There is hope and possibility on the other side of pain. From dramatic stories of survival, the realities of life when facing death and unforgettable lessons on love and loss, we tell the most jaw-dropping and inspiring stories you've ever heard – while also donating $2000 every episode to a nonprofit making a difference in the world.
In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and producer Erica reflect on the previous interview with Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward." They explore the emotional depth of Mark's story, his commitment to his wife through her mental health struggles, and the broader themes of love and dedication in relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges of caring for a partner with mental illness, the nuances of staying in a relationship during tough times, and the personal nature of difficult decisions. They also consider the impact of sharing personal stories publicly and the complexities of change within long-term relationships.
Erica wraps the episode in true Erica fashion with a call to action!
We simply wouldn’t be here without you! So, our greatest hope is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special finale episode and we would love to feature some of our listeners!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" speaks with Kimi about the profound impact of mental illness on his marriage and family life. He shares the harrowing journey he and his wife Julia have navigated through bipolar disorder, from the frightening onset of her psychosis to the unpredictable waves of recovery and relapse. Mark provides a candid account of the emotional strain, the learning curve of caregiving, and the strength it takes to stay committed to a loved one during their darkest times. The couple's love and resilience shine through as they confront the challenges of the American mental health care system and find ways to involve their children in managing the illness, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Mark's perspective provides invaluable insights into the oft-hidden struggles many caregivers face and underscores the power of unwavering love and hope.
In this episode:
- Coping with Mental Health Challenges in Relationships
- Relationship Dynamics After Trauma
- Navigating Feelings As A Caregiver
- Optimism While Facing Health Challenges
- Accepting Support From Community
- Children's Resilience in Family Health Crisis
Links & Resources:
Website: www.marklukach.com
Book: "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward"
Charity: Access Institute
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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In a heartfelt follow-up to last week's episode, co-hosts Kimi and Erica reflect on the profound stories shared by Kimi's sister-in-law, Lee Henry. They discuss the resilience required to face life's adversities, the significance of maternal health discussions, and the healing that can arise from embracing forgiveness. Reflecting on the need for challenging conversations with our loved ones, Kimi and Erica inspire listeners to seek out these moments of vulnerability in order to foster stronger relationships and mutual understanding.
We want to invite our listeners to stay connected and engaged as the show comes to a close. It is our promise that the remaining episodes will be packed with compelling content and profound dialogues, ensuring that the final stretch of the podcast will be as enriching and thought-provoking as ever.
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Lee Culp Henry is a mother, psychotherapist, a coach's wife, and host Kimi Culp's sister-in-law. She speaks in conversation with Kimi about her harrowing past five years and the many tides of her postpartum journey. Faced with a traumatic accident following her newborn's birth and subsequent medical scares, Lee openly recounts her battles with postpartum OCD, the shame of secrecy, and her immense strength in overcoming guilt and learning to seek help. But for Lee, the hits kept coming – the death of her father, the uncertain diagnosis of her third child. We're reminded of the universal challenge of motherhood under extreme circumstances. Kimi's warm conversation with her sister-in-law, emphasizes the importance of reimagining postpartum support and the collective embrace of life's unpredictable journey.
In this episode:
- The Importance of Mental Health Support for New Mothers
- The Agony of a Child’s Medical Emergency
- Parental Health Anxiety & OCD
- The Rapid Progression of Cancer
- The Power of Family and Community
- Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Compassion
Links & Resources:
Charity: Ronald McDonald House New York
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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In this episode of "A Little Wiser", Kimi is joined by Erica and Tara. The co-hosts reflect on last week’s interview with Arno Michaelis, a former white nationalist turned peace activist, author and filmmaker. They discuss the role of simple acts of kindness and humanity from the individuals he was "supposed to hate" in altering Arno's belief system.
Forgiveness, letting go of past identities, and the troubling rise of cancel culture are discussed.
Arno's transformation from hatred to peace illustrates our innate ability to change. His message reminds us to define ourselves by who we are now, not by our past mistakes or identities.
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Is extremism a public health issue? Kimi sits down with former neo-Nazi skinhead, Arno Michaelis, to discuss his transformative journey from spreading hate to advocating for compassion and forgiveness. Arno shares candidly about his recruitment into white nationalism, the pivotal role his family played, and the life-changing moments that led him out of the movement. He provides insight into the underlying pain fueling such ideologies and stresses the importance of embracing those seeking to leave hate behind. The conversation delves into Arno's commitment to anti-racism work, his hopes for the future, and the ongoing challenge of self-forgiveness. Join us in this episode to understand the human capacity for change and the potency of kindness in breaking the cycle of violence.
In this episode:
- The Evolution of Skinhead Culture
- White Nationalism and Ideological Influence
- Racial Identity Persuasion Tactics
- Processing Trauma and Avoiding Extremism
- Overcoming Hate with Friendship
- Fostering Hope through Daily Kindness
Links & Resources
Instagram: @arnomichaelis
Book: My Life After Hate
Charity: www.parents4peace.org
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi shares her experience of delivering her first TEDx talk titled, “The Transformative Power of Sharing Our Painful Stories.” She expresses her fears of having ex-boyfriends in the audience and her readiness to move beyond mental health as the main focus of her speeches.
Kimi, Erica, and Tara discuss the importance of Simon Fung’s story, highlighting the continued prevalence and harm of conversion therapy. Furthermore, they recommend his podcast, Dear Alana (and fully support you pausing this episode to listen to it!)
Kimi and Erica share their personal experiences with religion and reconciliation.
The episode concludes with a reading of an email from our new favorite listener, Joyce, who wrote about how All The Wiser has positively impacted her life.
We hope you will join Joyce and share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice or message might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
Listen to Simon’s podcast, Dear Alana here!
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Simon Fung is the host and creator of the podcast, "Dear Alana." The show quickly became a hit, touching the hearts of millions with a universal story of coming of age amidst the struggle for self-acceptance. In this episode, Simon discusses his intense pursuit to alter his sexual orientation in order to follow his dream of becoming a catholic priest. He shares his candid revelations, from the depths of conversion therapy to overcoming shame and embracing his true self. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. If there's one thing to take away, it's that vulnerability can pave the way for profound personal growth and lead us to a more honest and compassionate existence.
In this episode:
- Navigating Sexual Identity and Conversion Therapy
- The Healing Power of Group Therapy:
- The Philosophical and Religious Underpinnings of Conversion Therapy
- The Essence of Masculinity
- Overcoming Trauma Through Martial Arts
- Impact of Community and Religion on Personal Identity
Links & Resources:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok: @dearalanapod
Charity: www.alanafaithchen.org
You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HOME to 741741.
Or you can contact the LGBT National Hotline for free, confidential support at 888-843-4564
And you can find a list of these and more resources at AlanaFaithChen.org/help
As of the airing of this episode, 22 states have passed legislation to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy practices. And more states have legislation pending. Organizations like The Trevor Project and Born Perfect are at the forefront of the fight to end conversion therapy.
Want to know where your state stands? You can find out by going to LGBTmap.org
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Kimi and Erica reflect on last week's episode with Matty Fiorenza, a first responder grappling with the invisible scars of PTSD. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness and taking inspired action to support the mental and emotional health of our first responders. Kimi shares the backstory of how we discovered Matty and the heartbreaking connection they have in common.
A valuable takeaway that resonated with both Erica and Kimi was the idea that help can come from the most unexpected places. He referred to the ordinary people who showed him kindness and compassion during his darkest days as "angels." Throughout the episode, he mentioned them by name and credited them with helping him survive.
OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Is there someone in your past that showed you compassion when you needed it most? Perhaps it was a teacher, nurse, neighbor, grocery store clerk, family member or friend? Consider how their kindness impacted you then, and thank them for the positive role they played in your life.
And finally, a reminder to those who may need it:
Everybody has a purpose. We need you here.
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Matthew Fiorenza, a former firefighter and paramedic turned mental health advocate shares how the traumas encountered on the job silently chipped away at his mental health. He bravely battled through the depths of depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. We discuss the pivotal moments that ultimately led him to seek help and the healing modalities that made all the difference, including a promising new treatment: the stellate ganglion block. Other life-saving practices include meditation, the Save a Warrior program, and his profound spiritual connections. Matty's story serves as a beacon of hope for first responders facing similar battles and the importance of addressing mental health in high-stress professions.
In this episode:
- The impact of distressing calls on mental health.
- The lack of behavioral health support for first responders.
- The struggle with alcoholism and the discovery of transformative meditation.
- Attending the Save a Warrior program and its life-changing effects.
- Matty’s advocacy work and teaching his practice to others.
- The positive impact of accountability, peer support and “karma butterflies”.
Links & Resources:
PTSD911 Movie:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Charity: www.nextrung.org
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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Welcome back, Wise Ones, and Happy New Year!
In our first episode of 2024, Kimi, Erica, and Tara discuss holiday highlights, hangovers, and the slow process of post-holiday “re-entry ”.
All The Wiser has some big news to share with you. In April, we will celebrate 5 years of brave storytelling, 100 full length episodes, and 100 charity partners.There is an end to all good things, and this season will be the last. We also plan on making it the best yet!
Listen in to hear our thoughts on this bittersweet decision and our big dream for the final episode.
We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope this season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured!
Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
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In the final episode of this season's A Little Wiser, Kimi and Erica reflect on last week's episode featuring Rebecca Kaduru. Kimi explains how an episode of The Happiness Lab inspired her to invite Rebecca onto the show. Erica expresses her admiration for Rebecca's impactful work with women in Africa. They also discuss the pros and cons of public vulnerability, and how Rebecca's story reminded them of the comfort found in podcasts and the potential of human stories to make a difference.
Wishing you all happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!
If you have a favorite episode or moment you’d love to share with us please email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com or DM us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast.
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
Keep the conversation going! Join our new Facebook group and connect with other listeners like you!
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Rebecca Kaduru's life was forever altered by a catastrophic accident in Uganda. But after receiving shockingly insufficient medical care, her nightmare was only beginning. Rebecca endured extensive reconstructive surgeries for her physical wounds, but the emotional trauma had a profound impact on the way she views herself and her personal and professional priorities. She discusses the challenges of recovery in a social-media forward world, the human capacity for pain and empathy, and the importance of a supportive community on the journey to hard-won wisdom.
In this episode:
- Inadequate medical treatment leading to multiple surgeries.
- Emotional impact from realizing the limits of health education in Uganda.
- The influence of KadAfrica on girls and communities in Uganda.
- Setting boundaries for work and prioritizing family time.
- The power of vulnerability in leadership and workplace culture.
- The significance of community and personal support systems.
Charity: Hebrew Free Loan San Francisco
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
Or contribute what you can by making a custom pledge.
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In this mini episode, we dive into the powerful and touching story of spoken word poet Andrea Gibson. Our host, Kimi, along with producer, Erica Gerard, and associate producer, Tara, reflect on the experiences and insights shared by Andrea in the previous episode. From discussing the transformative power of their cancer diagnosis to exploring the essence of love, authenticity, and gratitude, the conversation delves into the profound impact of Andrea's journey. They also touch on the importance of vulnerability, storytelling, and embracing change.
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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Are you pushing away joy? Getting stuck in a cycle of anxiety and grief? World renowned spoken-word poet Andrea Gibson (they/them) can relate. In this powerful and personal episode, Andrea shares their battles with stage fright, extreme anxiety, chronic Lyme disease, and stage 4 ovarian cancer. They also explore the transformative experiences brought about by Andrea’s cancer diagnosis, taking ownership of their health, and their commitment to healing modalities that have given them a feeling of radiant health amidst the trials of chemotherapy. Andrea shares profound insights on love, authenticity, fear, gratitude, and the art of cherishing others and self in the harshest of life's storms - not just as a cancer patient, but as an undeniably resilient and wise human.
In this episode:
- Coming to terms with their queer identity.
- Living with extreme anxiety and panic attacks.
- Overcoming stage fright and finding their voice in spoken-word poetry.
- How suffering can transform into a path for liberation and healing.
- Andrea's struggles with an incurable cancer diagnosis.
- Healing modalities they pursued.
- How self love has led to a new acceptance of their body and identity.
Links & Resources:
Newsletter: Things That Don’t Suck
Website: www.andreagibson.org
Instagram: @andreagibson
TikTok: @andreagibsonpoetry
Facebook: Andrea Gibson Poetry
Twitter: @andreagibson
YouTube: Andrea Gibson Poetry
This episode is benefitting Everytown.
