What happens when a child survives vitamin A toxicity, 20+ surgeries, parental kidnapping, and a front-row seat to 9/11 — and still builds a captivating life?

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with author and resilience advocate Eliza Young to unpack one of the most extraordinary life journeys you'll ever hear.

Eliza shares how she became the first diagnosed case of vitamin A toxicity — a medical mystery that left her physically handicapped and led to over 20 surgeries before her 18th birthday. She opens up about surviving her parents' brutal custody battle, including multiple parental kidnappings, and being just one mile from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

But this isn't just a story of survival. It's a story of transformation.

Eliza discusses:

• How writing her memoir Life in Captivity became a healing journey after a breast cancer diagnosis
• The mind-body connection in medical treatment and how patients are (and aren't) truly heard
• Raising children with freedom and voice after growing up without either
• Why she's trading New York for southern Spain at nearly 60 years old
• Her definition of resilience — and why it's okay to feel the lows without staying in them

Whether you're a trauma survivor, a caregiver, a parent, or simply someone searching for proof that it's never too late to create the life you've always wanted, Eliza's story will move and inspire you.

Eliza’s Bio and Contact Information

Throughout her childhood, Eliza overcame unimaginable challenges. She was the first diagnosed case of Vitamin A toxicity that left her physically handicapped, experienced over 20 surgeries before she turned 18, faced emotional and mental trials when her parents battled for custody, including parental kidnappings, and on September 11, 2001, was just one mile away from the World Trade Center.

Eliza is a testament to resilience and strength. She embodies the spirit of survival and her story will inspire and empower others.

🌐 Website: acaptivatinglife.com

📖 Book: alifeincaptivity.com

Social Media:

https://www.acaptivatinglife.com/contact/

What if an animal has been trying to send you a message — and you just haven't been paying attention?

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with licensed clinical social worker and intuitive spiritual guide Tammy Zumbo to explore the transformative journey behind her upcoming book, When the Lion Roars: Answering the Call (releasing August 18th).

Tammy shares how a shamanic breathwork journey in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and a sacred ceremony on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala led her to discover the white lion as her primary spirit totem — and how that encounter completely reshaped the book she was writing.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to identify your spirit animal or totem — including signs you may be missing in everyday life
• What shamanic breathwork is and how it can unlock deep emotional healing and shadow work
• Why forgiveness is freedom — and how to release energetic bonds that keep you stuck
• The role of soul contracts and past lives in shaping your current relationships and challenges
• What the Akashic Records are and how they can offer clarity on your soul's journey
• How energy medicine, acupressure tapping, reiki, cacao ceremonies, and compassion key can support your spiritual path

Whether you're an empath, light worker, or highly sensitive person navigating your purpose, this conversation offers practical tools and profound perspective to help you hear — and answer — the call of your soul.

Tammy’s Bio and Contact Information

Tammy Zumbo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with people on an intuitive, spiritual level. Together we will collaborate in navigating your journey. She combines Energy Medicine and Energy Psychology ( acupressure tapping) into sessions. She specializes in the guidance of Empaths, Light workers, and Highly Sensitive People. Tammy’s goal is to help validate all who seek her wisdom ,support and tools to help them navigate the world.

She teaches workshops in the area of energy healing, Empath self care, Energy Psychology, and blending complementary therapies into direct practice modalities. She is available for speaking engagements.

Tammy is the author of the book, When The Lion Roars, due to be released on August 18 , 2026.

🔗 Connect with Tammy: tammyzumbo.com

📖 When the Lion Roars: Answering the Call — available on Amazon & Kindle

The Teaching Journeys Podcast can be found on your favorite podcast platforms.

In this powerful episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Cristina P. Simmons — bestselling author, TEDx speaker, trauma-informed occupational therapist, and founder of Soul Story Collective — to explore the deep connection between emotional trauma and our relationship with food.

Cristina opens up about losing three biological children, raising a son with autism, surviving two major surgeries, and how all of it led her to discover occupational therapy — and ultimately, herself. She breaks down why so many of us eat our feelings, the neuroscience behind emotional eating, and the practical tools she used to heal her nervous system and redefine her relationship with food.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why emotional eating is rooted in nervous system dysregulation — not a lack of willpower
• How occupational therapy principles can help anyone manage stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers
• What "mirror work" is and how it helped Cristina rebuild her sense of self
• The surprising connection between childhood food rules and adult emotional patterns
• How vulnerability and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing
• What the Soul Story Collective is and how it helps women share their stories
• Whether you're on a wellness journey, working through grief, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode will leave you feeling seen — and inspired to give yourself grace.

Bio and Contact Information

Cristina P. Simmons is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, trauma-informed occupational therapist, and publisher. Inspired by her personal journey, she now helps women turn pain into purpose through storytelling. As the founder of Soul Story Collective, she blends clinical expertise and lived experience to guide women in healing, regulating their nervous systems, and sharing their stories with clarity, strength, and impact. She believes every woman’s story holds the power to heal not only herself, but others.

Connect with Cristina:

🌐 cristinapsimmons.com

📧 info@cristinapsimmons.com

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/cristina.b.simmons

https://www.instagram.com/cristinapsimmons/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-simmons/

https://www.youtube.com/@CristinaSimmons-d3j

📚 Eat Your Feelings — available on Amazon

📱 Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok

The Teaching Journeys Podcast is on your favorite platforms