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

Sponsors: Feed Your Sister and Boroughs of the Dead

The Trusted Friend

Meet Theresa Carpenter—Navy Commander, storyteller, and advocate for change. With 28 years of service, including a decade as an enlisted aviation electrician, she’s tackled the challenges of military life head-on. From leading public affairs for NATO’s Allied Maritime Command to orchestrating a high-profile naval exercise in India that caught the attention of President Trump, her career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

But behind the accolades and achievements, Theresa has faced her own battles—struggles with alcohol, feelings of inadequacy, and the mental toll of a demanding career. She knows firsthand how difficult it can be to ask for help in a military culture that often values toughness over vulnerability. Now, she’s on a mission to change that. Through her storytelling, podcast Stories of Service (S.O.S.), and advocacy, she’s shining a light on the realities of mental health and addiction in the armed forces, pushing for better support systems for those who serve.

In this episode, Theresa opens up about what it’s really like to be a woman in the Navy, the pressures of leadership, and her journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Whether you’re here for military insight, leadership lessons, or an inspiring story of resilience, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What it’s really like to serve at the highest levels of military leadership

• The mental and emotional toll of military life—and how Theresa turned things around

• What goes on behind closed doors in naval training and strategic exercises

• The surprising role of international collaboration in military readiness

• Why conversations around mental health and fairness in the military are more important than ever

Theresa Carpenter Mobile Briefcase

Theresa's Podcast on Youtube

Trusted Friend

What happens when you've dedicated your life to sports with a successful University basketball career, only to realize there's no clear next step once it's over? The sport that once defined you is suddenly in the past—so what now? Then, as you watch the Olympic opening ceremony, something shifts. A new dream takes shape, a new challenge calls your name, and just like that, your path forward becomes clear. As a Canadian Olympian and the first woman to pilot a four-man bobsled with an all-female crew, she didn’t just challenge the status quo—she rewrote it.

But this episode isn’t just about sports. It’s about pushing past limitations, questioning outdated systems, and having the courage to stand up for what’s right—even when others are waiting for you to fail. Alysia shares:

· The unexpected inequalities she faced and how she fought for change · How stepping outside her comfort zone opened doors she never imagined · The mindset shifts that helped her turn obstacles into opportunities

Her journey proves that breaking barriers isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about changing the game for those who come next. Whether you're an athlete, an advocate, or someone who’s ever been told "you can't," this conversation is for you.

More of Alysia

Morocco Girls Trip

You know those friends who just get you and make you want to be better? That’s Michelle Cameron-Coulter. She’s an Olympic gold medalist, a six-time world champion in synchronized swimming, a TEDx speaker, and the host of Inspiring Possibilities. But beyond all the titles, she’s just an incredible human who lifts everyone around her.

In this episode, we chat about her journey from being afraid of the water to standing on the Olympic podium, what it really takes to develop a Champion Mindset, and why trusting the process (even when it’s messy) is everything. Plus, she shares some hilarious and heartwarming stories about preparing for her TEDx talk—let’s just say, perfection is overrated!

This conversation is full of inspiration, laughter, and real talk about chasing dreams, embracing imperfection, and lifting each other up along the way. You're going to love it!

Just a taste of what you'll learn:

- How Michelle went from being afraid of water to an Olympic gold medalist - What it really takes to develop a Champion Mindset - The behind-the-scenes of preparing for a TEDx talk (spoiler: perfection is overrated!) - Why trusting the process—even when it’s messy—is key to success - The power of lifting others up and leaving a lasting legacy

Stay tuned in May: Michelle also talks about her mom, who had such a huge impact on her life. Her stories were so beautiful that I’m saving them for a special Mother’s Day episode because they deserve their own spotlight.

Trusted Friend Upcoming Events

In honor of International Women’s Day, we are diving into the extraordinary lives of women who defied expectations, risked everything, and played pivotal roles in shaping history—often without receiving the recognition they deserved

Award-winning author and historian Clare Mulley has a gift for bringing history’s forgotten heroines to life. In this episode, she shares the gripping stories of fearless women like Christine Granville, the spy who talked her way out of Nazi execution, and Zo, who parachuted into Nazi-occupied Poland in a dress.

Clare’s passion for uncovering untold stories makes history come alive in the most compelling way. These women weren’t just brave—they were brilliantly effective, shaping the world in ways that often went unrecognized.

Join me as we explore their untold stories, the power of persistence, and the lessons we can learn from their courage. This episode is a celebration of resilience, resourcefulness, and the incredible impact of women who refused to be underestimated.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Women’s Greatest Strength: Many of these women succeeded because they were overlooked. The assumption that they were "harmless" became their greatest asset in espionage and resistance movements.

Courage in the Face of Fear: Whether it was parachuting behind enemy lines, securing Nazi surrenders, or talking their way out of execution, these women took unimaginable risks—and won.

Beyond Sacrifice—Effectiveness: Too often, we talk about their bravery and sacrifice but not enough about how incredibly effective they were. They didn’t just assist—they led.

The Power of Storytelling: Many of these stories remained hidden for too long. Recognizing and sharing them isn’t just about honoring history—it’s about redefining what leadership and strength look like today.

Clare Mulley

The Spy Who Loved

Agent Zo

The Women who Save the Children

The Women Who Flew for Hilter

Trusted Friend Events

Lisette Xavier’s life has been anything but predictable. She lost her mother when she was young, became a single mom of two when her husband left, and had every reason to give up. But instead, she found strength in her struggles, turned her pain into joy, and redefined what success looks like—becoming a sought-after speaker, a singer-songwriter, and even the host of her own children’s show on CBC "Best Day Ever with My Best Friend"

In this episode, we talk about: Navigating loss and grief while forging a new path How motherhood shaped her artistry and resilience The power of storytelling through music and speaking Reinventing herself after heartbreak and stepping into her dreams The lessons she’s learned about success, self-worth, and perseverance

What you’ll also learn:

You Are Not 'Too Much.' You’re Just in the Wrong Room.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Falling Apart and Showing Up.

Therapy Isn’t Just for Crisis—It’s for Maintenance.

Compartmentalizing Is an Art, Not Avoidance.

Your Work Matters—Even If It’s Not 'Saving Lives.'

Whether you're facing your own crossroads or need a reminder that your story isn’t over, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take the stage in your own life.

Listen now and share with someone who needs this message!

Lisette Xavier

Best Day Ever with My Best Friend