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

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Kate Simonet to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios for a conversation that is as powerful as it is necessary. Kate’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and ultimately—hope.

Growing up just north of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kate was the definition of a high-achieving student-athlete. At Brooklyn Park High School, she excelled in the classroom and on the course, standing out as a distance runner in cross country and track. Her hard work earned her a spot competing at Winona State University—but behind the success, Kate was quietly battling something she didn’t yet understand.

What began as unspoken struggles in high school grew into something far more serious in college, where she was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder after years of going undiagnosed. From deep depression and suicidal ideation to a psychotic break while traveling abroad, Kate found herself navigating moments of fear, confusion, and overwhelming shame—often feeling like she didn’t have the “right” to struggle despite her supportive upbringing.

In this episode, Kate courageously shares her journey through hospitalization, a suicide attempt, and the difficult road of finding stability through treatment—only to face setbacks again when she stepped away from medication. Her story doesn’t shy away from the darkest moments, but it also shines a light on what healing can look like.

Today, Kate is a graduate of Winona State, a mental health advocate with Thumbs Up, and the author of Out of the Darkness. She now uses her voice to help teens feel seen, heard, and less alone.

This is a conversation about breaking stigma, finding language for pain—and discovering that even in the darkest moments, there is a path forward. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Purchase the book - Out of the Darkness

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On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, we welcome Dean Vander Plas, a small-town basketball star whose journey from a driveway hoop in rural Wisconsin to the NCAA Tournament is a story of passion, perseverance, and community pride.

Dean grew up in Oostburg, a town of about 1,300 people in the mid-1980s. The Vander Plas family had the only basketball hoop in the neighborhood, which meant the local kids gathered there constantly to play. Dean’s father had just one rule: Dean always got to be in the game. It was in that driveway—and later in the Sheboygan County YMCA youth league—that Dean first developed a deep love for basketball.

That love would take him far. At Oostburg High School, Dean helped lead the Flying Dutchmen to back-to-back appearances in the state tournament during his junior and senior seasons. The entire town rallied behind the team, even holding an impromptu parade as they advanced to the state tournament in Madison, where they played inside the legendary UW Field House. For a group of small-town athletes, the experience felt straight out of the movie Hoosiers.

Oostburg captured the 1986 and 1987 Class C state championships, but the 1987 title nearly slipped away. Trailing by 20 points entering the fourth quarter of the sectional final against Mineral Point, Dean and teammate Travis Gabrielse led a remarkable comeback that remains one of the most memorable moments in program history.

After high school, Dean chose basketball over several high-profile football offers and continued his career at University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. In his senior season, the Phoenix earned an NCAA Tournament berth, traveling to Arizona where they battled Michigan State Spartans men's basketball, falling only after a game-winning shot by Steve Smith.

Today, Dean enjoys life in northern Wisconsin with his wife, spending time with his three children and embracing his favorite role yet—grandfather. But back home in Oostburg, he’s still remembered as the hometown hero who helped put a small lakeshore community on the basketball map.

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, guest host Will Decorah steps back into the Buck & Honey’s remote studios to interview someone he’s known his entire life—his dad, Coach Tim Decorah. Taking advantage of the opportunity to sit in the host’s chair, Will asks questions he’s always been curious about, opening the door to a candid conversation about his father’s early adulthood, challenges, and life lessons.

Coach Decorah reflects on his college years, including the recruiting process in both basketball and football that eventually led him to attend the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. While he entered college with big dreams of becoming a standout college basketball player, he shares an honest assessment of that experience—recognizing that success at that level requires the complete package: skill, physical ability, and emotional readiness.

During those college years, life began taking shape in unexpected ways. A summer job introduced him to a coworker who would later become his wife. As he approached his final year of college and his senior basketball season, he also faced a life-changing moment—becoming a father. Those responsibilities quickly shifted his focus toward building a stable future for his growing family.

After graduating, Coach Decorah began a professional career that would include meaningful success both in the classroom and on the basketball court as a coach. Eventually seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to work at a larger school, he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Waunakee High School.

But the journey wasn’t without struggle. Facing pressures in both teaching and coaching, Coach Decorah began using alcohol as a coping mechanism—something that would evolve into a nearly two-decade battle with undiagnosed anxiety and alcohol use disorder.

