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Hey there! Welcome to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Today we're excited to sit down with Barbara Legere, a mother, author, Tip volunteer, and advocate who has faced some of life's toughest challenges head-on.
Barbara's journey began when she became a single mother at the age of 30. Through this experience, she learned what it truly meant to love unconditionally. However, her life took a difficult turn when she noticed her son struggling with depression in the third grade. As he got older, he became an addict and eventually went to prison. Unfortunately, her son ultimately lost the battle he was fighting.
Despite these tragic circumstances, Barbara has used her experience to help others going through similar situations. Her book, Keven's Choice, A Mothers Journey Through Her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide, has been widely read and is an inspiration to many. Additionally, she is a co-author of the bestselling book The Epiphanies Project.
Barbara has become a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health issues, and grief. She has been featured in popular publications such as Prevention Magazine, Salon, and The Huffington Post.
Currently, Barbara resides in Southern California with her sister, a cat, a tortoise, and three dogs. Her inspiring story is sure to evoke a range of emotions, from compassion and empathy to heartbreak and sadness. However, her unwavering dedication to helping others will ultimately leave you feeling hopeful, aware, and encouraged.
We're excited to have Barbara join us today, so sit back and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked as we delve into her incredible journey.
GUEST LINKS:
Website: Heroin Fentynal | Loving And Learning Through Loss
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Kevens-Choice-Mothers-Journey-Addiction-ebook/dp/B09WL1QP6G/ref=zg_bsnr_156546011_1/143-9873159-2727761?pd_rd_i=B09WL1QP6G&psc=1&pldnSite=1
Facebook: Barbara Legere
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaralegere925/
Liked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralegere/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@barbaralegere925?lang=en
LINKS:
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malarchuk.com
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com
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Episode Minute By Minute:
3:14 Welcome author, mother, volunteer and activist Barbara Legere
5:15 The story of Barbara and Kevin
11:07 How honest and open was Kevin about his addiction?
15:38 Here's what rehab looked like for Kevin
17:24 Prison itself was not enough to separate him from the addiction
31:00 What the moment when Kevin passed away was like
34:04 What Barbara has taken this situation and turned it into
41:13 How to get involved with TIP yourself and let's make mental health a mainstream issue
48:58 A heartfelt message form Barbara to anyone who is struggling with addiction or a loved one's addiction
Today's story is one of heartbreak, hope, and ultimately, redemption. Hit play and get ready for another powerful episode that will inspire and remind you that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In this episode, we get to know Josh Stone, a 41-year-old father, grandfather, and recovering addict. Josh has faced numerous challenges throughout his life, starting with a tumultuous childhood being raised by a single mom who worked three jobs and served as a prison guard. He didn't meet his father, a lifelong drug trafficker, until he was seven or eight years old.
Josh recounts the harrowing memory of witnessing his dad chase his mom out the front door with a knife, setting the stage for a turbulent life ahead. Despite being brought up in the church by his grandparents, Josh started following in his father's footsteps as early as seventh grade, when he began experimenting with drugs and eventually spiraling into addiction.
Throughout his adult life, Josh has faced multiple stints in jail and battled addiction for over 25 years on and off. He has held various jobs, ranging from working in restaurants and factories to construction and becoming an OTR semi-truck driver. Josh's journey with faith has been a complicated one, as he has known the Lord on a deep level for 17 years, all the while struggling with addiction and compulsive behaviors.
In the episode, Josh shares how his most recent battle with addiction took a significant toll on him - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He talks about the heart-wrenching experience of watching friends and loved ones die from overdosing on drugs like fentanyl and heroin, and seeing others end up in prison - many of whom he once dealt drugs to or with. Josh himself has overdosed twice and believes that he is alive today because God wants to use his story to help others.
After putting himself through detox and a six-month faith-based drug rehab program, Josh has been sober for 11 months. He acknowledges that the road to recovery is an uphill battle and a daily struggle, but he remains committed to walking that path. His heart's desire is to be surrounded by others who are also on the journey to recovery.
Josh's story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for redemption. From heartbreak and sadness to hope and empowerment, this episode of Warriors Unmasked is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the complexities of addiction!
