Imagine facing the heartbreak of losing someone you love, only to discover that their passing might have been preventable. This is the powerful story of Kim Witczak, whose world was shattered when her husband, Woody, was prescribed Zoloft for sleep issues—a decision that changed their lives forever. On this episode of the Restoring Hope Podcast, Kim shares her journey from grief to purpose, becoming an "accidental advocate" and championing the importance of informed healthcare decisions.

Through raw honesty, Kim opens up about the profound pain of losing Woody, the unanswered questions that fueled her advocacy, and the strength she found in challenging the systems we often trust without question. Together, we dive into the stigma surrounding suicide, the emotional toll on loved ones, and the urgent need for open conversations about mental health and medication awareness.

We also shed light on the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on medical practices and the hidden risks of off-label drug use. Kim’s story empowers listeners to take charge of their healthcare, reminding us of the importance of informed consent and critical questioning when it comes to prescriptions.

Join us for a conversation filled with resilience, as Kim’s advocacy work underscores the power of hope and healing after unimaginable loss. Through her inspiring journey, listeners are encouraged to find strength, seek answers, and discover purpose—even in the darkest of times. This episode is a compelling reminder that, in the face of adversity, we can uncover purpose and build a community that supports and uplifts us.

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Join us on the Restoring Hope Podcast for a heartfelt journey of resilience, courage, and healing. In this episode, my dear friend Angelina opens up about her powerful story of loss and the strength she found through faith and perseverance. After experiencing the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child, Angelina’s journey isn’t only one of grief; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to find hope, purpose, and even joy in the wake of profound adversity.

Through her openness, Angelina shares the wisdom she gained along the way, offering insight into how embracing faith and leaning into a supportive community can provide the strength needed to keep going. Together, we delve into the importance of finding meaning during life’s darkest moments and how adversity can ignite personal growth and transformation.

We also discuss the evolving role of community support and mental health awareness for parents coping with loss, highlighting the power of connection and shared understanding. Angelina introduces her transformative "SHINE" principles—Show up every day, Have good habits, Intentions, Never give up, and Every day celebrate your wins—that have guided her through grief and inspired others facing burnout and loss.

Tune in to be uplifted and inspired by Angelina’s story, and to discover how you, too, can find resilience, purpose, and hope in your own journey.

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Unlock the first step in discovering your unique superpowers as we kick off Season Two of the Restoring Hope Podcast! 🌟 Have you ever wondered how aligning with your God-given purpose can transform every aspect of your life? This week, we’re diving into your superpower of purpose—the foundation that brings clarity, fulfillment, and true joy.

For the next eight weeks, we’ll explore eight incredible superpowers that you either already possess or can begin to develop! Today, we’re starting with purpose—the superpower that brings focus and meaning to everything you do. Together, we’ll look at how our purpose can grow and evolve, why prayerful reflection is key to embracing new directions, and practical tips to help you start uncovering what God has uniquely called you to do.

Not sure you know your God-given purpose? Don’t worry! I’ll walk you through ways to start revealing this powerful part of yourself. Join us for this episode as we lay the foundation for a transformative journey of growth, one superpower at a time. Tune in and discover the purpose-driven life that awaits you!

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Have you ever felt like you're wearing a mask to hide your true self? Kelly Siegel, CEO of National Technology Management (NTM), joins us to share his journey of stripping away the 'identity mask' and fostering a life of authentic joy and fulfillment. Our conversation weaves through the crucial balance of the five pillars of health: mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial. Kelly's story is a raw testimony, a beacon for anyone yearning to break free from the cycles of abuse, addiction, and poverty, and a guide to embracing the relentless pursuit of self-improvement detailed in his book "Harder Than Life."

Kelly has an educational background in criminal justice and sociology from Western Michigan University. He has been delivering results since running his first paper route as a twelve-year-old. Besides his goal to make NTM the gold standard of the IT industry, his mission in life is to leave a legacy, or in Kelly’s words, “make a dent.”

His relentless drive to better himself is breaking his family’s cycle of abuse, addiction, and poverty. Kelly takes personal progress to the next level by continuously improving his physical, emotional, and mental health and performance by working out daily, reading voraciously, and practicing mindfulness. You’ll find him feeding people at spontaneous cookouts in his backyard, volunteering his time for causes close to his heart, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Kelly lives in Michigan with his daughter Arianna, their Yorkie Sammy, and cat Felix. He spends as much time as possible in Florida, preferably out on the water with Ari and good friends.

