The Meaning of Life and Purpose: "I began to realize that what was important was the meaning of life. And I discovered that the meaning of life was not physical, dangerous adventuring. It had to be something else, something deeper, something more impactful. And I found that meaning in giving back in service and using my considerable skills and resources to help solve difficult public problems."

I sit down with John Graham, whose extraordinary life journey has taken him from a quiet upbringing in Tacoma, Washington, to the heart of global adventures and service. Once hooked on adrenaline and danger—from hitchhiking through revolutions to scaling perilous mountains and navigating war zones as a U.S. Foreign Service officer—John Graham found his purpose transformed by the harsh realities and personal reckonings of war, particularly during his pivotal experience in Vietnam.

Now 83, John Graham reflects on how moments of crisis and profound introspection led him to discover a deeper sense of meaning through service, healing, and the pursuit of justice. He shares insights from his journey through PTSD, the importance of community and support, and the shift from self-focused adventure to a life of giving back, including his pivotal role with the Giraffe Heroes Project.

John Graham talks about his techniques for cultivating purpose, overcoming obstacles, and even touches on his remarkable three-year period of mysticism—offering a compelling perspective on what it means to live a life of meaning, courage, and compassion.

Key takeaways for anyone on their own journey:

• A meaningful life is the foundation for fulfillment: True satisfaction doesn’t come from adrenaline or external wins—it comes from service, impact, and giving back to others. Ask yourself regularly if your work and life feel meaningful.
• Start small and persevere: Change and healing happen gradually. Whether you’re overcoming setbacks or searching for purpose, take small steps and be patient with yourself. Even a “red light moment” can prompt deep self-reflection.
• Your skills can serve the world, wherever you are: Service isn’t just about grand gestures; it’s about doing what you can—whether you’re in business, education, or your local community. Lift up the corner of the rug you can reach.

For more stories about sticking your neck out for the greater good, check out the Giraffe Heroes Project at giraffe.org. And if you’re searching for the substance behind your success, never stop asking where your purpose lies.

Mentioned in this episode:

outro

I hope this conversation inspires you to keep advocating for yourself, building community, and believing that it’s possible to find your way back—even if the journey looks nothing like you expected.

Welcome back to The Rescue Room, where real stories and raw conversations meet. I’m Hattie Hawks, your host, and in this episode, I sit down with Marla Miller to talk about the challenging world of chronic illness—especially chronic Lyme disease.

Together, we share our personal journeys—mine as someone who was diagnosed with Lyme disease a year and a half ago, and Marla’s as a mother and advocate who has navigated years of searching for answers, advocating for her family, and learning how to blend Western and functional medicine approaches to healing.

We talk openly about the overwhelm of changing every aspect of our lives, the deep and often overlooked link between trauma and chronic health, and what it’s like to parent children with chronic conditions.

For both Marla and me, the road to feeling seen and heard in the medical system was long—and sometimes lonely.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever had to fight to be understood, who’s wondered if they’re the only one struggling, or who’s curious about how trauma, health, and healing intersect.

Moments

00:00 Seeking alternative health treatments

04:38 Starting fresh after trauma

10:01 Changing lifestyle and focusing on food

10:50 Importance of gut health

14:20 Studying body systems and nutrition

18:27 Supporting a son's mental health

22:57 Parenting challenges and modern stress

24:59 Shifting focus to integrative medicine

30:22 Dealing with social media pressure

31:48 Impact of toxins on health

34:32 Understanding the mind-body connection

39:03 Reflections on healing and gratitude

42:20 Talking about trauma and emotions

47:16 Talking about health care change

50:24 Helping others with treatment options

51:57 Dealing with a health crisis

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic illness often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Western medicine and integrative/functional medicine both play essential roles, but true healing often means becoming your own advocate and exploring beyond the standard protocols.
• Regulating your nervous system is foundational. As Marla Miller shared, calming the body—through community, mindfulness, or lifestyle changes—can directly impact health outcomes, resilience, and the healing journey.
• Prevention and curiosity are essential. Don’t wait for crisis—pay attention to subtle symptoms, trust your intuition, and ask questions. Prevention, not just chasing a cure, should be a focus for individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

Mentioned in this episode:

outro

Get ready for an honest, reflective, and inspiring conversation that opens up new ways of looking at success, service, and true connection.

I’m excited to introduce our guest, Joe DeLoss—former CEO of Hot Chicken Takeover and current owner of Baker Road. Joe’s journey is filled with entrepreneurial drive, emotional growth, and a deep dive into what it means to become our most authentic selves.

Joe and I talk about his own struggles with chasing external validation, the pivotal moments that sparked his inner awareness, and how those lessons now fuel his work at Baker Road, an adventure retreat designed for healing and personal development.

We explore what it means to be the best version of ourselves as men and women, discuss the impact of parenting, and unpack the unique challenges of emotional safety and vulnerability.