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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This week’s A Little Wiser is a special Thanksgiving edition. Kimi is joined by producer Erica Gerard and associate producer Tara Daigle in conversation about how to “save your sanity” during the holiday season. They share personal tips that help them prioritize self-care, establish healthy boundaries and protect their space while being surrounded by friends and family.
Links:
Family Gathering: https://www.amazon.com/TABLETOPICS-Family-Gathering-Questions-Conversations/dp/B001DYOEA4
Table Topics: https://tabletopics.com/
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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Today, we are reairing Kimi's conversation with Alex Lewis. Alex is a quadruple amputee and one of the most hopeful and inspiring guests we've had on the show. When his episode aired, we had a huge reaction from the audience. People wrote to us talking about how hopeful and uplifted they felt.
Considering the heaviness of all that is happening in the world right now, we thought this was an opportunity to lay down that weight for an hour and revisit Alex's story and message.
*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 3/30/22)
He was given a 3% chance of survival. His partner was told to come in and say goodbye. But Alex Lewis wasn’t ready to go down without a flight. In this harrowing episode, Alex shares why he says “quadruple amputation is the best thing that has ever happened to him,“ plus the one piece of advice you must not forget no matter how bad you feel things are in your life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to recognize signs of escapism and depression.
- Identifying Strep A in the body.
- Navigating his decision between life and death.
- The importance of focusing on what you’re fighting for.
- The power of having a support system.
- Learning to appreciate the present while looking forward to the future.
- How your “why” can provide clarity to your meaning and purpose.
Stay connected to Alex:
Website: www.alex-lewis.co.uk
Instagram: @alexlewistrust
LinkedIn: Alex Lewis
Facebook: Alex Lewis (Alex Lewis Trust)
Twitter: @AlexLewis_Trust
Charity Donation: Project Limitless Campaign
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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On today's episode of A Little Wiser is special guest and filmmaker Patty Dillon. Patty's documentary There Will Be No Stay featured last week's guest, Allen Ault. Patty shares with Kimi her deeply personal and thought provoking experience inside the world of capital punishment.
They talk about Patty’s extensive research journey, conducting cold calls and the numerous challenges she faced along the way. Through it all, Patty stayed resolute in her mission to shed light on a subject that is often shrouded in silence and controversy. From attending a film festival next to Randy Gardner, the brother of the last man to be executed by firing squad to forming a unique bond with Terry, an executioner who dedicated years of his life to the system that ultimately betrayed him, Patty sheds light on the complex moral questions surrounding the death penalty and the emotional toll experienced by those involved.
They explore how this project pushed Patty to her limits, both as a filmmaker and compassionate human being...it may just leave you questioning your own beliefs and perceptions.
Film: There Will Be No Stay
A Killer Journey Film Instagram: @akillerjourneyfilm
Film Donations: GoFundMe
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
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What is it like to witness the darkest corners of our justice system? Dr. Allen Ault is a former warden and commissioner of corrections. He recounts his experience with the death penalty and the lasting emotional impact on those involved in the process. He also gets deeply personal about his own struggle with feelings of guilt as a result of “murdering somebody,” and his subsequent journey grappling with the moral implications of capital punishment.
In this episode:
- The culture of the Georgia prison system.
- Building relationships and trust within the system along with the prisoners.
- The impact of the death penalty and the emotional toll it takes on the correctional staff.
- Thoughts on why the death penalty still exists.
Links & Resources
Washington Post Article: The hidden victims of the death penalty: Correctional staff
\Movie: There Will Be No Stay
Charity: First Christian Church Richmond, Children & Youth Ministries
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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Kimi and Tara reflect on last week's episode featuring Kara Robinson Chamberlain, who was held captive for 18 hours at the age of 15 and managed to escape. They discuss Kara's remarkable ability to regulate her kidnappers' emotions and gather information, all while enduring a highly traumatic situation.
In the aftermath of the trauma, Kara spent decades suppressing and storing her emotions before beginning the hard work of healing.
Tara shares her personal experience of trauma, highlighting how it can leave a lasting impact on one's body over the years.
Kara openly discussed the expectations others placed on her after her abduction, including how she should feel and what she could or could not handle. Her story serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for law enforcement and related agencies to support survivors in reclaiming their autonomy and experiencing a sense of empowerment.
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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At 15, Kara Robinson Chamberlain was kidnapped. While her remarkable bravery and quick thinking allowed her to escape, the coping mechanisms she employed to survive impeded her ability to heal from the ordeal. In this harrowing episode, Kara dives into the importance of authentic emotions in healing, and the dangers of toxic positivity culture. She sheds light on the complexity of trauma and its long-term effects on the mind and body. She also shares how the experience led her to a career in law enforcement, educating and empowering other survivors of traumatic experiences.
In this episode:
- Long term effects of trauma on the body.
- The importance and impact of victim advocacy.
- Different ways PTSD can present itself.
- Disassociation of the body.
- How to begin true healing.
- Establishing safety and body autonomy as a mother.
Links & Resources:
Instagram: @kararobinsonchamberlain
Twitter: @KR_Chamberlain
Facebook: Kara Robinson Chamberlain
YouTube: @karachamberlain
TikTok: @kararobinsonchamberlain
Charity: South Carolina Victim Assistance Network
If you enjoy listening to the show and find value and inspiration in the stories you hear, we hope you'll consider supporting our work and becoming an All The Wiser member.
As a thank you for your support, we give you early, ad free access, exclusive content, Zoom meetups with Kimi and the team, and much more. Join us and BECOME A MEMBER ON PATREON!
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Kimi and Erica explore the incredible resilience of Alice Johnson, an advocate for criminal justice reform. They talk about the significant and devastating realities of "invisible populations" such as incarcerated people. Kim Kardashian's star power made Alice Johnson "visible" and illuminated her path to justice, ultimately resulting in her freedom.
In Season 5, Fernando Murillo was released from prison after a journalist wrote a viral article highlighting his redemption, compassion, and service as a Prison Hospice worker. Alice and Fernando are both incredibly rare examples of individuals who have broken through the barriers of invisibility to receive justice and freedom.
If you’re an All The Wiser member on patreon, don’t forget to RSVP to our virtual event next week! We will be talking about the wisdom within ourselves with my dear friend and business coach, Paige Nolan.
Want to join us?
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Alice Johnson has a knack for finding hope in hard circumstances. Even though a terrible mistake cost her everything she knew and loved, Alice still found a way to help and inspire others. From fighting for education and against discrimination, to finding solace in writing poetry, Alice shares how she became a force for change and an advocate for the incarcerated. She also shares her own story of clemency after being taken under the wing of one Ms. Kim Kardashian.
In this episode:
- How a poem opened doors of opportunity.
- Life takes a drastic turn after meeting a man with a gambling problem.
- Living a double life as a phone mule.
- Being found guilty of attempted possession after a six week trial.
- Discovering her talent during prison and finding forgiveness.
- Creating change within the prison system and gaining massive public recognition.
- Being offered representation by Kim Kardashian.
- The day Alice is granted clemency and the return to her family.
Links & Resources:
Facebook: Alice Marie Johnson
X (Twitter): @AliceMarieFree
Instagram: @alicemariefree
Website & Charity: Taking Action For Good
Book: After Life
LAST DAY TO VOTE for us to win a 2023 Signal Award!
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Kimi and Erica discuss last week's episode with Haley Holm, a veteran air force pilot and transgender woman who bravely shared her story for the first time on All The Wiser.
Erica reflects on the pain of hiding one's true self and the accompanying feelings of guilt and shame. Kimi shares some behind-the-scenes moments from the day she and Haley met to record the conversation.
Haley's story and sharing served as a reminder of one of our greatest intentions for this show, to hold space for one another's stories and witness their humanity.
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Haley Holm is a veteran air force pilot. She completed 22 combat missions in Afghanistan. But during this time, Haley was known as Jim. Jim was described by friends as a very masculine man from a military family. But Jim had a secret. He longed to be female. How does a person find the courage to explore a new identity in one of the most male dominated workplaces in the world? For Haley…it was one sock at a time.
In this episode:
- Haley’s first memories of questioning her gender.
- Joining the Airforce and finishing at the top of the class.
- Stepping out as Haley for the first time and navigating this new identity.
- Letting go of her biological family and gaining a new support system.
- What it means to belong and provide a safe space for others.
Stay connected to Haley on Instagram @haley_go_lightly
This episode is benefitting The Paseo Project.
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"A Little Wiser" takes you behind-the-scenes of each All The Wiser interview and explains how you can apply the lessons from the guests to your own life.
In our first mini-episode of the new season, Kimi and Erica discuss sibling abuse and how common and misunderstood it is. They also explore the public fascination with true crime and how it can be reported and consumed ethically. Kimi discusses how her experience in journalism has changed the way she handles these delicate and heartbreaking stories.
Erica ends with a challenge, as she always does!
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Amy Chesler always knew her brother Jesse struggled with anger. He never developed the tools to manage his emotions. But then he started taking his frustrations out on her in harmful and abusive ways. The power and control he exerted over Amy was just the beginning. In this chilling and powerful episode, Amy shares the story of the day her brother killed their mother, her fight to navigate a difficult legal system for justice, and ultimately how she stayed alive.
In this episode:
- Undiagnosed mental illness.
- Understanding the effects of sibling abuse.
- Discerning the types of abuse.
- The aftermath of her mother’s murder.
- Healing the pain and trauma through educating and storytelling.
- The need for a shift in the narrative of true crime.
Resources & Links:
Book: Working For Justice: One Family's Tale of Murder, Betrayal, and Healing
Podcast: What Came Next
Website: www.amybchesler.com
Instagram: @amybchesler
Facebook: Amy B Chesler
Twitter: @amybchesler
LinkedIn: Amy-Chesler
Charity: The Army of Survivors
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Hello Wise Ones! I hope you had a wonderful summer. Our team traveled, we relaxed, we went off the grid and we made time to work really hard on Season 6!
We’re ready to bring you more jaw dropping, life changing stories: with all the depth, courage, and vulnerability you’ve come to know and rely on.
Starting next Wednesday, September 6th, and every Wednesday after that, let’s get wiser together…again!
Follow us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast for all the latest updates!
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We will be taking a short break to enjoy the final days of summer. In our last episode of the season, Kimi and Tara discuss last week’s interview with Fernando Murillo and share some of their favorite lessons from Season 5.
Tara chooses “How to Live Well So You Can Die Well", with death doula Diane Button, and her advice that the key to dying well is living well. She also reminds us to tell our family and friends what they mean to us instead of just thinking about it.
Kimi reflects on what she learned from Anthony Brown in “The Homelessness Episode”, about the ways in which we "other" people and how to move through the world with more grace and compassion, especially for those who are suffering and may not look like us.
All The Wiser will return with a new season of inspiring stories on Wednesday, September 6th. Until then, take care of yourselves and remember to appreciate the small moments that make up a full life.
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At the age of 16, Fernando Murillo was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. After serving 20 years, he was transferred to California Medical Facility (CMF), a prison that focuses on caring for the elderly and terminally ill, among others. It was there that he first stepped foot into CMF’s hospice unit, the first of its kind in a prison setting.
Initially, Fernando was hesitant to join the peer pastoral care team, but once he committed, the work became transformational. He witnessed the immense gratitude of his dying friends within the community and, at the same time, began to heal and reveal parts of himself that he had never known.
In this inspiring episode, we take a look at how Fernando and others are on a mission to train more incarcerated residents to administer end-of-life palliative care.
In this episode:
- Fernando as a young boy growing up.
- How this opportunity allowed him to heal from his past.
- Fernando’s new identity in the world.
- Fears that exist when beginning to form personal relationships.
- His hopes and dreams as a free man creating change in the world.
Links & Resources:
Charity: Humane Prison Hospice Project
New York Times Article: The Prisoners Who Care For The Dying And Get Another Chance At Life
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Today, we talk about the message actress, wife and mother Marnie shared with us before dying from cancer last year. Her advice: Listen to your body. Trust your instincts when it comes to anything that feels off about your health.
Kimi discusses why people often avoid going to the doctor, including fear of what they may discover. Tara shares her story of love and frustration as her dad constantly avoids going to the doctor.
