In this episode, I dive deep into my journey over the last seven years and how God has drawn me closer to His grace, glory, and unconditional love.

During the years following my divorce, God brought countless self-help books into my life to expand my mind and open my heart. I share my experiences with psychedelics and how, even then, God was at work in my life. As you listen, you’ll hear how I’ve come home to Jesus and developed a deep belief that He is our Lord and Savior. His presence is needed now more than ever as spiritual warfare continues to escalate in society.

I am grateful that my experiences have allowed me to hear, receive, and understand God’s messages as He intended. As always, thank you for listening, and God bless you all!

RAV is part of the podcast network SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have Derek Bylsma on the show. As we dived into his 20-year journey of sobriety, his belief in recovery was consistent. His belief strengthened my understanding that recovery and healing aren’t a straight line. There are setbacks, the same highs and lows as life, guilt, shame, love, joy and gratitude. It’s all-encompassing, and there is no one-size-fits-all path. It’s about exploring what works best for you and what resonates with you and then giving it your best shot. When a setback happens, which it will, always remember that it’s a choice to stay there. That choice belongs to you.

About Derek Bylsma:
Derek is the Executive Director of Millennium Counseling Center and heads their 3A and Sports divisions. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a nationally board-certified counselor. He is also fully trained in EMDR Therapy.

In addition to two bachelor's degrees, one from Kalamazoo College and the other from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Derek also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. After a successful career in business and strong family ties in the helping professions, it became apparent that Derek’s true calling was to help those struggling with life’s many challenges.

Derek specializes in recovery-related work, mood disorders, co-occurring disorders and issues unique to athletic performance. He is particularly enthusiastic about leading the sports division at Millennium Counseling Center as it marries two of his lifelong passions: helping others and athletics. As a soccer player, Derek was a two-time college All-American and All-Big Ten player and, after graduating, went on to play professional soccer in the U.S. More recently, Derek’s ties to athletics shifted from player to coach and he has been recognized as one of the top High School soccer coaches in Illinois. His experience as a high-performing athlete and coach, as well as his extensive experience in the mental health field, provide clients with unique benefits in our sports division.

Derek draws from his own life experiences and insights to help others see the power of having choices in life. He believes, “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.”

Connect with Derek:
Millennium Counseling Center: https://millenniumhope.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-bylsma-2260121/

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

In this episode, I welcome Giavonna Evans (Gigi Evans) to the show. As a yoga instructor and disciple of Jesus, Gigi Evan's divine purpose is to minister to others and help them cultivate a deeper connection with God. We explored her past, what kept her from deepening her relationship with Jesus, and how she could walk her path with him again. Yoga has provided her a more profound connection to herself, which has freed up space to foster more profound spiritual growth. Come along for the ride!

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

In today’s episode with Sam Goodwin, we explore his remarkable life journey and the reasons behind his nine-week captivity in Syria. Listen as he shares his mindset during solitary confinement, navigating the uncertainty of not knowing how it would end. Now a professional speaker, Sam continues to share his story, inspiring others to overcome uncertainty and live a more abundant life!

More about Sam Goodwin:
Sam Goodwin is an American entrepreneur, author, and international keynote speaker known for his leadership skills in embracing uncertainty. A former Division I hockey player, Sam co-founded a tech company and NGO in Singapore and is one of the few people to have traveled to all 193 countries in the world. His book, Saving Sam, recounts his experience of being taken hostage and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria. Sam speaks to audiences worldwide, from large corporate events to intimate leadership retreats, inspiring others to embrace challenges with resilience. He holds a bachelor’s from Niagara University, a master’s from Washington University in St. Louis, and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Learn more about Sam Goodwin
https://www.samrgoodwin.com/

Buy his book on Amazon | Saving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

From pro hockey to real estate, David Strathman shares how the life skills he learned from hockey have translated into his life as a real estate agent. He speaks on how he moves forward when a deal falls through and how hockey taught him resiliency and the ability to control what he can. Deals will fall through, people will back out, and David has a great routine in place that allows him to simply move on and continue attacking this next chapter in his life!

Learn more about David Strathman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-strathman-86393a65/

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
Learn more: https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

This is a truly inspirational episode in which Rob Pallante dives into his journey through hockey and how his life shifted after a motorcycle accident. Spending over 40 days on his back after this accident led to a life of change and growth. Now, he’s helping athletes through his creation of Mindset Body Bank. His purpose now is to help players avoid the same mistakes he did and embrace the journey over the destination.

