Speaking Of Love Podcast

Welcome to Speaking Of Love Podcast - Episode 156! On today's episode, I am honored to introduce my guest - Barb Smith!

Barb Smith is the founder and president of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network. She works locally, statewide, and nationally as a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Driven by her passion for people, Barb is committed to bringing hope, healing, and life-saving resources to individuals, families, and communities.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses the topic of suicide and mental health conditions. Please be advised to take care of yourself by stepping away if the subject matter becomes overwhelming.

Welcome to Speaking Of Love Podcast - Episode 155! Today we will feature Sarah Stambaugh. She earned her Psychology B.A. and M.A. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she is currently a Counseling Psychology PhD student. Sarah has been involved in suicide prevention work for over seven years and served 1,200+ direct talk hours on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. She holds multiple roles as a graduate student therapist, clinic administrator, researcher, advocate, and former instructor.

Please join me in welcoming Sarah!

Disclaimer: This episode discusses the topic of suicide and mental health conditions. Please be advised to take care of yourself by stepping away if the subject matter is too intense for you.

Hello Podcast Family,

On today's episode of Speaking of Love, I have a trailblazer in the mental health community. Her name is Susanna Rickman. Susanna is a Michigan native with over two decades of Mental Health experience, primarily focusing on Crisis Services and Suicide Pre and Post-vention services. Currently Susanna works for Volunteers of America Michigan as a Case Manager for their SSG Fox SERV program supporting Veterans at risk of suicide and is the Lead Co-Facilitator for Kevin's Song's monthly virtual Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group.

Please join me in welcoming my 154th guest, Susanna Rickman

Hello Podcast Family!

Dr. Jay Breneman is the Director of Firearm Suicide Prevention at the CeaseFirePA Education Fund and a Stoneleigh Fellow, where he works to change how Pennsylvania understands and talks about firearm suicide. His work focuses on breaking stigma, elevating the voices of people and communities affected by loss, and turning research into practical, community-driven prevention. He is a licensed social worker and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, with over six years of service including two deployments to Iraq.

Hello Podcast Family!

Maura Condon Umble is a retired college administrator who lives in Lancaster, PA. Since her son, Alex, died by firearm suicide in 2018, she has become a advocate for gun violence prevention and firearm suicide prevention. She is a lead volunteer with Moms Demand Action, serves on the board with CeaseFirePA and was appointed in 2025 to the Executive Committee of Pennsylvania’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. 

Hello my loves! Melissa Hughes, a gifted and anointed woman of God, returns as a guest for the second time on the Speaking of Love podcast. The past four years have brought many changes since her first appearance. This interview will be life changing and inspiring.

Please join me in welcoming my 150th guest, Leah Williams. She is a Texas Christian University graduate with a degree in Supply and Value Chain Management. After three years as a production planner, Leah stepped away from her corporate path to pursue her true calling: engaging in mental health advocacy.

Inspired by her personal experience, she wants to share her story to instill hope in others. Her recently released memoir, Grey Thoughts, does this by narrating an honest retelling of her college experience and her personal journey with her mental health. She believes storytelling can foster connection by inspiring others to break the silence around their own experiences.

**Trigger Warning - This podcast discusses sensitive topics such as suicide, death and tragic encounters. Please be advised.

Today, I’m honored to welcome an extraordinary guest to the Speaking of Love Podcast. Amanda Sung is a Taiwanese-Canadian writer whose journey beautifully bridges cultures, resilience, and storytelling. She transformed her own ‘satellite child’ experience into her UBC Master of Journalism thesis—work that later became the foundation for her debut novel, How to Break a Girl.

With over 15 years of expertise in marketing and storytelling, Amanda brings a unique perspective to her writing, crafting narratives where identity and resilience take center stage. Beyond her work as an author, she’s also passionate about living a full and balanced life—whether that means lifting weights at the gym or playing piano at home.

Please join me in welcoming Amanda Sung.

I recently celebrated my Amazon #1 Bestseller, Love Behind The Camera. This podcast episode is dedicated to the beautiful book. Watch and listen as we take a trip down memory lane at my very first book signing event. The event took place at the ST & A Celebration Center in Eastpointe Michigan on June 22, 2025.

Donna Higton is back!! a beloved guest from Episode 5, returns to my podcast with exciting news — the release of her brand-new book! Donna is an inspiring author and life coach from England whose words have touched hearts around the world. She’s here today to give us an inspiring update!