Which Way Podcast

Join us for a very "real" discussion with Ms. Complexities, as she talks about her complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and her winding road to a healthier place, where her inner child can run free and play! In this candid podcast, we hear about Ms. Complexitie's childhood growing up with a narcissist, finding her own identity and whether all of this recovery "$*!%" is worth it. You'll fall in love with her vulnerability and fearlessness as she puts words to crazy circumstances, an eating disorder, sobriety and what recovery is all about.

Ms. Complexities has her own podcast on the Mental Health News Radio Network, called Complexities Podcast, where she and her partner discuss healing trauma and how people can break free from the abusive cycles in their lives and in their minds.

To round out our series, we speak to Sorin Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Queer Asterisk, a nonprofit organization with a team of queer and trans therapists and educators serving the LGBTQPIA communities with offices in Boulder, Denver and Longmont, Colorado. With a gracious heart, Sorin discusses work that Queer Asterisk does with youth, family systems and within the community. This work encompasses therapy, mentorship, community events and training.

Sorin is a queer and non-binary transgender licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor offering a variety of therapeutic services to queer and trans folx. A graduate of Naropa University with a master's degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology, Sorin utilizes body sensation/movement and mindfulness practices. Therapy is strengths-based and client-directed for children, adolescents, adults, and couples/families of all configurations to inspire growth and healing. Sorin specializes in modalities such as wilderness therapy and canine/equine therapy.
http://www.queerasterisk.com/

In Part II of this podcast series, *Simon (name changed), a 16-year old transgender youth bravely discusses the pain he has faced along his journey and the complexities of “passing” as a male. Compassionate beyond his years and with a gentle heart, he discusses the forgiveness for those who don’t always show kindness by saying, “Maybe they are going through a hard time themselves” and reveals the underlying pressure of looking in the mirror and not approving of his own reflection.

Simon is a beautiful soul who attends school, loves his family, looks forward to college and has established a supportive network of friends.

In Part I of this podcast series, Ashley speaks candidly about her 8-year old child who recently said to her, “...my body is sad!” She discusses the confusion her child felt because, while he was born female, he feels as though he should be in a male body. Sadly, Ashley’s picture cannot be shown, given that her family has received negative backlash after discovering that she and her husband not only embrace their “son” but celebrate him!

Ashley and her husband operate a thriving business and have four beautiful children, who are allowed to be whoever they want to be...and are appreciated for it!!!

In this powerful podcast, Aaron and Maia Huey talk about how their father/daughter relationship has evolved over the years. Aaron, host of the podcast, Beyond Risk and Back on the Mental Health News Radio Network and founder of Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Facility, humbly discusses how his addiction lost him custody of his young daughter and how in his recovery, he was able to become the father she needed. Learn how Aaron's mission became to equip Maia with a strong belief in herself and the tools needed for self reliance. Maia, who is due to graduate from college this May and already owns her own marketing company, talks candidly about the pressures of living in her father's shadow and emerging with her own sense of empowerment and identity.

This talk reveals the generational impact that parents have on their children and the forgiveness that can exist within that relationship when we listen, own mistakes and love unconditionally. Please join us for both, this heartwarming podcast and the after show!

For Aaron's podcast, Beyond Risk and Back, go to: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/beyond-risk-and-back/

In this podcast, our guest, Kris (Last name protected, given the nature of her work within the mental health community) talks about the recent 20 year anniversary of the Columbine shooting where two high school students took the lives of 12 students and 1 teacher. This anniversary was significant because several schools in Colorado were closed after the FBI named an 18-year-old woman, a potential threat. This young woman ultimately committed suicide after a statewide manhunt ensued. In the aftermath of her suicide in the mountains of Colorado, social media exploded with shouts of celebration over her death, as well as reminders that losing any life is a tragedy. No matter where you stand on the issue, this episode highlights a broader topic of mental health and how we all have a responsibility to ask questions and show compassion to those in our society who may be struggling.

Kris is a therapist, leader and advocate on mental health issues in her community. Given the sensitive nature of her work within the mental health arena, her identity is protected but her words serve as a reminder of a larger issue within our community and what we can do to instigate a movement of change.

Today we talk with the woman who started it all, Kristin Sunanta Walker, founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network. Kristin has built the network to over 50 podcasters and will be starting a television series next month. Kristin is an outspoken advocate on mental health issues and has used her voice to create a network where all of us can shine a light on what society often tries to bury. In this talk, Kristin discusses the power of reconciling relationships with our parents in order to break free so we can create our own lives, families and happiness. With vulnerability, Kristin gives us a look at her own childhood wounds and how she has turned them into something incredibly powerful.

Join us as we talk to the infamous Frank King! aka, the "Mental Health Comedian". Frank was a writer for the Tonight Show for 20 years, and he holds the record for the longest non-stop comedy club road trip ever. Along the way he worked with Jerry Seinfeld, Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Adam Sandler, Dennis Miller, Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O’Donnel, Kevin Nealon, Bill Engval, Dr. Ken Joeng, Rita Sirleaf and Kevin James among others. Since becoming a public speaker on Suicide Prevention in 2014, he’s done five TEDx Talks.

Frank boldly and bravely shares his personal experience with suicidal thoughts and helps audiences look at this topic through a lens of laughter and vulnerability. Frank has been a co-host on several podcasts through the mental health news radio network and can be found on the network under: The Mental Health Comedian. In this talk, Frank discusses the secrecy of "chronic suicidality" and validates the shame associated with it. Find out more about Frank at thementalhealthcomedian.com and join us for this wildly funny, compassionate and knowledgeable conversation.

Kristin Watts is the Founder of Project 31:25. After escaping an abusive relationship herself, Kristin found her voice and the desire to give back to women still bound by the chains of abuse. She has lived in Fort Collins her entire life and understands how desperately her town and the surrounding areas need a program like this. Project 31:25 embodies a holistic approach that helps countless women understand the abusive loop they were in and provides resources to help them start a new life. Guided by a relentless pursuit of Safety, Empowerment and Strength, this volunteer run, nonprofits strives to heal and restore all that the trauma from abuse has stolen. Their number one priority is to deliver Clarity, Dignity and Hope through every step of the journey. More regarding Project 31:25 can be found at www.project3125.org, 970-834-3125 or by emailing at [email protected]

You can find out more about us at www.whichwaypodcast.com

You can find out more about Mental Health News Radio at www.mhnrnetwork.com

In their first podcast, Shari and Jann Simmons reveal the reasons for writing Which Way? - a memoir and psychological handbook and starting their new which way podcast. With candid discussion, they talk about how Jann's PTSD, dissociation and suicide attempts affected Shari's formative years. They also touch on how their relationship has evolved with grace and love at the center. Both women share memories of a journey together that defines who they are today and why their mission is helping others decide which way they will choose.

You can find out more about us at www.whichwaypodcast.com

You can find out more about Mental Health News Radio at www.mhnrnetwork.com