Scars to Stars™ Podcast

What happens when you have a dream to help others, but pursuing that dream takes you through some of the darkest moments of your own life? And how can our most difficult experiences become the foundation for bringing hope to others?

In this inspiring episode of the Scars to Stars® Podcast, Deana Brown Mitchell welcomes Adam James, motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and founder of Mindful Journey, a preventive mental health and well-being platform designed to help organizations create healthier, more hopeful workplaces.

Adam shares his journey from a childhood marked by insecurity, fear, and struggles with public speaking to a career dedicated to inspiring and empowering others. Although he grew up in a loving family, he often felt overlooked and struggled with self-confidence. Watching his mother navigate depression also gave him an early understanding of the emotional challenges people can carry beneath the surface.

As a young student who didn't begin speaking until age four and required speech therapy, Adam never imagined that public speaking would become his life's calling. But one teacher saw something in him that he couldn't yet see in himself. Her encouragement helped him begin overcoming his fears and eventually inspired his dream of using his voice to bring hope to others.

At just 23 years old, Adam took a leap of faith and launched his motivational speaking business. Within months, he found himself broke, sleeping in his car in a Walmart parking lot, and later moving between friends' couches while working multiple jobs to survive.

Rather than abandoning his dream, Adam continued speaking wherever he could, often without compensation, determined to make a difference. Those difficult years deepened his compassion for others and strengthened his commitment to helping people who feel hopeless, unseen, or overwhelmed.

Today, Adam has spoken on more than 500 stages and founded Mindful Journey, a platform that provides organizations and individuals with accessible mental health and well-being resources, including weekly challenges, inspirational messages, coaching, journaling, and community support.

Deana and Adam explore why traditional workplace mental health resources often go unused, how organizations can make emotional well-being a natural part of their culture, and why preventive support matters even for people who aren't experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition.

They also discuss the importance of vulnerability, authentic storytelling, and creating environments where people feel safe asking for help. Adam shares how listening without judgment builds trust and why one person's willingness to share their struggles can give someone else permission to do the same.

The conversation also explores Adam's journey to the TEDx stage, the power of positive influences, and his belief that the words we speak and the environments we create can change someone's life.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that you never know what someone else is carrying. Sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in us, one conversation without judgment, or one message of hope to change the direction of a life.

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Adam James's Bio

Adam James is a motivational speaker, leadership trainer, entrepreneur, and founder of Mindful Journey, a preventive mental health and well-being platform designed to help organizations create healthier, more resilient, and hope-filled workplaces.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Adam struggled with self-confidence and a fear of public speaking. After overcoming early speech challenges with the encouragement of a supportive teacher, he discovered a passion for using his voice to inspire others.

In 2013, Adam launched his motivational speaking career at age 23. His entrepreneurial journey was anything but easy. During his early years, he experienced financial hardship, homelessness, and uncertainty while working multiple jobs to pursue his dream.

Today, Adam has delivered presentations on more than 500 stages, helping audiences explore leadership, decision-making, resilience, and personal growth.

In 2021, he founded Mindful Journey to make preventive mental health support more accessible through workplace well-being programs. The platform offers inspirational content, weekly challenges, coaching opportunities, digital journaling, and other resources intended to help individuals navigate life's challenges before they become overwhelming.

Adam is also a TEDx speaker whose work emphasizes the power of positive environments, meaningful human connection, vulnerability, and hope.

His mission is to help alleviate pain and suffering by encouraging people to recognize their worth, strengthen their resilience, and create lives filled with greater purpose and fulfillment.

In this special episode of Scars to Stars, Deana sits down with Sandi Griffin, founder of the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo, to explore the deeply personal mission behind an event that is about much more than physical fitness.

Sandi shares how her family’s 17 years in Germany, her husband’s experience with PTSD while serving in the Air Force medical community, her work with wounded Special Operations service members, the loss of military friends to suicide, and suicide attempts within her own family shaped her commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

They discuss why physical and mental health cannot be separated, the life-saving power of human connection, and why sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply listen without trying to fix someone. Sandi also shares the vision behind the Colorado Strong fitness competition, designed to create a more inclusive environment for athletes of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

The conversation also explores Sandi's own health transformation and unexpected journey into becoming a professional fitness coach, along with the Expo's Vendor Success Studio and its mission to help small businesses build relationships rather than simply make sales. At the heart of it all is one powerful idea: we are stronger together, and connection can change lives.

#ScarsToStars #RealizeFoundation #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #HumanConnection #HealthAndWellness #MentalHealthMatters #ColoradoSprings #ColoradoSpringsHealthAndFitnessExpo #HealthAndFitness #StrongerTogether #CommunityMatters #YouAreNotAlone #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryMentalHealth #PTSDawareness #WholePersonHealth #FitnessCommunity #HopeAndHealing #ConnectionMatters

Sandi Griffin is a professional fitness coach, entrepreneur, and founder of the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo. Her passion for whole-person wellness grew from her family’s 17 years in Germany as part of the U.S. military community, where she worked as a strength and conditioning coach with wounded Special Operations service members and witnessed firsthand the connection between physical health, trauma, PTSD, and mental health.

