Silverladder Podcast

Nationally certified mediator, coach, and author Vanessa Hancock wants parents to be the first people their kids come to when they need help, not the last.  She joins us on this episode for a conversation about family communication and connection, and how parents can become a trusted outlet for their kids.  

Vanessa's website: https://truestlifeconsulting.com/index.php

Vanessa's book: https://www.amazon.com/Mean-Real-C...

Brian Sanders is a recently retired Homicide Lieutenant from a large metropolitan police department in the South. His previous assignments include patrol, Patrol Training Officer, Proactive District Teams, Gang Suppression Unit, Drugs and Vice Unit, Aggravated Assault Unit, Homicide Unit, and Intelligence Center, where he led monthly gang intelligence meetings for the region and developed an internal team of gang intelligence detec...

The preteen and teen years can be a tremendous challenge for girls.  But they can also be a time for incredible growth, learning, and empowerment.  The difference-maker for young girls is often having a mentor to teach and guide them.  Jill Petersen and Mary Frances, founders of Girls Mentorship, are two very powerful difference makers.  Their workshops and programs have made a tremendously positive impact on attendees, including m...

After overcoming childhood trauma, alcoholism, and a number of other challenges, Micheala Ross' biggest battle was still ahead.  Following the loss of her beloved son Samson due to a car accident in late 2023, she was determined to not only maintain her sobriety, but to honor her son's legacy by creating a foundation to serve others in his memory.  Live Live Samson has allowed Micheala and the others who lost Samson to tr...

After getting caught up in an addiction to gambling as a young man, Saul Malek lost time, money, relationships, and nearly lost his own life.  In this episode of Silverladder, he tells us how it happened, how he got out, and what works to keep him healthy and free of addiction today.  He also discusses the work he does as a public speaker, and shares tips for parents to help keep their kids healthy and balanced.  

This comeback stor...

How do you heal after loss?  Bereavement Counselor Brent Thomas' life is dedicated to answering that question and helping to guide people to their own healing as they deal with grief.  In this episode we discuss life and death, dying with dignity and choice, grief, memorializing lost loved ones, and healing.  

This conversation is relevant to anyone who has suffered a loss, be it a person, a relationship, or a sense of purpose....

I wanted to share a short summary of my personal story of addiction and recovery, as well as the work I do, in order to help listeners better understand who I am and where I'm coming from as a host.  

Silverladder website: https://silverladder.com/blog/

My story (Shane/host): https://silverladder.com/blog/?page_id=963

Resources:

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Crisis Text Line: Text "Home" to 741...

A near-fatal accident under the influence left Josh Anderson paralyzed from the waist down and changed his life drastically.  But it isn't what got him sober.  In this episode, he discusses his challenges, his victories, his recovery, and the work he does now as a licensed therapist.

This powerful comeback story is ideal for those facing addiction, struggles with opioids, physical obstacles, and general life challenges.  

J...

How do you get sober and stay sober after tragedy and loss?  Parker Ellison had to answer that question for himself after losing his brother Chase to a fatal fentanyl overdose.  In this episode, he shares his powerful story of faith and recovery, his insight, and hope.  

This conversation is especially relevant to those in recovery, individuals with family in recovery or active addiction, individuals dealing with grief or loss, and ...

Matt Miller slid 3,000 feet down Pico de Orizaba, an 18,491-foot volcano in southeastern Mexico, nearly died on the side of the mountain while waiting to be rescued by helicopter, lost all his fingers and most of his toes to frostbite, underwent 20 surgeries, and still his toughest challenge of all still awaited him.  Yet through it all he refused to quit and found a way to thrive.     

In this episode, Matt discusses...