Sum of Ages

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In this episode, Matt - a dad, husband, friend, and cancer survivor - speaks openly about life beyond diagnosis and treatment. The conversation explores mental health, parenthood, and how perspective can shift in the aftermath of illness.

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This episode, we have Tatenda — 26 years young with some real insight and wisdom to share. He opens up about growing up in an African-American household in the Midwest, and how a visit to Zimbabwe gave him a deeper understanding of his roots and family. But the heart of this conversation is about his relationship with alcohol and the journey to sobriety. When his body essentially began to give up on him, Tatenda knew something had to change. That turning point catapulted him into a new chapter of life. Enjoy 26 years of life, and ADDICTION, with Tatenda. 

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Dave Baker, a 34-year-old from Vermont, experienced a devastating loss earlier this year—his eldest sister passed away after an illness. Coming from a family of nine, with two parents and seven kids, this loss sent waves through their lives. Dave shares his deeply personal journey of grief, what it was like being the only brother alongside five grieving sisters, and how he balanced being a husband, father, and son during such a traumatic time.

What struck me most in our conversation was Dave’s openness about therapy, medication, and the importance of expressing emotions—breaking down stigmas many of us face. His reflections on grief, family, and resilience are honest, raw, and incredibly powerful. This is a conversation that will leave you feeling seen, no matter where you are in your own journey

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On the precipice of his 92nd birthday, Max lays out an important perspective. From limited schooling due to the war, to cooking food for the Governor General of Australia, this man talks with consistent humor and sincerity. I truly loved his passion for cooking, and how he turned a mere assignment in the military, into a life purpose that he still lives by today. If anything, the biggest takeaway is that life is too short to wallow in the negatives. You’re about to listen to a fella who after 92 years all that matters is kindness, humor, connection to humans, and a couple of beers to round out the day. Enjoy, Max. 

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Being a teenager and young adult is difficult. Navigating identity, social spheres, school, thinking about the future. No one at that stage in life is thinking about being diagnosed with cancer. That is exactly what happened to this episode’s guest, Keegan. This episode explores his diagnosis and recovery from cancer. How Keegan navigates his life and travels, with a lens of gratitude, optimism and joy is nothing short of amazing. I am honored to call this Keegan a friend, and I have no doubt listeners will enjoy his story. And what makes this episode special, is that it happens to be his 24th birthday.

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In this episode, we have Cho, a 28-year-old from Houston who brings a refreshing and uplifting perspective to the table. Many of us get caught up trying to better ourselves or dwell on negatives and hardships. Cho does the opposite. He uses his life experiences and the lessons learned to fuel his positivity and happiness. As a passionate coach, teacher, and mentor, Cho’s outlook is a powerful reminder not to take life too seriously and to truly appreciate the little things. This conversation is candid, fun, and a breath of fresh air. 

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Natalie Deering is a 39-year-old psychologist, mother and wife from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and our conversation dives into something no human can escape—anxiety.

What makes this episode special is Natalie’s unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise. As a trained psychologist specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS), she brings a fresh perspective on how we understand and navigate anxiety.

Whether you struggle with it daily or just want to understand it better, this conversation will challenge the way you think about anxiety in ways you may never have considered.

Find Natalie on Instagram at @nataliedeering or her website https://www.ndwellnessservices.com/

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This week's guest is Sergeant Adam Hartswick, a veteran whose life took a drastic turn in 2013 when he sustained catastrophic injuries in combat—ultimately losing both of his legs and part of his arm. But Adam’s story isn’t just about war or the tragedies that come with it. It’s about resilience, purpose, and using life’s hardest lessons to create something meaningful.

A quick heads-up—this episode includes graphic details of Adam’s injuries. If that’s something you’d rather avoid, you may want to skip ahead when he begins describing May 14, 2013.

It’s an absolute honor to have Adam share his journey—the struggles, the growth, and the incredible strength it takes to rebuild after everything changes in an instant. Please enjoy this conversation with Adam Hartswick.

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This week’s guest is Lauren Fields, a 31-year-old whose insight and experience will leave you speechless. At just 14, her life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a life-altering injury during an equestrian competition. But that moment didn’t just change her—it set her on a path of transformation, resilience, and purpose.

Now a clinical psychologist, life coach and podcaster, Lauren has dedicated her life to helping others navigate their own challenges. She recently delivered a TED Talk, sharing her powerful story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

But this episode is about so much more than overcoming a traumatic brain injury. It’s about embracing change, listening to your calling, and turning adversity into impact. Lauren has built an inspiring community, proving that even the hardest moments can lead to something greater. I enjoyed the tangible tools she gives to enhance your life and I hope you do too.

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Sam, better known as "BK"—a 25-year-old from Bath, England with an unmistakable candor and down-to-earth energy. BK has faced more loss in five years than most do in a lifetime, losing three close family members, and during this very recording, he was bracing for yet another.

What stands out most about BK is his unconventional approach to grief—rejecting societal expectations and embracing what truly feels right for him, rather than simply following the script of how we’re "supposed" to mourn.

This episode isn’t a formal discussion on loss—it’s two good mates sitting down and having an open, honest chat about death. No pretenses, no forced positivity, just real talk about something undeniably difficult. If nothing else, I hope this conversation shows that sometimes, all we need to do is sit, listen, and talk about the things that—let’s be real—are just shit.

Are you interested in being a "Part of the Sum" and having your story aired? Email us at [email protected]