Send a message into the Brightside

Chris Raab (Raab Himself) opens up about his wild ride from Jackass fame to rock bottom—and how he fought his way back to the bright side. In this raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation, Raab talks about his early days with Bam Margera and Ryan Dunn, the chaos of MTV fame, the darkness of addiction, and the long road to 16 years sober.

This one’s about learning to forgive yourself, to start over, and to find gratitude in the messiest corners of life.

Feel Good News Article: https://goodness-exchange.com/glam-squad-lifts-self-esteem-goodnet/

Haven on Adullum: https://www.havenonadullamlake.com-USE CODE "littledanny" for 10% OFF

The Rethreadery: https://www.therethreadery.com

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

MaKaylie Peterkin grew up with sports as the heartbeat of her family. But it was her sister’s battle with a rare disease — and the way their small-town community rallied around them — that shaped her path.

Today, MaKaylie channels that experience into helping families through some of their hardest moments with Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit that uses the power of sports to support those impacted by rare diseases.

In this episode, MaKaylie shares her story of resilience, loss, faith, and how “being coachable” can change your life.

Feel Good News Article: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/in-prisons-across-ohio-these-inmates-are-finding-meaning-by-saving-orphaned-and-injured-animals/

Uplifting Athletes: UA Home - Uplifting Athletes

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

Curtis Jr grew up chasing storms and snakes, but never quite felt like he belonged. The world saw him as different, and fitting in often came with a cost. Even as drinking crept into his life, music became his anchor-the one place where he could feel whole, alive, and true to himself.

In this conversation, Curtis opens up about learning to embrace the little kid he once was-the one who was made fun of for loving what he loved-and how welcoming that kid back saved him. His story is about finding identity, fighting through struggle, and letting music light the way forward.

If you've ever felt out of place, Curtis' journey will remind you: the parts of you that don't "fit in" might just be the parts that set you free.

Feel Good News Story (Majestic Mullet): https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/9-year-old-boy-saves-parents-when-tornado-sends-car-flying-into-trees/

Curtis Jr Music/Fundraiser Info: Curtis Jr. - Band, Live Music, Original and Cover Songs

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

What does it really mean to push past doubt, setbacks, and pressure — not to prove others wrong, but to prove yourself right?

In this week’s episode of Braving the Brightside, I sit down with Will Scissum, a man whose grit and determination have carried him through challenges that would break most. From the football field to life beyond it, Will’s story is about resilience, discipline, and a steady belief in something bigger guiding the way.

We talk about what it takes to stay locked in when the odds are stacked against you, why comparison is the enemy of growth, and how proving yourself right can be the most liberating victory of all.

If you’ve been looking for a reminder to keep showing up — even on the hard days — this is the conversation you need to hear.

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

It's been 25 years since my mom passed.

This Coffee Break is an episode that is just a little quieter, a little more personal. No guests, no interview. Just me, you, a cup of coffee, and some thoughts I've carried for a long time.

I talk about what it means to live with an ache for a loss that doesn't fade. How shame and the feeling of being lost in life can make you hide from that very grief in hopes of not being forced to sit in it, feel it and ultimately confront it. But also, how love doesn't erase grief-it makes room for it. And the beauty of it all.

Plus, any excuse I get to talk about my amazing, kick-ass mom.

If you've ever lost someone and found yourself unsure how to talk about what that feels like or if you need a moment to just feel a little less alone-this one's for you.

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

What happens when life's storms collide with late diagnosis, parenting and rediscovering yourself? In this episode of Braving the Brightside, I sit down with Kel-a grocery store veteran, ceramic artist, mother of two, and newly recognized member of the ADHD/ASD community.

Kel's story is raw, funny, and deeply human. We talk about the grief of what could have been, the relief of finally being understood, and the rebirth of that comes from unmasking and embracing your truest self. Along the way, Kel reflects on parenting neurodivergent kids, navigating therapy, and finding joy in small, unexpected places.

This conversation is about resilience, identity, and what it means to not just survive the storm-but to dance in the rain.

Feel Good Article: www.goodnewsnetwork.org/a-policing-act-of-kindness-in-detroit-after-little-boy-calls-911-to-chat-about-soccer/

Kel's Cermaic Store: @darling_studios on Insta

National Mental Health Hotline: (888) 738-5213

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

This week on Braving the Brightside, I sit down with my longtime friend Jay Brown for a raw, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation. Jay’s journey began with unimaginable challenges — born into addiction, time spent in foster care, and a search for belonging. But through it all, he found his voice, his humor, and his resilience.

In this episode, Jay opens up about growing up in chaos, discovering creativity through comic books and music, and how laughter became both his armor and his gift. We explore the highs and lows of his path through addiction, grief, and rebuilding, while finding meaning and growth on the other side.

This is a story about survival, honesty, and the messy, beautiful work of becoming yourself. It’s heavy, it’s funny, and above all, it’s real.

Whether you’ve faced your own battles or you just want to hear a story of resilience told straight from the heart — this episode is for you.

Jay's Super Soup Instagram: @Super_Soup215

Jay's Super Soup Facebook: Super Soup

Feel Good News Story: www.Optimistdaily.com

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside

Send a message into the Brightside

Mental health struggles are a mother fucker. Plain & simple.

Some stories stay with you-not because they're easy to hear, but because they're so deeply human. Cerrie Cox has faced seasons where hope felt far away where the road forward was anything but clear. And yet, through it all, she's gathered wisdom, grit, and the kind of courage that can inspire anyone listening. This conversation isn't just about what she's survived-it's about what she's learned, and what we all might take from it.

Also, seriously, what exactly is a labubu and why are people so excited about it?

We talk about all of this and more on this week's Braving the Brightside.

Feel Good News: goodgoodgood.co

Mental Health Crisis Help: 877-784-8469

Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org

Hang in there. It gets better, I promise.

New episodes every Friday at 2 pm on all major podcast platforms. Interested in being a guest or perhaps just wanna chat and share opinions or concerns? Email me at Bravingthebrightside@gmail.com or slide into the dm's as the kid's say @braving_thebrightside