Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation
A weekly podcast talking to peers and professionals who open up about their darkest moments when they felt like ending it all, why they didn't, and how they transformed their lives and triumphed over the darkness and despair. More than just a podcast, it's a place where you meet others who have been where you are now, who have survived and are now thriving. It's a place to feel inspired, encouraged, supported and understood. A place for hope. Hosted by Janet Sandberg, a mental health advocate, reiki master teacher, author, and someone who knows that it gets better.
Episodes
"There is always hope in the fight." - Marie Slider Henriksen
In this episode, Marie Slider Henriksen shares her profound journey of healing from trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. From her experiences in foster care and the military to her battles with alcoholism and PTSD, Marie's story is one of resilience and hope. She discusses the importance of seeking help, the therapeutic power of writing poetry, and the signific...
"It was just endless peace." - Meera Ishaya
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Meera, an Ishaya monk, author, and spiritual coach. Meera shares her transformative journey from chronic pain and suffering to finding peace and purpose through mindfulness and presence. She discusses the importance of community, the power of self-discovery, and how to navigate life's challenge...
"Hope lives, shame kills." - Diane Kaufman
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg interviews Diane Kaufman, a retired child psychiatrist and founder of the Hold On campaign for suicide prevention. Diane shares her personal journey through mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt during medical school, and how her experiences shaped her professional path. The conversation explores the...
"I celebrate life every day." - Koya Bakare
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Koya Bakare, a model, pageant queen, and survivor of trauma. Koya shares her journey of overcoming sexual assault, bulimia, and suicide attempts, emphasizing the importance of therapy, self-love, and empowerment. She discusses how her mother's support and her experiences in pageantry helped her...
"It's not a one-time choice." - Shuang-Min Chang
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Shuang-Min Chang, a lifestyle coach and holistic success activator. Shuang-Min shares her journey from a successful corporate career in fashion to overcoming depression and finding her true self. She discusses the importance of personal development, the challenges of living abroad, and the significance of c...
"I resolved that it was time to go." - Michael Tallon
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Michael J Tallon, who shares his profound journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Michael recounts his experiences leading up to his diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, and the pivotal moment in the bathtub that led him to choo...
"You have to confront grief to heal." - Kandiee Campbell
In this episode, Janet Sandberg and Kandiee Campbell discuss the complexities of grief, mental health, and the importance of confronting emotional pain. Kandiee shares her personal journey through grief, including her experiences with loss, trauma, and the impact of suicide. They explore the significance of acknowledging feelings, the various forms of grief, and the necessity ...
"The pain can last generations." - Andy Campbell
In this poignant episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Andy Campbell, who shares his deeply personal journey of loss following the suicide of his son, Heston. Andy discusses the complexities of mental health, the impact of suicide on families, and the struggles of grieving parents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the pain th...
"It's okay to feel it." - Keren Cardoza
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Keren Cardoza about her journey through struggles with purpose, faith, and the importance of helping others. Keren shares her experiences with mental health, the role of faith in her life, and how helping others has provided her with a sense of purpose. They discuss the power of writing as a form of se...
In this special episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg reflects on the two-year journey of the podcast, sharing her personal motivations for starting it, the importance of sharing stories of hope, and the various healing modalities discussed throughout the episodes. She emphasizes the significance of finding someone to talk to during difficult times and invites listeners to share their own stories. Janet also hi...
"Life is right here." - Dallas Collis
In this episode, Janet Sandberg interviews Dallas Collis, who shares his profound journey through trauma, addiction, and self-discovery. Dallas emphasizes the universal quest for happiness and the weight of personal stories that shape our identities. He discusses the importance of radical responsibility, the illusion of time, and the power of belief in transforming our lives. Throu...
"Start thinking about your thinking." - Liz Jakoi
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Liz Jakoi, an entrepreneur and ADHD coach, about her personal journey with ADHD. Liz shares her experiences of being diagnosed later in life, the challenges she faced, and the impact of ADHD on her mental health. They discuss the importance of understanding ADHD, especially in women and children, and the s...
"You don't have to stay where you are." - Pamela Topjian
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Pamela Topjian, a former nurse turned hypnotherapist, who shares her profound journey from trauma to healing. Pamela discusses her experiences with childhood trauma, mental breakdowns, and the importance of therapy in her recovery. She emphasizes the power of storytelling and the n...
In this episode , Janet Sandberg speaks with Lizz Luker, a mother of five and entrepreneur, who shares her harrowing journey through trauma, addiction, and the fight for her children. Lizz discusses her experiences with PTSD, the challenges of being a single mother, and her mission to support other mothers facing similar struggles. Through resilience and determination, Liz has transformed her pain into purpose, advocating for menta...
"Life is a film strip, not a photograph." - Scott MadererIn this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg interviews Scott Maderer, a stewardship coach who shares his journey from teaching to coaching, his struggles with mental health, and the importance of mindset in overcoming financial challenges. Scott discusses the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and how he now empowers others to find hope...
"I felt trapped by my past." - Micaiah Gray
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Micaiah Gray about her journey through mental health struggles, suicidal ideation, and the importance of faith and support in overcoming adversity. Micaiah shares her experiences from adolescence, including the challenges of growing up in a tumultuous environment, her turning points in seeking help, and how she ...
This episode is part of #Podcasthon 2025. Podcasthon.org is about convincing as many hosts as possible to dedicate one episode of their show to a charity of their choice and to release these episodes simultaneously, in a coordinated effort from March 15-21, 2025, creating a massive and international wave of inspiring audio content.
The objective? To raise awareness for a huge number of charities worldwide. This year, 1,675 podcasts ...
"Nothing is one way forever." - Tatiana Szulc
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Tatiana Szulc, a trauma and somatic wellness coach. Tatiana shares her personal journey through complex trauma, suicidal ideation, and the importance of healing the nervous system. She discusses her experiences with dissociation, the impact of her environment on her mental health, and the significance of findi...
"This isn't love, this is manipulation." - Darla Ridilla
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Darla Ridilla, a relationship coach who shares her transformative journey from a traumatic marriage to a place of empowerment and healing. Darla recounts her struggles with suicidal thoughts, the impact of emotional abuse, and the importance of support from other women. She emphasi...
"Even in darkest moments, light exists." - Liz Buggy
In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Liz Buggy, a life coach from Australia, who shares her journey through trauma, suicidal ideation, and the importance of seeking help. Liz discusses her experiences with counseling, the transition to coaching, and the significance of recognizing and preventing burnout. The conversation emphasizes resilie...
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