When you're winning awards for crushing company goals, chosen to lead and mentor, and generating millions of dollars in revenue, the last thing you'd expect is to be terminated.

Laura Krauss was blindsided.

This politically charged layoff, rendered right before the holidays without even the courtesy of a face-to-face meeting left Laura bitter and grieving.

Even her closest colleagues stopped talking to her.

In dire need of connection, she began posting on LinkedIn, and her message struck a nerve with others who were also grappling with the aftermath of an abrupt termination.

In a true case of pain turning into purpose, Laura created a free online community, "The Layoff Cooties Couch," and her book The Layoff Cooties: It's Them, Not You is helping many navigate the emotional trauma of a layoff.

Because it's not just business. It IS personal.

Find out more about Laura's work and book at www.rippleeffectsales.com.

He always felt "different." 

His entire life? A quest to get to the bottom of what fueled chronic anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse. 

Appearances are deceiving. A high performer who enjoyed top-tier professional success, David Wetherelt masked his inner pain. The constant "extra steps of mental gyrations" necessary to fit in proved exhausting, ending in hospitalization. 

His story took a dramatic turn when at age 58 he received a life-changing diagnosis: autism. Finally, like Dorothy's world turning to technicolor when she arrived in Oz, David could understand the "why" behind a lifetime of overwhelming feelings leading to self-destructive behaviors. 

Managing life in a new, healthy way, David is now a speaker and advocate to raise awareness of neurodiversity and remove the stigma from spectrum disorders.

The relief of finally being diagnosed has led to profound self-acceptance, and his heart to help others led to the formation of www.homosystemus.com. 

What if you or someone you know struggles with addiction or self-hatred from not "fitting in"? What if the issue isn't laziness, stupidity, or lack of self-control? What if, like David, a proper diagnosis could be the truth that sets you free? 

David's story proves that it is never too late to have your breakthrough. 

For those struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help and call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

He just celebrated the 9th anniversary of his last suicide attempt.

Survivor's guilt tormented Sarah Smith.

Meeting Lance Cibik, you'd think the world was his oyster. Well-spoken, charming, attractive, educated...

"Let me die or find me a reason for living."

The minute you hear her voice you know you're experiencing an otherworldly gift.

She's worked with Academy Award-winning actors, taught at Yale, and rubbed shoulders with the New York elite.

But a psychotic break nearly ended her life.

A toxic mixture of acid and marijuana unleashed latent mental illness and insights, "I wasn't ready for."

Catching up to herself; refusing to give in to the darkness; and embracing her innate spiritual gifts have given Lynn Singer a unique platform.

She helps people find their authentic voices.

"Your voice broadcasts a blueprint of your spirit," she shares in this intriguing interview.

Learn more about Lynn's work at lsvoicworks.com.

The ideas and opinions shared by guests on The Alchemy of Pain are theirs alone and do not reflect the host/producer of this program.

She was celebrating the end of the school day and running toward her mother when a taxicab struck 11-year-old Michelle Kuei.

Catapulted 100 feet by the impact, she spent the next four years in and out of hospitals. Rehab was grueling, but the pre-teen years presented the greatest challenge.

"Do I even belong here?"

Shorter and walking with a limp, Michelle so desperately wanted to fit in she'd wear stockings and pants on stifling hot days, just to hide the scars that shamed her. Facing the rejection of her peers eventually triggered a rebellious, "I'll just be weird" persona that also didn't quite "fit."

After a series of failed relationships, Michelle's true "Aha!" happened in her 40's. "I finally decided to treasure myself."

That decision led to baby steps...first a Pilates ball...then a fitness coach...then...

She decided to climb Machu Picchu using her CRUTCHES. Each step was a push-up, but once accomplished, she would never be the same. "I knew there was more for me."

Learn about how Michelle reclaimed hope and built a life that inspires. If you've ever been bullied or felt like you didn't "fit in" in this world, you'll be encouraged by this episode.

Discover more about Michelle Kuei's work as a marketing coach, motivational speaker, and author at www.elevatelifecoaching.org.