What happens when the unimaginable becomes your reality—twice?

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, I sit down with KD Wagner, a Gold Star Mother, speaker, author, and survivor of unthinkable tragedy. KD lost both of her sons—one to murder at just 18 years old, and the other while serving in the U.S. Navy during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her story is one of devastating loss, relentless grief, addiction, and ultimately, extraordinary resilience.

But KD's journey didn’t end in darkness—it transformed into a mission of purpose and healing. She shares how she moved through the depths of despair, including moments where life felt unbearable, and how she came back from the edge with a powerful message:

Today, KD Wagner serves as the President of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers Inc., raising awareness and advocating for veterans and their families in honor of her sons, Jeffrey and Bud. She’s spoken around the globe, appeared on major networks, and continues to inspire with her raw truth and unwavering strength.

📘 Her book BUD: A Homicide Turns a Blue Star Gold tells the heart-wrenching and heroic story of her son’s service and ultimate sacrifice.

She is also the author of the trilogy The Next Day Came, which shares her powerful journey through grief, addiction, and the road back to life.

✨ Whether you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply in need of a reminder that healing is possible, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with KD Wagner:

📗 BUD: A Homicide Turns a Blue Star Gold – Buy on Amazon

📖 The Next Day Came Trilogy

📍 LinkedIn

📸 Threads

If you have a story of hope and healing that you want to share, please reach out. I would love to chat with you about being on the show.

Hey there, I’m so glad you’re here and tuning in! If this episode spoke to your heart, just know there’s even more support waiting for you.

I work with people who are ready to heal from the inside out — especially those dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, inflammation, gut issues, or burnout. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms your doctors can’t fully explain, it may be that your past is still living in your body. Unhealed emotional wounds and nervous system dysregulation often show up as physical and mental health challenges — and I’m here to help you break that cycle.

As an international inspirational speaker, NLP Practitioner, Trauma-Informed ACOA Coach, Neurofit Trainer, and Best-Selling Author, I bring both deep personal experience and professional training to the work I do. I believe in prevention, not just intervention — and use a body, mind, and spirit approach to guide others toward becoming the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves.

My holistic toolbox includes nervous system regulation, trauma-informed coaching, nutritional support, and natural healing strategies — including access to a powerful biofrequency scanner that gives us real-time insight into your wellness reality so we can create a personalized roadmap for healing.

Most of all, I’m your friend on this journey — cheering you on and reminding you that you absolutely can live...