In honor of Marnie, get your annual check-up. Trust your gut. Advocate for your body. And most importantly, take care of yourselves and each other!
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Today we are checking in with one of our favorite past guests, actor Zack Robidas. It's been a year since his beautiful wife Marni passed away from breast cancer. Zack and Marni were on this show together during the pandemic talking about her diagnosis and the challenges they faced head-on during treatment. So on the anniversary of her death, we wanted to see how Zack was doing, and ask him to share some thoughts on the changing nature of grief and loss, and the glimmers of hope and healing he's found all around him.
If you'd like to listen to the original episode with Zack and Marni, it's called A Big Love Story and was released on 3/24/21.
In this episode:
- Meeting Marnie for the first time.
- Welcoming Coda to the world.
- Reflecting on Marnie’s diagnosis during the COVID pandemic.
- Cherishing and celebrating the little moments.
- Personal and toddler grief.
- Listening to and advocating for your body.
Links & Resources
Instagram: @zactoryrobotdance
Facebook: Zack Robidas
Twitter: @ZackRobidas
Podcast: The Pod Spotter
Charity: Marnie’s Army
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It's 2023 and it’s Pride Month! Today as a country we are divided, we are fractured and we are broken. We believe that many of us are looking and yearning for hope and possibility for our country‘s future.
It seemed like the perfect time to go back and share one of our favorite stories on the show.
*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 9/2/20)
It took three months of working together at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles before Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal realized they had met before, as teenagers in the 80's, when then Neo-Nazi skinhead Tim beat Matthew, a homeless, gay 14-year old, nearly to death. This moment of recognition began a process of healing and forgiveness that led the two men to speak together on stages across the country about their unlikely friendship. Today, Matthew and Tim share a vision that all things are possible, and provide hope to those who feel lost or otherwise unable to break free from the past.
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In this special Father’s Day episode, Kimi is in conversation with her dad about their relationship, his brilliant mind, his big heart and what he has learned about success on the outside and on the inside. They share with each other the complexities and gifts of generational mental illness and what it means to be fully seen, supported and loved exactly as you are.
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and grandfathers!
To our listeners who have lost theirs, we hope you’ll look for them in all the small moments that make up your day and find comfort in knowing they are always by your side.
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What is your relationship with goal setting? Kimi is joined by Erica and Tara to discuss the previous episode with Rebecca Berger, share their own thoughts about goal setting, and what has worked (or not worked) for them. They discuss the foundation of what that relationship begins with, the similarities they have with each other, and how self awareness shapes the way you relate to your goals.
Your challenge: Message us on Instagram or email hello@allthewiserpodcast.com and let us know your feelings about G-O-A-L-S!
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Rebecca Berger survived a childhood of chaos and abuse before becoming pregnant at the age of 14. Many adults looked at her with pity and shame. Though the physical and emotional abuse from men continued in Rebecca’s life, she kept putting one foot in front of the other, chasing a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She finished her education and as a mother of three, pursued a career in medicine. Rebecca, now a family medicine physician, shares her story of survival and why you should never let others define your potential.
In this episode:
- Growing up with a mother with mental illness in a sexually abusive home.
- Navigating teen pregnancy.
- Leaving an abusive relationship.
- Rebuilding the confidence to follow her dreams and go to medical school.
- Defining your own potential.
Links & Resources:
Email: Dr.Rebecca.Berger@gmail.com
Charity: Peace Over Violence
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Hi Wise Ones,
Do you ever feel like you're in a “podcast drought”?
Every once in a while I find myself starring staring at my Podcast Library, wondering what to listen to next?
It's a daunting question with over 3 million options.
So I asked Lauren Passell, the queen of podcast publicity, and my friend and producer Erica Gerard to share their current favorites.
Check out their new and binge-worthy picks below.
Included Podcast links & clips:
Finding Fred (“Beth”)
Blind Pea (“Haunted Land”)
The Mortified Podcast (“Jessica’s Diary”)
Connect with Lauren Passell
Twitter: @laurenpassell
Connect with Erica:
Instagram: @ericalgerard
Website: Podkit Productions
Email: erica@podkitproductions.com
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Hi Wise Ones!
This week, I’m excited to bring you an episode from a podcast I love from Lemonada Media called Last Day.
Last Day is a show about the moments that change us, fundamentally and forever. Each week, host Stephanie Wittels Wachs sits down with a new guest to explore happy and sad stories of survival, resilience and transformation. Some “last days” are hopeful. Some are tragic. But at the heart of every “last day” is also a new beginning.
In the episode you’re about to hear, Stephanie talks to Kate Greene, the sister of a funny brother and the daughter of two loving parents. She’s a lot like Stephanie, especially because she lost her brother Ryan to an overdose. Kate recounts the protective, fiercely loving relationship between them, the way her family orbited around Ryan’s chaos for years preceding his death, and the person she’s become in the years after. Turns out, that person loves running, but she sure does hate Christmas.
It’s a meaningful conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it. X Kimi
To check out more episodes of Last Day, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or click this link.
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Dr. Laura Erickson Scroth, psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of The Jed Foundation, joins Kimi to discuss the mental health crisis facing America's teens and young adults.
Increasing isolation, social media, climate change, social unrest, and an onslaught of online information flooding their brains are wreaking havoc on young adults. By listening, validating their experience, and speaking up when you see a young person showing signs of distress, adults can make a significant difference in the lives of teens.
Dr. Laura also discusses last week's episode with Michele Gonzales-Reed, explaining how schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the population and is surrounded by misunderstandings and policies that prevent treatment.
May is Mental Health Awareness. To learn more and play a part in protecting the emotional health of teens and young adults, click here to visit The Jed Foundation.
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Dajon was a true mama’s boy. His mother Michelle, a devoted single mom, adored him. When Dajon was 15 he started showing signs of mental illness. By the age of 18, his personality was disintegrating. He started hearing voices and even tried to jump off of an 11th floor building. After an official diagnosis of schizophrenia, Michelle did everything she could to get Dajon the help he needed to live a stable life. What are the options for a family seeking help from the system? We explore the promises and pitfalls of caring for the mentally ill, and the toll it can take on those who love them.
In this episode:
- Dajon’s entrance into the world.
- The initial indicators that Dajon was struggling with his mental health.
- Dajon is diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
- The trajectory of his mental health post diagnosis.
- Michelle receives devastating news.
- Dealing with the grief of losing her son and what brings her hope.
Links & Resources
- LinkedIn: Michelle Gonzales-Reed
- Personal Advocacy Website: My Beloved Dajon Website
- YouTube Channel: Let’s Talk with Dr. Michelle
- Charitable Donation: The JED Foundation
- The Jed Foundation (JED) Resources:
- Challenging the System: One Woman’s Fight for Mental Health Reform, 5/16/22
- Let's Talk with Dr. Michelle Episode 1: Guests Mia St. John, and Katie Cunningham
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Erica and Kimi are joined by Dan Shaw, a psychoanalyst who specializes in counseling former members of cultic groups and friends and family of members who are involved in cults.
Cult leaders are characterized by charisma, narcissism, and gaping childhood wounds, according to Dan. He explains how they manipulate highly educated and well-intentioned people to join them. Erica shares her own experience of leaving a cultic group in her twenties and how she reclaimed her power.
Dan, Kimi, and Erica end by discussing America's fascination with cults and the lessons we can learn from cult survivors.
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Do you think you could never be indoctrinated into a cult? Sarah Edmondson wants you to think again. Sarah spent 12 years in the NXIVM cult, where otherwise bright, well-meaning women were being coerced, abused and turned into sex slaves by the now convicted felon, Keith Raniere. In this episode, Sarah shares how her own intuition was slowly dismantled by the cult, and how you can spot the red flags of any type of abusive power before it’s too late.
In this episode:
- Sarah's life before NXIVM.
- The core promises of the cult.
- Rules and rituals of the community.
- Making the decision to leave and meet with the DEA.
- The process of healing and deprogramming.
- Where Sarah’s life is today and her hope moving forward.
Stay connected with Sarah:
Website: www.sarahedmondson.com
Book: Scarred: The True Story of How I Escaped Nxivm, the Cult That Bound My Life
Charity Donation: www.igotout.org
Podcast: A Little Bit Culty
Instagram: @sarahedmondson | @alittlebitculty
Resources to help anyone:
- in a high-control group or a cult
- trying to figure out if you are in one
- trying to help someone else get out of a one
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We are excited to share with you that ALL THE WISER Membership Community is officially here! This podcast is inspired by you, and this membership was created just for you. We've got Zooms with me and the team, exclusive content, live recordings, early ad-free episodes, producer credit, your name on the All The Wiser website and much more!
We can’t wait to see you!
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Survival looks different for everyone. For Michelle Hord, it was about finding ways to honor her daughter Gabrielle’s life, which was taken at only 7 years old by her then husband, in an unthinkable act of violence that no one could have imagined. But her lessons on grief are not just for those who have experienced tragedy. In this episode, Michelle shares how we can take back our narrative after loss of any kind, and decide what the next chapters will be.
In this episode:
- The impact of divorce.
- Where to begin when processing trauma.
- The importance of a support system.
- Michelle’s commitment to honoring Gabrielle’s legacy.
- The journey to healing.
Links and Resources:
Website: www.michelledhord.com
Book: The Other Side of Yet
Charity: Gabrielle's Wings
Facebook: Gabrielle's Wings
Instagram: @mdhord | @gabrielleswings
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All The Wiser is officially launching a membership community on Wednesday, April 12th! You, our beloved listeners, are the inspiration and driving force behind this membership.
Membership options include everything from Zooms with Kimi and the Team, Early and Ad-Free Episodes, Dropping in Live on A Little Wiser recordings, your name on our website "graffiti wall," and more. We look forward to getting to know you and creating exclusive content as we grow WISER TOGETHER!
ALL THE WISER MEMBERSHIP LAUNCHING Wednesday, April 12th ON PATREON.
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Have you ever thought about the ways you numb out of your own life? Kimi and Erica discuss our previous episode about Ambien addiction with Laura Cathcart Robbins, share their own addictive behaviors, and consider the root causes of unhealthy coping mechanisms. They discuss the most important first step in changing these habits.
Your challenge:
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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Laura Cathcart Robbins first started using Ambien to help her get some sleep. But as the pressures of her public life grew, so did her usage of the drug. She was swallowing lethal amounts of sleeping pills and washing them down with booze. At the heart of her addiction was a feeling that she wasn’t able to be honest about who she really was – beginning in childhood at the hands of an abusive step-father, through motherhood and a Hollywood marriage. In this episode, Laura shares how the choice to release her secrets allowed her to start living instead of just existing.
In this episode:
- Laura’s departure from her authentic self.
- The first time taking using Ambien
- Experiencing life as a “double agent.”
- Laura files for divorce and decides to go to rehab.
- The impact of unconscious bias as a black woman.
- What it means to be fully seen.
Stay connected to Laura:
Book: Stash
Website: www.theonlyonepod.com
Instagram: @lauracathcartrobbins | @theonlyoneintheroom
Charity Donation: Friendly House
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Kimi and Erica discuss last week's episode with death doula Diane Button, which they can't stop thinking about! Both confess to having an endless fascination (ok, borderline obsession) with the wisdom and knowledge that people share when they know the end is near.
Diane's message is more about living well than dying well. Her dying clients are called "the wisdom keepers" and she shares their greatest joys and regrets. Simple moments bring joy – the quiet of the morning, conversations at the kitchen table, dog snuggles. The most precious moments in our lives will be found (and remembered) in the simplest of things.
Slow down or "pause" as she says to breathe in this one life you've got. What you do every day, how you behave, and how you interact with others will ultimately define how you are remembered.
Treating everyone with kindness and respect is a sure path to being remembered and honored for all the good you created during your time on earth.
Your challenge:
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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Death Doula Diane Button has served as a companion to hundreds of clients and their families through the end of life process. She is a lead instructor at the University of Vermont's End of Life Doula Certificate program, a founding partner of the Bay Area End of Life Doula Alliance, and the author of the bestselling new book, Dear Death: Finding Meaning in Life, Peace in Death and Joy in an Ordinary Day. Today she shares the lessons she’s gathered from her clients through the years, whom she refers to as The Wisdom Keepers, so that the end of your life can be the best possible journey that it can be.
In this episode:
- How she got into this line of work.
