From Survivor to Thriver

For many women, the experience of going through menopause can have a significant impact on their mental health. And due to the stigma around it, many don’t get the help they actually need. 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Ann Bell to discuss the link between menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause, and mental health and how women can educate themselves and become their own best advocates. 

Ann Bell is he...

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Padilla to talk about how his life was changed forever by a tragedy. The devastating loss of his brother to suicide during his high school years changed the trajectory of his life. 

John shares how he turned his pain into purpose and embarked on a path of healing alongside his brother's friends. Inspired by their collective resilience, h...

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we talked with Jon Katz about his journey to better mental and physical health and how he learned that real healing comes after facing pain by looking within yourself. 

Jon tells his story and talks about how important it is to take full responsibility for our own lives and happiness. Now, he helps others overcome their struggles in the same way he did.

In late 2020, Jo...

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dana Diaz. After living through years of narcissistic and physical abuse, she learned that it was time to make a change and create a better life for herself.

Join us as Dana shares her story and the importance of rediscovering who you are after leaving an abusive relationship and how she learned to put little deposits into her own happy jar. 

Dana is a wife, mother, and au...

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Laura Renner. She shares her experiences after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever and brought her mental health to an all-time low. 

Laura tried many forms of therapy to heal after what she experienced but found in the end that healing is an individualized experience and it is a journey that will take time. 

Laura shares more about the different types of hea...

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Marcus Farris, a Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22 to talk about the intricate connection between mental health and physical fitness. 

In our discussion, we dive into the importance of humor and the right mindset in navigating mental health challenges. Marcus also opens up about his own personal struggles, the resilience and purpose in endurance sports, a...

We are celebrating something special in this episode of From Survivor to Thriver- our three-year anniversary of the podcast! 

To mark this significant milestone, we're switching things up by stepping into the guest roles. Our former guest and dear friend, Susan Gold, will be our host.

Over the past 151 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting incredible guests who shared their stories of healing and triumph over mental ...

What if we told you that the secret to healing your mental health is actually quite simple? 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Josie Warren to talk about her own struggles with autoimmune diseases, mental illnesses, and addiction, and how she learned to heal it all in one fell swoop by taking a hard look at herself and what she really needed to do to be happy. 

Josie discusses the narratives we tell oursel...

For someone who is in the depths of an abusive relationship, it can be hard to make sense of what’s happening. But the impacts on your life, and your mental health, can be profound. 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the great honor of sitting down with Nikki La Croce, who experienced an abusive relationship that changed her life. She discusses the growth that came from this hard situation and also delves into the ...

Imagine the weight of command in combat intertwined with the silent battle of mental illness. 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with General Gregg Martin, who fought a tremendous battle with bipolar disorder all while navigating an accomplished career in the military.

Gregg is sharing his story of resilience in the face of a disorder that pushed him into profound mania and deep depression. He is now passionate...

According to statistics, mental health challenges are on the rise, which means it’s more important than ever that we find healing methods that work for us.

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michael Overlie to discuss the healing power of having pets. There is a strong bond and connection between a man and his dog, and we are exploring how that bond can be a profound healing tool for anyone struggling with...

What if your darkest moment became the source of your greatest strength?

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we spoke with Louise Ashby who experienced a traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. 

She’s sharing what happened during and after that fateful day that she got in a car accident and how she learned to take that experience and use it to help others instead of letting it defeat her. 

Louise is a ...

Do you or someone you know struggle with addiction? 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Joe Tlustos to talk about how his mental health struggles turned into multiple addictions that greatly impacted his life.

Joe shares the story of how he learned to slow down, accept himself for who he is, and get the help he needed. Through his journey, he learned that the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s actua...

If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression. It can be easy to let that define you, but that is a roadblock to healing. It’s important that we remember that we are more than our diagnoses. 

Our guest Chris Glatis has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks since a young age and tried many things to feel better. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, he’s sharing his story and how he learn...

Domestic abuse can look many different ways, and it's crucial to recognize the different ways it manifests. It goes beyond just physical violence and can include emotional, verbal, sexual, and even financial abuse.

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Michelle, who went through many types of domestic abuse with her husband of 20 years. She’s sharing her experience and when she finally realized what was ...

Fear of the unknown can cause a lot of anxiety, but taking steps to prepare yourself can do wonders for your confidence and mental health.

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with John Brewer Jr. to talk about the importance of preparedness and self-defense, not just in terms of physical protection, but also as a philosophy for life. 

John highlights how readiness, mindfulness, self-reliance, and a sense of prepa...

What does it take to discover your true purpose for being here? 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Colin Kingsmill who found a tremendous amount of success and wealth only to give it all away and leave that lifestyle behind to honor his mental health. 

Colin shares his story and how he went on a spiritual journey and, through several modalities including meditation and mindfulness practices,  found his cry...

Suffering from any type of trauma can change your life in an instant. 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Susan Snow, whose life was forever changed on a fateful Halloween night in 1985 when her father, a dedicated LAPD detective, was tragically killed. This led to PTSD, depression, and anxiety for Susan as she struggled to navigate what happened.

She shares the raw and emotional process of how she learned ...

While for many the holidays are a time filled with joy and family, for some, it can be the darkest, hardest, or loneliest time of the year. 

In this special episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Ferris who is a beacon in the dark to anyone struggling with their mental health, especially this time of year.

In 2021, Ashley reached her lowest point and was planning to take her own life afte...