In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts speaks with guest Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful journey from a traumatic childhood, through a pivotal life event at age 22, to finding forgiveness and breaking a generational cycle of abuse. Scott describes growing up in an abusive environment and the impact it had on his self-esteem and future relationships. He recounts how his life changed when his father murdered his mother and the subsequent path he took towards healing through counseling and self-development. Scott outlines his six key principles of forgiveness and elaborates on the necessity of boundaries and ongoing forgiveness. The episode concludes with Scott offering guidance on how to start the forgiveness process and emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness.

Scott’s Bio and Contact Information

Growing up in a home that was less than supportive and filled with manipulation, combined with a poor role model as to what a Father should be, Scott was not set up for success, nor life.

At the age of 22, he endured a life altering event that would change theentire course of his existence. Investing the next 12-13 years into himself through counseling and self development, working intentionally to overcome those rough years, paid off. The result of that was a broken generational cycle of abuse. Today, he has a healthy, supportive, loving family who follows Christ

By day, Scott works in the health care field assisting families with their aging loved one via either assisted living or memory care placement.

Because of his life experience and real world ability to overcomeobstacles, he speaks professionally, outside of his day job on overcoming adversity and why forgiveness is such a key component to moving your

life forward and not being held back by your past circumstances. His belief is this: anything is forgivable if you hold the right belief about what forgiveness is and who it’s for.

Connect with Scott Stewart:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-stewart
• Facebook: Scott Stewart, Author/Speaker/Overcomer
• Website: https://scottstewartspeaking.com
• Email: scottstewartspeaking@gmail.com

To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, guest Marissa Cohen discusses her journey and expertise in addressing and healing from abusive relationships. Marissa Cohen, a thought leader and bestselling author, shares her experiences of overcoming unhealthy relationships while detailing the 'Healing from Emotional Abuse' philosophy she developed. The conversation covers the emotional and psychological impact of abuse, the steps needed to heal, and the importance of recognizing red flags. Marissa also highlights the significance of empowering survivors and creating supportive communities. Further, the discussion touches on statistics about abuse among college students and the role of educators and therapists in addressing these issues effectively. Marissa underscores the primary necessity for survivors to seek safety and control over their situations and advocates for empathetic and supportive interventions.

Marissa's Bio, Contact Information and Resources

After over 15 years as the premier speaker and thought leader of her industry, reigning “National Campus Speaker of the Year” Marissa F. Cohen has pioneered the field of Empowerment, training about Healthy and Toxic Relationships & Behaviors, Communication Skills and Mental Health and Wellness. She’s the founder of the Healing From Emotional Abuse Philosophy, and an award winning and 8-time internationally best-selling author. Using her personal and professional experience and research, she provides students with real-life examples and relatable content to enhance their understanding and expectations of healthy relationships and friendships, set healthy boundaries, and communicate effectively and empathetically with the people in their lives.

Contact Information

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.faye.cohen/ @marissa.faye.cohen

Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/marissafcohen @marissafcohen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissafcohen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-f-cohen-7b452b72/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingfromemotionalabuse

Website: www.marissafaycohen.com (See the Speaking tab for her schedule)

Safety Planning Guide and Resources:

https://marissafayecohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Safety-Planning-PDF.pdf

https://marissafayecohen.com/resources/essentialresources/

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Destiny Dawn Harris, who discusses the traumatic events surrounding her daughter’s abduction to India by an online predator. Destiny shares insights from her book From 8,000 Miles' which details her family's seven-year ordeal and their struggle with complicated grief. She offers critical advice on identifying warning signs of online predators and stresses the importance of open communication with children. Through her own story of faith and resilience, Destiny aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide hope and guidance to other families facing similar challenges.

Destiny's Bio and Contact Information

Destiny Dawn Harris is a wife and mother to three grown children, and lives in Mobile, Alabama, US. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and owns and runs an automotive detailing business with her husband, Brent, they founded in 1999.

FROM 8,0000 MILES is her first book. In it she details the traumatic events that unfolded in their family's life in mid-September 2018. It is one of the many trials she and her husband have faced and she writes about it in a very honest and candid way to bring strength, healing, and hope to others who have faced their own set of trials and circumstances. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the reason she has made it through, and she sees everything she writes as a testimony of what she has become, and what God has done for her.

Destiny loves to read and spends time writing, researching, cooking, and baking bread. She also enjoys skiing on both the lakes and slopes with her family in summer and winter with her little Maltese, Molly, in tow. Her favorite topics to write on are health, spiritual, and business.

Her dream is to one day open a health retreat in the rural area near her home with a focus on helping families that have children with mental health issues so they can have a better quality of life and find respite from the challenges of daily life.