Joe also shares his perspective on relationships, the pitfalls of commodified wellness, and why honoring individual paths to healing matters.

Moments

07:47 Personal struggles and self-discovery

16:04 Creating restorative spaces and growth

17:38 Creating transformative outdoor experiences

24:44 Connecting through vulnerability and growth

31:09 Homeschooling and nature-based lifestyle

36:05 Navigating partnership and family life

42:45 Chasing wellness and finding contentment

49:49 Embracing compassion and feminine energy

54:14 Overcoming shame and starting growth

59:03 Finding balance and self-awareness

01:05:35 Navigating empathy and boundaries

01:13:13 Connecting with like-minded practitioners

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

Mentioned in this episode:

outro

This conversation blends heartache and hope, vulnerability and resilience, and of course, some laughter along the way.

Welcome back to another episode of The Rescue Room. I’m Hattie Hawks, your host, and today’s conversation is especially close to my heart. I’m joined by my good friend and former colleague, Olivia Hiltbrand—a fellow journalist whose strength has blown me away over the past few years.

Olivia’s story is powerful: at just 31, and in the middle of a global pandemic, she was diagnosed with leukemia. I remember so vividly when she got that news, and how our newsroom rallied around her. In this episode, Olivia opens up about everything from the shock of her diagnosis and what it was like navigating treatment during COVID-19, to the ways it changed her marriage, her outlook on life, and how much caregivers go through that people often don’t see.

We get real about what it means to deal with medical debt, how Olivia channeled her empathy and drive to advocate for others, and the day-to-day realities of living with the uncertainties that come after cancer. Olivia is now a lawyer, using her story and her voice to make change—not just for herself, but for those who will follow her. She’s raising money for blood cancer research, fighting for policy reform, and offering a hand to anyone going through similar trenches.

I’m so grateful to share this space with Olivia—and if you’re looking for inspiration, community, or just a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you.

Here are my top 3 takeaways from her story:

1. Resilience can look different for each of us. Olivia shared how her diagnosis changed her relationship with herself and her priorities, making her even more determined to show up for others.
2. Advocacy isn’t just about your own story. Olivia has pushed for medical debt fairness and taken part in fundraising efforts, actively working to make things better for other cancer patients, even when her own journey was challenging.
3. Finding connection and support is vital. Whether it’s through patient communities, professional networks, or simply reaching out, Olivia stressed how talking with others who “get it” is an essential part of moving forward after trauma.

Blood Cancer United Employee Matching Gifts link

Olivia's FB

Olivia's LinkedIn

Olivia's Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser

Moments

00:00 "Olivia's Journey: Fighting Cancer"

05:49 "Diagnosis Fear During COVID"

06:57 "Preparing for Difficult Diagnosis"

10:45 Blurry Memories During Illness

13:56 Cancer Remission & Ongoing Anxiety

17:02 Medical Debt Relief Measures

21:46 United for Blood Cancer Awareness

25:31 Increased Appreciation and Awareness

29:14 "Moving Forward Through Adversity"

30:45 Work-Life Balance Priorities

36:25 Healing Through Shared Experiences

37:36 Support Through Life's Disruptions

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

Mentioned in this episode:

outro

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, or searching for some sense of peace, I hope this episode helps remind you: you’re not alone, and even in the hardest moments, healing is possible.

Welcome back to The Rescue Room, where real stories and raw conversations make space for all of us to feel seen and understood. I’m Hattie Hawks, your host—and in this episode, I’m sitting down with Chicago-based clinical psychologist Dr. Alexandra Kutnick to talk through something that’s weighing heavily on so many of us: the emotional and mental impact of the Epstein Files.

We’re diving into what’s happening inside as we process these explosive court records and investigative documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein and the federal sex trafficking case, and what it means when there’s so little accountability for such high-profile crimes. Dr. Kutnick shares what she’s hearing from her own patients—how rage, numbness, and helplessness are everywhere, and how old traumas can be triggered all over again by stories like this.

Together, we’ll talk about how to navigate the relentless news updates, the unique ways men and women process traumatic information, and why having hope—no matter how hard it is—remains at the core of healing. I’ll also open up about my own journey as a journalist and mindset coach, and why creating a space for honest conversation matters now more than ever.