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book
malarchuk.com
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com
Follow us on Instagram
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Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
Episode Minute By Minute:
0:02 What's inside today's episode
3:00 Welcome and introduction of Josh Stone
4:38 The impact, memories and traumas from Josh's father
12:33 Josh's path begins to follow his father's and leads to homelessness and addictions
22:17 How josh's children, grandchild motivate him to stay sober
28:32 What has 11 months of rehab looked like for Josh
34:35 Others often see qualities in us that we don't see in ourselves
40:15 What Josh is dreaming about in 2023 and beyond
45:12 If you have ever thought, why me? Because it's about who you can reach
50:18 Josh's last piece of advice to someone broken and hurting
Welcome to episode 100 of Warriors Unmasked! We have loved every second we have been able to spend on the microphone serving you, the listener. We couldn't kick off this episode without a proper thank YOU!
For our big episode, we have a special guest, the amazing Ms. Deborah Driggs. She's a published author, actress, model, life coach, and mental health advocate, who has overcome many challenges throughout her life.
Today, Deborah shares her story with us, from growing up in a broken family to experiencing financial insecurity and rehab, to finding healing and empowerment Deborah's journey has been a rollercoaster ride, but she never let the challenges defeat her. She pursued her interests and passions, from cheerleading for the US Football League to modeling for Playboy.
Her hard work and dedication led to numerous opportunities in the entertainment industry, including appearances in rock videos and hosting for the Playboy Channel's Hot Rocks show. But life wasn't always glamorous for Deborah. She faced personal struggles, including a divorce and financial insecurity
She hit rock bottom and sought help through rehab. Her healing journey began, and she emerged stronger and more determined than ever before.Deborah's story is one of resilience, hope, and empowerment. She inspires others to break through negative self-talk and take on any challenge.
Her motto is, "If there is a struggle, then there is a problem, and in that problem there is a beautiful, simple solution for complicated souls!" This episode is packed with emotion and insight. Deborah's journey will take you from feeling sadness, compassion, and empathy, to feeling hope, happiness, encouragement, and complete empowerment. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this incredible episode of Warriors Unmasked. Thank you for listening!
GUEST LINKS:
HOME | Deborah Driggs
Facebook: Deborah Driggs
https://www.instagram.com/debsdencoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdriggs/
Twitter: deborahdriggs
Pinterest: Deborah Driggs (deborah_driggs) - Profile | Pinterest
Tiktok: Deborah Driggs's Creator Profile
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book
malarchuk.com
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
Episode Minute By Minute:
0:02 What it's inside to today's episode
1:26 Thank you to today's sponsors
3:23 This is our milestone 100th episode!
4:29 A life lesson from Deborah
7:52 How Deborah came to a place of healing and riding the waves
11:20 Losing the codependency of fame
15:00 What it was like for Deborah growing up in the entertainment world
19:03 The problem with substances and not being in your right mind
26:07 Some tools to stay sober and keep your balance in life
31:38 Did Deborah have an aha moment? Or were there several? How about God Shots?
37:00 What life on a healing journey looks like today and Deborah's upcoming book
42:04 Here's how to connect with Deborah, find access to coaching and her book
46:30 Deborah's words to someone contemplating a permanent decision to a temporary situation
Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! Today, we have an incredible guest, Paul Laberge, a mental health advocate, multi-sport athlete, and founder of One Step Forward. His journey is nothing short of inspiring.
As a kid, Paul had a speech impediment that made him afraid to speak. But as he got older, he found his voice, and it got him in trouble for talking too much at school. High school wasn't easy, but college was better, and he started achieving success in his sports career.
But then, tragedy struck. Paul noticed his father acting differently, and he started experiencing anxiety but didn't know why. His aunt passed away, and he regretted not spending more time with her. Then his father was investigated for fraud, and he attempted suicide. A month later, Paul tried to take his own life too.
Things got even harder when Paul's dad went to jail. Then, after regaining his freedom, his father passed away just three days after being set free from prison. But instead of giving up, Paul decided to turn his pain into a force for good.
In 2019, he embarked on a walk from Saskatoon to Lloydminster to raise awareness about mental health. He called it Project Little Bear and collected toys to donate to children in need. The community support was overwhelming!
Now, Paul is getting back into public speaking and continuing his advocacy work, changing one life at a time! His story is one of resilience and hope, and it's a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way forward.
Thanks for tuning in to Warriors Unmasked. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and stay tuned for more incredible stories of triumph over adversity!
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Welcome to the world of Warriors Unmasked, a podcast that brings to light the stories of warriors who have faced their demons and come out stronger. This podcast provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in life. In this episode, Chuck sits down with Evan Johnson, a survivor of 20+ suicide attempts and now a mental health advocate.
