TRIGGER WARNINGS *brain surgery* *crying*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview Billi Ewing, who shares her journey as a brain tumor survivor. She challenges us to take a look at what self-care looks like in the midst of physical healing, daily obligations, and family challenges.

Hailing from the Gem City, Dayton, OH, Billi Ewing has been a voice to be reckoned with in many ways over her lifetime. A devoted wife & loving mother of 3 beautiful children, Billi is an anointed, accomplished vocalist, motivational speaker, compassionate communitarian, former urban public & charter-school administrator, Wright State University graduate, proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, a proclaimed BEliever and has recently added BRAIN TUMOR SURIVIVOR & ADVOCATE to her extensive list of accomplishments. In 2014, she birthed “Billi’s BElievers – From Tumor to Triumph,” turning a perceived tragedy into a flourishing, faith-filled brain tumor awareness ministry and movement in her community and beyond!

Jeremiah 29:11 holds a special place in her heart, as it is the guiding scripture that has helped her fight her fears with FAITH, always reminding her that what the devil meant for bad, God meant for good!

Trigger warnings: *Accountability* *Invisible Disability* *Putting Yourself Last*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview Sierra Leone. Sierra shares her story about healing as a practice in order to serve others. Sierra is a holistic healer and provides healing services for individuals, couples, and communities. She talks about her journey to becoming a holistic healer, and on that journey she confronts her own traumas, triggers, and brokenness so that she can be effective and have the capacity to use her gift(s) of healing others. Sierra helped Co-Host, KeAnna, work through some of her healing in Fall/Winter of 2020, and was a pivotal support in her getting through a difficult breakup.

An Executive Director, Poet, teaching artist, and entrepreneur Sierra Leone captivates audiences with her unassuming ingenuity, profound insight, and comedic sense of "knowing."

2020 Kennedy Center Artist Fellowship Finalist Nominee, Governor’s Award winner, and writer Sierra Leone is the president and artistic director of OFP Theatre/Production Company. For more than a decade, Ohio has benefitted from Sierra's vision of creative urban arts as a powerful artistic medium to bring communities together across racial, cultural, ideological, and economic divides. Her project “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” presents a hybrid of urban poetry, music, dance, and visual arts from local, regional, and international talent. The show later expanded to include an energetic poetry competition called The Last Poet Standing.

Her work with youth arts organizations, schools, and community organizations has been ongoing through her company’s educational arm, Signature Educational Solutions. Sierra is continuing girls’ empowerment, and she has written and performed commissioned work for many local and national organizations.

Trigger Warnings: *Addiction* *Alcoholism*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna speak with Anna Furderer, a recovering alcoholic who shares vulnerably about active addiction, the impact on her family, and the process of recovery and restoration. She shares about the interrelation between addiction and mental health, recovery and community, and the importance of "doing the work".

Anna is a 500 hour yoga teacher and certified Life Coach. Her passion is helping women in recovery from substance abuse, codependent behavior, and people-pleasing. Anna started her healing journey in 2015 when she made the life-altering decision to get sober. Since then, she has felt a strong pull to be a healer and a helper to others who have lost themselves in one way or another. As a yogi, Anna’s goal is to put her yoga practice into play in ALL areas of her life, including being a wife, a mom, and a supporter of women who want to live intentional lives.

To reach out to Anna: https://linktr.ee/Annafurderer

For support: https://sherecovers.org/

To Attend a Meeting: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_us

Trigger warnings: *Estrangement* *Black Superwoman Syndrome* *Suffering in Silence* *Un-forgiveness*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview Nichole Brooks. Nichole shares her story about healing through a life shattering situation that ultimately made her look in the mirror and reassess herself and how she was showing up. She vulnerably shares a story she hadn’t shared before because of shame, anger, and unforgiveness of self, until one day she finally finds the courage to release it.

And in releasing, she realizes that her story is not so unique. Unfortunately, many women are struggling, suffering in silence, and feeling isolated. Feeling devastated, stuck in a time warp, and dissatisfied with who she was becoming - a resentful woman. Nichole decided she wanted more for her life. That decision led her to find solace, support, acceptance and community. As well as create a mentee group where she pours love and guidance and wisdom to first generation college students trying to navigate the unfamiliar collegiate terrain. Daily, Nichole is evolving, learning to let go, practicing GGF (Grace, Gratitude and Forgiveness) and surrendering to the healing journey; finally, because it’s never too late to SOAR.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: *Sexual Trauma* *Bulimia* *Eating Disorder* *Addiction* *Death*

Kickstarter Runs until 9am EST October 5th

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview Stephanie Hutchins, PhD., author of Transformation After Trauma: Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth, who shares her healing journey from childhood sexual abuse, tragedy, and self-sabotage to coaching others on their healing journey. Her vulnerable stories inspire us to take our own steps forward in the healing journey.

