A sensitive content warning: this episode includes discussion of substance addiction, mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and recovery.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or use the online chat through the 988 Lifeline. It supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises, and substance use concerns.

To honor May being Mental Health Awareness month we invited Drew Motiv to share his story of transformation through addiction, mental health struggles, and surviving suicide attempts, in this episode. Now a motivational speaker and founder of the Divine Family Movement, Drew opens up about the darkest chapters of his life and how he found his way toward healing, self-belief, and purpose.

We explore what it truly means to hit rock bottom, the isolation that can come with addiction and recovery, and the difficult work of rebuilding your identity after trauma. Drew reflects on the internal battles he faced, the moments that changed his path, and how he now uses his lived experience to help others feel less alone.

Beth and Cathy also talk with Drew about the emotional complexity of recovery, learning to trust yourself again, coping with lingering anxiety and darkness, and turning personal pain into public advocacy. His story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant for anyone navigating mental health challenges, addiction, or the long road back to themselves.

• Drew Motiv’s journey through addiction and mental health struggles
• What “rock bottom” looked like in his life
• Surviving suicide attempts and the emotional aftermath
• The role of isolation, honesty, and support in recovery
• Rebuilding trust in yourself after trauma
• How recovery is not linear
• Turning painful experiences into purpose-driven advocacy
• Founding the Divine Family Movement
• Redefining strength, especially for men facing stigma around vulnerability
• What Drew wants listeners who are struggling to hear right now

If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the resources below.

Follow Drew Motiv on Instagram @Drew_Motiv

divinefamilymovement.com

Need support? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. For substance use or mental health treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). For text-based crisis support, text HOME to 741741. Veterans and service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. For non-crisis support and local mental health resources, contact NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 62640.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

Guest Ra-Jon James opens up about his medical emergency that turned his world upside down in an instant. Ra-Jon was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to rapid muscle weakness and, in Ra-Jon's case, sudden paralysis.

Ra-Jon first shared his courageous journey on WTKR news in his hometown, and in this episode he joins us to go deeper into the emotional and physical grit required to relearn how to stand, walk, and reclaim his independence.

• The Sudden Onset: Ra-Jon describes the terrifying moment his body stopped responding and how quickly his symptoms progressed from minor sensations to total loss of movement.
• Understanding GBS: A look at Guillain-Barré Syndrome in plain English, what it feels like when your nervous system "short-circuits" and the emotional toll of losing autonomy overnight.
• The Diagnostic Journey: The moment of receiving the diagnosis and why early medical intervention is the most critical factor in recovery.
• The Road to Recovery: What it’s actually like to start physical therapy when even the smallest movements feel impossible. Ra-Jon shares the profound experience of his first steps after paralysis.
• Mindset & Resilience: How Ra-Jon stayed motivated during the "invisible" days of progress and the role mental strength plays in neurological healing.
• Support Systems: The importance of community and the specific ways loved ones can provide hope during a long-term recovery.

• Recognize the Red Flags: Rapidly spreading weakness or tingling in your extremities should never be ignored.
• You Are Not Alone: GBS can be an isolating experience; Ra-Jon offers advice for those currently terrified by a new diagnosis.
• Defining Hope: What healing looks like today and why believing in your body’s ability to recover is half the battle.

• Ra-Jon’s WTKR News Feature
• GBS/CIDP Foundation International Website

Ra-Jon James is a GBS survivor and advocate. After his story went public following a local news appearance, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness about Guillain-Barré Syndrome and providing hope to others facing sudden neurological challenges.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this episode we explore the complex world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, featuring practical guidance from Dr. Teresa Lyons, an autism expert, scientist, and parent of a child with autism.

Dr. Theresa Lyons is an international autism educator, Ivy League-trained scientist, and autism parent. Dr. Lyons holds a Ph.D. from Yale and is the founder and CEO of Navigating AWEtism, a platform designed to turn complex autism science into clear, practical guidance for families.