Evan's story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Growing up in a tough home, Evan faced abuse from his father, both physically, emotionally, and mentally, and was neglected by both parents. These traumatic experiences led him to develop suicidal thoughts at a young age, but he never attempted until he lost his mother to suicide. The day felt like too much, and Evan found himself struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Despite all the challenges, Evan did not give up. He channeled his pain into purpose, and today, he is a mental health advocate, working towards helping others who are
struggling with similar experiences. Through his podcast appearance, Evan takes us on a journey from sadness, hurt, heartbreak, and sorrow to feeling love, hope, understanding, and great compassion. He shares his experiences and how he found hope in the darkest of times.
Evan's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Despite facing unimaginable difficulties, he has emerged stronger, more determined, and more compassionate. He is a true warrior, and his story is bound to inspire and motivate listeners to never give up, no matter what life throws their way.
In conclusion, Warriors Unmasked provides a platform for individuals to share their stories and experiences, and this episode is no exception. Evan Johnson's story is a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there is always hope and that we can always find the strength to persevere. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked!
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Hey everyone, it's Chuck, and I'm here to welcome you to the latest episode of Warriors Unmasked! While my partner Clint is out changing the world today, I got to chat with Andrew McConnell, the founder of rented.com and author of "Get Out of My Head - Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom".
This guy is seriously impressive - he graduated from Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge, won a Bronze Medal with Team USA's open water swim team, and has built a hugely successful company. And that's just the beginning!
Andrew shared some incredible insights with us during our chat, including the importance of being present in the moment while still knowing where you're headed. He grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and learned early on that the world is big, but life is short. He's all about empowering others and encouraging them to take control of their lives.
It's pretty incredible to think that even though we come from different backgrounds and walks of life, we're all struggling with the same things at the end of the day. Those negative voices and self-doubt can hold us back and stop us from living our best lives. That's why in this conversation, we're getting real about our own journeys and how we're working on improving our overall well-being every single day. And the best part is, you can do it too!
This episode is packed with heart, warmth, and inspiration. I know you're going to feel hope, awareness, and enlightenment after listening to Andrew's story. And if you're feeling a bit lost or unsure of where you're headed, this episode will leave you feeling incredibly empowered.
So kick back, relax, and enjoy another amazing episode of Warriors Unmasked! If you want to connect with us or if you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out to us via the links below.
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Are you ready for a transformative journey? In today's episode of Warriors Unmasked John David Latta takes us on a wild ride of personal transformation that will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the world.
John was once a hard-driving, competitive man and successful CEO of a multi-million dollar consumer products company. But when his wife was diagnosed with cancer, his life took a drastic turn. He found himself on the brink of bankruptcy, facing a fear of death, and feeling deeply alone. Over the next few months things didn't seem to get any better.
All of a sudden, he was a single parent with health issues, newly divorced, John found himself facing some of life's greatest challenges. But it was through his journey of identifying and releasing tension in the body that he was able to access his spiritual side and find the true power of unconditional love. Despite his initial fear and rigidity, John's journey shows that even the most logical people can transform in unimaginable ways. Today, he is a mystic, author, teacher, and husband living in Redmond, Washington with his wife, Wendy.
This episode is bound to leave you feeling full of love, hope, and completely empowered. Hit play to hear John's story and about the retreat that changed John's life forever where he found the true power of unconditional love. Through this transformative experience, John was able to access his spiritual side and find a new level of inner peace and abundance.
We think it's safe to say we can all use a little bit more of that in 2023! During our conversation you will also hear about his new book, "The Synchronicity of Love," where John shares his extraordinary stories of what happened when he threw himself into unconditional love with sincerity. His stories will shock, awaken, and transform you, with the potential to change habits, beliefs, and assumptions about what is possible.
John shares a powerful message of embracing unconditional love and personal transformation. He encourages listeners to dive deep into this journey of personal transformation and make lasting changes in all areas of their lives. John's journey and experiences are something we can all learn from.
If this content resonates with you, we ask that you help us spread the word and share this episode with a friend! To connect with Chuck, Clint, or any of our guests on Warriors Unmasked, follow the links below!
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GUEST LINKS:
www.johndavidlatta.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndavidlatta
Facebook: John David Latta
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-latta-006431232
LINKS:
malarchuk.com/book
malarchuk.com
www.thecompassionateconnection.com
www.warriorsunmasked.com
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe To Our YouTube
My Community Contact
Episode Minute By Minute:
Get ready for a powerful episode of Warriors Unmasked! Today Chuck sits down with professional speaker and comedian, Mr. Frank King. Born in North Carolina, Frank has always had a talent for making people laugh and he's using that talent to raise awareness about mental health. With his journey from telling jokes in fourth grade to becoming an eight-time TEDx speaker, former writer for the Tonight Show, and mental health advocate, Frank's story is one you won't want to miss.
