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

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach Sean McGann to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Coach McGann is in his 7th season as the varsity head boys basketball coach at Sauk-Prairie High School, with students from Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, WI and surrounding areas.

This episode marks part three of our five-part series following the life of a varsity boys basketball coach, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional highs and lows that come with leading a high school program. In this installment, we continue our journey with Sauk-Prairie head coach Sean McGann as the Eagles navigate the opening stretch of a demanding season in the competitive Badger Small Conference.

Over winter break, Sauk-Prairie played in the prestigious Sentry Classic at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. The Eagles won their first game before dropping a tight contest against Stevens Point. After winter break, Sauk-Prairie jumped back into Badger Small Conference play, falling in a hard-fought battle with McFarland and experiencing their first two-game losing streak of the season.

Stoughton High School nearly pushed that streak to three; however, senior Boden Breunig drained a game-winning shot to propel the Eagles past the Vikings. That victory sparked the Eagles’ current five-game winning streak. Sauk-Prairie hopes to keep its momentum as the team grinds through the second half of the season. We will visit with Coach McGann just before the postseason begins at the end of February.

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Angie Chaplin to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. On Groundhog’s Day 2026, Angie will celebrate six years of sobriety—a milestone that powerfully illustrates how alcohol use disorder can affect anyone, regardless of background or success. Angie grew up in Decorah, Iowa, where she was academically strong and deeply involved in extracurricular activities as a Decorah Viking. As the child of a teacher in a small town, she felt constant pressure to do the “right thing” and stay out of trouble, believing there was little room to make mistakes without being noticed.

After graduating from high school, Angie attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where she met her future husband and the father of her two sons. Driven and capable, she went on to wear many hats throughout her professional career, eventually earning her master’s degree from Seton Hall University. On the surface, Angie’s life reflected achievement and stability. Beneath it, however, she was quietly battling long-standing depression.

Running became her first coping mechanism, a way to manage stress and emotional pain. Life’s challenges mounted in what Angie referred to as her “dark decade” (2010-2020). She lost a job she really valued, a close friend lost her battle with cancer, and her marriage began to unravel. Alcohol use gradually replaced healthier outlets, becoming a primary tool for coping. What began as a way to numb pain eventually led to serious consequences, including multiple hospitalizations and encounters with the legal system. Those moments became turning points, forcing Angie to confront her relationship with alcohol and the direction of her life. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Today, nearly six years sober, Angie has reclaimed her life with clarity and purpose. She is the Founder and Author of The Way Onward, a leadership and recovery program designed to equip professionals with practical tools to help others rebuild life skills, resilience, and hope. Angie’s story is one of accountability, growth, and the belief that meaningful change is always possible.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Freddie Owens to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios for part two of a powerful two-part series that explores his life, legacy, and the journey that shaped him. Freddie goes deeper into his journey and the upcoming release of his memoir, Echoes of Stark Park: Lessons on Resilience, Growth and the Journey to Legacy. The book tells the story of a young man growing up on the tough streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the place that became a constant source of structure, hope, and belonging—Stark Park.

Stark Park was more than just a place to play basketball. It was where Freddie learned life lessons through Milwaukee Public Schools–sponsored activities, formed lifelong friendships, and found mentors who helped guide him through an environment marked by addiction, violence, and the ever-present sound of gunfire. Many of the people Freddie grew up alongside faced the same challenges he did, and not all of them found the same path forward. Those experiences shaped his perspective, his resilience, and his sense of responsibility to give back.

Freddie’s time at Stark Park laid the foundation for his success at Milwaukee Washington High School, where he helped lead the program to two state runner-up finishes. His standout high school career earned him a Division I scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where he became part of multiple Big Ten championship teams and left an indelible mark on Badger basketball history.

In this conversation, Freddie reflects on how sports, family, and community helped shape his legacy. His memoir weaves together themes of resilience, personal growth, and family pride—offering readers an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to rise above circumstances and create something meaningful from where you started.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Freddie Owens to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios for part one of a powerful two-part series that explores his life, legacy, and the journey that shaped him.

Freddie grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the oldest of ten brothers and sisters, in a household filled with love, uncertainty, and at times, chaos. Raised in a city marked by both opportunity and challenge, Freddie found structure, safety, and purpose through sports and activities sponsored by Milwaukee Public Schools. Much of his childhood unfolded at Stark Park—a place that became far more than just a neighborhood park. During long summer days, Stark Park was where Freddie and his friends gathered, competed, learned, and dreamed. It was also where he began to hone the basketball skills that would change his life.