- Her advice on what to say and do when someone in your life is dealing with difficulty like illness or grief.
- The six questions she asks every client.
- What really brings people joy in the end.
- How to live well so that you can die well.
Links & Resources:
Facebook: Diane Button
Author Page: www.dianebutton.com
Lead Instructor: University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine EOLD Program
Charity: Humane Prison Hospice Project
Books:
Dear Death - Dear Death: Finding Meaning in Life, Peace in Death, and Joy in an Ordinary Day
Dear Death, A Workbook and Companion Guide - Dear Death Workbook and Companion Guide
The Letter Box: A Story of Enduring Love - The Letter Box
End-of-Life Doula Website: Bay Area End-of-Life Doula Alliance
Dream of a Better World 501(c)3: - Non-profit Blog Page
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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We are committed to learning more about the crisis of people living without homes in our country following Anthony Brown's episode last week.
Sharon Browning, Kimi's friend, neighbor, and changemaker, speaks with us about the current state of affairs and possible solutions. Sharon co- founded a volunteer-run organization in Los Angeles that has placed 177 people in permanent housing.
Her unique experience and wisdom are invaluable to anyone interested in creating positive change for people and communities experiencing homelessness. If you were moved by Anthony's story last week, or if homelessness has been on your mind and heart, this episode is for you.
To learn more about Sharon and the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness:
https://palisadeshomeless.org/leadership/
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Anthony Brown spent 23 years living on the streets battling homelessness, addiction and incarceration. He describes his state of mind as one without hope, trying not to feel, trying not to care. Until one day a police officer asked if he wanted some help. Today Anthony is a registered nurse, an author, speaker and founder of Brown Manor, a safe place where those in need can restore their lives.
In this episode:
- The impact of his childhood and early alcohol and drug abuse.
- Running away from home with a carnival at the age of 14.
- His experience living on the streets.
- The juxtaposition of prison being a reprieve.
- The two people that helped redirect his path to become the man he is today.
- The source of the solution for homelessness, according to Anthony.
Stay connected with Anthony:
Website: anthonyhowardbrown.com
Book: From Park Bench to Park Avenue: One Man's Journey Out of Homelessness
Facebook: Brown Manor
You Tube: Anthony Howard Brown - YouTube
Twitter: @brown_manor
Instagram: @brown.manor
Charity: Jeanette Joan Saffold Foundation
Other Resources:
Brown Manor - Hope for the Homeless (gofundme.com)
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Is your head full of negative voices and stories? Let's share and dismantle your pesky inner critic together.
This week, Kimi and Erica are joined by "the horribly mean voices in their heads." In this episode, they discuss the negative stories they tell themselves about themselves and how they plan to stop them. Kimi talks about her critical voice about her body and intelligence. For the first time, Erica shares that she's never been in a female friend group and the negative stories she has attached to it.
Also a challenge to our listeners! Tell us about a negative story you have on loop in your head and what you do help keep it quiet. Let us know by emailing/sending a voice memo to hello@allthewiserpodcast.com.
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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Originally aired on The One You Feed podcast...
Eric and Kimi discuss her journey to healing and how the role of identity can be helpful (or not so helpful) when dealing with depression or mental illness.
"Kimi’s unique specialty is identifying and developing stories with soul. She has traveled the world interviewing hundreds of people and creating content that motivates people to live a happier, more fulfilling life."
In this episode:
- How her internal narrative shifted when she started talking about her mental illness
- The power of knowing we’re not alone in our struggles
- Owning the truth of who we are and also not letting it be your entire identity
- Understanding that we are many parts of the whole being
- The healing journey and how identity can take a more prominent role at the beginning
- The nuances of identifying what is depression
- How labeling depression can be helpful, but over-identifying with that label can be harmful
- The importance of adult friendships
- Comparative suffering
- Gratitude and how it is a powerful tool
- Her collaborative book, A Letter to My Dog
Stay connected to Eric:
Website: www.theoneyoufeed.net
Podcast: The One You Feed
Instagram: @one_you_feed
Twitter: @oneyoufeed
Facebook: The One You Feed
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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We talk a lot about truth telling and talking about hard things in service of others on All The Wiser. Our goal is to illuminate, educate, and make people feel less alone. Normally, it would be our guests who take this leap, but this week it was the All The Wiser producers.
As a result of last week's interview with Kate Ranta about domestic violence that nearly killed her, producer Erica Gerard and associate producer Tara Daigle shared their experiences of domestic violence for the first time.
We hope that this mini-episode will teach you something new about this critical issue, and we ask that you forward it to anyone who needs to hear it.
With Love, Kimi, Erica & Tara
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When Tom asked Kate to move in with him after dating for three months, she was thrilled. He seemed really into her and wanted to make her life as a single mom easier. But once they were married and had a child together, things got dark. Her “too good to be true” husband became jealous, controlling, and ultimately, deadly. Kate Ranta shares the warning signs and red flags that just might save the life of somebody you know.
In this episode:
- Recognizing red flags in a relationship.
- The incremental steps of an abuser.
- Intentional isolation and possessive behavior.
- The intoxicating effects of love bombing.
- A broken system.
- The role acceptance plays in the healing process.
Stay connected with Kate:
Websites: kateranta.com
Book: Killing Kate
Charity Donation: www.lovelifenow.org
Additional resources:
https://www.gunsdownamerica.org/
https://bocarecoverycenter.com/treatment/trauma-informed/
https://bocarecoverycenter.com/addiction/addiction-domestic-violence/
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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During the first episode of 2023, Kimi is joined by Tara Daigle, All The Wiser Associate Producer. As they discuss last week's episode on postpartum mental health, Kimi talks about her own experience with intrusive thoughts and the shame spiral that follows. Kimi and Tara were reminded of the importance of finding your people when going through hard times (postpartum health or anything else). Tara bravely shares that it was the trust and friendship of other women that gave her the courage and support to once leave an abusive relationship.
Their call to action for all listeners is to find people to walk with you through hard times. Community, friendship, and connection are powerful healers.
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When Jessica Ekhoff gave birth to her son, the last thing she planned for was a mental health crisis. The signs were there within days of delivering, but with no history of mania, it was easy to overlook the obsessive, grandiose thinking, the hyperfixation and impulsivity. Eventually, a terrifying delusion landed Jessica in a psychiatric ward where she was able to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. Post-recovery, Jessica is sharing her story through her book: Super Sad Unicorn: A Memoir of Mania. Her mission is to shine a light on postpartum bipolar disorder, and tell those who are affected that they are not alone.
In this episode:
- Reflecting on the first signs of bipolar disorder.
- The disparity between who you are as a person and what is happening with the mental health of your brain.
- What led to starting in-patient treatment.
- Receiving a proper diagnosis and experiencing the mania and delusions that come with it.
- The importance of validation and support of others with similar experiences.
Stay connected to Jessica:
Book: Super Sad Unicorn: A Memoir of Mania
Facebook: Jessica Ekhoff
Instagram: @JessicaEkhoff
Charity Donation: Postpartum Support International
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Christy interviews Kimi about her favorite moments and memories from Season 4 in this week's mini-episode. We dig into finding guests, key ingredients for a successful episode, and Kimi's dream for All The Wiser in 2023. Additionally, she shares how the stories on her show have changed her, helping her surrender what she can't control and take control of what she can.
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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Austin Hatch is one in a million. Scratch that. One in 3.4 million. Those were odds that an MIT statistician gave of him surviving the plane crash that killed his mom and two siblings. But then, just days after being accepted to play basketball for his dream school, the University of Michigan, Austin was in a second plane crash – this one claiming the lives of his dad Steve and his step-mom Julie. Yet with all this loss, Austin has found a way to keep living by finding ways to honor the family he loved. His gratitude for life and his message of creating your legacy every day has inspired people all over the world to reconcile living while coping with tragedy.
In this episode:
- Legacy is your day to day actions.
- The importance of staying busy in the wake of tragedy, loss and trauma.
- Honoring the life of someone you lost by contributing to the world.
- Living a life that is defined by what is beyond tragedy.
Stay connected to Austin:
Website: www.austin-hatch.com
LinkedIn: Austin Hatch
Twitter: @AustinHatch30
Charity: Erin’s House
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Kimi and Christy talk about Yusuf Dahl's radical transformation from prison inmate to Ivy League scholar. They discuss what attributed to Yususf's ability to adapt and ultimately thrive - a clear internal vision, a sense of purpose, patience and the knowledge that he was loved.
As a public defender in juvenile dependency court, Christy shared an emotional story about representing a father who also underwent a radical life transformation. A dad who overcame decades of addiction to keep custody of the daughter he adored.
Whether it's big or small, Yusuf's stories, and almost all of the stories on this podcast, are a testament to our innate ability to change our lives and shed the parts of ourselves that no longer serve us.
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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He knew he was loved by his mother, and because she loved him, Yusuf Dahl knew he was worth something. Growing up in a food insecure and financially unstable household in Milwaukee taught Yusuf what not to do in order to be a successful adult. Those lessons made him a profitable drug dealer. After landing in prison, however, Yusuf began applying himself in a new way. The investment in himself set him up for a future he never could have imagined, including a degree at Princeton, a real estate career, and a mission to make housing more affordable and available for everyone.
In this episode:
- The right to affordable housing.
- The influence our parents and guardians have on us.
- How we view our community matters.
- The role demographics plays in the trajectory of your life.
- Learning to respond to challenges and adversity with optimism.
Stay connected with Yusuf:
Websites:
www.realestatelaballentown.com
Article: Strom Thurmond blocked me from renting a home
Twitter: @YusufDahl
Instagram: @yusufdahl
Charity Donation: The Petey Greene Program
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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I’m really excited to share with you a special episode from another podcast I love and think you will too. It’s called a Family Secrets hosted by Dani Shapiro.
In this episode, "Somebody's Daughter", Ashley’s father is imprisoned when she’s eight months old. She has no real context for him until she visits him for the first time, when she’s seven. They forge as best a relationship they can, writing letters, and talking on the phone. It’s not until she’s fourteen when she discovers why he’s in jail. What she learns is shattering and confirms to her that the world is not always a safe place.
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Kimi shares a message of love, gratitude, and permission to prioritize self-care as the holiday season begins.
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In part two of this series, Ken Coll recounts his experience raising Matthew and surviving the stabbing that nearly took his life.
A few years after adopting baby Matthew, it became clear to Tom Boulet and his husband Ken Coll that something wasn’t right. Matthew had severe behavioral issues and an oppositional, defiant nature that had him bouncing from school to school. Still, Tom and Ken left no stone unturned to get Matthew the care and treatment he needed. After finishing high school and attending a few years of college, Matthew returned home one summer and attempted to kill both Tom and Ken, stabbing them a combined 31 times in the middle of the night. After a miraculous recovery, Tom and Ken share reflections on parenting a child with mental illness and how they found meaning and purpose and a renewed devotion to each other amid tragedy.
In this episode:
- Falling in love two months after divorce and an unexpected diagnosis.
- The difficult entry of their adopted son, Matthew, into the world.
- Navigating the special needs for a child with aggression.
- Deciding that a diagnosis will not define him.
- Leaning into the power of the way we choose to view things.
Stay connected to Ken:
Website: www.gardensbyken.com
Facebook: Ken Coll
Instagram: @coll_ken
Charity Donation: AIDS Project LA
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 5/14/19)
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we celebrate caregivers around the world including Kimi’s friend, and All The Wiser guest, Michel Varisco Gleason. Today we are re-airing their intimate conversation from 2019. #teamgleason #nationalfamilycaregivermonth
Mom, wife, artist and one of my all time favorite people, Michel Varisco, cozies up with All The Wiser on a couch in her native New Orleans. Michel walks us through the day of her husbands terminal diagnosis, finding out she was pregnant a month later and what it was like to watch a documentary about her life in a packed theater at Sundance Film Festival. She opens up about the pressure of living up to false expectations, the realities of life as a full time caretaker to her husband and newborn baby, their decision to have a second child and how her darkest days inspired her work as an artist.
In this episode:
- Learning her husband, Steve, is terminally ill
- The truth about care-taking for someone you love
- Having her life filmed for a feature length documentary
- Creating unexpected and beautiful art in the walls of a hospital
Stay connected with Michel:
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
We’d love to hear what you think about the show, too - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. Head over to Apple Podcasts to write your review!
