We're All Insane

CW: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault and grooming.

Grooming refers to the process of building trust and emotional bonds with someone, usually a child or young person, with the intention of sexually exploiting them. It is a form of manipulation and abuse that can have long-lasting, harmful effects on the victim's mental and emotional well-being. Grooming can occur in various forms, including online and in-person, and often involves the abuser of gifts, attention, and affection. It is a tactic used by perpetrators to gradually lower the victim's defenses and gain their trust, making it easier for them to exploit them. The harm caused by grooming can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, and can impact the victim's relationships and ability to trust others in the future.

FREE-1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with code INSANE: www.athleticgreens.com/insane

Audience Survey: http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=3RJP1Q85a-_d&ver=standard

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ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It results in muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. There is currently no cure for ALS, and the cause of most cases is unknown. Despite this, research continues to advance and improve treatments for those living with the disease. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and assistive technology can help manage the symptoms of ALS, but it ultimately leads to complete paralysis and death. Nevertheless, patients and families affected by ALS have shown remarkable strength and resilience, leading advocacy efforts and raising awareness for the need for a cure.

Jessica: https://instagram.com/jessicalbdr?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Jessica’s Father’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B9X2MJY?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_J2NJV980JKFFS5FA56AJ

For more information on ALS: https://instagram.com/als?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

FREE-1 year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with code INSANE: www.athleticgreens.com/insane

Audience Survey: http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=3RJP1Q85a-_d&ver=standard

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the podcast, email [email protected].

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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a unique set of behavioral challenges for teachers, especially when it comes to student mental health. The isolation and uncertainty caused by the pandemic can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among students. This can make it harder for them to focus on their studies and negatively impact their engagement and motivation. It's important for teachers to be aware of the emotional and mental health of their students, and provide support and resources where necessary. It's also important to create a safe and open environment for students to share their thoughts and feelings, and to provide a sense of community and connection, which can help mitigate the negative effects of isolation. Additionally, providing social and emotional learning activities and resources can help promote mental well-being among students. Teachers need far more support from school administrators to meet student needs. Liv is just one of the many teachers who left the profession feeling burned out by the lack of resources, support, and work-life balance. 

This is a link to support first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a student recently: https://gofund.me/80aa97fd

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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Ellie shares her experiences growing up with an abusive and narcissistic father. She details his leadership role in church and how he moved her family to Peru for a mission and subsequently got kicked out for poor behavior towards his cohort. Ellie discusses how his mental and emotional abuse took a toll on her mother and siblings. She speaks about how church elders had knowledge of her father’s abuse but continually excused his behavior until one day her mother decided to leave. After they left, Ellie’s father essentially kidnapped her and her siblings. Today, Ellie remains estranged from her father but her siblings have begun to repair their relationships with him. 

Ellie: https://instagram.com/elliedav_?

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Caitlin shares her experiences living with cystic fibrosis. She details the horrifying way she and her family found out about her diagnosis as a baby, talks about what CF is and its impacts on her ability to be active. She walks through her health decline and waiting for a transplant, as well as losing her best friend to CF. She then talks about the miracle drug that saved her life and moving forward into adulthood. Caitlin also shares the mental struggle of surviving after she was constantly told that she might not make it to adulthood.

Caitlin: https://www.instagram.com/cait_obrien_/?igshid=MDM4ZDc5MmU%3D

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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Angela shares her experiences working as a nurse. She talks about witnessing a patient passing away for the first time, working in a stressful unit, and finding her passion in nursing. She talks about how she understands why some nurses dislike their jobs, but she was lucky to find the right one that allows her to feel motivated and inspired to help people. 

Angela: https://www.instagram.com/angelaaltese/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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CW: this episode contains descriptions of drug abuse, death, suicide, and violence.

Ryan shares his story going from a difficult life to finding his purpose through believing in God. He talks about drinking from a very young age, getting involved in dealing drugs, and even holding his brother in his arms as he died from a violent attack. He also discusses being in prison, getting out, and healing through finding God and helping others.

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Mollie shares her experiences growing up with a brain tumor she didn’t know about. She details her harrowing story, from the symptoms to the operating table and beyond. Now several years tumor free, Mollie talks about advocating for oneself in medical situations, as it saved her life.

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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CW: This episode contains descriptions of suicide, self-harm, and ED.

Hayley shares her experiences with bipolar disorder and PTSD, as well as being homeless. She discusses what it feels like to be in a hospital and how music and art have helped her through hard times. She talks about a lack of support from her parents, having been disowned by them, but how she found community and hope in other ways.

Hayley: https://www.instagram.com/hayley.moonbeam/

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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Alexandra shares her experiences as a military ex-wife and trafficking survivor. She details red flags from early on in the relationship & the escalation of DV, how the military protects abusers, and how her ex-husband began to traffic her. Alexandra also shares how her experiences left her with lifelong injuries and how she began to seek justice against her abuser.

Alexandra:

https://www.instagram.com/alexandramoon_11/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandramoon_11

If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the show, please email [email protected]

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