Learn more about Rob Pallante and Mindset Body Bank
https://www.mindsetbodybank.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rpallante/

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
Learn more: https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

More about Rob Pallante's vision at Mindset Body Bank:
MINDSET

Create awareness behind the idea that what you think is what you become. And how to think to overcome adversity.

BODY

Help conscious-minded high performers understand the benefits of a healthy body and how combined with a healthy mind, it will unleash even greater potential.

BANK

Provide quality information and tools to allow others to cash in on their efforts and build up a foundation of mental and physical resources that they can call on when needed.

What a powerful and insightful conversation I had with former client Collin D'Anna. As a man who has been in law enforcement for 17 years, including the Secret Service, he lived and saw things most people won’t ever see. Collin speaks on how little mental health help there is in law enforcement and how he’s been able to work on himself. Now, he’s out there helping other people, as others began to notice the change in him. Thank you for listening!

Connect with Collin D'Anna
https://www.linkedin.com/in/collindanna/

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
Learn more: https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/

More about Collin D'Anna:

Investigations and security professional with over 17 years of experience in end-to-end investigations, fraud detection and prevention, all-source intelligence gathering, as well as conducting threat and risk assessments.

-Served on the Secret Service's White House Surveillance Team- performing countersurveillance and counterintelligence operations to collect all-source intelligence

-Oversaw the day-to-day operations of a loss prevention department, reducing financial loss via identifying external and internal theft and fraud

-Prepared investigative reports, conducted interviews/interrogations, collected and preserved evidence all in part of end-to-end-case management

-Trained two direct reports and 200+ indirect reports on active shooter/active threat situations

-Conducted training for two direct reports and 200+ indirect reports on identifying and preventing theft and fraud

-Developed 200+ comprehensive threat-to-employee and workplace violence safeguarding action plans

-Conducted 500+ threat/risk assessment plans for large-scale events, including National Security Events and the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

Hey RAV family! Jacob here, and I'm still buzzing from the incredible conversation I just had with Mike Baldridge. This episode is one you absolutely don't want to miss.

Highlights:

• Mike's Military Journey: We dive deep into Mike's experience as a high-level combat soldier. His story is both harrowing and inspiring, shedding light on the realities of military service.
• Tragedy on the Battlefield: In a raw and emotional moment, Mike opens up about witnessing the deaths of three of his brothers-in-arms right by his side. The impact of this experience is palpable throughout our conversation.
• Battling PTSD: Mike bravely shares his struggle with PTSD following his combat experiences. His honesty about this challenging journey is truly commendable.
• The Path to Healing: We explore Mike's healing journey, discussing the methods and mindset that have helped him cope with his trauma and move forward.
• Life Before the Military: Mike provides fascinating insights into his life prior to joining the military, giving us a holistic view of his journey.
• Lessons Learned: Throughout the episode, Mike shares valuable life lessons and perspectives gained from his experiences, both in and out of the military.

Personal Reflection:

I was truly moved by Mike's openness and vulnerability during our conversation. His resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges is nothing short of inspirational. This episode is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military personnel and the ongoing battles they face even after returning home.

Connect with Mike Baldridge:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-baldridge-0b4486121/
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelMBaldridge/
Buy Mike's book, Barbaric Heart: https://www.amazon.com/Barbaric-Heart-Michael-M-Baldridge-ebook/dp/B096HQF9QV

RAV is part of the podcast network, SportsE Media
SportsE Media is a sports media platform and production company that connects entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and fans. It focuses on sports, entrepreneurship, mental health, and media.
Learn more: https://sportsepreneur.com/

RAV is also a part of QuietLoud Studios
QuietLoud Studios is the podcast network where reflection and voice come together.
Learn more: https://quietloudstudios.com/

RAV is produced by the team at KazCM
KazCM is a B2B content production company that builds assets and drives revenue by writing and talking. If you are looking to create a podcast, show, or written works, talk with the team at KazCM.
Learn more: https://kazcm.com/

Connect with Jacob Newton, Host of Raw, Authentic & Vulnerable
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newtonsmind55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-newton-05b680121
Website: https://www.newtonsmind.com/