Surviving the Suck

Warning: emotional episode

I had a horrible day and this was one way I could cope with it. You are on this journey with me, so I felt it was only fair to share the reality of "the suck" with you. Keep fighting, I'm right there with you.

Ketsia Faraja is such a light to this world. She is truly one of the kindest, loving, genuine people I know. She was there for me through some of my darkest moments and I can't wait for you to hear from her.

In this episode, she teaches US how to survive the suck, be genuine, be intentional, and find what we're looking for on the other side of fear.

Caitlyn Lecour is a young scientist, philosopher, writer, and model. After graduating from Augustana College in 2020, she began working on her career and making preparations for graduate school.

At the same time she was preparing for her future, she was surviving in her abusive childhood home. She managed to leave in the winter of 2020 and began therapy during the process. Since leaving, she has cut contact as necessary with her abusive parents and sibling and established her chosen family. She now continues towards her goals of a successful career in science and breaking the cycle of abuse.

Please welcome Caitlyn as we learn to survive the suck together.

*disclaimer: this episode discusses childhood trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges

WOW. Talk about a powerful episode with one of my favorite people, Kevin Atwood (founder of Foster's Voice - Suicide Awareness).

Foster’s Voice was created in the memory of his beloved son, Foster Atwood, who he lost to suicide in 2017. Kevin is a fierce leader and advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He won’t stop fighting for an end to suicide and invites you to join him.

He lives each and every day to be Foster’s voice and to spread love, kindness, and joy to all those who hurt. Because one day, he hopes to see a world without suicide so we may never lose another soul like Foster’s.

Listen in as Kevin shares his story, Foster's story, and how we can change the world together.

Topics related to suicide loss, suicide ideation, mental illness.

Rumaisa Khawaja, also known as Coach Ru, is a warrior and survivor.

She's Certified in Social Emotional Intelligence for Leadership and Coaching and is a First Generation Indian American. When Rumaisa was very young, her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression. Growing up in this environment affected Rumaisa’s perception of self and the world around her, but it also pushed Rumaisa to seek help and later motivated her to assist others in developing positive relationships.

She has built her career helping people achieve dynamic, positive changes in their lives by providing them with meaningful tools to implement day-to-day. Rumaisa has over seventeen years of experience across the country honing her expertise in life and relationship coaching. She's just an incredible human. Not to mention, she's a WARRIOR because she's in her battle with breast cancer as we film this episode. She's strong, insightful, and a force to be reckoned with -- even in the suck.

Trust me, you don't want to miss this one.

Eric Kussin is the founder of We're All A Little "Crazy", a 501c3 non-profit. As a 15-year professional sports executive, Eric uses his experience to bring together athletes, celebrities, and expert practitioners to be part of societal change.

After a successful career that started at the NBA League Office (and led to senior management positions with a number of professional sports teams) Eric’s mental health took a sudden and rapid decline. Due to unresolved personal life traumas, Eric developed a severe bout of PTSD, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This fall came essentially “out of nowhere” and left him almost permanently in bed, and with severe cognitive impairment, for just over two and a half years. Once he found a way to climb out of his abyss, he vowed to spend the rest of his life focused on changing the global conversation through mental health advocacy.

Check out his organization here: https://samehereglobal.org

Ben Bruster is one of my favorite people. He's an author, a creative, a comedian, and a full-time world changer. By his example, he's taught me how to survive the suck by allowing himself to be seen for who he is, exactly as he is. So, let the light shine. Remember, storms don't last forever.

Check out his blog piece referenced in this episode: https://benbruster.com/2021/06/26/what-ive-always-wanted-to-say/

It's SEASON 2 time and I'm letting the light in. More joy, more color, more beauty. Isn't that what life's about? Join me in a conversation about starting over, the healing journey, and (most importantly) surviving the suck.

Transitioning from season 1 to season 2. I'm excited for this new journey as life continues to change and evolve. Listen to this short episode to hear what has been and what will be. Keep surviving -- I'm rooting for you.

WE ARE BACK! After a much needed break, I'm back to bring you some positivity with Jaawan Arrington. Jaawan is founder of the 100 Series, a brand that uses everyday people to promote positivity, inspiration, and motivation. He's such a joy to this world.

Listen as he shares a bit of his creative journey and finding his way through loss, grief, and (as always) keeping it 100.