Connect with Kelly:
https://www.harderthanlife.com/

Grab a copy of his book Harder Than Life here:
https://www.harderthanlife.com/harder-than-life-book/

Find him on IG
https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/

Find him on FB
https://www.facebook.com/kelly.siegel.71

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Have you ever wondered how hope can persist, even when life throws its most challenging curveballs? Today's Restoring Hope Podcast becomes a beacon of resilience as my dear friend Laura Ard joins us to share her heartfelt journey. Her narrative spans a 27-year marriage that bloomed from a personal ad, a testament to unwavering love and faith. Yet, the true depth of their bond is revealed as Laura opens up about her husband's courageous fight with heart failure and colon cancer—reminding us to savor every moment and anchor ourselves in hope, even when the waves of life crash the hardest.

Our conversation takes us on a harrowing trip from Massachusetts to Georgia, a sojourn prompted by Laura's instinct that something was amiss with her husband's health. The tale is peppered with adversity, from RV malfunctions to a near-disaster on the road, but it's the unexpected acts of kindness that shine through—proof that compassion can be a life raft in our darkest times. Laura's experience underscores the profound importance of heeding our inner voice and the community's capacity for benevolence, which can emerge in the most dire circumstances.

In the spirit of finding light in darkness, Laura speaks of the solace they've found in the generosity of strangers and the embrace of their community. Our exchange delves into the power of faith, the transformation that gratitude brings, and the vital role of a supportive network when navigating life's most daunting challenges. As your host, I am humbled to share this intimate reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and invite you to join us in celebrating the unyielding hope that guides us through stormy seas.

How to connect with Laura Tanner Ard:

https://www.facebook.com/Plexus.Lolly

https://www.instagram.com/the_journey_within_you_/

https://lauraardcoaching.com/

Laura's Podcast - The Journey Within You
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-within-you/id1606967761

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Embark on an enlightening journey with me, Deborah Bigde, as we navigate the murky waters of insulin resistance. Discover the truth behind this silent affliction that creeps into the lives of 80% of people, often going unnoticed until it's too late. We strip down the complexities of our body's response to food, diving into the critical function of insulin and its role in maintaining balance. Prepare to have your perspective on health screenings transformed as we discuss why traditional A1C tests fall short, and how fasting insulin levels could be the key to unlocking a truer representation of your metabolic well-being.

We will expose the myths surrounding 'diet' labels and artificial sweeteners that masquerade as healthy alternatives. Learn about the traps of fruit juices and other sugary beverages, and why whole fruits are your allies in this battle against insulin resistance. But it's not all about what you eat; our dialogue ventures into the arenas of physical movement and gut health, two underrated champions in stabilizing blood sugar. Gain the insights needed to make empowered food choices, as we stress the significance of simplicity in ingredients for optimal health. This episode promises to arm you with the knowledge and strategies to take control of your nutrition and steer your wellness journey in the right direction.

Download your free workbook on the 5 Pillars to Your Overall Well-being. Click link https://deborahbigda.com/downloadable-5-pillars-to-well-being


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When the ground beneath us gave way during the 2008 recession, my husband and I found ourselves in uncharted waters, navigating the emotional whirlpool of job loss. On this episode of Restoring Hope, we peel back the layers of our journey, revealing the resilience and humor that buoyed us through. From scrutinizing our family budget with a fine-toothed comb to finding joy in the midst of chaos—like when a tornado left us without fences but, comically, with our gate still standing—we recount the transformative power of hope and the practical steps that carried us to calmer seas.

The laughter shared in the face of adversity became a lifeline; it was the unexpected twist in our tale that kept us tethered together. Offering a candid look at our life's playbook, we dive into how slashing luxuries like cable TV and embracing the solidarity of community support can make all the difference. We found strength in spirituality and solace in church retreats, which became oases of peace amidst the storm. And even as we tackle serious subjects like utilizing food pantries and staying afloat financially, we underscore the importance of maintaining a light heart.

