Survive and Thrive 8791 ☆ Mental Health Help ☆ ANXIETY ☆ DEPRESSION ☆ RECOVERY ☆WELLNESS

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791 Podcast , I welcome Sarah Karls to the Buck & Honey's remote studios. After over 30 years as a social worker, Sarah Karls retired in 2023, ready to enjoy a slower pace, free time and the fruits of an enjoyable career. But life threw her a curveball. In December 2024, during a routine physical, her doctor detected some swelling in her neck. Further testing, including bloodwork and scans, led to an unexpected diagnosis of medullary thyroid cancer.

In early 2025, Sarah underwent surgery to remove her thyroid and several lymph nodes. The diagnosis and subsequent surgery was hard on her, but Sarah would lean on the same resilience and compassion she gave to others throughout her career. Her "one day at a time" approach, a witty sense of humor, and support of her family and friends, Sarah faced each day with purpose.

She threw herself into her diagnosis, made her health journey a top priority, and turned a negative into a positive. Today, she celebrates her most recent scans as they show that her cancer is now undetectable.

Sarah’s story was a rollercoaster ride she won’t forget and one that she shares in hopes of helping others who get a similar diagnosis. This will be a good one, CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Maria Hanson to the Buck & Honey's remote studios. Maria has spent over three decades fighting for those without voices who often go unheard. A lifelong advocate, Maria has stood up for causes such as: LGBTQIA+ rights, criminal justice reform, animal rights, recovery, domestic violence awareness, and mental health. Her passion for fair play and equality has helped so many lives. However, ten years ago, Maria found herself facing physical and mental health struggles that threatened to derail her.

During this difficult time, Maria had to advocate for herself. For the first time, she became the person in need, and she chose to ask for help. Through vulnerability she discovered a strength she didn’t know she had.

Learning to prioritize her own well-being, finding balance, and becoming vulnerable became her bedrock. Maria describes vulnerability as her superpower, something that she viewed as a weakness. That quality strengthened her own program and has enriched the lives of those she works with and advocates for.

Today, Maria continues to inspire those around her, through her advocacy by sharing her story of healing and hope. This will be a good one. CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Coach Chris Zwettler to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Chris, a veteran teacher and coach with over four decades of experience, has spent his career impacting the lives of students and athletes. However, nothing could have prepared him for the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world shut down, Chris was overcome with fear and anxiety by the constant images of hospitalizations and death caused by the virus. His world began to close around him fearing he would contract the illness and succumb to what he was witnessing.

Chris reached a breaking point in July 2020. Pacing his home and sleepless nights spent would lead to several visits to the emergency room and suicide hotline calls with no relief. Dark days would start to open up for Chris as he found light by opening up to those close to him. He shared his struggles with his family and close friends. Many of those same people shared similar stories. He started realizing that he wasn’t alone. Seeking medical advice, counseling, and leaning on the support of his loved ones—especially his wife—assisted Chris immensely.

Today, Chris is stronger, more educated about situational anxiety, and grateful for the experiences he’s learned about being open and sharing his story. This is a reminder that asking for help is a sign of courage and strength—and that even those we might look up to may need support. This will be a good one, CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Michael Derrick to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Mike’s story is one of mental toughness, fortitude, and strength to fight through life’s obstacles. An art teacher and coach, he was thriving in the classroom, impacting the lives of his students and athletes. In 2016, as he organized an end of the school year art show to celebrate his students’ work, he received an unexpected call after his yearly physical. His doctor asked him to redo his bloodwork, which revealed abnormal liver numbers. After ruling out cancer, Mike was diagnosed with NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis)—a serious liver disease that would lead to a liver transplant in 2018.

The transplant would leave Mikel immunocompromised and unable to fight illnesses like he should. In 2020, he contracted COVID-19, and his health took a turn for the worse. With his oxygen levels dropping to dangerous levels, and his medical team concerned he was advised to go on a ventilator. Completely against that idea, Mike’s doctor told him that without the ventilator, he might not survive the night and that even on the ventilator that may not help. Trusting the advice of his medical team, Mike agreed and that choice saved his life.

Today, Mike is healthy and thriving and because of that, he was awarded with a 2024 Crystal Apple Award from WMTV Channel 15 in Madison, WI. His story is a reminder of the importance of trusting medical professionals, faith, and the gifts of life. This will be a good one, CAN’T WAIT!!! 

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Stacy Mower to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Stacy’s story is a glimpse into what life is like for a daughter to go through life coping with a grim diagnosis for her mother. 

