. Aiken will inspire your heart and fortify your spirit.

A Mother’s Journey Through the Unthinkable

In this deeply moving and profoundly tender episode of the Resilient Now Podcast, we hear from A, a devoted mother who experienced every parent’s worst nightmare—the loss of her firstborn son.

At just 25 years old, her son tragically passed away in a car accident while traveling from Los Angeles to Arizona. He was her first baby, the child she shared those early years with before her other children were born. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain.

A chose to remain anonymous and kept her camera off—not out of fear, but out of love and purpose. Her intention is simple and powerful: to reach another parent who has just received that devastating call… the one that changes life forever. In her case, two police officers arrived at her door. From that moment on, nothing was the same.

She shares what it was like to be completely inconsolable, to live in survival mode for years—working, caring for her family, but unable to travel, unable to feel normal again. The pain never disappears, but with time, she explains, it softens. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning how to carry love and grief together.

A also speaks beautifully about her son’s spirit—his kindness, his compassion, and his humanity. He would give his clothes to people experiencing homelessness, sometimes arriving home with nothing left for himself. He loved animals deeply and wouldn’t even allow someone to step on a bug. He lived with a rare gentleness that continues to inspire those who knew him.

Seven years later, A reflects on purpose, faith, and meaning. She believes every soul has a reason for being here—and that sometimes, heaven needs an angel sooner than we can ever understand.

This episode is for:

Parents grieving the loss of a child

Anyone living with unimaginable heartbreak

Those searching for meaning after tragedy

Anyone who needs to feel less alone in their pain

If you are a parent who has lost a child, this episode is for you. You are not alone. Your pain is real. And healing—slow, imperfect, and tender—is possible.

🤍 This is not an episode you listen to once. It’s one you return to when your heart needs to be held.

Be Resilient Now.

In Episode 33 of the Resilient Now Podcast, host Liliana Brown sits down with published author Laura Segal Stegman to explore her resilient journey as a writer—and the powerful lessons that came from rejection, perseverance, and believing in her voice.

Laura is the author of the middle-grade trilogy Summer of L.U.C.K., Ready or Not, and The Chambered Nautilus, all Readers’ Favorite Five-Star reviewed titles. In this episode, Laura opens up about the early moments when her work was initially rejected, the doubts that followed, and how she stayed connected to her aspiration to write stories that truly matter.

Laura shares how her love for storytelling, her unforgettable and diverse characters, and her desire to help young readers grow through literature kept her moving forward. Her journey reminds us that rejection does not define our worth—it can refine our purpose.

From literary festivals and school visits to mentoring other writers and serving as a judge for writing competitions, Laura’s path shows how resilience, creativity, and service can come together to create lasting impact.

This episode is a must-listen for writers, creatives, educators, and anyone who has ever been told “no” but felt a deeper calling to keep going.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🌱 Be Resilient Now.

Hi, I’m Liliana Brown—host of Resilient Now. I created this podcast as a safe, supportive, and free resource for anyone navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

On this deeply delicate and courageous episode of the Resilient Now Podcast, Cam shares a story that no young person should ever have to live through. At just 15 years old, she believed she had found the love she had always dreamed of—someone to finally make her feel seen. With low self-esteem and an unhealthy obsession with love, she ignored every red flag because she thought love wasn’t meant for her.

What began as a teenage crush quickly spiraled into a dangerous relationship. Her boyfriend struggled with drugs, violence, and emotional instability. When he was arrested for assaulting his own mother, Cam—still a child—was encouraged by adults to “stand by him,” advice she now knows was painfully wrong. She poured her heart into letters, collect calls, and promises that were never real.

As their relationship continued, the truth became impossible to ignore. Cam found herself trapped in a cycle of manipulation, betrayal, and repeated violations of her consent. She endured trauma no one—especially not a teenager—should ever face. She reported what happened, but the system failed her. Still, she found the strength to leave.

Cam is not a victim.

She is a survivor.

She is resilient.

With the help of a psychiatrist and a growing community of survivors she found online, Cam reclaimed her voice. She began speaking out about teen relationships, consent, and the warning signs of emotional and sexual abuse. Her blog reached other young people who felt alone, proving that her honesty was helping someone else find their way out.

Today, at 24, Cam reflects on her journey with clarity, gratitude, and unshakable strength. She knows now what she didn’t know at 15:

Consent is real. Boundaries matter.

No one—at any age—should ever be forced into anything they do not want.

Love should never hurt.

This episode is a testament to healing, self-worth, and the power of walking away from what tries to break you.

Cam survived. Cam healed. Cam is resilient.

Welcome to the Resilient Now Podcast with Liliana Brown

Hi, I’m Liliana Brown—host of Resilient Now. I created this podcast as a safe, supportive, and free resource for anyone navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

✨ Episode 31: Meet Reina Marcelle | A Cart, A Dream, A Community: Reina’s Resilient Journey

In this heartfelt episode, meet Reina Marcelle, lovingly known as the “Cake Lady” of Humboldt Park — a woman whose story proves that resilience, community, and pure heart can change an entire neighborhood.

At 52, Reina walked away from a painful job where she felt unseen and undervalued. With just $25, a decorated cart, and the support of her loved ones, she began selling cakes in the rain, cold, and scorching sun — determined to build something of her own. Her kindness, free samples, and unstoppable energy made her a beloved figure in the community.

What happened next feels like a miracle:

🌟 Neighbors rallied around her.