Today, after seeking professional help and developing healthier coping strategies, Coach Decorah has found renewed purpose. Now retired from teaching, he continues serving the community by leading a successful substance misuse prevention coalition in the very community where he spent nearly three decades educating and coaching young people. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, we welcome Will Decorah as the guest host to Buck and Honey’s remote studios. On this special episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, we welcome a unique guest host to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios—Will Decorah. For this episode, Will steps into the host’s chair to interview someone he knows very well: his dad, Coach Tim Decorah. What unfolds is a deeply personal conversation about resilience, family, and the experiences that shape who we become.

Coach Decorah begins by reflecting on his childhood growing up in Wisconsin Dells, often known as the tourist capital of the Midwest. His early years were spent in downtown Wisconsin Dells before his family moved to a small subdivision just outside of town called Indian Heights. Raised primarily by his single mother and surrounded by extended family—including his grandfather and great-grandmother—Tim’s childhood was filled with both love and instability.

During these formative years, he began experiencing the anxiety that would follow him into adulthood. Several times a month, his mother would leave him in the care of his great-grandmother, who was battling Parkinson's disease. Not long after, his mother married his father around the time Tim’s younger brother, Troy, was born. As alcohol began to take a larger role in his parents’ lives, Tim often found himself stepping into responsibilities far beyond his years.

His sophomore year of high school brought a devastating loss when his grandfather—who had also been his main ride home from school—passed away. With limited stability at home and few reliable resources, Tim made the difficult decision to ask his aunt and uncle if he could stay with them for a couple of weeks. Those weeks turned into two years, offering him a period of normalcy and support during a chaotic time.

And this story ultimately leads to triumph. During his senior year, Tim helped lead the Wisconsin Dells Chiefs to the Class B state championship. Scoring 31 points in the title game, he helped secure a storybook ending to a challenging chapter of his life.

On this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I welcome Sauk-Prairie Boys Basketball Coach Sean McGann to Buck and Honey’s remote studios for part 4 of a 5-part series. Coach McGann led the  Sauk-Prairie Eagles to the 2026 Badger Small Conference Championship. Predicted to finish in the bottom half of the conference at the start of the season, Coach McGann guided his team to outperform expectations by tuning out outside noise and focusing solely on the voices inside their locker room.

In this episode, Coach McGann shares how prioritizing the mental health of his players — and his own — helped create emotional balance through the inevitable highs and lows of a long season. He discusses the mindset required when every postseason game becomes “lose and go home,” and how he prepares his athletes to embrace pressure rather than fear it.

Thanks to their remarkable regular season, the Eagles earned a high seed and a first-round bye in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 State Tournament. Coach McGann also reflects on how he navigates the emotional reality of a season’s end, whether it concludes with celebration or heartbreak.

Drawing from his own playing days — including being part of a NCAA Division III National Championship team at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point — Coach McGann brings perspective, humility, and wisdom to this conversation.

We’ll conclude this special five-part series with Coach McGann in March following the season’s end. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I welcome Carrin Wahl to Buck and Honey’s remote studios. Carrin is a Certified Recovery & Transformational Coach whose journey into sobriety has transformed not only her own life—but now the lives of others.

Carrin is a proud graduate of Wisconsin Dells High School, and after graduation, she stepped into adulthood on her own. For nearly a decade, she worked various jobs in her hometown, a bustling Midwest tourist destination. But when the workday ended, Carrin found herself immersed in the party culture that surrounded her. What began as a social lifestyle slowly became something heavier.

Shortly after her 29th birthday, Carrin faced her first profound heartbreak—the loss of her mother to cancer. Without healthy coping tools, she leaned harder into alcohol to numb the grief. Eventually, she relocated to the Madison, Wisconsin area in search of new opportunities, but like so many, she found her life becoming increasingly unmanageable. Anxiety and depression tightened their grip.

Then came a defining night in March 2020. Faced with a stark choice—continue living in emotional turmoil or stop drinking—Carrin chose courage. On March 8, 2020, she took her last drink.

Today, with nearly 2,200 days of sobriety, Carrin uses her lived experience to guide others toward recovery. Her story is one of loss, awakening, and powerful transformation—and proof that healing is possible, one day at a time. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I welcome Desiree Canto to Buck and Honey’s remote studios. Desiree, a woman whose life story is a powerful reminder of resilience, friendship, and the strength that can come from adversity.

Desiree has experienced both the highs and lows that life can bring. After her parents divorced when she was young, she moved several times before graduating from Verona High School in Wisconsin. Determined to build a strong future, she began college at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her degree in just four years.