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A few years after adopting baby Matthew, it became clear to Tom Boulet and his husband Ken Coll that something wasn’t right. Matthew had severe behavioral issues and an oppositional, defiant nature that had him bouncing from school to school. Still, Tom and Ken left no stone unturned to get Matthew the care and treatment he needed. After finishing high school and attending a few years of college, Matthew returned home one summer and attempted to kill both Tom and Ken, stabbing them a combined 31 times in the middle of the night. After a miraculous recovery, Tom and Ken share reflections on parenting a child with mental illness and how they found meaning and purpose and a renewed devotion to each other amid tragedy.
This is a two-part series. Part two will be available on November 16th, 2022
In this episode:
- Raising a child with mental illness.
- Learning to ground their relationship in friendship.
- Clarity of purpose and direction on the other side of pain.
- How to honor and heal each part of ourselves after a traumatic experience.
- The role forgiveness and humor play in recovery.
Stay connected with Tom:
Facebook: Tom Boulet
Instagram: @TomBoolayinLA
Charity Donation: Crisis Text Line
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Kimi is joined by Christy and her new puppy, Holly June Miller Peterson, to discuss vulnerability, how powerful it is, and how hard it can be to find courage. Christy opens up about her desire to share more vulnerably as well as her hesitation to do so.
Inspired by Paul Gilmartin's episode last week, Kimi shares her experience with hypomania and discusses whether some symptoms can be viewed as strengths or even gifts.
In closing, we are reminded that every episode on the pod is ultimately about post traumatic growth and how hard things (and talking about hard things) can lead to positive change.
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Most people don’t change unless they have to. For Paul Gilmartin, it was facing a life without experiencing the intimacy he saw other people had. First he needed to know how to deal with his feelings and then find healthy ways to express them, which he does very openly on his popular podcast, The Mental Illness Happy Hour. But the biggest piece of the puzzle for Paul was facing the childhood trauma he spent 20 years avoiding through therapy, support groups and sobriety.
Article referenced:
Dr. Alan Rappaport called Co-Narcissism
Book referenced:
A Gentle Path by Patrick J. Carnes
Kimi's episode on All The Wiser
In this episode:
- The complexity of our relationships with people, that there can be so much good and so much darkness…both at the same time.
- The pressures of “doing television” and the compromises that come with it.
- Choosing to talk about hard things in order to develop trust with people in order for them to bravely meet you.
- The feeling of a life unlived. Sadness, anger, feeling suicidal, having a great life on paper but not being able to feel it.
- Being a cheerleader for people to get help and encouraging them to be transparent and honest.
Stay connected with Paul:
Websites: https://mentalpod.com/
Facebook: The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Instagram: @mentalpod
Charity Donation: ASPCA
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Kimi is smitten with Meyli Chapin, “Terrorist Attack Girl”, and after listening to the interview from last week, Christy is too. Both appreciate Meyli’s authenticity and the raw emotion she brings to her story of terror and healing. It is a rare gift to share pain and hope in equal measure.
Kimi and Christy discuss trauma, both the big and small hardships that impact our health and wellbeing. They wonder whether small-scale, more personal events qualify as trauma, and conclude that trauma is trauma (this is not a competition!). The friends discuss tools to help navigate adversities and Kimi shares an insight from her guests that the retelling of their trauma is often cathartic and a bridge to growth.
Are you interested in thinking more about trauma and your mindset toward adversity? Kimi and Christy suggest reading “The Body Keeps The Score” – bonus, it has beautiful cover art – and a practical workbook called “Choose Growth”, that provides research and strategies for transcending trauma, fear and self-doubt.
Follow the show at @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram.
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Meyli Chapin was trapped in a hotel room for 17 hours in Nairobi while Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked the property. She was alone and certain she was going to die. But through the incredible efforts of brave men who fought to recover Meyli and extract her to safety, she survived. However, after the attack, PTSD left her mind shattered. She felt like a fraction of the strong, confident, capable woman she used to be. She thought she was uniquely traumatized and couldn't understand why she was unable to leave her apartment, why she couldn't sleep, and why she wished she had died in the terrorist attack. It was a long, hard road, but eventually Meyli did find the light at the end of the tunnel. She shares her experience of healing from PTSD, as well as thoughts and strategies to help anyone suffering from trauma to find hope and relief.
In this episode:
- The difficultly of living in a region with a constant threat of terrorist activity.
- Meyli was only scheduled to be in Kenya for 2 days. She was supposed to be leaving the next morning.
- A sleepless night full of panic to the point of heartache.
- Grieving the person you are before the trauma.
Stay connected with Meyli:
Websites: traumabrace.com
Book: Terrorist Attack Girl
Instagram:@meylichapin, @traumabraceapp
Charity Donation: Heroic Hearts Project
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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I’m really excited to share with you a special preview from another podcast I love and think you will too. It’s called a Slight Change of Plans from Pushkin Industries.
In this special preview, civil rights icon Ruby Bridges shares what it was like to be the first African-American student to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana in 1960. Ruby was just six years old at the time, and it would be years before she fully appreciated her role in advancing civil rights in America.
Hear the full episode and more from a Slight Change of Plans here.
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Christy gets a fancy microphone, and Kimi looks like she's working at a call center. They go behind the scenes of Pastor Jose Hernandez's interview and explain how he went from being a gang member in Watts to be a beacon of peace and hope.
Kimi and Christy discuss incremental change, or "baby steps," which ultimately lead to personal growth. Kimi shares how she transformed from a workaholic to a "semi-balanced" person. Christy talks about living with postpartum anxiety and how she regained her mental and emotional health incrementally.
The two friends reflect on Pastor Hernandez's faith journey and how religion played a part in his healing. Kimi opens up about her faith and how she feels religion can be misunderstood when it's seen in broad strokes. Both admit they are uncomfortable talking about religion since it can lead to conflict and division. Kimi emphasizes that All The Wiser is a place where "all are welcome" and voices are as varied as the fabric of our country.
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Somewhere after gang life, incarceration and a stint with a Mexican Cartel, Jose Hernandez felt a stirring in his heart, which would eventually lead him towards ministry and a legacy of leadership and healing in Watts, California. But in order to move forward, Jose first had to make peace with his past, including the suffering and pain he caused others. Today, Pastor Jose Hernandez is a role model and father figure to many young boys in Watts, setting a strong example of hope, dedication and the power of personal transformation.
In this episode:
- Jose thought the life of a criminal was his fate and never imagined he would live this long.
- His father abused him and his mother, then abandoned them, which set the tone for a lot of his life.
- His desire to belong, to be part of something bigger, to be protected because of all those things he was lacking.
- Learning the cost of being a member in a gang.
- Becoming the man he vowed he never would be and the journey to his faith.
- His return to Hope Central Watts, becoming a pastor, and the importance of forgiveness.
Stay connected with Jose:
Website: www.hopecentralwatts.com
Facebook: Hope Central Watts
Instagram: @hopecentralwatts
Charity Donation: Hope Central Watts
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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In "A Little Wiser", Kimi and Positive Psychology coach Christy Peterson take you behind the scenes of each previous All The Wiser interview and explore how to apply the lessons from our guests to our own lives.
In our first mini-episode of the new season, Kimi talks about why she was nervous interviewing Amanda Knox and how their conversation about ethical storytelling made her rethink dinner party gossip. Christy examines how stories add entertainment to our often mundane lives and that we often forget there is an (actual) human being behind the stories we consume. Kimi remembers a time in junior high when she discovered that people were gossiping and saying hurtful things about her. The two friends pledge to do better when consuming stories about other people.
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It never occurred to Amanda Knox that she would be looked at as a suspect for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher. The police told her she was their star witness. But once the story made international headlines, the investigation quickly turned into a calculated and violent interrogation that left Amanda without a voice and with a wrongful conviction that would change the course of her life forever. Who do our stories belong to? And how can we avoid objectifying the real people at the center of them?
In this episode:
- How should we think about the stories we are told in the media?
- Who is being helped and who is being harmed by the systems we rely upon for information, and what can we do about it?
- Amanda’s experience when first moving to Italy.
- The first week of November when Amanda’s life would change forever.
- The news Amanda received that she was the key witness to this case.
- Amanda and her boyfriend’s fight for freedom and justice.
- Three core principles to live by when storytelling.
Stay connected to Amanda:
Website: KnoxRobinson.com
Twitter: @AmandaKnox
Instagram: @AmamaKnox
Podcast: Labyrinths
Charity Donation: Frederick Douglas Project for Justice
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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All The Wiser returns next week with inspiring guests sharing stories of hope and possibility on the other side of pain. Here's a sneak peek of the upcoming season.
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*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 9/3/21)
After the mass murder at Robb Elementary school in Texas yesterday, we're re-airing our Sue Klebold episode. In All The Wiser, we use human stories to challenge us to think differently about the world, and to learn about different perspectives, voices, and messages.
In order to prevent mass shootings, it is imperative to understand all the factors that lead to them. This fall, I had the privilege of talking to two moms who lost their sons in very different ways to school shootings. One of them was Sue Klebold, mother of Dylan Klebold, one of Columbine's two shooters. The second was Scarlett Lewis, the mother of Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook. Both women loved their sons and dedicated their lives to ending mass shootings.
It is my hope that today in re-airing Sue's episode and encouraging you to also listen to Scarlett's story, we can think deeply about how little boys grow up to become young men who commit mass murders.
Let's learn from them so we can all decide what role we will play in ending the heartbreak in our country.
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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For our last episode of the season, we opened the floor to YOU guys and asked you to submit all of your burning questions to Kimi about mental health. Kimi along with producer Erica share thoughts on topics like medication, therapy, burnout, routines, and finding hope after diagnosis.
We'll be back with an exciting new season of All The Wiser this fall! In the meantime, take good care of yourselves and increase the fun and joy this summer....your brain will thank you!
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 7/10/19)
As part of Mental Health Awareness month, we are re-airing the episode when Kimi revealed to the world that she has bipolar disorder and that she had kept her diagnosis a secret for two decades.
Kimi's life was changed when this episode first aired. She let go of shame and secrecy and allowed herself to be fully seen. Kimi has helped dozens of families navigate their own mental health journeys over the past three years. Finding the courage to discuss the thing she was most ashamed of made this possible.
In this episode you'll learn:
- After graduating from college, Kimi lands an internship with CNN covering Columbine paving the way for her first journalism gig at NBC news.
- Kimi becomes a road warrior, traveling the country working as a booker for Good Morning America, and eventually moving on to The Oprah Winfrey show where she honed her skills as a storyteller.
- Kimi produces Gleason, a documentary about her friends Steve and Michelle Gleason and their daily life together after Steve’s terminal ALS diagnosis.
- Kimi reveals that at 19 years old she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder
- What is bipolar? What are the symptoms, and how is it treated?
- How bipolar has impacted her kids and family
- The stigma of mental illness and the consequences of secrecy
- Self care, staying well, and starting All The Wiser
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
We’d love to hear what you think about the show, too - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. Head over to Apple Podcasts to write your review!
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In today’s episode of A Little Wiser, Christy and Kimi talk about high performance, excellence and asking the question when your teen, or someone you love, uses drugs or alcohol. The friends also reflect on Christy’s experience as podcast co-host this season and her shift toward celebrating growth over perfection. Last, get your questions in!! Today is the last day to ask Kimi about her experience with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder. Christy asked her a good one during this episode and Kimi’s answer was funny, vulnerable, and honest. So get in on this!
Leave a voicemail at 833-326-8632
Email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com
or DM us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast
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NBA player Chris Herren was spending $20,000 a month on Oxycontin, which then turned to heroin. Overdoses, car crashes and hospitalizations couldn’t keep him from destroying his career, his family, his entire life. Now fourteen years sober, Chris travels the country speaking to middle school and high school students about the dangers of drug addiction, and parents about what actually works to keep their kids from falling prey to the lure of substance abuse.
P.S. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we're ending Season 3 with an "ASK KIMI ANYTHING" episode.
You can ask Kimi anything about her experience with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder (or anything else for that matter) and she'll tell you the truth “on air.” Why, because we believe that when we tell our truth, we create awareness and contribute to healing.
Call us at 833-326-8623 and leave Kimi a voicemail by May 4th!
