Walking Tall Podcast

In the upcoming episode of the Walking Tall Movement Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Angela DiMarco, a remarkable individual whose life was once overshadowed by addiction and a series of challenges that sent her spiraling downward. Angela’s journey to recovery is a profound testament to courage and resilience. After hitting rock bottom, she found the strength to reclaim her life, embarking on a transformative path that led her ...

Welcome to the Walking Tall Movement Podcast, where hosts Chris Maliszewski, Dr. Vanetta LaRosa, and Todd Blyleven explore the power of resilience and mental health. Each episode features inspiring guests who share their journeys of overcoming adversity and learning to "walk tall" again. Chris, a hero of the Highland Park mass shooting, Dr. LaRosa, an expert in neuro-developmental disabilities, and Todd, a Las Vegas mass ...

In the next episode of the Walking Tall Movement Podcast, we are honored to welcome Jami Raishbrook, a medically retired USAF medic and dedicated advocate for veterans. Jami's inspiring journey spans from being the sole female firefighter in her academy to serving with CalFire, and then joining the Air Force to complete her nursing degree. During 9/11, she served in Japan, specializing in labor and delivery. Despite sustaining...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

Season 2 begins!!! Chris, Dr. LaRosa, and Todd are back and energized to bring more love, and empathy and share incredible stories of adversity and strength to help anyone who has been knocked down to lift them up and Walk Tall again for themselves. Let's go!!!

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity ...

The Walking Tall Movement was created by two survivors of two separate mass shootings and a renowned Doctor of Psychology whose mission is to inspire humanity to Walk Tall for those suffering with their mental health until they can Walk Tall on their own. The hosts themselves along with weekly guests will share their stories of adversity, their pain and their journey through self, group or individual therapy and healing to learn to...

TJ Beaudette is a true patriot. TJ served heroically in the USMC and after his combat military experience was complete, he entered the corporate world. Today as a presence coach, TJ works to better the lives of many through a deeper understanding of their true selves while coaching to celebrate the present gift of life. TJ is an absolute inspiration to many and we are honored he is a part of The Walking Tall Movement.

The ...

The three hosts discuss panic attacks, and their effects on us, emotionally and mentally. Why do they occur? We talk about how you can learn how to get ahead of a panic attack to minimize the effect that it has on your body and mind. Dr. LaRosa has some invaluable tips to help someone that has experienced a trauma in their life prepare for an upcoming anniversary or event, knowing that that event will bring on anxiety and how to pr...

Brandon Cotie and Chris Maliszewski first met in 8th grade when they were on the same travel baseball team. (Another friendship bonded by a baseball!) Sadly, on July 2 Brandon’s brother Devon was killed in a truck accident while working. 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of Devon’s passing, and we are honored to have Brandon as a part of our movement as an Ambassador and as our guest to not only tell his story but to celebrate Devon’...

Jill Winter has worked exclusively throughout her career in the hospital and healthcare industry. She has earned a Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused on Human Resources Management and Services/ Organizational Behavior from Washington University in St. Louis and currently serves as the Chief Development Officer with RenViva where she focuses on work with nephrologists (kidney doctors.) I...

In 1979, Laurie Zappulla, 18 years old and getting ready to attend college, dove into a swimming pool, hit her head, and suffered a spinal cord injury becoming quadriplegic. After being told she would never walk again Laurie persevered through many mental health struggles while fighting physically each step of the way. 

Today, Laurie is an inspiration to all now being able to walk again while also serving as an advocate fo...

In 2017 Natalie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and due to the disease was forced to have a hysterectomy, not allowing her to bear children. During the surgery, Natalie flatlined on the operating table requiring resuscitation. An extremely traumatic experience. In 2023 Natalie and her husband adopted a beautiful baby boy, named Ellis who has special needs. 

Professionally, Natalie is a licensed therapist working with chi...

Agi Semrad purely focuses on doing good for others. Agi started the Balance Project in Highland Park, IL which serves the entire north shore of Chicago providing resources and funding for individual or group needs focusing on bettering the mental health of all involved. Like most who focus on mental health to a great degree, Agi has suffered herself and now Walking Tall for herself and for others.

The Walking Tall Movement...

Amir Fakhari suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury while playing high school football. After many surgeries, going through a coma, and his own personal strength he was able to get up and learn to walk, talk, eat, and live again. The depression of how he viewed his life after that tragic injury that followed was so great he attempted suicide multiple times before resetting his life, learning how to use the injury that happened and his s...