In this episode, I talk with the incredible Roseanne Mayer about her memoir and her life behind it:Bones Beneath the Prairie: A Memoir of SurvivalRoseann grew up in the oil fields of West Texas, surviving a 20–year marriage marked by narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, spiritual manipulation, and financial control, and finally finding the courage to leave with no safety net. We get into the “bedpost incident” that became her breaking point, the shame and silence that kept her and her 3 children stuck for decades, and how little language or support existed in the church when all of this was happening.We also go there on the messy middle: the complicated relationship that helped her feel safe enough to leave, the years of anger and nervous-system chaos that followed, and the unexpected ways God met her anyway.This eventually led her into a healthy, loving marriage and, now, a calling to put her story into the hands of women in shelters and hidden situations everywhere.If you’re quietly Googling terms, hiding your digital footprint, or wondering if what you’re living through “counts” as abuse, I hope this conversation helps you feel seen, a little less alone, and reminds you that where you are right now does not have to be where you stay.Register to receive FREE copies of Roseann's book*If your ministry, group, shelter, safe home, or program supports women walking through crisis, abuse, coercion, spiritual manipulation, trauma recovery, or homelessness—we would be honored to serve your work.*Tell Roseann how many copies your ministry, shelter, group, or safe home needs.Submit your request below:https://bonesbeneaththeprairie.com/mi...Once added, donors will be able to send you books directly through Amazon.HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN AND MEN LIKE YOU*National Domestic Violence Hotline: Domestic Violence Support*Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence. When you're ready, we're here to listen with confidential support 24/7/365.Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Text "START" to 88788*STANDUP SURVIVOR*Stand Up Survivor is a 501 c3 non-profit organization based in Orlando, FL dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering domestic violence survivors and their communities globally. We know that if people are educated about domestic violence, they can help change it. Therefore, we're committed to educating everyone, including the community, our churches, schools & companies about Domestic Violence.https://www.standupsurvivor.org/ / standupsurvivor There are layers to the trauma of domestic violence. We are here to support you through them all.

This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea. Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*

In this episode, I sit down with Myranda Young, singer, performer, and creator, for an honest conversation about faith, change, and what it really looks like to walk through adversity with God.

Follow Myranda Young on Instagram

Visit Myranda's LinkTree page

We talk about bullying, big life transitions, and those quiet moments of surrender when your plans fall apart but God’s plan starts to come into focus.

Myranda shares how faith, music, and community have carried her, and how grace shows up through the people who walk alongside us. Myranda also opens up about her journey from spiritual seeker to devoted follower of Christ, and how baptism became a turning point in her story.

We dig into the power of worship, the importance of supportive relationships, and the joy of discovering purpose when you finally stop trying to do it all on your own.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is in your story—or how to keep going when the road feels heavy—this conversation will remind you that you are not walking it alone.

PRODUCTS I'M ROCKIN:

Cotton t-shirt: Divini

Lip gloss: Sarah Fendrich

Lashes: Lashes by Jaleesa

*This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*

If you’d told the old me I’d be recording a whole episode about faith, I’d have laughed it off or changed the subject. But here I am—six months into the most unexpected chapter of my life, one I never thought I’d share this publicly.

I always had a sense of reverence for God, but what I finally found—a true, personal relationship with Jesus—has flipped my world upside down.

My faith isn’t just something I inherited or practiced on autopilot; it’s now a living, breathing part of who I am.

In the last six months, Bible study has become a passion instead of a “chore,” and learning about Jesus isn’t just academic—it’s become the anchor for my hope, growth, and healing.

I’ll take you inside the doubts, resistance, and the unexpected moments that broke me wide open.

I talk about the real reasons I was hesitant, the fears I wrestled with, and what finally made faith real—for me.

If you’re wrestling with what you believe or afraid to ask spiritual questions, I hope my story helps you see that no journey is too messy or too late for God to meet you in it.

00:00 Welcome—Why I Never Thought I’d Record This

00:32 Community, Vulnerability, and the Shift from Reverence to Relationship

02:15 The Surprising Role of Bible Study and Honest Questions

05:48 When Doubt Meets Discovery: My Six-Month Spiritual Shake-Up

09:30 Embracing Growth, Even in the Mess

PRODUCTS I'M ROCKIN:

Lip gloss: Sarah Fendrich

Black faux fur vest

**This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!**

Some stories don’t just inspire you — they shake something awake. This week, Dr. Joy Kong joins me for a conversation that’s part science, part soul, and all heart.

