What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain?

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health.

I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open.

It was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone.

2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peace

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about those early experiences—how learning about suicide changed the way I look at others and myself.

I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart.

Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help.

These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time.

Reaching out isn’t weakness.

Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense.

SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES

Stay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and Spanish

MENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS)

Calm — Meditation and sleep aid

Headspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxation

Bearable — Mood & symptom tracking

Finch — Habit tracker and daily self-care

Breathe, Think, Do (for kids)

ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S..

SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use)

This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast Studio

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In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees.

Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.com

Buy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's Perspective

Follow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/...

Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America.

He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community.

We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey.

Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon.

The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption.

• Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth.

• The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity.

• The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path.

• Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike.

• His story, his attitude, and the way Wilson lives his life is a true source of encouragement to approach adoption with openness, love, and a willingness to learn.

In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner,⁠ a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform.

Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: ⁠Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War⁠.

***BUY HIS BOOK ON AMAZON

***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE

***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram

***Connect with Alfred on LinkedIn

As a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated.

His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly.

The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜

Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield.

Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home.

In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir.

"Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War⁠" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his ⁠official website⁠ or Amazon.

Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of ⁠Menopalz.

"As a certified menopause coach, health warrior, and founder, she suffered through a whirlwind of misdiagnoses (Celiac disease!) and perimenopause brain fog...and then she turned her experience into a mission.

Menopalz is your warm, supportive space to navigate menopause with purpose, joy, and a dash of sass. Whether you're feeling confused, empowered, burnt out, or all of the above—this is your place to land, learn, laugh, and thrive."

Raquel is a true source of wisdom for anyone moving through menopause or perimenopause. ⁠

Follow @mymenopalz on Instagram⁠

Her story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about finding laughter, connection, and a sense of community in the midst of change.

We dig into the everyday ups and downs of menopause, including 54+ symptoms that women may experience!

Along the way, we swap stories, share honest moments, and even find the humor hiding beneath the surface.

There’s something powerful about being able to laugh through hot flashes and mood swings, and realizing we’re all in this together.

If you’re currently in the menopause or peri journey—or just want to understand it better—this episode promises real talk, support, and (importantly) some well-earned laughs. Here’s to facing change with community, hope, and a good sense of humor!

MORE ABOUT MENOPALZ

"Welcome to Menopalz, your midlife sanctuary for real talk, real tools, and real transformation.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all program. This is a choose-what-you-need, when-you-need-it experience designed with real women in mind.

This space was built with you in mind—because no woman should have to go through perimenopause or menopause feeling confused, dismissed, or alone.

Here, we talk openly, share honestly, and support each other through the mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and all the other “fun” stuff no one warned us about.

You’ll find expert advice, real-life tips, live classes (like cooking, movement, mindset, and more), and a community of women who actually get it.

No fluff. No shame. Just sisterhood, support, and solutions.

You’re not crazy.

You’re not alone. You’re in the right place.

Thank you for being our Menopalz 💕"

I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life.

He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time.

Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward.

Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection.

Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage.

Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm.

His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too.

Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through.

This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai.

Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength.

If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you.

Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below!

FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOW

Fireside Adoptees Instagram Page

Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group

"Welcome to Fireside Adoptees!

Our motto in a nutshell is:

C community

A advocate

M mentor

P pace

We want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journey

We aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges."

Join us!

Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm EST

Sundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving!

"We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now!

Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!"

⁠Adoptee Garage Facebook Group⁠

"Welcome to Adoptee Garage!

This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you.

We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption.

This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted.

Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys.

Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Heinritz and dive deep into his inspiring transformation—from chasing success in sales to finding real fulfillment in his faith as a Christian.

We talk honestly about the wake-up calls that nudge us toward something greater, the power of intentional morning routines (Jason calls them “Sacred Starts”), and what happens when we return to a deeper relationship with God.

Wake Up Jesus People - Life-Giving Disciplines to Awaken the Warrior Within

Buy Jason's book on Amazon

Follow Jason on Instagram

Join Jason's 40Forge Challenge

Subscribe to Jason's YouTube channel

This conversation is personal, heartfelt, and real. We touch on the challenges that push us to grow, and how prayer and daily spirituality help us face life’s struggles.
Jason shares his experience and insight into why surrounding ourselves with a faith community brings support and growth.

Together, Jason and I explore why setting healthy boundaries matters, how forgiveness is a journey, and how adversity can actually lead us closer to joy and God’s peace.

In this episode, I had the delightful opportunity to chat with Benjamin Kintisch, former chaplain and creator of "Life Review: The Hospice Musical".

Watch the trailer

We dove into his journey from chaplain to musical creator, proving that life is indeed a stage—and sometimes a comedy.

Benjamin's stories are as entertaining as they are inspiring, and he even graced us with a live performance that might just make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices all at once.

Key highlights:

-Benjamin's leap from chaplaincy to the bright lights of musical theater

-The touching and humorous inspiration behind "Life Review: The Hospice Musical"

-Creative insights and how to turn life's lemons into a Broadway show

-A live performance that will have you singing along (or at least humming in the shower)

Don't miss the chance to experience this unique blend of storytelling and music—it's like a therapy session with a soundtrack!

Life Review: the one-man play is booking both in-person and virtual performances through Fall 2025. Benjamin is currently looking for theatrical partners at schools, community theaters, festivals, and more.

It's a new musical celebrating life, love, and loss through three seasons at a residential hospice.

The story follows our young Rabbi David, the new chaplain at the facility. He arrives in autumn, eager and naive, caring but lonely. As he ministers to the patients, Rabbi David learns from his patients even as he cares for them. and their loved ones.

Each patient sings their story.

We hear from a proud mother remembering snow, a brave but scared young man wondering what's to come, an older man looking for one last friend, and a man of God singing praises.

Follow LifeReviewMusical on Instagram

This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) therapist Hannah Sinkovitz—someone who shows up with hope, comfort, and a genuinely safe place to land.

Follow Sacred Story Counseling on Instagram

Follow Howdyhannahsinko on Instagram

Our conversation is a mix of laughs and real moments, where we get straight to the heart of therapy: how it changes both the people seeking help and those doing the helping.

I'm beyond grateful that Hannah and my paths crossed last year, in April 2024, when we joined an online business school program: Tiffany Roe's Feel Deal Heal Business Mastermind Cohort: Unlocking Your BADASS Potential - a 7-month program that changed our lives!

Follow troebizschool on Instagram

Since participating in that cohort, Hannah launched her private therapy practice, and I launched my podcast! I'm incredibly lucky to have connected with Hannah for so many reasons, as you'll see in this episode.

She's a gem of a human being, and a FANTASTIC therapist.

Hannah opens up about her path into this work, the creative ways she supports her clients, and why making folks feel truly safe is everything. We talked honestly about what it takes to grow, what it means to be deeply heard, and why self-care isn't just a nice idea—it's survival for anyone supporting others.

If you’ve ever wondered about the power of having someone in your corner or needed to know you’re not alone in facing the tough stuff, this episode is definitely for you.

Interested in working with Hannah as your therapist? She currently practices mental health coaching worldwide, so reach out via the links above!