As a college professor teaching about the human body, she continues to be fascinated by the resilience of the mind and body. She guides others in harnessing the power of their mind and body to overcome tremendous hardship brought on by the inevitable stresses of life. Dr. Hutchins combines yoga principles, her knowledge of the human body, and her healing journey to empower others with tools to fuel massive personal and professional growth.

Stephanie helps individuals overcome trauma and cope with stress. She is a Certified Life Coach, Stress Management Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, and Yoga Instructor. She also owns Serotinous Life, a company that helps individuals overcome stressful and traumatic events.

Listeners! This week we have an announcement in place of our regular scheduled episode. We have launched a Kickstarter today and we need your help so we can keep posting these powerful podcast episodes. This is your chance to grab some swag, affirmation cards, and get a shout out on the show! So head over to our Kickstarter page, We are counting on you!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tttpodcast/tears-tides-and-transformation-a-podcast-about-healing

TRIGGER WARNINGS *suicide* *brain tumor survivor* *depression*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview NaAsiaha Simon, affectionately known as Ny, who was born into a close-knit family, so she understands the value of a strong foundation. Ny is has become a mental health advocate and champion for mental health awareness, and says that it was her own personal battles with physical and mental health that sparked the idea as the Founder of the Gem City Selfie Museum, an interactive installation museum using vibrant colors and interactive props to increase mental wellness so people can grow to become their best SELF!

Ny shares her story about healing through many life shifting changes that truly tested her faith and her endurance. She vulnerably shares insights into her exploring her sexuality, finding out and overcoming having a brain tumor and undergoing two brain surgeries, being diagnosed with situational depression, and in the midst of all this still finding joy, peace, and strength.

TRIGGER WARNINGS *suicide* *rejecting societal expectations*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview Christa Smith, who describes herself as a child of God, a empathetic friend, a lover of life, storyteller and self-healer. She is daughter, a sister, an aunt, a mother to Kevin, and the widow of Scott. Christa shares with us her personal healing journey in facing the pain of losing her husband to suicide. Triggered by the loss of a friendship ten years later, Christa found herself facing feelings of abandonment, started in childhood and compounded by her husband's death.

As a tool to heal her own feelings of inadequacy, Christa began vulnerability sharing her story on social media. The impact was more far reaching than she could have imagined. People have reached out to share how hearing her story saved their lives and helped them to feel less alone. On this episode, Christa shares her story, her tears, and her words of wisdom.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: *Abortion* *Doing the “Work”* *Breaking Negative Generational Cycles* *Self Sabotage* *Ultra Independence as a Trauma Response*

In this episode, KeAnna and Bridget interview Paige Walker, who talks about finding purpose in and through the pandemic. She made a choice to be positive through it all and gave herself permission to reassess her life and her why. The pandemic rocked the ground that once felt solid for her, and Paige saw an opportunity to work on herself first, and then to deal with and make hard life decisions in regard to relationships, and then to work ON her business instead of just IN it, and in doing all of these things Paige was able to identify how she should operate that serves her best going forward. 

Paige Walker is a master aesthetician and healer of more than a decade. Through her own traumas, healing, and personal growth she has been able to help others by providing comfort in a safe space. Throughout the years she has developed the skill to meet client’s needs through beauty and beyond. She continues to learn more about herself daily and how to lovingly serve those around her for their highest good.

TRIGGER WARNINGS *cancer* *mother wounds* *setting boundaries*

In this episode, Bridget and KeAnna interview, Vicki Giambrone, who describes herself as a serial connector, working to remain continuously curious. A three time cancer survivor, Vicki began to face the impact of childhood trauma and the trauma of pushing through everything when she found herself facing 60 years old, an age she was told she would never reach. Vicki shares about the process of therapy, changing brain chemistry, and the impact on her family.

Vicki is passionate about her community, her work in health policy and finding ways to improve the health and wellbeing of children living in poverty. As partner at CBD Advisors for the past six years, Vicki is recognized as an expert who can help healthcare and corporate clients successfully navigate strategic issues, policy and politics.

Prior to that, she served as the vice president for strategic partnerships and business development for Dayton Children’s Hospital for 24 years. There, she led the nationally recognized public affairs, advocacy, philanthropy, marketing and physician referral programs and still leads their government relations efforts.

Vicki is active with the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton, Pink Ribbon Girls, Vote for Ohio’s Kids and Groundwork. A two-time graduate of the University of Dayton, she teaches Health Policy in the school of Public Administration. Vicki earned fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives and is board certified in health care administration.

In service to her community, Vicki served for eight years on the Beavercreek City Council including as vice Mayor and Mayor.

And just ask her about her best job ever, being GiGi to her grandkids, Ryker and Mae!