Dr. Lyons’ perspective is so powerful. She brings both rigorous scientific training and lived experience as the parent of a child with autism. She’s worked with families in more than 21 countries, helping parents move from fear and confusion to confidence and clarity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What autism is and how it is diagnosed through observation on a spectrum
• The influence of changing diagnostic criteria and rising awareness
• Early signs and red flags for autism in infants and toddlers
• The importance of differentiating misinformation from evidence-based practices
• How families can prioritize support strategies tailored to their child's strengths
• The role of collaboration between parents, professionals, and educators
• Myths about autism, including misconceptions about listening and cognition
• The connection between vaccines and autism, and how to approach medical decisions
• Supporting parental mental health and managing emotional regulation
• Scientific advances in identifying biomarkers and personalized interventions
• Practical at-home steps for fostering communication and emotional stability

Resources:

Dr. Thersea Lyons’ LinkedIn

Navigating AWEtism's Website

Navigating AWEtism's YouTube Page

Psychology Today

Autism Speaks

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

Discover how acupuncture, traditionally rooted in Chinese medicine, is transforming fertility care today. Join us as Kirsten Karshmer, a pioneer with over 20 years of experience, shares insights into how integrative practices and AI technology are making fertility treatment more accessible, personalized, and effective.

In This Episode:

• The science and philosophy behind reproductive acupuncture
• How acupuncture can enhance ovulation and IVF outcomes
• The emotional toll of infertility and managing stress
• Innovations in fertility tech: AI-driven platforms for personalized care
• Common misconceptions about fertility treatments
• Practical tips for young girls to foster a healthy relationship with their bodies
• The importance of shifting narratives: treating overall health, not just infertility

Resources:

Conceivable Technologies

ABORM - a reproductive acupuncture resource

“If Men Could Menstruate" By Gloria Steinem

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we share a story that underscores how quickly life can change, even when everything seems perfectly healthy.

Our guest, Kathi Lopez, was a retired business owner who felt active, well, and thriving when she suddenly lost vision in one eye. What began as a frightening visual disturbance quickly escalated into a medical emergency and led to a diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), a serious inflammatory condition that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. Kathi was also diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), a related autoimmune disease that causes widespread pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

Kathi has permanently lost vision in her right eye, but she has not lost her voice. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it’s like to go from “healthy” to navigating chronic autoimmune illness, how quickly symptoms can be missed or dismissed, and why awareness of GCA can be life- and vision-saving.

This episode is an important reminder that listening to your body, and acting quickly, can make all the difference.

• The moment Kathi first noticed something was wrong with her vision
• Early warning signs of Giant Cell Arteritis, including headaches, jaw pain, fatigue, and body aches
• How rapidly GCA can progress from subtle symptoms to permanent vision loss
• Receiving a life-altering diagnosis and processing irreversible vision loss
• The emotional, psychological, and physical impact of losing sight in one eye
• Adapting to monocular vision and changes in daily independence
• Living with both Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Treatment approaches and how Kathi’s body responded
• Where the healthcare system succeeds, and where it can fail patients with rare autoimmune diseases
• Advice for newly diagnosed patients and what Kathi wishes providers understood
• A message for anyone who believes, “This could never happen to me”

Kathi wanted to share the following practical, evidence-informed strategies for adapting to vision loss in one eye. These resources do not replace medical care but may help support rehabilitation and daily functioning.

1. Structured Low-Vision Rehabilitation

• Work with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) or low-vision occupational therapist
• Learn techniques for reading, mobility, depth perception, and hand-eye coordination
• Eccentric viewing training may help maximize use of stronger retinal areas

1. Monocular Vision Therapy Exercises (Performed with the affected eye covered)

• Monocular push-ups for focus and accommodation
• Near-far focusing to improve visual flexibility
• Brock string or Hart chart exercises for eye movement and coordination
• Figure-8 eye tracing and directional eye glides

1. Adaptive Skills Training

• Tossing and catching a ball to improve spatial judgment
• Motion-parallax head movements to aid depth perception
• Practicing scanning toward the blind side when walking or navigating spaces

1. Assistive Tools

• Enhanced lighting, contrast markings, magnifiers, and large print
• Electronic aids such as CCTVs or adaptive visual technology

1. Expectations & Consistency

• Adaptation often takes 6–9 months
• Daily practice (10–20 minutes per exercise) is most effective
• Patience and self-compassion are essential

Important: Always consult your ophthalmologist or low-vision specialist before starting any new therapy, especially after GCA.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this episode of It Happened To Me, we share a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of serious health challenges.