Our story isn't just one of survival; it's a beacon for those who may feel adrift in the wake of job displacement. By sharing the financial strategies and creative income solutions we considered, from refinancing mortgages to exploring unconventional employment opportunities, we aim to light the way for others. Whether you're feeling swamped by similar struggles or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, join us to chart a course toward renewed hope and financial stability.

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How do you define yourself? What role do you claim first? Mom first? Wife first? or You first? Wow, "You first", may sound selfish, huh? 

Join me on a heartfelt journey that resonates with the experiences of countless women transitioning through midlife crises, as we unravel the threads of hope and resilience. We navigate the challenging waters of redefining our identities, once intricately woven into the fabric of motherhood and career. This episode is a candid sharing of not only my transformation, but also the stories of women who are rekindling their self-worth and sense of purpose beyond their caregiving roles.

This conversation is an invitation to explore the empowerment that comes with self-discovery. I introduce practical tools, like the five pillars to support this life transition, and share details of an upcoming retreat tailored for women seeking inspiration and renewal. Whether you've been a stay-at-home mom, left your career for family, or balanced both, this episode provides an empathetic guide for harnessing personal growth. It's a transformative time that calls for reflection, and together, we'll embrace the next phase of our lives with passion and renewed purpose.

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From homeless to 100 million homes. Raised in very humble beginnings in a super-impoverished neighborhood of Philadelphia, Lia Valencia Key lived in a homeless shelter with her mother, sister, and brother. Even in such dark times her mom told her, "Your predicament does not determine your destiny." She encouraged Lia to never leave the house without wearing her sparkling earrings, because they would serve as reminders of the light within.

Shattering glass ceilings obtaining a bachelor's degree in business, master's degree in education, a cosmetology instructor's license, becoming a global hair & makeup artist, and receiving a United States patent. Lia continued to listen to the light within creating VALENCIA KEY JEWELRY company. “Wearable JOY” that symbolizes ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, If You Can BELIEVE IT, You Can Achieve It! 

Created to inspire and unlock the bravery and light within. Lia's VALENCIA KEY JEWELRY, launched on QVC, one of the largest television shopping networks in the World. With the Power of Believing Lia went From homelessness to inspiring through jewelry in over 100 Million homes.

Big Dreams continue to come true; VALENCIA KEY Jewelry has been featured in OPRAH Magazine 2020 Favorite Things Issue, A Keynote speaker to over 216k attendees at Jamie Kern Lima’s BECOMING UNSTOPPABLE “BELIEVE IT” event- sharing the stage with life changing GREATS such as Robin Roberts, Ed Mylett, Brendon Burchard, Dean Graziosi, and Tony Robbins, & VALENCIA KEY featured PBS national network show Startup episode .

Lia reaches back to where she comes from donating & educating women in homeless shelters on the Keys to Light, how to rise up out of ruff environments. Lia is a living example that all things are possible by rooting into the power of Choosing Joy, Believing and Radiating Light. In Lia’s Loving words “If I Can, YOU Definitely Can”!

Connect with Lia!!
www.valenciakey.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/liavalenciakey/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/valenciakeydesign/

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Have you ever felt like exercise is a chore rather than a treat? Join me as we chat about our relationship with physical activity, and I'll help you find the joy in movement. Let’s turn exercise from a "ugh" to a daily delight that brings you happiness and vitality. We'll explore the ins and outs of self-inquiry to pinpoint what holds you back from lacing up those sneakers, and how to leverage your subconscious to break through those barriers as you snooze.

 Struggling to fit a workout into your overflowing calendar? I've been there, and I'm sharing all my secrets to seamlessly weave physical activity into daily life. Hear about the unconventional ways I turn mundane chores into fitness opportunities and how you can too. Do you have little kids underfoot or always find yourself at their activities?  No worries, I’ve got tips for you too! Plus, I'll confess my own battle with motivation and how I've turned personal setbacks into powerful comebacks, even while training for a half marathon.
 
 Small efforts compound into transformative lifestyle changes that go beyond just physical health. This episode is an invitation to redefine your relationship with exercise, discover its hidden gifts, and embrace a commitment to movement that promises long-term rewards. You'll leave feeling empowered to make exercise your steadfast ally, excited to embark on your personal journey towards holistic health and well-being.

Download your free workbook on the 5 Pillars to Your Overall Well-being. Click link https://deborahbigda.com/downloadable-5-pillars-to-well-being


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