Stacy grew up in Stevens Point, WI, where her parents, Vicki and Dave, built a life of love and laughter for Stacy and her younger brother Scott. For most of her life, Vicki worked as a dedicated nurse, caring for her patients like they were family. After high school, Stacy pursued a career in hospitality, which led her to Madison, WI. It was during this time that Stacy would receive the news her early 20s, that her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Despite balancing her growing career, and starting her own family, Stacy remained in touch with her family back in Stevens Point and in support of her mother. After an 8-year battle, Vicki would succumb to her disease, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. Through it all, Stacy leaned on her faith, her family, and her career path to navigate the new challenges and uncertainty without her mother. 

Her story is a glimpse into what life is like for a family to endure the signs, symptoms, and warning signals of Alzheimer’s disease. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Bradie Ewing to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Ewing, whose path from small-town star to NFL player is a story of hard work, dedication, and rebranding.

A three-sport star at Richland Center High School in Wisconsin, Bradie thrived on the football field, basketball court, and track team. He chose the walk-on route at the University of Wisconsin, where his dedication and reliability earned him a scholarship his last two seasons. Bradie went on to have a successful college career, before an impressive performance at the NFL Combine would get him selected in the 5th round with the 157th pick inm the 2012 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Bradie’s NFL career was plagued by injuries. After three seasons, including his last with the Jacksonville Jaguars, decided to retire. Uncertainty after his playing days, Bradie relied on his work ethic and his 3 Ps: Purpose, Process, and Progress. He spent a year as a strength coach for the Badger football team, then moved into the insurance field before landing at his current job at Kelley Supply, Inc.

Hard work, a deep faith, and a commitment to his family, Bradie has rebranded himself and built a solid career after a life of football. This will be a good one. Can’t wait.

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Jen Heller to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Heller, a stroke survivor, hasn’t let that define her, it has inspired her and her story is one of rebranding, transforming, and finding strength in adversity.

After 14 years working for Coca-Cola in her hometown of Rhinelander, WI, Jen was stuck in a mundane work life. Significantly overweight and wanting to change, she made a major life decision to move to Madison, WI. Over the next year, Jen completely rebranded herelf—lost 125 pounds, started her own business, and was finally living her best life. Everything was great, but life threw another challenge her way.

Just one year into her move, Jen would suffer a mild stroke at the age of 32. Despite experiencing physical symptoms for several weeks, she thought “I just slept on my arm wrong”, and hoped they would go away. She decided to trust her gut and sought medical help and there was talk of a stroke. The experience and medical attention Jen would receive for her stroke would last for over a year.

Today, Jen’s health is back on track, her business “Jen Heller Lifestyle” is thriving, and she has discovered the strength to find light even in dark moments. Her story reminds us all to listen to our bodies, trust your gut, and find the courage to rebrand after unexpected bumps in the road. This episode of Survive & Thrive 8791will be a good one! CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I share my experiences in the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. I share my story toward mental and physical wellness that has been nothing short of amazing.

For years, Coach Decorah battled with anxiety and the strain it put on his daily life. 1,178 days ago, he made a decision that would save his life by taking control of his health and mindset. He gave up alcohol, started to get honest with himself, and sought professional help. That decision became the  bedrock for a journey that would lead him to a better way of life.

Through self-awareness, authenticity, and hard work, Coach Decorah found a path to better health. His commitment to mental wellness and physical health not only improved his own life but also allowed him to inspire those he has shared his story with—proving that it’s never too late to start a new way of living.

Now, over three years anxiety-free, Coach Decorah is a resource of strength and inspiration. His story reminds us that being truthful, seeking guidance, and making hard choices can lead to peace of mind and purpose.

Join us for this honest and uplifting episode as Coach Decorah shares his journey for enlightenment and the strategies he’s learned along the way. This episode of Survive & Thrive 8791will be a good one! CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Danielle Johnson to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Johnson, who took a leap of faith to chase her true love is owner and operator of The Difference Performance Training.

After a successful 10-year career as an attorney, Danielle made a bold decision—leaving one court for a different kind of court. Swapping court cases for basketball skills and drills. She followed her heart and became a basketball trainer and mental performance coach, turning her passion into a new way of life.

With goal setting, fearlessness, and hard work, Danielle built The Difference Performance Training, a business dedicated to helping athletes reach their maximum potential. On March 17th, Johnson will celebrate another landmark—her anniversary as owner and operator of a thriving training business.

Her story is proof of the power in betting on yourself, getting past the fear, and embracing her leap of faith. Danielle’s story shows us that success isn’t about staying the course—it’s about finding your purpose and having the courage to make a change for a healthier way of life.

This episode of Survive & Thrive 8791will leave you inspired! CAN’T WAIT!!!