We’re honored to welcome Carolyn Routh, an award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and front-woman of the acclaimed bluegrass band Nu-Blu. With more than two decades on the road, multiple Billboard Top Ten albums, and appearances on platforms like CBS Sunday Morning, Carolyn has built an extraordinary career in music. What many don’t see is the parallel journey she’s been navigating behind the scenes—living with Type I diabetes and recovering from multiple strokes.

Carolyn’s health challenges reshaped not only her life, but her art. During her stroke recovery, she taught herself to play bass, reinventing her role in the band and reclaiming her place on stage with a renewed sense of purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to pursue a demanding creative career while managing chronic illness, how music can become part of healing, and what resilience really looks like when the unexpected changes everything.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Carolyn’s early diagnosis with Type I diabetes and how it shaped her life before fame
• Surviving multiple strokes and the recovery process
• Learning to play bass as part of rehabilitation and healing
• Returning to the stage after major health trauma
• Balancing touring, recording, and performance with ongoing health needs
• Making career accommodations without giving up on dreams
• How lived experience influences Nu-Blu’s music
• Navigating marriage, creativity, and entrepreneurship through serious illness
• The power of community, music, and perseverance
• Advice for anyone worried a diagnosis will limit their future

Resources:

• Carolyn's Band Nu-Blu
• BlueGrass Ridge Syndicated TV Show hosted by Carolyn and Daniel Routh
• FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone (including Yasmin and Yaz)

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.

In this deeply moving episode we explore the reality of chronic pain, the kind that reshapes identity, erodes independence, and too often leaves patients feeling invisible within the healthcare system.

Joining us is Meredith Mangold, an inflammatory bowel disease and chronic pain patient advocate whose medical journey began in college and evolved into years of relentless, life-altering pain. Meredith lives with ulcerative colitis, chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, and a constellation of overlapping medical conditions that left her bedbound for years and searching desperately for answers.

As a college student, Meredith landed in the ICU with toxic megacolon, a rare and life-threatening complication of inflammatory bowel disease. What followed were multiple major surgeries, escalating pain, and an exhausting cycle of treatments, including opioids, ketamine, spinal cord stimulation, and repeated detox attempts, none of which provided lasting relief. At her lowest point, Meredith’s pain hovered at an 8 out of 10 daily, her world narrowed to her bed and doctors’ appointments, and hope felt out of reach.

In this conversation, Meredith courageously shares what it’s like to live with unrelenting pain, the emotional toll of medical trauma, and the devastating impact chronic illness can have on mental health, identity, and self-worth. She also opens up about medical dismissal, the difficulty of managing multiple diagnoses, and the isolation that so many chronic pain patients quietly endure.

After years of setbacks, Meredith found a turning point through a personalized, multidisciplinary approach to pain management, one that treated her as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. While her pain hasn’t disappeared, it has become more manageable, allowing her to reclaim pieces of her life she once believed were gone forever.

Today, Meredith is the founder of Empower Health Strategies, where she uses her lived experience to help healthcare organizations and digital health companies build more patient-centered solutions. Her story is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t always mean being pain-free, sometimes it means being heard, believed, and given the chance to rebuild.

• What toxic megacolon is and why it’s so dangerous
• The physical and emotional realities of being bedbound with chronic pain
• Medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, and navigating overlapping conditions
• The toll of long-term opioid use and repeated detox attempts
• How unmanaged pain contributes to depression, anxiety, and medical PTSD
• What changed when Meredith finally found a care team with “more ideas”
• How lived experience can become a powerful form of advocacy
• A message of hope for anyone who feels they’ve reached the end of the road

This episode is for anyone living with chronic pain, loving someone who is, or working in healthcare and seeking to better understand the human cost of untreated and misunderstood pain.

Meredith, thank you for your honesty, vulnerability, and advocacy. Your story gives voice to so many who are still struggling, and reminds us all that healing can take many forms.

During the episode we mentioned Hopkins Medicine’s spotlight on Meredith and a previous episode of It Happened To Me, #40 Overcoming Crohn’s Through Pilates with Ryan Hodgkinson.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.