Real Connections

I've made it to a year of having this podcast! Because of that, I want to share an encore episode with you! It is a huge part of why I started the podast and it is actually my story. My dad died in a plane crash when I was 9 years old. In this episode, I talk about the day my dad died and what that was like for me as a child.

Dani's husband, Denny died only 4 short months ago and she has made it her mission to talk about it because she wants to stop the stigma surrounding suicide. About a month ago, Dani posted a video that went viral showing some of the real trauma her family experiences on a daily basis as a result of him being gone and the people it has helped it truly is inspiring. In today's episode she her story and what each of us can do to help those in our influence who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Audra explains her eating disorder which is Body Dysmorphic Disorder and how she manages it. She talks about her victory of gaining weight for the first time in years and gives advice on the big and small things you can do if you struggle with body image yourself. She shares how her marriage works not with her choice to become active in her faith again even though her husband is not. Audra offers so much hope for those who find themselves in similar circumstances. She also shares advice to those who are questioning their own beliefs. Audra talks about how she views her life and relationships differently as a result of all she has experienced.

Audra talks about growing up in a traditional Christian family. She shares how she met and fell in love with her husband and his decision to leave his faith shortly after. She talks about how that effected her and how she stopped attending church as well. Audra shares how their marriage began to really struggle and how she experienced several miscarriages. As a result she began to hate her body and talks about how she started developing an eating disorder. At one point she weighed only 95 lbs. Audra talks about what prompted her to look at her body differently and her journey back to faith.

Shonee describes what it was like receiving news that her tumors were back and that she only had 3-6 months to live and then talks about her miraculous recovery. Shonee shares the changed that happened in her when she really realized how precious life is and that every second counts. She talks about her experience creating her bucket list and some of the amazing adventures she has had so far. Shonee also shares how to start a bucket list of your own. This interview will inspire you to look at your life in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Shonee talks about what it was like growing up in a family where she wasn't allowed to express emotion. She shares how she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor and the treatment involved. Shonee also talks about going into remission and getting married. On her honeymoon, she was in an accident and after being in and out of the hospital, doctors discovered that she had 2 more brain tumors that were cancerous. Shonee describes her emotions as she struggled with her emotions and was admitted into a mental health hospital for several months. After being released she talks about her desire to disappear and her attempt at suicide. Shonee describes the miracle that saved her and her way back to faith.

Caris talks about how she has been able to cope with her anxiety and depression by talking to a counselor, finding a support group of women who she can just be real with. She also addresses how medication has been helpful for her. She shares how often times you won't know someone is dealing with depression or anxiety because they are some of the happiest and funny people you will ever meet and why that is the case. She talks about how unedited journaling was so helpful for her. She needed to just get them out of her head but she also needed scriptures that she would put in her mind to replace it and constantly re-read those scriptures to battle the negative thoughts. Caris shares how God has used her experiences not only for her own good, but also how He inspired her to write a devotional about anxiety and depression to share with others that has already helped so many people. She talks about being honest and vulnerable in her interactions and in admitting that she isn't ok when she's not. She's learned that help isn't bad, community is important, and God wants to use those who are willing.

Caris shares her life prior to experiencing anxiety and major depression. She vulnerably shares how she didn't believe it was actually real until she experienced it herself. Caris talks about the lonely path anxiety and depression can be - especially when you feel you are the only one. She shares her tormenting thoughts that anxiety would bring up and how she tried for so long to keep everything together and looking perfect on the outside with the hope that it would all just go away.

Makenzie talks about discovering the devastating diagnosis that came after going through genetic testing for her 2 boys. She shares how that news changed everything for them - knowing that her reality wasn't what she had always pictured - but that she felt a tremendous amount of peace through it all. She explains her boys disabilities in more detail and the struggles they face on a daily basis. McKenzie shares how her faith sustains her daily and the lessons she has gained through her experiences. Makenzie is truly inspiring and a huge example of faith and trust.

Makenzie shares about her struggle with infertility and the heartbreak that came along with it. She talks about the joy that came as she and her husband were finally able to get pregnant with their son, Mason. Makenzie shares how that joy quickly turned to concern as she recognized Mason was gradually falling behind developmentally. She talks about her experience having her second baby, Beckham and realizing quickly that he too was falling behind. Makenzie shares both her grief and hope that she has clung onto as she raises her 2 little boys that share the same genetic disorder. It's an amazing story of faith, love, and never giving up on God's promises.