Stay connected to Chris and his work:
Websites:
Facebook: Chris Herren
Instagram/Twitter
Charity Donation: Herren Project
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Our brains are wired to make judgments about others so we can make sense of the world, and the vast amounts of information we are confronted with each day. But there is a cost to our assumptions. In today’s mini-episode, Kimi and Christy talk about their new favorite person Martin Lockett, who spent 17 years in prison for drunk driving and manslaughter. Martin’s story is a reminder of the power of redemption and the benefits of setting aside the judgmental mind: More connection, creativity, friendship, compassion and diversity! Christy also shares her experience as a public defender and her northstar borrowed from the brilliant Bryan Stevenson: “each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Last, All The Wiser was nominated for a webby. Go vote!
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After serving 17 ½ years in prison for drunk driving and manslaughter, 42 year-old Martin Lockett is now a free man, stepping into a very different world than the one he left (what’s a macbook?). He emerged from prison with a graduate degree, two published books, and a certification as a substance abuse counselor…ready to continue sharing his story and keeping his promise to his victims to do whatever it takes to prevent others from following in his footsteps.
Don't forget to VOTE WEBBY'S!
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to identify the root of your pain and suffering,
- The role and impact alcohol can have at a young age.
- The importance of finding an outlet for your creativity.
- Navigating your identity, belonging, and finding your place in the world.
- Learning the repercussions of our decisions and the lives that can be severely impacted.
- The willingness to change and embark on a purposeful path, regardless of what that may look like.
- The importance of visualizing your future self and how powerful that can be.
- The power of story, restorative justice, and people coming together.
- The importance of forgiveness.
Stay connected to Martin:
Website: www.martinlockett.com
Instagram: @martinllockett
Book: Prison to Purpose Pipeline: How one sentence led to a life of service and My Prison Life: A Blogger’s Insight from the Inside
Charity Donation: Pear Mentor
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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We're having a WEBBY AWARDS dance party today at All The Wiser! We've been nominated for a 2022 best Podcast Interview Individual Episode for our episode with Rebecca Bender. You (yes, YOU) now have the power to vote for the show and we humbly ask that you do so by clicking here.
The topic of today's mini-episode is PURPOSE, and by purpose, we mean knowing your "why." We explore how we can discover our purpose in many ways, and in the case of Alex Lewis, simply by chance. Christy reminds us that purpose and getting clear on our "why" are powerful tools for building resilience. Purpose provides motivation and direction when the sh*t hits the fan.
Kimi talks about discovering and sharing stories on this podcast as part of her purpose, which makes today's Webby Award recognition of Rebecca Bender's story and purpose-driven life that much sweeter!
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He was given a 3% chance of survival. His partner was told to come in and say goodbye. But Alex Lewis wasn’t ready to go down without a flight. In this harrowing episode, Alex shares why he says “quadruple amputation is the best thing that has ever happened to him,“ plus the one piece of advice you must not forget no matter how bad you feel things are in your life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to recognize signs of escapism and depression
- Identifying Strep A in the body
- Navigating his decision between life and death
- The importance of focusing on what you’re fighting for
- The power of having a support system
- Learning to appreciate the present while looking forward to the future
- How your “why” can provide clarity to your meaning and purpose
Stay connected to Alex:
Website: www.alex-lewis.co.uk
Instagram: @alexlewistrust
LinkedIn: Alex Lewis
Facebook: Alex Lewis (Alex Lewis Trust)
Twitter: @AlexLewis_Trust
Charity Donation: Project Limitless Campaign
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
We’d love to hear what you think about the show, too - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. Head over to Apple Podcasts to write your review!
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Kimi and Christy discuss the idea that maybe, just maybe, these mini-episodes should simply be a podcast club. Why? Every time they listen to an episode separately and then talk about it, they have the best conversations. They get to see the story and wisdom from a whole new perspective. And it gets better. More meaningful. More learning.
Today, they try on the “podcast club” idea and talk about Jason Schechterle and their shared favorite moment of the interview. Jason described how some people look at his burn scars with pity and sorrow. The truth is that Jason is thriving and living a full life filled with love, purpose, and joy. People can't see it, so they make up a sad story. Perhaps to feel better in their suffering. Both Kimi and Christy agree that Jason is their hero when it comes to gratitude and that making assumptions about people's lives is never a good idea.
Sign up for Kimi and Christy’s newsletter here for tools to thrive, words of wisdom, and stuff that makes you smile...straight to your inbox.
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Jason Schechterle, was a happily married father of two serving others as a Phoenix police officer when his worst nightmare happened. His patrol car was hit by a speeding cab and burst into flames, causing 3rd and 4th degree burns over 43% of his body. But after 56 surgeries, this miracle survivor fought his way back to a life that he now wouldn’t trade with anyone in the world.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How to recognize a career calling
- The power of learning gratitude from a young age
- The small miracles that occurred the day of the accident that saved his life
- Why not knowing the extent of his injuries at first was a good thing
- The importance of going through all of the emotions you are capable of
- The power of humor in overcoming tragedy
- How to focus not on what you’ve lost, but what you’ve gained
Stay connected to Jason:
Website: www.burningshield.com
Instagram: @schechterle_jas
Twitter: @schechterle_jas
Book: Burning Shield: The Jason Schechterle Story
Charity Donation: 100 Club of Arizona
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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In this mini-episode, Kimi and Christy talk resilience, persistence, growth mindset and the importance of hope in navigating adversity - all qualities Kimi’s guest Shabana Basij-Rasik embodies in her drive to provide Afghan girls with a rigorous education under Taliban rule. Christy and Kimi share their own stories of persistence and the role optimism has played in helping Christy (in particular) cultivate more resilience and wellbeing. The conversation ends with a simple but impactful strategy to try next time you are faced with a challenge: Reach out! People need people, now more than ever.
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Shabana Basij-Rasikh grew up in Kabul. Her parents dressed her up like a boy and sent her to secret school so that she could get an education, which under the Taliban was illegal for women. But Shabana had a dream, and while attending college abroad she founded the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), Afghanistan’s only boarding school for girls. She has faced the Taliban’s recent resurgence with incredible determination - her forward-thinking saving the lives of hundreds of girls. Her hopeful message continues to inspire a vision for Afghanistan that is brighter than its past.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Shabana’s experience going to secret school.
- Her opportunity to come to the US as an exchange student.
- Co-fidning SOLA
- Burning the records of the students when the Taliban took over.
- The mission behind SOLA.
- Shabana’s hope for Afghanistan.
Stay connected to Shabana and her work:
Facebook: SBasijRasikh
LinkedIn: Shabana Basij-Rasikh
Twitter: @sbasijrasikh
SOLA
Facebook: Sola.Afghanistan
LinkedIn: Sola Afghanistan
Twitter: @solaafghanistan
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Christy and Kimi discuss mountain climber Aaron Rolston's realization that achieving the next "big thing" wasn't enough to make him happy. They discuss their own empty pursuits and the failed expectation that the next promotion or accomplishment would bring fulfillment. They also discuss the healthy side of achievement. According to Christy, achieving is NOT a dirty wordStriving to achieve is healthy and fulfilling when our goals (and the process of attaining them) are aligned with our personal values.
The friends share the goals they are currently hoping to achieve. Christy wants to find more joy and self-compassion in taking risks. Kimi's dream is to grow her podcast and her speaking career while nurturing a close family.
What are you hoping to accomplish? How will you feel when you achieve it?
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No one was coming to save him. He didn’t tell anyone where he was going. Solo voyages weren’t unusual for avid climber and outdoorsman Aron Ralston. It was a beautiful day to drive from Colorado to Canyonlands National Park in Utah. During an afternoon trek he was descending through a slot canyon when a large boulder came loose above him, crashing down and ensnaring his right arm between the rock and the canyon wall 50 feet below. Over the next five days, Aron found the courage to do what he needed to do in order to survive and in this episode, Aron shares lessons on what difficult circumstances can teach us about acceptance, peace and welcoming all of what life is.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Aron’s introduction to Extreme Adventuring.
- The days his body was wedged into the side of a mountain.
- How he was able to shift his mind from panic to problem solving.
- Breaking his bone with a boulder.
- His timely rescue after 127 hours.
- The greatest lessons he’s learned through his recovery.
Stay connected to Aron:
Website: www.aronralstonspeaker.com
Book: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Charity Donation: Wilderness Workshop
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In this mini-episode, Kimi and Christy talk about Kimi’s experience interviewing Sheila Hamilton about her late husband David who had a diagnosis of bipolar, a diagnosis Kimi shares. Christy asks the question: why is Kimi “triggered” every time bipolar disorder comes up? The very important punchline is that Kimi is not Carrie from Homeland and she cannot control the narrative around bipolar or how people experience her. Instead, she can (and will) continue to talk about living with bipolar with openness and honesty because that is her truth. It’s liberating! They also share some simple strategies to use when you experience internal or external triggers. Breathe deep and take good care.
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Sheila Hamilton was married to David, the kind of man she always wanted to have kids with, brilliant and funny with a zest for life. And then one day she saw something in him that she hadn’t seen before - a darkness that suggested a deep internal struggle, which later progressed to extreme behavior change. It was confusing. Was this still the man she married? What she didn’t know was that David was suffering from undiagnosed bipolar disorder. What should we do when we suspect the one we love is suffering from mental illness?
Warning: this episode discusses suicide
In this episode, we talk about:
- Sign posts as David descended into mental illness.
- What it means to be a caretaker and love someone who is mentally ill.
- The struggle to separate the person from the illness.
- The power and importance of hope to carry someone who is a place of suffering and darkness.
- How common these conditions are.
- How better off we would be as a society if we could talk about them.
Stay connected to Sheila:
Website: www.sheilahamilton.com
Book: All The Things We Never Knew
Podcast: Beyond Well Media
Facebook: Sheila Hamilton Portland
Instagram: @sheilahamilton
Twitter: @SheilaHamilton
Charity Donation: Lines For Life
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*Rebroadcast* (originally aired 3/18/20)
Today we are reairing an episode from Season 1 with the beautiful Maya Amoils, who passed away last Tuesday from stage 4 ovarian cancer. This tribute episode is to honor her life and her legacy, and so her friends and family around the world may find comfort in her voice and in her laughter as they grieve her loss.
Maya Amoils had a very romantic mid-20's experience living and working abroad, running half-marathons and building the career of her dreams. That all changed after receiving a phone call that altered the course of her life. At 28, she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. The day before Maya came to do this interview, she completed her 15th round of chemo. She is fighting for her life and throughout her twisted and beautiful journey has discovered a lot about what matters most during our time here on earth. In this raw, vulnerable and beautiful conversation, Maya shares the ways we can show up for people when they need it the most, find compassion for ourselves during times of change, and create more moments of awe and wonder every chance we get.
Maya’s family has set up a fund, “Maya’s Way” to help young cancer patients navigate the journey as she had, utilizing integrative medicine options to help ease the suffering and burden of the many side effects of chemotherapy and surgery and to improve overall well being. All donations to Maya’s Way will help women under 40 do just that.
*Donations to Maya’s Way from All The Wiser listeners will be matched dollar for dollar. Please email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com or DM us @allthewiserpodcast on Instagram to let us know how much you donated and we will double your donation amount.
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There was no warning nor symptoms when 25-year-old Katherine Wolf had a massive brain stem stroke that nearly took her life. Newly married and a mother to a 6-month old, Katherine could no longer do basic things like walk, talk, stand or eat. But with the enduring support of her husband Jay, together they co-created a new life full of love, meaning, community and purpose.
In this episode, we talk about:
- When Jay and Katherine first met and the early days of their relationship.
- The day Katherine experienced a massive brain stem stroke from both perspectives.
- Katherine’s 40 days in a coma-like-state
- Regaining her abilities and what the next chapter looks like after the hospital.
- Finding strength and hope during recovery.
- Having their miracle baby, John.
- Leveraging their unique abilities and starting Camp Hope Heals.
Stay connected to Katherine & Jay:
Website: www.hopeheals.com
Podcast: Suffer Strong Podcast
Instagram: @hopeheals , @sufferstrong
Book: Suffer Strong
Charity Donation: Hope Heals
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In the first episode of the year 2022, Kimi and Christy discuss the idea of "truly trusting yourself." Kimi pledges to rely more on her intuition in the new year, and they discuss all the things that get in the way of our inner knowing. Searching for answers in books, articles, podcasts, and friends and family (when we already know the answer). They challenge you to let this year be the one you finally listen to your quiet whispers and let them guide your life decisions, big and small.