🌟 Customers became friends.

🌟 Volunteers helped her open Reina’s Cakes, now a thriving shop on Division Street.

🌟 Strangers donated thousands because they believed in her.

Reina’s shop is more than a bakery — it’s a safe haven. A place for kids to learn, for families to bond, and for anyone who needs love, encouragement, or a sweet reminder that dreams don’t expire at any age.

Through loss, divorce, loneliness, and starting over, Reina keeps giving. She keeps loving. And she keeps believing that even one act of kindness can change a life.

Her message is simple and powerful:

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 20, 50, or 70 — if you dream, you can become anything.”

This episode is a tribute to community, courage, and the unstoppable spirit of a woman who turned struggle into sweetness.

Be Resilient. Be You.

Welcome to the Resilient Now Podcast with Liliana Brown

Hi, I’m Liliana Brown—host and founder of Resilient Now. I created this podcast as a safe, supportive, and completely free resource for anyone navigating life’s hardest moments.

In Episode 30, we meet Alexandra Silva Labarr — Author & International Speaker.

Her life changed forever at just 13 years old when she lost her mother. Overnight, everything shifted. Her stepfather packed up the children, and Alexandra went to live with her grandmother. That moment became a pivotal turning point—one that forced her to confront grief, instability, and the deep fear of feeling abandoned.

Despite the pain, Alexandra stepped into resilience.

Battling anxiety and panic attacks, she made the courageous decision to keep moving forward. In this episode, she opens up about her healing journey—how anger transformed into understanding, how grief revealed hidden strength, and how she eventually found her inner resilience.

This is a powerful, intimate conversation you do not want to miss.

🔊 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

📢 Please subscribe, like, and share with anyone who might need hope today.

Thank you for being here.

With love and strength,

Liliana Brown

Be Resilient. Be You.

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In this vulnerable and powerful conversation, beautiful Hollywood actress and writer Josie Davis opens up about her journey through panic attacks, self-doubt, and feeling of not belonging. She talks candidly about the moments she felt out of place and the emotional weight of trying to find her footing in a world that didn’t always feel welcoming.

Through resilience, spiritual recovery, and profound inner work, Josie discovered that belonging has nothing to do with where you come from or what you have — it begins within yourself. She also shares how taking action, getting out of her own head, and being present in the moment helped her tremendously in her healing.

With honesty and grace, Josie reveals how transforming her inner world helped her move through panic attacks, quiet self-centered fear, and finally feel grounded in her own identity. Her story is a reminder that real resilience starts when we stop chasing acceptance from the outside — and begin embracing who we already are. 💫

A must-listen for anyone who has ever struggled with self-worth, comparison, or the feeling of not belonging.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with friends, family, or anyone who could use a little inspiration.

Thank you for being here.

With love and strength,

Liliana Brown

Be Resilient. Be You.

#ResilientNow #MentalHealthPodcast #FosterCareSurvivor #WomenEmpowerment #HealingJourney #GriefSupport #WorkingMoms #Inspiration #PodcastForWomen #DivorceSupport #FertilityJourney #PersonalGrowth

🎧 Apple / Spotify Description (250 characters)

Lisa opens her heart about love, loss, and resilience after caring for her father until his passing. Through tears and gratitude, she shares how loss opened her heart to love even deeper — a tribute to family, courage, and connection.n this heartfelt episode of Resilient Now Podcast, Lisa shares her emotional journey of caring for her father through his final days and witnessing the strength of family through her brother’s battle with an immune disease. She reflects on how losing her dad transformed her — teaching her to cherish every moment and to love even harder. With tears, laughter, and gratitude, Lisa reminds us that the deepest pain can awaken the most powerful love. Her story is a beautiful reminder that resilience is born from love, faith, and presence.

🌐 Listen on resilientnowpodcast.com

#BeResilientNow 💛

Welcome to the Resilient Now Podcast with Liliana Brown

In this inspiring episode, meet Beth O., a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), measuring 10 centimeters. Instead of relying solely on conventional treatments, Beth chose a non-traditional path to healing through fasting and nutrition.

Her commitment to this lifestyle was so transformative that when doctors prepared for surgery, they found no cancer left to remove. Beth’s journey is one of courage, faith in her body’s ability to heal, and the resilience to walk an unconventional road.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and ResilientNowPodcast.com

Lisa Maydwell’s journey proves that resilience can transform obstacles into stepping stones toward your dreams. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Lisa began working in factories before courageously changing paths at 35 to become an elementary school teacher. Deeply devoted, she attended every graduation until all of her students had finished school and stepped into the world.

But Lisa’s dreams didn’t stop there. With writing in her blood, she pursued her passion for storytelling—becoming a published author and award-winning filmmaker. Her projects include the Trees series (Broken Branches, Cooper’s Plantation), the feature film My Brother’s Shadow, the animated series Grandma’s Closet, and more. She also co-authored Shattered Perceptions and wrote the memoirs of the first President of the International Boxing Federation, soon to be a documentary.

Beyond her creative work, Lisa is passionate about giving back and helping others, using her talents and life experiences to inspire and uplift those around her. Her story reminds us that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges—it’s about using them to guide you to where you’re meant to be, and making your dreams come true.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and www.ResilientNowPodcast.com

#ResilientNowPodcast #LisaMaydwell #Resilience #MakingDreamsComeTrue #Filmmaking #AuthorLife #Inspiration #NeverTooLate #GivingBack