Those hours on the court carried him to Milwaukee Washington High School, where he followed in the footsteps of his parents, both former players. Freddie would go on to help lead Washington to two state championship appearances, earning recognition as one of the city’s top players. His talent and work ethic caught the attention of the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a scholarship and joined the Badgers men’s basketball program.

At Wisconsin, Freddie became part of three Big Ten championship teams and etched his name into Badger history with “The Shot”—the game-winning basket against Tulsa in the NCAA Tournament that sent Wisconsin to the Sweet 16.

In this episode, Freddie reflects on his upbringing, the lessons learned at Stark Park, and the foundation that shaped his resilience. We also preview his upcoming memoir, Echoes of Stark Park: Lessons on Resilience, Growth, and the Journey to Legacy, set for release in February 2026.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Jordan Becker to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Jordan Becker, whose story is a raw and honest look at struggle, resilience, and the power of choosing a different path. Jordan left high school at a young age and eventually left home, stepping into adulthood early and learning how to survive before learning how to truly live. He entered the workforce working in a nursing home before finding his professional passion in construction at just eighteen years old—a trade that gave him purpose, structure, and pride.

Behind the scenes, however, Jordan was carrying a heavy internal load. Anxiety, depression, and a constant state of fear shaped much of his daily life. Alcohol slowly became his primary coping mechanism. What began as casual drinking gradually turned into nightly dependence, quietly consuming his routines, his relationships, and his sense of self. As his drinking escalated, the strain on his family life became impossible to ignore.

Eventually, Jordan leaned into the people who knew him best—his family. Their encouragement and unwavering support challenged him to take a hard look at his habits and the direction his life was heading. On April 13, 2025, Jordan made a life-altering decision and began his journey into sobriety.

Sobriety opened doors Jordan never expected. With clarity and purpose, he published a book and authored a practical field manual focused on self-improvement, discipline, and personal accountability. Today, Jordan shares his story in hopes that it resonates with those who feel trapped, overwhelmed, or unsure if change is possible—offering proof that healing, growth, and a new beginning can start with a single decision.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Tami Schiltz to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. At a young age, Tami Schiltz began to struggle with body awareness and self-comparison—challenges that quietly shaped how she saw herself for years to come. While she was never directly compared to her older sister, the praise her sister received left a lasting impression. Tami internalized those comments and began measuring herself against someone she believed she needed to become. Wanting to feel seen in the same way, she turned to exercise videos at a young age, hoping to change her body and earn that same approval.

As she grew older, her focus shifted not only to movement but also to food. A single negative comment from another student altered her relationship with eating, planting the seeds for unhealthy patterns that followed her into adolescence. Despite finding confidence and success on the dance team and the softball field, the mental comparisons never fully went away. On the outside, Tami was thriving—but internally, she continued to battle body dysmorphia.

After high school, Tami pursued her passion for health and fitness through college and graduate studies in dietetics. Her education allowed her to work in multiple roles across the health and wellness field, yet true healing came later—when she became a mother. With the birth of her first child, Tami stopped trying to “fix” her body and instead began building trust with it. That mindset shift changed everything.

Today, Tami is the owner of F45 Training on the west side of Madison, Wisconsin—a global fitness and lifestyle gym rooted in strength, community, and self-acceptance. Through her story, Tami hopes to help others break free from body comparison, heal their relationship with food, and find confidence in their own skin.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Mary Baliker to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. At just nine years old, Mary Baliker’s life changed forever when her health began to rapidly decline. Doctors were initially puzzled, struggling to understand what was happening inside her young body. Eventually, Mary was diagnosed with C3G, a rare and aggressive kidney disease. The prognosis was devastating—she was given just one year to live. But Mary’s story would become one of extraordinary resilience, faith, and perseverance.

Through countless treatments and hospital visits, Mary fought for her life. In her late teens, she received a life-saving kidney transplant from her brother, offering renewed hope and a second chance at life. Unfortunately, the disease returned, causing her to lose that donated kidney. What followed was a journey few could imagine—three additional kidney transplants, each representing another battle won. Remarkably, her most recent donated kidney has lasted for more than two decades, a testament to medical advancement and Mary’s unwavering determination.

Mary’s experiences transformed her purpose. As a transplant recipient, she became a passionate advocate for organ donation—not only after death, but through living donation. She now uses her voice to educate others on the life-changing power of saying “yes” to donation.