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She was being kidnapped. It took a while for that reality to set in. As an aid worker in Somalia, Jessica Buchanan was not supposed to be a target, but there was a lot of clan fighting in the southern part of the country, resources were scarce, and ransom demands could be sky high. What does it take to survive being held hostage under the worst imaginable conditions for weeks that turn into months? Jessica shares how to be the hero of your story and use any life-defining moment to show you what you’re made of.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Her moment of self-abandonment.
- Being abducted by Somali Pirates in October 2011.
- The routine and days of being a prisoner.
- How her mom, who passed just before the kidnapping, was able to help her.
- Being rescued by SEAL Team Six and her reintegration process.
- Life after she returned home and how she’s using this experience to build community.
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
We’d love to hear what you think about the show, too - it helps us know what stories are resonating with you. Head over to Apple Podcasts to write your review!
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Today's episode is sponsored by All The Happier, a new online course inspired by the lessons you hear on the podcast.
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Happy New Year! Brand new episodes of All the Wiser are coming...starting Wednesday! Follow us now on your favorite podcast app to be automatically notified as soon as our first episode drops. You don't want to miss it!
We're thrilled to be back with you for Season 3 to share more jaw-dropping stories and wisdom from our incredible guests that will take your breath away.
Are you following us on Instagram? Find us @allthewiserpodcast for all the latest and greatest details.
Our first episode drops Wednesday, January 5th.
Join us!
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We’ve wrapped on Season 2! But before we take a short break, host Kimi Culp brings you her favorite pieces of wisdom from this season - perfect for sharing around the dinner table to spark a meaningful conversation with friends and family.
We wish you and yours only the best this holiday season. And if you are one of the many, many, many of us who struggle during this time of year - know that you are not alone! Pick up the phone and call someone comforting. Take a walk outside with your favorite playlist or podcast. Hug a dog! Whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.
We’ll be back for Season 3 in the new year!
With love and thanks,
The All The Wiser Team
Today's episode is sponsored by All The Happier, a new online course inspired by the lessons you hear on the podcast.
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REBROADCAST - Previously aired on 5/13/2020
Amy Purdy chose to be here. After losing both her legs below the knee at 19 to a form of bacterial meningitis, doctors gave her a 2% chance of survival. A year later she finished third in a snowboarding competition on Mammoth mountain. Amy went on to become one of the top Paralympic snowboarders in the world, competing on Dancing with the Stars, touring with Oprah Winfrey, starting a foundation, and writing a New York Times best-selling book. But after another life-threatening setback, Amy once again found herself knocking down doors to get the help she needed and in doing so, has inspired people everywhere to push through obstacles and make dreams happen.
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In this Thanksgiving episode, Kimi and Christy discuss the ways in which curiosity can lead to deeper connections and less family tension during the holidays. They discuss the importance of sharing generational stories, and how to make large family gatherings less stressful and more meaningful by simply asking questions and listening. They also agree that it is a wise idea to lower expectations for the holidays! It's a short, sweet, and useful episode for the holiday season.
Today's episode is sponsored by All The Happier, a new online course inspired by the lessons you hear on the podcast.
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Adam Campbell is a record-holding life-long mountain adventure athlete, but no amount of experience could have prepared him for the day he accidentally triggered a massive avalanche that took the life of his beloved wife Laura. In this raw and tender episode, we talk about when things fall apart, emotional coping mechanisms, identity, the non-linear nature of grief, healing from grief, the power of vulnerability, and how just a little bit of kindness and gentleness can go a long way.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The root of Adam’s love and connection with the outdoors.
- His move back to Canada and navigating the divorce of his first wife.
- The early days of falling in love with his wife, Laura.
- His near-fatal climbing accident - falling 200 ft down a mountain.
- How gratitude and love were instrumental in his recovery.
- Losing his wife, Laura, in a tragic avalanche.
- The process of grief, healing, and returning to the scene of Laura’s accident
Episode benefitting Climbing Grief Fund
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In this episode, Kimi and Christy talk about Kimi's interview with Sue Klebold. Sue is the mother of Dylan Klebold, one of the two shooters at the Columbine Massacre. She shares her experience of being plucked from a journalism class at CU Boulder to work with reporters on the frontlines of this historical and heartbreaking story.
Additionally, they discuss their biggest takeaways and lessons learned from Sue Klebold, a hard-earned expert on adolescent suffering. They also discuss the importance of listening, rather than fixing, and why allowing your kids to "sit in their discomfort" can be both hard and essential. Kimi and Christy were equally moved by Sue's story and think her message is needed now more than ever.
Today's episode is sponsored by All The Happier, a new online course inspired by the lessons you hear on the podcast.
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It’s been more than 20 years since Dylan Klebold walked into Columbine High School and killed and injured dozens of people before taking his own life. Since the loss of her son, Sue Klebold committed the next decades of her life to the research of brain health, violence, and suicide prevention. In this episode, Sue not only shares about the moment she learned of her son's death and his final act, but she also shares thoughtful and practical solutions that she believes can help put an end to school shootings in this country, beginning with the key distinction between asking why these things happen, and instead asking how they happen.
Author of New York Times Best Seller, "A Mother's Reckoning, Living In The Aftermath of Tragedy"
Episode benefitting American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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Christy and Kimi discuss belonging and why it matters. They touch on loneliness, connectedness, and what we can do to feel like we belong. In a heartbreaking and relatable text message, Christy reads a message her daughter sent that described feeling alone while eating lunch surrounded by people. They discuss how COVID has contributed to social isolation and loneliness, and how we can do our best to feel more connected. Also in the episode is a "failed name drop," scientific data on loneliness, and a reminder that Instagram ain't your friend when you're lonely. And more.
Today's episode is sponsored by All The Happier, a new online course inspired by the lessons you hear on the podcast.
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Angalia Bianca has been arrested more times than she can count. By the age of 17 she was a full-blown heroin addict. She had five kids while in and out of prison for 12 years. Those were the headlines over decades of Bianca’s life. But at the age of 50, Bianca changed the narrative, when a chance encounter would lead her to a new career as a violence interrupter working with at-risk youth. She is saving lives every day serving the invisible population to which she once belonged.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Becoming addicted to heroin by age 17.
- Being initiated into the Latin Kings gang.
- Her experience of being in and out of prison.
- Entering a halfway house, second chances and becoming a violence interrupter.
Author of "In Deep: How I Survived Gangs, Heroin and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter"
Episode benefitting Acclivus Inc. Chicago
Subscribe to All The Wiser wherever you listen to podcasts - we’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! That way you’ll never miss an episode.
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Dr. Edith Eger is one of Kimi and Christy's new heroes, and they talk about their favorite "write it down on a post-it" moments. As a result of Dr. Edie's unimaginable story and circumstances, they explore the idea of comparative suffering and why it is so harmful. Christy explains why people measure and minimize their pain by comparing it to that of others.
They talk about Dr. Edie's wisdom about "feeling the feeling" and the "power of and" when it comes to talking about our own struggles. The friends discuss the power of humor when 93-year-old Dr. Edie points out that her boobs and "high kick" are superb.
For our sponsor, today is a special day. The All The Happier live course launched this morning with a group of exceptional humans from around the country!
All The Happier is an online course rooted in science and human story - to empower you with real tools to find connection, meaning and joy.
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With so many losing so much during the pandemic, how should we think about the nature of suffering? Holocaust survivor and psychologist Dr. Edith Eger has some powerful words to offer us. Her message? Concentrate not on what you lost, but what you still have. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Edie reveals her greatest lessons on loss, rejection, the power of choice, finding strength in suffering, ways to think about guilt, and why the word “can’t” isn’t in her vocabulary.
Brought to you by All The Happier: we took the inspirational lessons and wisdom from All The Wiser Podcast and created a course… All The Happier - to help you live with less stress and more meaning, connection, and joy! Enrollment is now OPEN!
In this episode we talk about:
- Dr. Edith's experience while at Auschwitz.
- The role her faith played during her time there.
- How she turned her pain into her purpose.
- Discovering her inner strength.
- The foundation of her theory as a psychologist.
Dr. Edith is the author of THE GIFT: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life
and the NYT Bestseller THE CHOICE: Embrace the Possible
Episode benefitting USC Shoah Foundation
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In this mini-episode, Kimi and Christy discuss core values—what they are, what they are not, and why it’s worth knowing what matters most to you.
Christy shares an example from her own life where returning to her core values helped her to lean into a new project with more courage and resilience. Kimi and Christy also share several simple strategies and a questionnaire to help you to identify your own values and to pivot toward what matters to you.
Learn more about Susan David’s work here.
Today’s conversation was inspired by Jenna Miscavige Hill, the niece of Scientology’s most powerful leader, David Miscavige. Jenna found the courage at age twenty-one
to leave Scientology and to build a meaningful life based on her own chosen values, goals, and intuitions. You can listen to her life story here.
This episode is brought to you by All The Happier, an online course rooted in science and human story - to empower you with real tools to find connection, meaning and joy.
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At a ranch for the kids of Scientology’s most powerful members, you don’t get to see your parents for more than a few hours a week. In the military-style dormitories, children spend their days pulling weeds, hauling rocks, and evenings in Scientology studies. As the niece of Scientology’s most powerful leader, David Miscavige, Jenna didn’t know things like birthday parties or family vacations. She knew fear, work, and longing. But when you view people from the outside world as scary, how do you leave the only life you’ve ever known? And what do you find on the other side?
Brought to you by All The Happier: we took the inspirational lessons and wisdom from All The Wiser Podcast and created a course… All The Happier - to help you live with less stress and more meaning, connection and joy! Enrollment is now OPEN!
In this episode we talk about:
- Growing up in the isolated world of Scientology
- What really went on at the ranch.
- Fear based teachings.
- Leaving the church.
- Re-entry into the world outside of Scientology
Episode benefitting The Edible Schoolyard Project
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Kimi and Christy discuss the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and the impact this has on our lives.
Christy shares the healing practice of expressive writing — putting pen to paper (or recording on your phone) to make sense of your darker thoughts and feelings.
This 20-minute exercise helps you put difficult life experiences into perspective and leads to a long list of benefits, including less stress, better sleep, enhanced mood and stronger immune symptoms.
Learn about Dr. James Pennebaker's Expressive Writing Exercise here
This episode was inspired by inmate turned entrepreneur Dave Dahl (of Dave’s Killer Bread) and his ability to write his story of redemption - both “in his head” and on the back of a loaf of bread. You can listen to his life story here.
This episode is brought to you by All The Happier, an online course rooted in science and human story - to empower you with real tools to find connection, meaning and joy.
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You know him best as simply Dave, the baker and brand-visionary behind Dave’s Killer Bread. But Dave Dahl has had many identities in his life: inmate, art dealer, philanthropist, addict, entrepreneur, and criminal. He grew up in a strict Seventh-Day Adventist community, itching to break free, and later found drugs, crime and years of prison time; until one day Dave decided he’d had enough and asked for help. He grabbed hold of every opportunity he could to improve himself through learning, trying, failing and getting back up again, even in the worst of times. Get to know the real Dave in this inspiring conversation that may just kickstart a whole new attitude of passion and possibility.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Dave’s experience growing up in a Seventh Day Adventist family.
- His struggle with drugs, addiction, and incarceration.
- Asking for help with his mental health while his prison saved his life.
- How Dave’s Killer Bread was born.
Episode benefitting Constructing Hope.
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In our first A Little Wiser Season 2 Episode, Kimi, and co-host Christy Peterson, dive into the science of FORGIVENESS, including the unexpected health benefits, learning to go easy on ourselves, and accepting that forgiveness is a process requiring a long term commitment. Christy breaks down the nitty-gritty of forgiving and why this often difficult act is worth putting into practice.
If you’d like further guidance on the practice of forgiveness, try psychologist Dr. Everett Worthington’s 5-step process - You can learn more here.
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Scarlett Lewis is the mother of 6 year old Jesse Lewis, one of the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in the deadliest mass shooting at an elementary school in U.S. history. In the years since her son’s tragic murder, Scarlett has dedicated her life to the prevention of school shootings, and her work has reached people all over the world with its insightful, compassionate, and practical messaging, putting front and center the person desperate enough to commit such a heinous crime: a human being in pain.