Moments

00:00 "Understanding Trauma and Epstein Files"

03:28 Epstein Case and High-Profile Names

08:02 Managing and Understanding Personal Rage

10:55 "Understanding Emotional Differences"

15:39 "Growth, Trauma, and Fear"

19:01 "Understanding Flaws and Helplessness"

22:00 Healing Requires Hope and Optimism

24:57 "Reflections on Empathy and Journalism"

28:20 Managing Anxiety Through Body Awareness

30:35 "Managing News Consumption Boundaries"

34:21 Media's Evolving Impact on Connection

38:11 Managing Trauma and Emotional Overload

40:49 Grace and Embracing Emotions

43:52 "Collective Healing Through Challenges"

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone who’s been feeling the weight of the headlines lately:

1. Name Your Feelings, Don’t Suppress Them: Both Dr. Alexandra Kutnick and I emphasize that allowing your emotions to have “their day” (instead of pushing them down) brings relief and self-understanding. Suppressed feelings can come out sideways as irritability or anxiety—naming what’s happening is freeing.
2. Nervous System Regulation Starts in the Body: The conversation highlighted that nervous system care actually begins with physical practices. Simple breathwork, body scans, gentle movement, and pausing after consuming difficult news help anchor us and calm our minds.
3. Boundaries Are Essential—Especially With the News: With 24/7 scrolling and constant exposure to traumatic headlines, it’s vital to set limits. It’s okay to step back for your own wellness, and checking in with yourself after immersing in information is key.

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

This conversation is for anyone facing their own tough chapters or wanting to understand what it really means to walk through fire—and come out stronger.

In this episode of The Rescue Room, I sit down with former Columbus firefighter Jason Vincent for a conversation that’s stuck with me for years. Jason’s story first impacted me during my days as a news reporter, and I’m revisiting it now to shed light on the very real dangers firefighters face—including cancer linked to toxic chemicals trapped in their gear.

Jason walks me through not just his battle with cancer, but nearly two years of life turned upside down—dealing with isolation, shifting relationships, and the hard realities of recovery. He doesn’t shy away from the truth, sharing how trauma, vulnerability, and even struggles with alcoholism continued to shape his life long after the chemo ended.

What unfolds is a raw discussion about empathy, the challenges of healing both body and mind, and the importance of talking openly—even when it’s uncomfortable. Jason and I dive into the nuances of support, resilience, and the idea that “no feeling is final.”

I invite you to listen in as we explore what it means to truly rescue ourselves and each other, here in The Rescue Room.

Moments

00:00 Firefighters, Cancer, and Their Gear

05:22 Firefighter Reflections on Mortality

07:23 Aging, Illness, and Unexpected Connections

11:36 Cancer, Isolation, and Firehouse Bonds

13:48 Struggling Through Isolation

17:40 Navigating Hard Conversations Progress

23:10 "Excuses, Regret, and Self-Reflection"

26:26 "Cancer, Friends, and Gratitude"

29:06 Everyone Has Problems

33:29 "Second Chance at Sobriety"

34:32 Addiction's Daily Struggles

38:18 "Flashbacks and Time Travel"

42:20 "Somatic Healing Through Feeling"

47:27 "Sharing Authentically Inspires Growth"

50:44 Firefighters Fight for Promised Benefits

53:04 Journalists Uphold Accountability

55:40 Firefighters: Struggles and Support

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

If you’re searching for real talk about resilience, a holistic take on wellness, or simply want to hear how one man’s journey has made a lasting impact far beyond the fire service, this conversation is for you.

Welcome back to The Rescue Room.

In today’s episode, I get the chance to sit down with Mark Rine, someone whose story has never left me since I first interviewed him years ago when I worked in local news.

Mark Rine was a Columbus firefighter diagnosed with terminal cancer, and not only did he defy all the doctors’ expectations, but he also sparked a movement that changed how firefighters across the country approach cancer prevention—through better gear cleaning, health habits, and awareness.

During our conversation, Mark Rine opens up about surviving through unimaginable odds, navigating both conventional and holistic treatments, and finding the strength to reshape his life, his family’s lifestyle, and his career.

He talks about leaning on faith, building new routines on a farm with his family, and using his experience to guide and encourage others who are facing their own battles.

In this powerful episode, we explore how adversity can open new doors and reveal a deeper purpose—both for ourselves and those we love.

Moments

00:00 "Immunity Therapy vs. Chemotherapy"

06:23 "Finding Strength Through Struggles"

15:10 Discipline and Healing Through Diet

17:37 "Parasites, Health, and Immunity Insight"

24:38 "How Cancer Changed Everything"

31:21 "Challenging Status Quo in Healthcare"

34:50 "Faith, Friendship, and Testimony"

41:36 "Why I Relate to John"

47:28 Firefighters, Cancer, and Awareness

53:16 "Firefighters' Awareness and Precautions"

58:43 "Gardening, Gifts, and Purpose"

59:17 Amish-Inspired Sustainable Farming Practices

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone facing adversity or seeking to live with more intention:

1. Resilience and Purpose-Driven Living: Mark’s story is a testament to the power of mindset. Even faced with a terminal diagnosis, he focused on living intentionally, seeking knowledge about his options, and finding ways to serve others—including fellow firefighters at risk.
2. The Importance of Holistic Health: Mark shares how detoxing, adopting a whole-foods diet, reevaluating lifestyle factors, and even being open to alternative medicine gave his body a fighting chance—sometimes, we need to think beyond standard solutions for our health.
3. Drawing Strength from Community and Faith: Mark emphasizes the life-changing impact of a supportive family, faith, and service. His daily routine centers on prayer, study, and uplifting others, which has been crucial for navigating ongoing challenges and shaping a legacy of hope for his family.