After moving to Colorado Springs and experiencing the devastating impact of suicide within both the military community and her own family, Sandi created the Colorado Springs Health & Fitness Expo to bring physical wellness, mental health resources, suicide prevention, education, and community connection together under one roof.

A professional trainer since 2009, Sandi’s own health transformation led her into fitness, bodybuilding, coaching, and opportunities to work with elite athletes, including members of the U.S. women’s wrestling community. Today, her work is driven by a simple belief: we are stronger together, and healthier communities are built through connection, collaboration, and making sure people feel seen and supported.

In this heartfelt episode, Jewel Baker shares her journey through physical pain, scoliosis, emotional suffering, and self-neglect while learning how deeply mental health and physical health are connected. After a traumatic childhood injury and years of believing she had to sacrifice herself for others, Jewel struggled with chronic pain, low self-worth, and suicidal ideation before beginning a healing journey rooted in self-care, nervous system regulation, yoga, mindfulness, and body awareness. She also discusses her published chapter, The Grind Is Not the American Dream, and how learning to nourish both herself and the collective transformed her life.

I’m Jewel—an embodiment coach, licensed massage therapist, and intuitive guide for women who are so done living in pain and ready to rise into their power, presence, vitality, and ease. As a survivor of scoliosis and narcissistic abuse, I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, and out of sync with your own body. That’s why I’m deeply passionate about helping sensitive women who feel unsupported or trapped in cycles of pain, tension, and exhaustion. Through a gentle, integrative approach—blending Coaching, Craniosacral Therapy, Traditional Thai Healing, and Cayce-Reilly Massage—I help women reconnect with their bodies, release stored stress, and awaken the energy to move toward their deepest desires. Together, we uncover the patterns holding you back, deepen your self-healing abilities, and get you deeply present to your potent power. My work weaves ancient healing traditions with modern wisdom, creating a sacred path to inner harmony, resilience, and joy. And when I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me hoop dancing—my favorite way to stay playful, grounded, and wildly alive!

#MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicPain #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #SelfWorth #MindBodyConnection #YogaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #NervousSystemHealing #Mindfulness #EmotionalHealing #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaHealing #SelfCare #HolisticHealing #ScoliosisAwareness #HealingThroughStorytelling #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope #WellnessJourney

In this powerful and honest episode, Olivia Cook shares her journey as a restaurant leader, mother, mentor, and entrepreneur while navigating stress, adversity, mental health struggles, and personal growth. Olivia opens up about overcoming suicidal thoughts, learning emotional resilience, and discovering how prayer, gratitude, community, boundaries, and self-awareness became essential tools in her healing journey. She also discusses leadership in high-pressure environments, the importance of mental toughness, and why learning to “push through the pressure” without losing yourself is critical for long-term success and emotional wellness.

Olivia Cook is a Christian, Air Force wife, and devoted mother who brings faith, resilience, and vision into every aspect of her leadership

[email protected]

#MentalHealthAwareness #Leadership #MentalResilience #ScarsToStars #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalWellness #HealingJourney #YouAreNotAlone #RestaurantLeadership #WomenInLeadership #MentalHealthMatters #SelfDevelopment #HopeAndHealing #EntrepreneurMindset #FaithAndHealing #BurnoutRecovery #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope #MindsetShift

In this inspiring episode, Jamie Hunter shares her journey from childhood trauma, addiction, and devastating life setbacks to healing, recovery, and personal transformation. After losing the future she once envisioned as a young athlete, Jamie found herself battling addiction and emotional pain before ultimately rebuilding her life with purpose and hope. Now 16 years clean, she helps others navigate healing, recovery, emotional wellness, and personal growth through her podcast, coaching, and online community. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter what you’ve been through, you are worthy of healing and a better future.

#MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #RecoveryJourney #SelfWorth #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #SobrietyJourney #YouAreNotAlone #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #HopeAndHealing #RecoveryIsPossible #MindsetHealing #PodcastEpisode #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope #TransformationJourney #Resilience

Jamie is a retired medical professional turned powerhouse entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader who is redefining what’s possible for women who crave time freedom, financial independence, and a life built on purpose. After walking away from the medical field, she stepped boldly into online business, direct sales, and mindset transformation — building a thriving brand rooted in authenticity, resilience, and expansion. As the CEO of her own business, Jamie mentors women around the world on how to rewire their subconscious beliefs, elevate their confidence, and create income streams that support true autonomy. Her work blends high‑ticket sales, mindset coaching, and personal empowerment, helping clients step into abundance with ease, clarity, and self‑trust. Jamie is also the creator of a podcast and a mindset course designed for individuals in sobriety — a space where she brings compassion, lived wisdom, and powerful tools for healing and transformation. At home, Jamie is a devoted wife to Trent and a fully present mom to her daughter, Skylar and two older children and 4 step kids! Her family is her driving force and the heart behind her mission: to build a legacy of freedom, wealth, and generational impact. She envisions a life lived between her dream beach home and a peaceful wilderness retreat, where her family can thrive, travel, and enjoy the abundance she’s creating. Fueled by growth, aligned action, and a deep belief in what’s possible, Jamie is on a mission to help others rise — and to show women everywhere that they can build a life they love, on their own terms, with confidence and unstoppable momentum.