Frank is passionate about promoting mental health and helping prevent suicide, which he believes is the most preventable Mental health issues. He'll share a look into his most popular TEDx talks, how to overcome the darkest of days, how to tell your loved ones you're struggling, a practical daily health routine and so much more!
Frank's journey is a testament to the power of laughter and the role it can play in our mental health. He also shares his experience dealing with suppressed memories and the importance of giving your power to things you can control. Frank's message is clear: mental health is just as important as physical health and should be treated with the same level of care and attention.
In this episode, Frank also explores the idea that mental health issues could actually be physical issues and how depression can be passed down from generation to generation. He provides practical tips for maintaining a better mental state, including the importance of self-care routines and seeking professional help when needed.
So hit play, get comfy, and join us for this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked with Mr. Frank King! You'll laugh, you may cry, and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health. Get ready to be inspired!
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We all struggle. Read that again…We all struggle.
Everybody is going through something in their life and everyone has a story to tell. It can be easy to feel like we are the only ones feeling the way we do. The next thing we know, those feelings have turned into reality because we tell ourselves there is nowhere to turn.
In those moments, it is important to remember that help is just a phone call away. On the other side of that experience, it's equally as important to be the person on the other side of the phone who can listen and remind your loved one who's struggling that everything will be okay.
We had an amazing chat with Kat Zempolich on this week's episode of Warriors Unmasked! If you haven't heard of her, she's the Co-Founder, Board Member, Co-Host of The Mental Matchup, and Director for Morgan's Message. During our conversation, we discuss our journey with mental health and how to support others who make be facing depression and suicidal thoughts.
Hit play to hear Kat's sports journey, how she decided on lacrosse, and what led to Duke. It was there she met her friend and teammate Morgan, that would change her life forever. After Morgan suddenly passed, Kat embarked on a heroic mission, sharing "Morgan's Message" and is now helping young people win their mental health battles.
Trust us, this conversation was filled with so much wisdom and insight. Kat shared her thoughts on why some people struggle to reach out for support and what we can do to overcome those barriers.
We also delved into the topic of college athletics and mental health. With the pressures and demands placed on college athletes, it's no secret that this can take a toll on their mental well-being. Kat shared her experiences and offered practical advice for anyone navigating these challenges.
This episode is packed full of good reminders we can all return to when times get tough. If you enjoy this conversation, help us spread the word! Send this episode to a friend that you think would benefit from it and follow the links below to reach out to us and connect more.
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Welcome to Warriors Unmasked! Today's show is all about wellness, self-care, and calming your mind and body. Did you know that most people in 2023 are over-breathing? Short, shallow breaths can trigger your "fight or flight" response, increasing stress and anxiety. It can even cause a high heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increase in stress hormones. But the good news is, when you breathe better, you feel better and we are about to show you how!
We had the honor of sitting down with a special guest, Todd Steinberg, the President of Komuso Design. Todd and his wife, Vanessa, created a necklace concept that helps people slow their breathing and create healthy breathing habits that transform their lives one breath at a time. Their goal is to lead the "fashion wellness" movement and impact as many lives as possible.
The device is so simple and powerful. It helps slow people's exhale to 8+ seconds, calming the entire nervous system. Trust us, the "shift" necklace is not just a fashion statement, it's a game changer for reducing stress and anxiety!
During our conversation, Todd shared his incredible entrepreneurial journey from co-founding a student travel company called Xtreme Trips, to entering the wellness space with his invention and everything in between. But even more impressive than his business's success is the progress and triumphs he has experienced in his own mental health journey.
After losing his Dad at a young age due to health complications caused by stress, Todd knew that self-care was important, but he didn't know how to achieve peace of mind for himself. He shares how he started to take back his mental space by recognizing his triggers, how he learned to listen to his body, and how he discovered the power of breathwork and so much more.
You'll also learn how the Komuso and breathing techniques are not just something new agey or gimmicky, it's based on the breathing techniques used by 17th-century Japanese monks who used to wear similar necklaces to help them focus on their breath and quiet their minds.
If you're looking for a new tool to add to your self-care arsenal, be sure to check out Komuso Design via
the links below! And as always, thanks for listening - If you need someone to talk to or if you have any feedback for our show don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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