In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell sits down with award-winning photographer Monika Demel and her husband, Matthew Sommerfeldt, as they reflect on Monika's two-time experience with breast cancer.

Monika relays the ups and downs of her experience: receiving her first diagnosis right before Christmas, the difficult decisions regarding her treatment plan, and the parts of cancer recovery that no one talks about. Just as Monika thinks she's in the clear, she learns she needs to have additional surgery to remove the marker placed during her biopsy, followed by the discovery of new, fast-growing tumors and an extensive second surgery and grueling radiation protocol.

Monika and Matthew reflect on the ways that people react to and process difficult news, comparing Monika's preference to work through her diagnosis privately with Matthew's preference to be surrounded by supportive people during his own cancer journey several decades prior. Given their differences in preference, they share tips for how they navigated the experience together, ensuring that they both had outlets to process what was happening.

Monika also reflects on the impact of her diagnosis on her life and work, and the creation of the Brave Pink Warrior project to empower other women facing similar challenges.

https://www.demelportraits.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikademel/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sommerfeldt-858ab315/

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell sits down with Ioana Bazavan, a seasoned cybersecurity professional and coach as she reflects on her journey of "chosen sh#t" leading teams through major security breach recovery efforts. Between the grueling hours, strained relationships and the high-stress environments, Ioana emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and nurturing resilience when navigating turbulent waters.

Ioana shares her experience leading back-to-back breach recovery efforts for Fortune 500 companies, noting that these situations demanded both technical expertise and emotional fortitude. Arriving at a client site to find executives in panic mode, she quickly learns that trust and communication are paramount. As a consultant, she must navigate the delicate balance of offering guidance while being perceived as an outsider, highlighting the necessity of emotional intelligence in leadership, especially during crises.

Ioana reflects on the importance of corporate culture and basic kindness as people are navigating the worst days of their professional lives. She also talks about the importance of expectation setting--at home and at work--and learning how to indirectly influence others by maintaining a calm, consistent presence.

Jen and Ioana discuss parallels between the challenges that occur at work and those that occur in our personal lives, noting that bad things can happen even when preventive measures have been taken. They also discuss the importance of recognizing that "doing one's best" is a moving target and that self-recrimination is a waste of energy.

Ultimately, Ioana's journey through challenging cybersecurity breach recovery projects is a testament to the power of resilience. In sharing her experiences, she demonstrates the breadth and profundity of learning opportunities that can result from choosing to do hard things. Key takeaways include the importance of building relationships, maintaining consistency, having patience and restraint, and recognizing that resilience is forged through adversity.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioanavb 

www.oceanswellopps.com

In the latest episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shira, whose journey of recovery from sobriety, an eating disorder, undiagnosed health conditions, and toxic relationships has become a powerful narrative of hope and authenticity.

Now 23 years sober, Shira emphasizes that achieving sobriety did not automatically lead to a life filled with happiness; rather, it was the beginning of a series of challenges that required continuous introspection and healing. Hers is an ongoing journey of dealing with pain, finding strength in vulnerability and the power of self-worth to break free from cycles of toxicity.

As part of their conversation, Shira reflects on how each challenge prepared her for the next and the small moments--like interventions from friends and her doctor--that played a pivotal role in her recovery. Jen and Shira also discuss the tools that have been important to Shira's recovery, including, self-reflection, boundary-setting, self-advocacy, and surrounding oneself with positive influences.

Throughout her journey, Shira has learned to embrace her voice and authenticity. Now, as a Swiftie influencer, Shira connects with her audience through shared joy, kindness, and music. Her passion for Taylor Swift has not only brought her happiness but has also created a community where she can share her story and inspire others.