🔗 Connect with Destiny:

Website: https://destinydawnofficial.com

YouTube: Destiny Dawn Official

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertssw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Emma Napoleon, a 16-year-old writer and self-care advocate. At just 15, Emma co-authored the bestselling book Love Yourself First 2,and she is now working on her new book, Living in the Shadows: Finding Your Voice When You Feel Left Out. Emma shares her personal journey of dealing with grief following her father's death, her experiences of feeling misunderstood, and her mission to help other teens find their voice and embrace their uniqueness. Despite facing displacement due to hurricanes, Emma continues to channel her experiences into powerful writing aimed at helping others. The episode delves into the pressures teens face today, the impact of grief on young minds, and the importance of providing a supportive environment for them.

To book Emma for future podcast episodes email: christinanapoleon@outlook.com

Emma's Bio and Contact Information

Emma Napoleon is a passionate young writer and advocate for self-care and mental health. At just 15 years old, she coauthored the bestselling book Love Yourself First 2, which is a book that offers perspective on healing, self-love and growth, in many areas of mental and emotional help. Now, Emma is writing a new book titled Living in the Shadows: Finding Your Voice When You Feel Left Out, where she shares her personal journey of healing through grief, feeling misunderstood, and navigating the darkness when others expect sunshine. Her story offers an empowering message for teens who may feel alone or invisible, teaching them that it’s okay to heal in their own time and way. Through her writing, Emma is on a mission to help others find their voice, embrace their uniqueness, and break free from the shadows.

Connect with Emma Napoleon:

Instagram: emma.napoleon

TikTok: emma.napoleon

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share!

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts speaks with Clare Loewenthal, an accomplished author, editor, and former magazine publisher. Clare shares her inspiring journey from battling anorexia nervosa in her late teens to achieving personal and professional success. She discusses the brutal medical treatments she underwent, the social isolation she experienced, and the stigmas attached to eating disorders. Clare emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of eating disorders, separating the illness from the individual, and focusing on holistic and integrative treatments. She advocates for the power of resilience, human connection, and creativity in her path to recovery, and highlights the need to address the root causes of eating disorders. Clare also talks about her book 'Substance From the Shadow' and its second edition, which aims to provide hope and insight for those struggling with similar challenges.

Clare's Bio and Contact Information

Clare Loewenthal is an accomplished author, editor and former magazine publisher who has built a life defined by resilience and purpose.

At 18 years of age, Clare Loewenthal enjoyed a charmed and carefree existence. Less than two years later, she had lost agency over her body and her life and was admitted to psychiatric unit a life-threating weight. She didn’t want to die but no longer knew how to live.

Despite a long battle with anorexia nervosa, brutal medical treatment and crippling social isolation, Clare transformed her life into one of professional and personal success.

Clare was the founder and publisher of Dynamic Small Business (DSB), a magazine she grew to become the largest small business publication in Australia. She still holds the position of Editor Emeritus of Dynamic Business.

The release of the second edition of her memoir, The Substance from the Shadow, now gives her a platform to address many of the misconceptions that reduce the very complex world of eating disorders down to wilful vanity.

Despite her struggles, Clare created a new identity and a rich life for herself, one no longer defined by weight, food or the judgement of others.

Today, she shares her struggle widely, advocating for greater understanding and compassion around eating disorders and mental illness more broadly.

Connect with Clare:

• Book: “Substance From the Shadow” (available on Amazon)

· E mail clare18@optusnet.com.au

· Website https://www.clareloewenthal.com.au/

· Medium https://medium.com/@clare.loewenthal

· LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-loewenthal-a08a2126/

· X - @ClareLoewenthal

· Instagram – @clare_loewenthal

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and psychologyprofessorandminister.com

This episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Nina Della Vecchia—a spiritual life coach, Reiki master, and energy healer. The conversation explores Nina’s personal journey through loss, caregiving, and spiritual awakening, highlighting her mission to support family caregivers and individuals facing burnout. Nina shares her experiences caring for family members with serious illnesses, the emotional complexities of grief, and how these shaped her holistic coaching approach. The discussion covers the importance of self-care for caregivers, transforming pain into purpose, and finding meaning through spiritual practices and music, especially the inspiration drawn from Neil Peart of Rush. The episode concludes with practical advice for those in hardship: change is always possible, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Nina also shares how listeners can connect with her and her “Dare to Be Me” coaching services.