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

This conversation is for anyone who’s fought unseen battles, for first responders and their loved ones—or anyone struggling to find hope.

Welcome back to The Rescue Room. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tommy Bolin—a firefighter, survivor, and author—to have a raw and important conversation about emotional growth and battling PTSD.

Tommy spent thirty years in the fire service here in central Ohio, and his journey through trauma, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and even a suicide attempt is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

We dive deep into what it’s really like to live with trauma—the tough moments, the self-medicating, the stigma around asking for help, and those slow paths toward healing that require honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to keep going.

Tommy shares how support from his family and fellow first responders made all the difference, and we talk about the patterns we carry from childhood, how easily we lose ourselves in pain, and what it takes to step into recovery with intention.

I hope you feel less alone as you listen and are reminded that healing is possible, especially when we choose connection and compassion, both for ourselves and others.

Read his book!

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

Whether you’re deep in your own healing or supporting someone you love, my hope is that this conversation encourages you, gives you practical insights, and reminds you: you’re not alone.

Welcome back to another episode of The Rescue Room! I’m Hattie Hawks, and in today’s episode, I’m opening up about my own complex PTSD healing journey, and sitting down once again with trauma expert Dr. Ken Yeager for a candid conversation about what recovery really looks like.

If you’ve ever felt like healing should be simple—or wondered why you can't just “move on”—you’re in the right place. Dr. Yeager and I break down why healing from trauma is such a murky, unpredictable process, and why true recovery involves more than just willpower. We talk about the ways trauma impacts not just our minds, but our physical health—think memory loss, inflammation, and those hidden stress symptoms that so many of us try to power through.

I’ll share how I navigated this confusing path, the moments I felt overwhelmed, and the importance of understanding the science behind my emotions and behavior. Together, we’ll get real about why old patterns are so hard to break, why holistic wellness and western medicine both matter, and why assembling the right support team is absolutely key.

Healing is possible, it just isn’t always a straight line. So get comfortable, take a deep breath, and join us as we talk through the real work of moving forward.

Presented by SERVPRO of Delaware, OH

We are always here to serve our community. Of course, we are available during disasters and emergencies, but we are also very involved in the community. Some of the places you will see us serving are at our local Chamber of Commerce, First Friday, the Red Cross, Source Point, the Delaware County Board of Realtors, and much more.

Follow us on Facebook!

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.

Copyright 2026 Hattie Hawks

If you’ve ever felt tired, wired, or just out of touch with yourself, know that you’re not alone. There’s so much hope and healing available—and I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation.

Welcome to another episode of The Rescue Room! Today, I’m inviting you to join me for an honest conversation about what trauma really does to us—both in our minds and in our bodies. This episode is especially close to my heart, as I share parts of my own healing journey and the ups and downs of navigating life as a trauma survivor.

Dr. Ken Yeager, an expert in trauma care and the creator of the STAR program at OSU, joins me. Together, we break down the science behind how trauma rewires our brains, the subtle and not-so-subtle ways our nervous systems are affected, and why techniques like nervous system regulation and mindfulness are so essential—especially in our fast-paced, high-pressure world.

In this episode, you’ll hear about my personal struggles with slowing down, setting boundaries, and grounding myself when life gets overwhelming. We’ll share practical tips and tools for reconnecting with your body and finding moments of peace, even when everything feels chaotic.

Presented by SERVPRO of Delaware, OH

We are always here to serve our community. Of course, we are available during disasters and emergencies, but we are also very involved in the community. Some of the places you will see us serving are at our local Chamber of Commerce, First Friday, the Red Cross, Source Point, the Delaware County Board of Realtors, and much more.

Follow us on Facebook!

Presented by Nissan North

The Nissan North Team in Columbus Can't Wait to Hear from You!

Our top priority is caring for our customers, so we're always open to hearing your feedback, questions, and comments. Please do not hesitate to contact us immediately with any questions, comments, or inquiries you may have regarding the Nissan North family.

Follow us on Facebook!

If you are looking for some resources to help yourself grow to heal from trauma, please go to my Facebook page. You'll find a set of links there. You'll also be able to see what Mindful Retreats is. It is an experience that helps you to learn more about these tools in real time, along with a little bit of luxury. These are quarterly events that you can sign up to be a part of, or you can join our free community on Skool, called Authentic Connection for Healing. We have space where you can go and find like-minded people who are on that same journey, who are just trying to learn some of these new concepts in order to better their lives.