In addition to her advocacy work, Mary is also the author of Maria Never Gives Up and Are You Brave Like Me?, children’s books inspired by her own journey growing up with chronic illness. Today, Mary is committed to improving healthcare equity, patient outcomes, and quality of life for others facing similar challenges.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Roman “Ray” Muller to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Ray Muller was a towering presence in Wisconsin high school basketball during the 1984–85 season, leaving a legacy that still resonates in the Wisconsin Dells community. A 7-foot center for the Wisconsin Dells Chiefs, Ray dominated both ends of the court, leading his team to an impressive 21–3 record. Averaging more than 21 points per game and pulling down double-digit rebounds, he quickly established himself as one of the most formidable players in the state. His standout season earned him multiple All-State honors and opened the door to collegiate basketball opportunities.

Ray began his college career at Marquette University in Milwaukee, but a coaching change led him to reassess his path. Determined to continue developing his game and pursue another Division I opportunity, he transferred to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. There, Ray honed his skills and showcased his potential, which ultimately caught the attention of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Accepting a scholarship, Ray would go on to be part of the 1990 Ball State Cardinals team that finished the season 26–7 and made a memorable run to the NCAA Sweet 16—a team later inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

In this episode, Ray also reflects on the profound impact of his high school basketball coach, Jack Capelle. Coach Capelle’s belief in Ray went beyond the gym, installing a basketball hoop at the Muller family hotel and setting daily challenges—like touching the rim 30 times a day—that fueled Ray’s work ethic and growth. Those early lessons helped shape Ray into one of the greatest basketball players in Wisconsin Dells history.

Today, Ray and his family reside in Indiana, but with retirement on the horizon, he and his wife hope to one day return to the Wisconsin Dells, where his remarkable journey first began.

On the next episode of Survive & Thrive 8791, I welcome Varsity Head Boys Basketball Coach Sean McGann to the Buck & Honey’s remote studios. Coach McGann is in his 7th season as the varsity head boys basketball coach at Sauk-Prairie High School, with students from Sauk City and Prairie du Sac, WI and surrounding areas.

This episode marks part two of our five-part series following the life of a varsity boys basketball coach, offering an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional highs and lows that come with leading a high school program. In this installment, we continue our journey with Sauk-Prairie head coach Sean McGann as the Eagles navigate the opening stretch of a demanding season in the competitive Badger Small Conference.

The year began with momentum, as the Eagles jumped out to a strong start with three consecutive wins, building confidence and early chemistry. That momentum was tested with their first loss of the season against Lake Mills, a program that has enjoyed significant recent success and set a high bar for conference play. What followed were two unforgettable back-to-back overtime games that would challenge not only the players, but the emotional resilience of the coaching staff.

First came a thrilling 82–80 overtime victory against Mount Horeb, a game highlighted by an incredible 58-point performance from Vikings senior guard Josh Manchester. Just four days later, Sauk-Prairie traveled to Monroe to face the Cheesemakers. Despite holding multiple double-digit leads throughout the game, the Eagles were unable to close it out, ultimately falling in overtime—a tough lesson in composure, execution, and growth.

In this episode, Coach McGann reflects on how he processed these emotional swings, communicated with his players, and leaned on his assistant coaches as the team headed into winter break. You’ll hear how setbacks become teaching moments, how wins are kept in perspective, and what it truly takes to lead young athletes through adversity. This is an honest look at coaching beyond the scoreboard—where leadership, emotion, and growth take center stage.

On this episode of Survive & Thrive 8791 Podcast, I welcome Dr. Toby Campbell to the Buck & Honey's remote studios. Dr. Campbell is an oncologist specializing in lung cancer and palliative care at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, where he has been a trusted physician, educator, and advocate since 2007.

Dr. Campbell’s journey into medicine began far from Wisconsin. He grew up in both Oregon and rural Virginia, experiences that helped shape his grounded, compassionate approach to care. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Virginia, where he earned his undergraduate degree and continued on to complete medical school. He later completed his residency at the University of Wisconsin and a fellowship at Northwestern University, bringing together a wealth of training and perspective that now informs his work with patients facing serious illness.

For more than a decade, Dr. Campbell has focused not only on treating disease, but on the human side of medicine—particularly the complex, once-in-a-lifetime conversations that occur when discussing serious diagnoses, end-of-life care, and organ donation. For the past twelve years, he has studied how patients, families, and physicians navigate these deeply emotional moments, and what helps people cope when the stakes are highest.

In April 2025, Dr. Campbell expanded this work beyond the exam room by launching his podcast, Extraordinary Conversations, where he explores meaningful dialogue, vulnerability, and connection in organ donation & healthcare and in life.

In this episode, Dr. Campbell shares the coping strategies that sustain him as he regularly delivers difficult news, the lessons he’s learned from patients and families, and how honest, compassionate conversations can bring clarity, comfort, and humanity—even in life’s hardest moments.