Following college, Desiree met Kris Canto, and the two eventually married and started a family. But what should have been one of the happiest chapters of her life quickly turned into a season of heartbreak. Around the time their first child was born, Desiree’s mother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Diffuse B-Cell cancer. Soon after, Desiree faced another devastating loss when her father passed away unexpectedly.

Through grief and uncertainty, Desiree found ways to keep moving forward—leaning into motherhood, exercise, and her work as sources of strength and stability.

In 2024, Desiree’s journey took another turn when a close friend, Jessica Salmonowicz, was diagnosed with leukemia for the second time. Desiree, along with a strong circle of friends and community members, rallied around Jessica in a powerful show of love and support.

Today, Desiree is helping lead Team Unstoppable, a fundraising campaign for Blood Cancer United, raising awareness and funds for blood cancer research. This is an inspiring episode about perseverance, community, and showing up when it matters most. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Jessica Salmonowicz to the Buck and Honey’s remote studios. In this powerful episode Jessica, a two-time leukemia survivor will share her  story that is filled with grit, hope, and unwavering determination.

Jessica’s journey began on November 25, 2011, when a young, vibrant former college soccer player noticed something didn’t feel right. While playing in a recreational soccer league, she suddenly felt unusually sluggish and drained. Trusting her friend's suggestions and her instincts, Jessica went to see her doctor. Within days, her life changed forever—she was admitted to the hospital and began treatment for leukemia.

During that first battle, Jessica leaned on an incredible support system. Her then-boyfriend Bill, who would later become her husband, stood by her side. She also drew strength from her family and the encouragement of her teaching colleagues, who rallied around her when she needed it most. After fighting her way through that diagnosis, Jessica didn’t just move forward—she became passionate about giving back, raising awareness, and helping fund research to support others facing blood cancer.

Then, on July 25, 2024, life delivered another unexpected challenge. Now a married mother of two boys, Jessica went in for routine bloodwork before a medical procedure. That test revealed something she never expected to hear again: a second leukemia diagnosis.

With a new perspective and even stronger purpose, Jessica chose to fight once more. Today, she is joining forces with friends through Team Unstoppable, a fundraising campaign supporting Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

Jessica’s story is a reminder that no matter how hard life hits, it is possible to survive—and thrive. You won't want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN'T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Ken Penfield to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. In January 2025, the Penfield family would experience a tragedy no family should have to go through. Their oldest child, Kay, passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Their lives would be changed forever. 

Ken courageously shares his story about the events that led to that fateful day. Speaking from the heart and fearlessly vulnerable, he walks us through the ups and downs of Kay’s life, talents, achievements, struggles, and the battles they fought since high school. Kay is not defined by their final days, but a life that was full of hope.

This heart-wrenching story is not just about a grieving father, but now a passionate advocate for awareness, prevention, and screening. His mission is to help other families, educators, and members of the community recognize the warning signs, stop the stigma surrounding mental health, and create spaces where young people feel accepted, heard, and supported.

This episode is not just about the loss of a child and sibling. It’s about grieving, coping, and the importance of open conversations about youth mental health. Ken’s story is powerful and deeply moving. If sharing his family's pain can save a life, then Ken’s and Kay’s story will continue to make an impact in the world. You won’t want to miss this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791. CAN’T WAIT!!!

On this episode of Survive and Thrive 8791, I welcome Scott Mooney to the Buck and Honey’s remote studios. Scott joins the podcast to share a side of business ownership that’s rarely talked about—the emotional weight of caring deeply for the people you employ. As a successful restaurant owner, Scott has built his career on relationships, but with that connection comes a quiet struggle many leaders carry: when employees struggle with life, it can take a real toll on the person leading them.

Scott grew up in Racine, Wisconsin, and after high school began working at Big Mike’s Super Subs. What started as a job became a career as he grew alongside the company. In the early 2000s, Big Mike’s began franchising and rebranded as Milio’s Sandwiches, expanding across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Scott was part of that growth, gaining experience not just in operations, but in people.

In 2015, Scott took a leap of faith—leaving the corporate side to open his own Milio’s location in Waunakee, a fast-growing community just north of Madison. The store thrived, fueled by strong relationships with employees and a culture built on trust and care. But as years passed, Scott found himself emotionally affected when past and present employees faced personal struggles, hardships, and life-changing challenges.

In this conversation, Scott opens up about the mental and emotional strain that can come with compassionate leadership. He shares the coping strategies that help him navigate that pain, the importance of boundaries, and how the support of his wife has been essential in carrying the load. This episode offers honest insight and practical wisdom for any business owner who cares deeply—and sometimes struggles—when their employees do too.