She’s a triple board-certified physician, stem-cell specialist, anti-aging powerhouse, founder of Chara Health, author, and podcast host.

But what really stands out is her journey — from growing up in China to chasing her dreams in America and changing the way we think about healing.

We talk about resilience, bridging traditional and modern medicine, and how curiosity might be the most powerful healing tool we have.

If you’ve ever hit a wall or wondered if your vision was too big, this episode is your reminder: keep digging, keep learning, and keep going.

Dr. Joy Kong – YouTube

Listen to or watch the Dr. Joy Kong Podcast

Buy her book on Amazon:

Tiger of Beijing: The Inspirational Memoir of a Fierce Regenerative Medicine Physician

Follow Dr. Joy on Instagram

Connect with Dr. Joy on Facebook

Dr. Kong founded and runs Chara Health

Feel Younger, Live Bolder - Experience the power of regenerative medicine and advanced aesthetics—personalized to renew your energy, elevate performance, and support long-term vitality.

****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!****

In this powerful episode, Steve and I candidly discuss the impact of alcohol on his relationships and emotional well-being, describing the deep emotional pain and turmoil he endured.

He reflects on moments of desperation where he felt completely lost, overwhelmed, and unable to articulate his desire to stop drinking.

Throughout the conversation, Steve, now 43 years old, shares how his addiction strained his relationships, often leaving him in tears and feeling powerless—like a “puddle” on the floor.

He highlights how addiction creates unhealthy relationship dynamics and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in the healing process.

Facing and accepting deep emotional truths, Steve shows that recovery is a journey through pain, vulnerability, and the rediscovery of one’s strength and self-understanding.

Steve hosts 2 podcasts:

1) Forged In Silence Podcast

A raw men's mental health podcast featuring personal stories, vulnerability, and the power of group connection. Each episode explores men's emotional well-being, relationships, growth, and the journey to healing in a world that often encourages silence. Listen in for open conversations about masculinity, trauma, support, and self-discovery.

Watch or listen to Forged in Silence on YouTube

Listen on Apple Podcasts

2) Through the Glass Recovery

A sobriety podcast where we make sobriety feel like something you want to do, not something you have to do. Connection, vulnerability, and thriving are at the heart of recovery. Join hosts Steve & Julie for real conversations that make sobriety feel rewarding and help you build a life so full there's no room left for alcohol.

Listen to stories, practical advice, and engaging discussions with the recovery community.

Explore episodes, free virtual support groups, and recovery resources

Follow ThroughtheGlassRecovery on Instagram

Connect on Facebook

****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!****

Retired Police Officer & Gang Detective Manny Angulo shares his incredible story of turning adversity into purpose, from dropping out of high school to overcoming the challenges of police academy, patrol work, and detective life.

We dig into how becoming a parent during Manny’s training shaped his perspective and how experiences with PTSD and alcoholism led him to co-found ⁠P.I.S.T.L.E.⁠, a non-profit organization supporting police officers with trauma.

Follow P.I.S.T.L.E. on Instagram

He opens up about undercover work, family struggles, and the crucial role of gaming as a fundraising tool for mental health initiatives. At every step, Manny emphasizes the power of integrity, compassion, and community.

This episode feels especially close to me, not only because our conversation is powerful, but because Manny is the father of my podcast producer, Julian—and my producer was once my student when I taught middle school in 2006.

To the truly awesome Angulo family that has given so much to our communities through Manny's courage and your sacrifices, and to all retired and active police officers around the world protecting us in the face of adversity...we humbly thank you for your service!

*****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*****

In this powerful episode, Caralyn Dreyer shares her journey through adoption, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and an eating disorder—and the lifelong work of healing that has followed.

We openly talk about reclaiming identity, building self-worth after trauma, and the role therapy, forgiveness, and community play in recovery.

As a fellow mother and mental health advocate, Caralyn opens up about breaking generational cycles and finding strength through vulnerability.

Her story shines a light on the courage it takes to face the past and the beauty of resilience. She and I very candidly dive into what it truly means to heal.

If you or someone you love is navigating trauma or mental health recovery, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and hope.

More from Caralyn Dreyer:

Read Caralyn's Blog: Darkness to Dialogue – Living Well With Mental Illness⁠ – Honest stories, trauma-informed recovery tools, and stigma-busting insights for those living with depression, anxiety, and more.

Follow Caralyn on Instagram⁠ for daily reflections, lived experience, and advocacy.

Listen to “Through the Darkness” – A Mental Health Recovery Podcast⁠

Subscribe to Caralyn’s Substack⁠ for essays, recovery resources, and ongoing conversations about healing.