We're back from a longer than planned break and with a new look! "The Story Hollow," formerly known as the AID Podcast, has been months in the making. Our new name reflects our mission to create a community—a haven we lovingly call "The Hollow"—where everyone can explore healing and growth at their own pace. Check out Patreon.com/thestoryhollow for more details.

In today's episode, I'm joined by my wife as we begin sharing something very personal: our journey towards starting our family. We decided to share it openly with the world because as we were going through it, we didn’t really have anyone to talk to about it and we felt incredibly alone. Our hope with this series is that if you are going through a fertility journey yourself, the relatability factor helps you, just knowing someone else’s story is similar to yours, and that you’re not alone. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, from debating if we even wanted kids, to aligning on how we'd raise them, and discussing everything from schooling to discipline. We explored the financials, the ins and outs of insurance policy, and spent countless hours finding the perfect doctor and fertility clinic.

Potential Trigger warnings for the series: miscarriages, abortion, references to death, isolation during a pandemic, and the stages of grief. There are also some graphic descriptions of some events.

In this two part episode, I dive into a conversation with guest  storyteller, Shrig, about how an unexpected journey into dog walking  offered her a unique form of healing and the space she needed to process  her trauma. We explore the light-hearted side of healing, blending  personal stories with pop culture references that brought laughter and a  lightness to the discussion. It's a reminder that the path to recovery  from deep-seated pain doesn't always have to be heavy; it can also be  filled with moments of joy, laughter, and a rediscovery of happiness. Join us as Shrig shares how these walks with dogs not only helped her to  move through the past, but also showed her how much she's grown and  that joy can indeed find its way back into our lives.

Potential trigger tags: Religious trauma, domestic abuse, physical abuse.

In this two part episode, I dive into a conversation with guest  storyteller, Shrig, about how an unexpected journey into dog walking  offered her a unique form of healing and the space she needed to process  her trauma. We explore the light-hearted side of healing, blending  personal stories with pop culture references that brought laughter and a  lightness to the discussion. It's a reminder that the path to recovery  from deep-seated pain doesn't always have to be heavy; it can also be  filled with moments of joy, laughter, and a rediscovery of happiness. Join us as Shrig shares how these walks with dogs not only helped her to  move through the past, but also showed her how much she's grown and  that joy can indeed find its way back into our lives.  

Potential trigger tags: Religious trauma, domestic abuse, physical abuse.

In this finale episode, I take a moment to reflect on my journey from hardship to happiness and the growth that happened to me along the way. From a childhood marked by instability, poverty, and scarcity to having security in my home, my family, and most importantly, myself, this story is a testament to the power of self-belief and resilience. I share the significant shifts in my life that occurred once I started to see challenges as opportunities for growth and how choosing to believe in myself unlocked paths I had never imagined possible. As I narrate the trials and transformations, my hope is to inspire you to recognize your own strength and potential. Regardless of where you start, what matters most is where you decide to go and the belief in yourself to get there.   

Potential trigger tags: Dental trauma, hardships of poverty, and a brief reference to an abusive outburst.

In this reflective episode, I explore the twists of fate that have shaped my life. From a pivotal motorcycle accident that redirected my path, to the serendipitous connections that led to meeting significant figures in my life, including the love of my life at a preschool job I took after the accident. I delve into the pressures of societal expectations and my own intense drive to prove those who didn't believe in me wrong, which influenced so many of my life decisions. This narrative intertwines chance encounters with my deliberate choices, revealing the profound impact of embracing life’s unpredictable paths. Join me as I explore how each choice and each road taken has led me to a life of deep fulfillment and to what I dreamed it would be.

Potential trigger tags: Controlling relationships

This episode shares the start of my journey to self-worth and resilience. Despite a seemingly comfortable childhood, I often felt alienated, and my world turned upside down after my parents' divorce. Effectively being kidnapped by my mother and relocated to another state introduced me to significant hardships and instability. This episode lays the foundation and the context to a large part of my growth as a human being and the beginnings of the belief that everything happens for a reason, even if we don't quite know it yet.

Join us for the first ever video interview where we dive into the transformative journey of a late-in-life lesbian who shares her coming out story and the path to discovering her authentic self. Our guest opens up about the challenges she faced, the process of self-acceptance, and the impact of embracing her true identity later in life. Through her narrative, we explore the nuances of finding one's place in the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of living truthfully, and the profound changes that come with aligning with one's deepest self. Join us for an inspiring conversation about love, identity, and the courage to be oneself.  

Potential trigger tags: Infidelity

In this narration, I revisit the shadows of my past in the final chapter of my transformation from hiding my true self to living authentically. New discoveries lead to unexpected confrontations and revelations, and my journey through love, betrayal, and self-discovery unfolds in the shadows. These events wind up challenging everything I know about myself and those closest to me. Further secrets come to light, forcing me to question my understanding of love and self, pushing me down the road of deeper self-discovery and igniting a light with every step I take. Through these trials, I learn the importance of authenticity, protecting my mental health, and the power of community support, culminating in a message of hope and resilience for the future.  

Potential trigger tags: infidelity, sexual assault, cutting, gaslighting, depression, physical and emotional abuse, and abandonment

In this episode, I take you on a continued journey through my high school years, where I hid my true self as a lesbian, conforming to societal norms while secretly dating women. It was a time of shadows, fear, and pretending to fit in. It wasn't easy, but eventually I found the courage to step out of the darkness, breaking down the closet door to embrace my identity. I faced bullying, lost friends who wouldn't accept me, and felt alone. Yet, in that darkness, I found chosen family and friends who embraced me for who I am. Join me as I share my story of resilience, allowing me to find love, acceptance, and ultimately, the beginnings to finding myself.  

Potential trigger tags: depression, suicide, cutting, physical and emotional abuse, and abandonment

In this compelling podcast episode, we delve into the beginning of a transformative journey of embracing authenticity and the empowering experience of coming out of the closet. From navigating societal expectations to finding self-acceptance, this episode kicks off a series that celebrates the resilience and courage of those who bravely share their authentic identities with the world.  

Potential trigger tags: depression, suicide, cutting, physical and emotional abuse, and abandonment