Nina's Bio and Contact Information

Nina Della Vecchia is a Spiritual Life Coach, Reiki Master Practitioner and Energy Healer whose mission is to support family caregivers and stressed out individuals to dare to put themselves first by shifting from burnout and feeling isolated to an increased capacity for living and a renewed life perspective to thrive. She walks alongside those who never signed up to be caregivers—but became ones out of love, not training. These “unintentional caregivers,” often face a devastating curveball that changes everything. Nina is here to help them reclaim something just as powerful: themselves. Learning to integrate pockets of joy and harmony into their everyday lives.

Rooted in the belief that transformation is possible even when nothing around you changes, Nina blends her training in life coaching, spiritual coaching, Reiki and Archangelic Light Healing with deeply intuitive guidance. Through her signature hybrid sessions, she creates safe, soul-nurturing spaces where her clients feel seen, held and empowered to move forward—from the inside out.

Nina calls her clients Daregivers—because even in the hardship, stress and overwhelm, they dare to keep showing up. Her own lived experience as a caregiver and spiritual seeker brings wisdom, compassion and grounded tools to the work. As she often says, "I’m your hug in the dark, you can change even if nothing around you does."

If you’re feeling overextended, soul-tired or searching for a breath of relief, Nina’s message and mission will meet you where you are—and remind you what’s still possible.

Learn more at www.daretobemecoaching.com Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @daretobemecoaching.

To find ourt more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Noemi Beres, entrepreneur, artist, and creator of Silent Thinking Sessions. The conversation explores the importance of silence and reflection in a noisy world, the healing power of calm for trauma and emotional well-being, and the difference between holding space and giving advice. Noemi shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her Silent Thinking Sessions and podcast, and practical tips for creating quiet spaces for self-discovery. The episode emphasizes the value of presence, listening, and supporting others without trying to fix them, offering insights for anyone seeking clarity, balance, and deeper connection.

Noemi's Bio and Contact Information

Noemi Beres is an entrepreneur, artist, and the creator of Silent Thinking Sessions, a calm, judgment-free space for people to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their thoughts. This is not therapy, not coaching, and not meditation; it’s a new concept designed to offer quiet support in a noisy world. Noémi also runs Podcast Connections, helping entrepreneurs grow their visibility through strategic podcast guesting. With a background in linguistics and a love for presence over performance, she holds a gentle space where silence becomes a powerful tool for clarity and healing.

Connect with Noemi Beres:

Websites: http://noemiberes.com/

• Silent Thinking Sessions and Podcast: [Noemi’s website]
• Podcast Connections: https://podcastconnections.co

Social links:

https://www.instagram.com/noemi_beres/_

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemiberes/

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes guest Amy Olmedo, who shares her powerful personal journey of overcoming adversity, including emotional abuse, traumatic injuries, and the search for purpose. Amy discusses how her experiences led her to create a nature sanctuary and retreat, emphasizing the healing power of community, nature, and spiritual connection. The conversation explores themes from Amy’s book, the significance of the white heron in her spiritual life, and her approach to holistic healing and personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their authentic selves, find support in community, and seek healing through both nature and self-reflection. The episode concludes with Amy sharing how to connect with her and her ongoing work with honeybees and environmental stewardship.

Amy's Bio and Contact Information

When I was young, I dreamed of the perfect life: marrying the best man, raising three beautiful children, becoming a doctor, and living happily ever after. But life had different plans. At first, I thought I had it all. But the person I once was seemed to slip away as time passed. I no longer recognized myself, or at least the version of myself I had created during that time.

In my mid-thirties, I sat by the pool with friends, watching our children play. According to everyone, we were living "the life." Yet, an overwhelming dread washed over me. I thought, "If this is life, I don't want it anymore." I had been enduring emotional abuse, and I knew I needed to leave my marriage, but I didn't know how. When I finally gathered the strength to leave, the devastation that followed was unimaginable.

Then, a car accident nearly killed me, leaving me with Traumatic Brain Injury and physical pain, yet I appeared fine. I had to fight, hiding my struggles to protect my children. Over the years, I did my best to rebuild my life, but a second car accident left me broken again and suffering as my body was physically shutting down and I developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In my forties, I longed for peace, wishing for release from the pain. Then, I stumbled upon a shamanic journey which renewed my spirit, and significantly altered my path in life. Through more struggles, I rediscovered my purpose. Nature became my sanctuary, and in my fifties, I understood who I was meant to be in this world.

White Heron, A Creation Story is the result of my embracing all of who I am, and all of my experiences through my journey back to my self. It is my story and a faithful companion for anyone on a journey of self discovery, healing and transformation. If you are looking for answers to questions yet unspoken, take a deep breath and look inside. You are the source of revelation.

🔗 Connect with Amy:

Website: WhiteHeron.us

Book: Available on Amazon

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com