In this raw and inspiring episode, Matthew shares his journey through addiction, depression, suicide attempts, and recovery. From battling substance abuse, heroin addiction, and hopelessness to finding faith and transformation during 60 days in jail, Matthew opens up about the pain he endured and the healing that followed. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for hope, recovery, and a second chance.

About the Guest:

Matthew Rambur was born in Eastern Montana and now lives in Western North Dakota with his dog, Maverick. Raised with small-town values and a hardworking background, Matt spent nearly a decade battling addiction, hopelessness, and the darkness that comes with feeling lost. After surviving some of the lowest moments of his life, he is now rebuilding through faith, sobriety, and purpose. Matt currently works at Tractor Supply Company and hopes that by sharing his story, others struggling with addiction, depression, or thoughts of giving up will realize they are not alone and never too far gone. He believes God can take even the most broken chapters of a life and turn them into something meaningful.

Matthew shares his powerful journey through addiction, heroin abuse, depression, suicide attempts, and recovery. After years of pain and substance abuse, he found faith, healing, and hope during a life-changing time in jail. This episode reminds listeners that recovery and redemption are possible.

#MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #SuicidePrevention #ScarsToStars #RecoveryJourney #FaithAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #HopeAndHealing #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #TraumaHealing #DepressionRecovery #ChristianRecovery #PodcastEpisode #SecondChances #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope

In this deeply moving episode, Rachel Powell shares her journey through devastating loss after her husband died by suicide, leaving her widowed with four children. Rachel opens up about grief, surviving her own suicide attempts, rebuilding her life through faith, and ultimately creating a powerful community for Christian widows. Her story is one of resilience, redemption, healing, and hope for anyone walking through unimaginable pain.

#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #WidowSupport #ChristianWidow #HealingJourney #ScarsToStars #FaithAndHealing #HopeAfterLoss #GriefSupport #Widowhood #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #HealingThroughFaith #SurvivorStory #HopeAndHealing #SuicideLossSurvivor #TraumaHealing #CommunityHealing #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope

Rachel Powell is a widow Coach, Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, speaker, author & suicide prevention advocate. She helps Christian widows who are ready to move through grief & healing with HOPE, so they can confidently rebuild their life with renewed identity & purpose. She does this through Coaching and her virtual Christian widow community. After losing her young husband to suicide & attempting twice herself, Rachel went on a journey of radical healing. The Lord later led her to leave 14 yrs as a Registered Nurse to guide widows on the same transformative path. She also receives many messages about her suicide prevention work saving lives.

In this emotional and honest episode, Deana sits down with author coach, entrepreneur, and Scars to Stars™ Volume 5 contributor Christopher di Armani.

Christopher shares the deeply personal story behind his chapter... supporting his wife through a life-threatening stage 3C breast cancer diagnosis while struggling to hold himself together emotionally. He opens up about fear, faith, caregiving, emotional resilience, marriage, uncertainty, and the healing power of writing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that caregivers need support too, and that vulnerability can become a path to healing and hope.

#MentalHealthAwareness #CancerCaregiver #ScarsToStars #BreastCancerAwareness #CaregiverSupport #HealingJourney #EmotionalHealing #FaithAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #MarriageAndHealing #HopeAndHealing #CaregiverLife #WritingHeals #Resilience #CancerJourney #PodcastEpisode #SupportSystem #HealingThroughStorytelling #ChooseHope

In this deeply moving episode, Laurie Lang from British Columbia shares her journey through childhood bullying, emotional abuse, sexual assault, a controlling marriage, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of her faith — and how she ultimately found healing, freedom, and restoration through her relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope and healing are possible.

#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #ScarsToStars #HealingJourney #TraumaHealing #FaithAndHealing #HopeAfterTrauma #EmotionalHealing #YouAreNotAlone #SurvivorStory #HealingThroughFaith #MentalHealthMatters #DomesticAbuseSurvivor #ChildhoodTrauma #OvercomingAbuse #HopeAndHealing #SpiritualHealing #PodcastEpisode #Resilience #ChooseHope

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Dr. Peggy Christian shares her journey through hidden depression, alcohol addiction, suicidal ideation, and the lifelong struggle of feeling disconnected while appearing successful on the outside. From growing up as an empath in a large family to becoming a dentist, researcher, coach, and women’s empowerment leader, Peggy opens up about how community, sobriety, self-awareness, and healing helped her rediscover her worth and create a joyful life. Her story is a reminder that many people who “look fine” are silently struggling... and that healing begins when we stop hiding.

#MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #ScarsToStars #HiddenDepression #HealingJourney #SelfWorth #Empath #MentalHealthMatters #WomenEmpowerment #RecoveryJourney #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealing #CommunityHealing #HealingThroughStorytelling #PodcastEpisode #ChooseHope #HopeAndHealing