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

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Lacey Perrot to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. We share the incredible journey of Perrot, a woman who has faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger than ever.

Growing up, Lacey was bullied because of her weight, an experience that shaped her but never defined her. After high school, she explored various career paths while embracing the joy of motherhood, welcoming two amazing daughters into her life. But after the birth of her second daughter, Lacey received a life-altering diagnosis—cardiomyopathy. This was her wake-up call. She knew she had to make a change, not just for herself but for her daughters who needed their mom.

With determination and resilience, Lacey embarked on a health journey, losing nearly 70 pounds, overcoming thyroid cancer, and ultimately starting her own business. Today, she is the proud owner of The Club, a thriving healthy nutrition shop serving teas, smoothies, and tasty treats. This year, she celebrated five years in business, a testament to her perseverance and passion.

Lacey’s story is about self-love, transformation, and never giving up. Join us as she shares her incredible journey of resilience, health, and entrepreneurship. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Billy Van Wie to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Billy and wife Amanda’s world changed in 2009 when they welcomed their third daughter Lauren to the family. Almost a week after her birth, the Van Wies would have more questions than answers as doctors diagnosed their daughter with a rare congenital heart defect—a combination of Interrupted Aortic Arch (IAA) and Aortopulmonary Window (AP Window), a condition affecting only 1% of newborns.

Faced with a life-altering diagnosis, the Van Wies leaned on faith, family, friends, and Children’s Wisconsin to save their daughter. Young Lauren underwent surgery, a procedure that would give the family hope. By leaning on each other, a positive attitude, and modern medicine, their little girl would survive and thrive.

Nearly 16 years later, their daughter is a smart, vivacious, and athletic young woman. Billy shares his heartwarming story, the experiences, and thanks for the incredible support that helped them through an uncertain time.

A family story full of love, laughter, and zest will make you smile. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Carter Gilmore to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Gilmore, a standout high school basketball player, would take his talents to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, joining the Badger Men’s Basketball program in 2020.

Despite his success on the court, Carter’s first four years in college were marked by lack of confidence, anxiety, depression, and fear of failure–obstacles that tested his faith and mental toughness. Instead of letting fear and failure define him, Carter leaned into his deep faith, surrounded himself with loved ones, and made the courageous choice to seek help.

Embracing the present, opening up to friends and family, and eventually letting go and letting God take control, Carter has transformed his mindset—and his 2024-25 season is shaping up to be his best. His story is an inspiring tale of mental fortitude that has earned him a legion of fans across Badger Nation.

Join us as Carter Gilmore shares his story, the lessons he’s learned, and how faith, support, and belief in oneself have helped him resurrect his career. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Jess Lawinger to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Jess Lawinger and her husband, also named Jess, have shared a journey filled with family, love, and hope as the cornerstone of their life.

For over a decade, the Lawingers built a strong foundation as a couple, but infertility became a heartbreaking hurdle to their dream of starting their own family. After seven years of trying, they faced numerous highs and lows, many question marks, and countless challenges. Through it all, they never gave up and decided to let go and trust the universe.

Their journey took an amazing turn in 2021, when they adopted their son Jude, making their dream of parenthood a reality. Jess opens up about the struggles they faced, the life lessons learned, and the gratitude that adoption has brought to them. Their story is a testament to faith, resiliance and a never give up attitude. 

You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Coach Steve Erato to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. In 2019, at the age of 39, Coach Erato faced a life-threatening health scare when he was diagnosed with the Widowmaker, a100% blockage of his left anterior descending artery. Surgery would save his life.

Steve’s journey is one of gratitude, hard work, and never giving up. He talks about the importance of a strong support system, opening up to others, and why knowing your family genetics led to a newfound purpose. His experience has taught him that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis—it’s an opportunity to reset, get after it, and truly savor every moment with family, friends, and colleagues.

Now, Coach is using his second chance to inspire others, encouraging people to take their health seriously, exercise, and take nothing for granted. His story reminds us that listening to your body, asking for help, and the right mindset, can turn adversity into motivation.

You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Christine Gruetzmacher to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Christine was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 38. A wife and mother of three, she faced her diagnosis with passion, courage, and a deep faith that allowed her to focus on her health and the health of her family.

An active runner who has completed half marathons and triathlons, Christine tackled her physical and mental health journey with the heart of a lion. She shares the coping strategies that helped her through treatment and recovery—practicing mindfulness, staying present, doing regular body check-ins, focusing on breathwork, yoga, and visualization, and seeking professional help.

Christine’s story is one that anyone can look to that is facing a similar situation. She proved that even in the face of a cancer diagnosis, it’s possible to survive and thrive. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of asking for help and the importance of listening to your body. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Executive Director at One Voice of Hunterdon County, Lesley Gabel to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios.

Gabel, an Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer survivor whose journey began in August 2012 when she received life-altering news from her primary care provider. As a wife and mother of three, Lesley faced her diagnosis with determined courage, and strength bolstered by her amazing family.

She shares the strategies that helped her survive the challenges of treatment and recovery by focusing on professional help, preventative health, increased physical activity, passions for stress-relieving activities, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

Beyond her personal battle, Lesley is a passionate advocate for harm and substance use reduction, using her background and experience to educate communities and coalitions across the U.S. in making healthier choices. 

Lesley’s story is one of inspiration, strong will, and purpose. Through tough times, she has survived and thrived, using her experience to lift up others. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome sports writer Tom Oates to the Buck & Honey's remote studios. Tom, whose 40 year career with the Wisconsin State Journal was his dream job. Tom shares his story of growing up in Appleton, WI, to attending Xavier High School, and eventually landing in Madison, Wisconsin where he covered some of the most memorable times in Wisconsin sports history.

Oatesy reflects on the golden era of Wisconsin sports with some of his favorite stories, which included the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory in 1997, the Wisconsin Badgers' Final Four runs in 2000, 2014, and 2015, and the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 NBA Title. From legendary coaches and players to in-depth coverage, Tom had a front row seat to the big wins, heartbreaking, and unforgettable memories that shaped sports in Wisconsin for his 40 years.

But this conversation isn’t just about games and championships—it’s about luck, being ready, and his dedication to reporting the sports. Tom put us in the front row with him covering sports for over four decades and sharing stories through his eyes.

Whether you live and die Wisconsin sports or just love to hear a great story, this episode will make you smile. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Kerri Kane to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios to promote the 4th Annual Broken to Brave Event, a powerful gathering of inspiration, connection, and music, sponsored by Waunakee Project Brave. This free event on Sunday, February 16th, is a space where stories of bravery, hope, and resilience come to life.

Through courageous guest speakers and inspiring performances, Broken to Brave fosters a community of support, celebrating courage while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking to connect with others on similar paths, this event offers a reminder that you are not alone in your struggles.

Join us as we discuss the impact of this event, hear from those who have found strength in their challenges, and explore the power of shared stories in creating change. Because bravery is found in the moments when we rise together. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, CAN’T WAIT!!!