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

In this powerful episode, Deana welcomes Jessica “Jessy” Hollister from Midland, Michigan, a silent counseling practitioner and Scars to Stars™ Volume 5 author. Jessie shares her deeply personal journey from surviving lifelong abuse, trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation to discovering healing through therapy, somatic release, silent counseling, energy work, and self-discovery tools like Human Design.

Her chapter in Scars to Stars® Vol 5, Hush, Child, Hush, explores how she transformed years of silence and pain into purpose, peace, and empowerment. This conversation is filled with hope for anyone struggling with trauma, emotional overwhelm, nervous system dysregulation, or learning how to truly care for themselves.

"Jessica Hollister is a Holistic Healing Facilitator, certified Silent Counselling and Reiki II Practitioner, who helps women heal from emotional trauma without having to relive it.

After surviving childhood abuse and years of being silenced, Jessica discovered profound freedom through energy work and healing in silence...the very thing once used to control her. This irony became her medicine.

A devoted mother with an MBA and a passion for breaking generational patterns, Jessica creates sacred spaces where exhausted women can release what's been held in silence and reclaim their authentic power. She believes the path to peace doesn't always require words. ~ Connect with Jessica via email: [email protected]"

#MentalHealthAwareness #TraumaHealing #SilentCounseling #SomaticHealing #ScarsToStars #HealingJourney #SelfDiscovery #AnxietyRecovery #EmotionalHealing #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #NervousSystemHealing #HumanDesign #PersonalGrowth #SurvivorToThriving #HealingThroughStorytelling #MindBodySoul #PodcastEpisode #HopeAndHealing #ChooseHope