Shira's journey from addiction and toxic relationships to embracing her true self is a powerful reminder that resilience and authenticity can lead to profound transformation. Her story illustrates that while life may present challenges, it is possible to rise above them and find joy in community and self-expression. Key takeaways include:

1. Healing is a continuous journey that requires confronting uncomfortable truths.
2. Surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial for growth.
3. Embracing your authenticity can lead to genuine connections and fulfillment.
4. It’s never too late to pursue your passions and reinvent your life.

sherahice.com
[email protected]
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/shira-taylors-version
https://www.tiktok.com/@shiras.version?_r=1&_t=ZP-94f7ZVpGk1P
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DxRWntdYZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t", host Jen McDowell engages in a thoughtful conversation with consultant and former litigator Ursula Taylor. Together, they explore the complexities of conflict and the often-overlooked power of communication, through Ursula's recent experience of feeling betrayed by her partner. Ursula reflects on her holistic approach to conflict resolution and how her significant emotional response in the moment unearthed valuable insights on self-forgiveness, self-awareness and personal growth.

Ursula opines on the fact that life is filled with both big and small challenges that can knock us down. She advises against the common impulse to power through difficulties. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of pausing and reflecting inward and that consistent grounding practices, like meditation or exercise, can have a positive impact our daily well-being. She also stresses the importance of learning from these experiences, otherwise they can become recurring patterns in our lives.

Jen and Ursula also discuss how miscommunication can create and perpetuate emotional turmoil, particularly when our true feelings are masked by anger or frustration. Ursula’s rage texting reflects a common reaction to emotional distress, reminding listeners that even those skilled in conflict resolution have opportunities to improve.

A pivotal lesson from Ursula’s experience is the necessity of self-forgiveness in order to achieve inner peace. She urges listeners to express their emotions openly, stating the feelings aloud to create distance from guilt or shame and connect with the underlying need. This practice not only helps in processing emotions but also fosters healthier relationships with others.

Ursula also shares lessons about the importance of allowing and channeling rage, apologizing from a place of authenticity rather than shame, and boundary setting, particularly when engaging with narcissists.

Through Ursula's experience, we are reminded that we can transform our struggles into lessons for growth. By prioritizing ourselves and creating space for our emotions, we can resolve conflicts with grace and understanding. Remember, it’s not just about getting through the shit; it’s about learning and growing from it.

https://conflictreimagined.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursula-taylor-b0ba4729/ 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/narcissism 

In this episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell talks with Laurie Oswald, whose life was turned upside down during the tumultuous year of 2020. Her journey offers invaluable insights into resilience, community, and the power of human connection.

As the founder of InteraWorks, a global learning company, Laurie found herself facing unprecedented challenges when her business evaporated after the world shut down. Suddenly, the business she had nurtured for three years was facing an existential threat.

As if the pandemic wasn't enough, Laurie also faced a series of unexpected trials in her personal life. First was the move from Tennessee to Florida to live in her deceased mother's home as a way to reduce expenses. Then came the hurricane that significantly damaged her mother's home, followed by the sudden loss of her father-in-law the week Laurie and her family moved into temporary lodging accommodations.

Theses personal losses compounded the stress of the pandemic and the upheaval in her professional life, showcasing how personal and professional challenges can intersect. Laurie described this period as a "piling on" of events that forced her to confront not only the immediate chaos but also her deeper emotional scars from the loss of her mother 2 decades earlier.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Laurie and her work team chose to adapt rather than succumb to despair. They pivoted quickly, offering free programs focused on resilience to support individuals and organizations navigating the crisis. This proactive approach not only helped others but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose within her team.

Through this journey, Laurie discovered resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. She emphasized that going through the shit often calls forth a strength one may not know they possess. It is about finding joy in simplicity, reaching into new depths and finding a way to climb that daunting mountain of challenges. Her experience illustrates that while the journey may be fraught with difficulties, it is also a path toward personal growth and transformation. Key takeaways from her experience include the importance of community support, the need for resilience in the face of challenges, and the realization that even in our darkest moments, we can find a way to rise.

InteraWorks website

Laurie Oswald LinkedIn

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell speaks with Crystal Duke, a multi-certified health coach and fitness trainer and the founder of CLifeFit. Crystal shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the loss of her father to colon cancer, a tragic event that forced her to confront her beliefs about faith, identity, and purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is potential for growth and transformation.

During the episode, Jen and Crystal reflect on the origins of their friendship, bonding over memories of a double date and how their connection deepened during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crystal recalls how a simple gesture of kindness helped them forge a bond that would support them through their entrepreneurial journeys.

