We all know the feeling: life should be good. From the outside, everything looks fine—even enviable. But inside? It’s a different story. In this deeply moving episode, Brytani shares her journey as an active duty Marine who quietly carries the weight of depression, suicidal thoughts, and the ache of loneliness.

Despite the strength she shows on the outside, Brytani’s story reveals the hidden cracks beneath the surface—the loss of meaningful relationships, the struggle to find purpose in a career that no longer feels aligned, and the painful fight to access the mental health care she desperately needs.

Her honesty will stop you in your tracks. Because her story is our story—the story of holding it all together while falling apart. Of smiling in photos, but crying alone. Of feeling despair even when the world sees a beautiful life.

If you’ve ever felt the disconnect between what your life looks like and how it actually feels, this conversation will make you feel seen.

Brytani reminds us that healing begins with honesty. That doing the basics is sometimes the bravest thing we can do. And that reaching out—whether you’re the one hurting or the one who wants to help—matters more than we know.

Listen in for a conversation that’s raw, real, and achingly relatable. You are not alone.

Brytani Musick

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Help, US and Canada:

Canada:

Crisis Services Canada: Provides a national helpline, available 24/7, for individuals in crisis or distress.

• • Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/
  • Helpline: 1-833-456-4566

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): CMHA offers a range of mental health resources, support, and information, including resources specifically for depression.

• Website: https://cmha.ca/

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 helpline for young people in Canada to reach out for support and information.

• Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca/
• Helpline: 1-800-668-6868

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH provides resources, treatment options, and education on mental health and addiction.

• Website: https://www.camh.ca/

United States:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.

• • Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
  • Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 text messaging service providing support to people in crisis.

• Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
• Text line: Text "HELLO" to 741741

Mental Health America (MHA): MHA offers resources, information, and online screening tools to assess mental health concerns.

• Website: https://www.mhanational.org/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH provides information on mental health conditions, including depression, and conducts research to advance the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

• Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

The Trusted Friend Events

This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse and may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

At just 15 years old, Desiree Arias had no idea that her first love would turn into a six-year nightmare. “I didn’t know anything about boys or love,” she says. “He was my first, and I fell hard and fast. His love was all-encompassing.” But even after fully immersing herself in his world, she didn’t see the darkness hiding inside him—until it was too late.

What started as passionate young love slowly turned into control, fear, and violence. His anger escalated. His tantrums became dangerous. And when he slapped her for the first time, Desiree realized the truth: she was in love with a monster.

In this courageous and deeply vulnerable conversation, Desiree opens up about the emotional and physical abuse she endured, the moment she knew she had to leave, and the long, painful journey toward healing and reclaiming her life.

This episode is a raw and important reminder that love should never hurt—and that no one is ever alone.

Desiree's book "The Monster in Him"

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone—and help is available.

Here are some confidential resources you can contact for support:

United States: 📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 📱 Text “START” to 88788 🌐 thehotline.org (24/7 live chat available)

Canada: 📞 ShelterSafe — Visit sheltersafe.ca to find a women’s shelter in your area 📞 Talk4Healing (for Indigenous women) — 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)

United Kingdom: 📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 🌐 nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Australia: 📞 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 🌐 1800respect.org.au

The Trusted Friend Events

From changing diapers to breaking barriers in construction, Rossana Storani’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless determination. An immigrant from Argentina, Rossana left behind a life of wealth and comfort to start over in New York as a single mother. With no safety net, no English, and no clear path forward, she built not just a new life, but a thriving business in an industry dominated by men.

For 25 years, Rossana has been a successful entrepreneur, business owner, and now an enthusiastic life coach, helping others navigate life’s biggest transitions. With compassion and empathy, she empowers individuals—especially middle-aged women—to embrace change, step into their strength, and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

In this episode, Rossana shares: From Motherhood to Master Builder: How she juggled raising a child while building a career Breaking Barriers: Succeeding in construction as a woman in a male-dominated field Resilience & Reinvention: The mindset shifts that helped her turn struggles into stepping stones Empowering Others: How she now helps others find their own strength and purpose

From diapers to demolition to chasing her biggest dreams, Rossana’s story proves that no matter where you start, you have the power to build something extraordinary.

More about Rossana and how you can reignite your dreams.

Rossana Instagram

WHAT'S YOUR STORY

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