Crystal then reflects on her own experiences with pain and loss, stating that these moments often leave us feeling unprepared and questioning our life choices. She emphasizes that it's during these pivotal times that we must make critical decisions that determine our path forward.  

In Crystal's telling of her story, she speaks of her father's unexpected and devastating health diagnosis and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with the reality of her father’s deteriorating condition. Despite her fervent prayers and hopes for a miracle, the moment her father took his last breath shattered her beliefs and left her feeling lost and angry.

In the aftermath of her father’s death, Crystal faced a long and arduous journey of rebuilding her faith and sense of self. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people during times of grief. Crystal stresses the need for honesty and grace in healing, acknowledging that it is vital to allow oneself to feel anger and pain. She encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and sit with them until they are ready to move forward.

Despite the darkness of her experience, Crystal’s story is one of resilience. She illustrates how stepping into vulnerability and allowing herself to grieve ultimately led to personal growth and transformation. Through her work with CLifeFit, she empowers others to find balance in their lives, integrating faith and wellness to support holistic healing.

Crystal Duke Website

Crystal Duke LinkedIn

CLifeFit Instagram

988 helpline

Find mental health treatment

Tags: #Grief #Resilience #Faith #Loss #PersonalGrowth #HealthAndWellness #Entrepreneurship #Support #Transformation

In the latest episode of "Through the Shit," host Jen McDowell sits down with Katherine Ayre, an aviation executive and attorney, to discuss her profound journey of transformation following a series of devastating life events. This engaging conversation explores the meaning of resilience and the lessons that emerge when we confront our deepest challenges.

Kate shares her story, beginning with her premonition in 2021 that foreshadowed a series of challenging events. She explains how she faced multiple significant losses, including her job, stability, important relationships, and a moral injury, which left her feeling unsupported by the systems and people she once relied on. In the telling of her story, Kate vividly describes a moment of feeling utterly untethered while driving on a busy highway, capturing the essence of feeling lost and overwhelmed experienced by many individuals facing life's trials.

Throughout the conversation, Kate emphasizes that the journey through such experiences is not merely about surviving but about emerging stronger and more authentic than ever. She also speaks of the importance of support systems during difficult times and the the disillusionment that can result from the realization that failure of support systems is a painful but crucial part of the journey. Despite the darkness, Katherine reassures listeners that it is possible to not only survive but to find meaning and growth in hardship. She likens this transformation to a garden that must endure a brush fire to regrow, illustrating that the end of one chapter often leads to the beginning of another.

One of the most powerful messages Kate shares is the idea that there is power and peace that comes from living a life that is aligned with your moral compass, and it’s okay to mourn the loss of who you were and what you thought life would be. Through her experiences, she has learned that by embracing vulnerability, we can cultivate strength and resilience. Kate encourages listeners to trust the process and to have faith that brighter days will follow the darkest moments.

Tags: #Transformation #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #LifeLessons #OvercomingAdversity #Authenticity #KatherineAyre #ThroughTheShit

In this episode, Jen talks with Mallory Roth, an executive coach who works with thoughtful founders, leaders, and coaches who’ve hit an inflection point in their work.

Mallory shares her experience of choosing to follow the "right on paper path," only to learn that path was not right after all. After experiencing a significant health setback, Mallory abandoned her chosen path to explore the world of specialty coffee and the Pacific Northwest, which was the first step on her path to becoming a coach.

Through this experience, Mallory learned the importance of using values as a decision-making compass and the power of boldness regret.

Their conversation delves into the subjective nature of trauma and adversity, defining the concept of 'going through the shit,' the impact of chosen change, coping mechanisms and support systems, and the importance of rituals to as a way to move forward after a transition.

Mallory Roth website

Mallory Roth LinkedIn

Bruce Feiler book: Life is in the Transitions

Dan Pink book: The Power of Regret

In this episode, Jen McDowell introduces her podcast 'Through the Sh#t,' which focuses on personal stories of loss, hope, and resilience. She shares her own transformative journey through significant life events, including the loss of her mother, marriage struggles, and the impact of trauma. The podcast aims to create a space for connection, healing, and hope for those experiencing their own challenges.