In this episode, we talk about:
- What the first moments and days post-shooting were like.
- The roles that shock and love play during trauma.
- Returning home after the shooting.
- The process of forgiveness and healing.
- How all school shootings are preventable.
Episode Benefitting Choose Love Movement
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In this mini episode, Kimi introduces you to her new A Little Wiser co-host, dear friend, and partner in their new course (All The) Happier: an online course rooted in science & human story. (All The) Happier takes the lessons and wisdom from All The Wiser and teaches you how to turn inspiration into action with real tools to find more connection, meaning & joy in your life.
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Jackee Taylor was put into the Federal Witness Protection program as a 7-year-old girl after her father, Clarence Crouch, a convicted killer and infamous member of the Hells Angels, turned and became a government informant. Jackee and her family have now been in Witness protection for nearly 40 years, but after a life full of hardship and struggle, she had enough and went public with her story - exposing the major flaws of the program and pushing for fundamental change.
In this episode you'll hear:
- What it's like being coached into living a lie.
- How Jackee learns of her father’s secret.
- The struggles that come with a missing identity.
- Why the Witness Protection Program is fundamentally flawed.
- Jackee’s life mission to be the voice for others struggling.
Episode benefitting Project Healing Waters.
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We're back! Brand new episodes of All the Wiser are coming...starting next Wednesday! Follow us now on your favorite podcast app to be automatically notified as soon as our first episode drops. You don't want to miss it!
We're thrilled to be back with you for Season 2 sharing more stories of the growth that comes on the other side of hard things.
Plus! This season, we have some new fun announcements to share. Are you following us on Instagram? Find us @allthewiserpodcast for all the latest and greatest details.
Our first episode drops Wednesday, August 11th.
Join us!
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We did it! We set out to tell 50 incredible stories and donate $100,000 to charity and we have achieved that goal. On our season finale, Kimi and Erica will share some personal reflections on the past 2 1/2 years of bringing these stories to life on this podcast.
Plus! Kimi will also share her top 3 moments of the show, reveal what's next for All The Wiser, and share the winner of our Pay it Forward giveaway.
Thank you dear listeners. We love you!
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From the outside looking in, he was living the dream. Private jets, exclusive parties, money, models and celebrities. But on the inside, Scott Harrison was rotting away. After a decade of heavy drugs, booze and blackouts he came to a realization: his life was morally and spiritually bankrupt. Hungry for drastic change, he packed up and shipped out to volunteer aboard a military hospital vessel off the coast of Liberia in West Africa. For the first time, Scott witnessed devastating poverty and widespread illness, children drinking dirty, diseased water. And he had an epiphany. If he could just figure out how to get clean water to the masses, he could be a doctor to millions. In 2006, Scott went back to New York where he created the model for what would become a revolutionary non-profit endeavor, Charity: Water, which to date has raised $500 million and helped over 12 million people.
Episode benefitting It Takes a Village
It's our 50th episode! And we've given away $100,000 to charity! To celebrate this milestone we are having our first giveaway! Enter our Pay it Forward giveaway by going to our website https://www.allthewiserpodcast.com/ to nominate someone to receive a $200 Visa gift card! Entries close on May 8th.
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Chris Norton was living his best college football player life when a split second decision during a kick-off tackle left him paralyzed from the neck down. He was given a 3% chance of ever being able to move again. But those odds didn’t really work for Chris. Fueled with determination, he set a goal for himself that he would walk at his college graduation (and later down the aisle to now wife Emily) and became a viral hero in the process. He shares why choosing your thoughts each day is crucial, and how narrowing frustrations can connect you to a happier, more fulfilled life.
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We fell in love with Zack Robidas, host of the Podspotter, when Kimi was a guest on their show. But what we didn't know at the time was that Zack had a story for us, and we couldn't resist sharing it with all of you.
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Calling someone by their name. Making eye-contact with strangers. What does science tell us about how acts of kindness benefit our well-being?
PLUS! Our KINDNESS CHALLENGE!
Tell us about how you make acts of a kindness a priority in your life. What sort of things do you do? How frequently do you do them? How does it make you feel?
Email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com or DM us on Instagram @allthewiserpodcast
We will include your responses on-air and in our next newsletter!
BRING on the KINDNESS!!
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Marius was only 8 years old when a house fire in his native country of Romania took the lives of his parents and burned over 75% of his body, leaving him without fingers or a nose. After many months in the hospital without visitors, two American girls got word of his story and started visiting him almost every day, forming a close friendship and eventually raising money to bring him to America for treatment. A year later, he was adopted by one of the girls’ family. This is a story of miracles. Of optimism. Of chosen family and abundant kindness. And it just might inspire you to do something nice for someone you don’t know.
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Joshua Walters uses his writing and creativity to talk about his experiences living with bipolar disorder, and it is a diagnosis that our host Kimi Culp happens to share. In this unique conversation, Joshua and Kimi speak openly as peers about how mental illness impacts their life, work and creative process. They share their commonalities, healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms, the value of comedy when discussing painful subjects, and the usefulness (or not) of mental health labels.
Episode benefiting Mad One Media
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Rebecca Bender grew up as an all-American, small town kid skipping rocks on the river in Southern Oregon. At 18, her boyfriend convinced her to move with him to Las Vegas and the emotional abuse and physical violence began. For six years she was traded and sold between different traffickers, living in a constant state of fear for her life and the life of her young daughter. Her eventual escape and path to healing has brought her to start a non-profit to help victims of sex trafficking, train hundreds of thousands of law enforcement on tactics of traffickers, and help people everywhere see and idenitfy human trafficking occuring in their communities across the country.
Episode benefitting The Rebecca Bender Initiative
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In 2001, Emily Stark was newly married to the man of her dreams and pregnant shortly thereafter - with twins! And then a follow-up ultrasound appointment brought a shocking revelation. The twin girls were conjoined at the base of the spine. Emily and her husband were left with a difficult decision. Best case? They would be separated with no lingering effects. Worst case - the girls would be paralized from the connection point down. In this episode, Emily talks about making choices with no certainty of the outcome, why we are not meant to be in this world solo, and her greatest lesson of listening to your gut.
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Kimi shares some of her favorite stand-out moments from this wild and unexpected year, and reflects on the beautiful lessons from our guests that provided comfort and guidance through it all.
Happy holidays from all of us at All The Wiser!
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As a father, Gary did what any parent would do to help his best friend and wonderful son Brian heal from a substance abuse disorder. He got referrals to treatment programs staffed with good people with good intentions. But what he came to understand after Brian tragically took his own life is that these programs were using unproven, outdated methodologies. Real solutions based on actual science were sitting untouched in medical journals. Today, Gary is on a mission to change the treatment system in the United States, educate the public that addiction is a very treatable disease when treated the right way, and erase the stigma and shame that keep so many from finding real hope and possibility in recovery.
Episode benefitting Shatterproof
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Love doesn't make Sebastián Marroquín blind to the damage done by his father, Pablo Escobar. But he does credit the infamous cartel kingpin for giving him the tools to reinvent himself, far away from his long, dark shadow. As a child, Juan Pablo Escobar (his given name) was treated to everything a kid could want: swimming pools, go-karts, exotic zoo animals, until his father's crimes forced the family into a life of hiding where no amount of money could ensure their safety. The extreme violence left a lasting impression on Marroquin, who changed his name and has dedicated his adult life to making amends with his father's victims. He has met with over 150 families and declared by the World Peace Organization, an ambassador of peace.
Episode benefitting UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency
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On July 28th, 1984, Jennifer Thompson was asleep when a man broke into her apartment at 3:00am and brutally raped her. Jennifer knew in that moment that if she survived, memorizing his features would be critical in helping to catch and convict her attacker. The straight-A student studied him carefully and was later praised by police after picking him out of a line-up. The only problem? She picked the wrong man. Ronald Cotton spent over a decade in prison for a crime he did not commit. In this episode, Jennifer talks about how memory gets contaminated, why the need to blame someone can create an entirely false narrative, and how turning her pain into purpose has given victims of wrongful conviction a place to find healing and forgiveness.
Episode benefitting https://healingjusticeproject.org/
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Erin Khar has relapsed so many times she can't even count. Her pill habit started at eight years old. Then at 13, a boyfriend introduced her to heroin. She hid her drug use from everyone while maintaining a full middle-class prep school lifestyle that included cheerleading, volleyball and horseback riding. By 21, she was using several hundred dollars a day worth of heroin and crack. Erin never imagined that 17 years later she would be clean and sober, a mom of two kids, an author and advice columnist. She talks about the reasons she started using as a child, the stigma around relapse, her road to recovery, and why it's so important to talk to kids about drugs from a young age.
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He was a high school classmate. She barely knew him. Yet throughout her twenties Kathleen's stalker had tracked her every move, found each new phone number and residence, and appeared seemingly out of nowhere with a weapon in hand. But with no anti-stalking legislation on the books, Kathleen was left with very few options. She educated herself on the psychology of stalkers: how to stay a step ahead of them, how to outsmart them, how to document them, how to survive them. Her quick and clever thinking kept her alive, and today Kathleen, known as "The Safety Chick", has used her wisdom to inspire and empower millions to make smart personal safety choices.
Episode benefitting: Stalking Prevention Awareness Resource Center (SPARC)
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It took three months of working together at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles before Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal realized they had met before, as teenagers in the 80's, when then Neo-Nazi skinhead Tim beat Matthew, a homeless, gay 14-year old, nearly to death. This moment of recognition began a process of healing and forgiveness that led the two men to speak together on stages across the country about their unlikely friendship. Today, Matthew and Tim share a vision that all things are possible, and provide hope to those who feel lost or otherwise unable to break free from the past.
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Obi Ndefo was living the life of a successful actor in Los Angeles, developing a television series by day and teaching yoga at night, when during an evening grocery store visit, a drunk driver veered across traffic and slammed into Obi's body, leaving both his legs severed above the knee. His path to healing involved a laser focus on healthy eating and exercise; his physical improvement astounding doctors and nurses at every turn. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, Obi explains the mental toll of extreme change, weaving his hopeful optimism with the honest reality of the nature of suffering.
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When should you start dating again after the loss of a partner/spouse? Is it possible to fall in love with someone new while still grieving? Kimi and Erica discuss our most recent episode with Jason Rosenthal and some of the research about love after loss.
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In March 2017, Chicago writer Amy Rosenthal wrote what may be the most widely read personal ad in history. But it wasn't for her. Rosenthal was planting the seeds for the world - and hopefully the right woman - to fall in love with her husband Jason, knowing that she had very little time left to live after a battle with ovarian cancer. "You May Want to Marry My Husband" was published in the popular Modern Love column in the New York Times, and was read by millions around the world. In it, she gushes about her handsome, thoughtful, and talented husband; the life they had together, and how she hoped he would move forward. Jason, a lawyer and now public speaker on the topic of grieving, offers answers to what became of him after Amy's death, and what it was like to open his heart to love again.
Episode benefiting The Amy Krouse Rosenthal Foundation @akrfoundation
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Kimi and Erica discuss our latest episode with Victoria Arlen and the condition known as Locked-in Syndrome.
Links Mentioned
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
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Victoria Arlen grew up in beautiful New Hampshire, one of triplets in a close, supportive family, until at the tender age of eleven, she lost the ability to speak, eat, walk and move due to a rare condition. She slipped into a coma. When she awoke a year and a half later, Victoria quickly realized she was "locked" inside her own body. Doctors had written her off as a lost cause and gave her family no hope for recovery. In 2010, after almost four years she began the nearly impossible journey of coming back to life (beginning with blinking). By 2017, Victoria had become a US Paralympic champion swimmer, transitioned to a career in broadcasting with ESPN, and competed on Dancing with the Stars. In this episode, Victoria shares the mindset that kept her moving forward, the responsibility of being called a "superhero", finding hope during hard times, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Episode benefitting victoriasvictory.org
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Brad Brown and his wife Melea moved their two kids to Paradise, CA in 2012 after a hospital chaplain position opened up for Brad bringing with it the promise of cutting-edge medicine that could help Melea treat her colon cancer. After a miraculous six-year battle (she was given a 1 month prognosis), Melea passed, leaving Brad to care for their kids along with an outpouring of support and love from his Paradise community. Only months later, the Camp Fire wildfire, the deadliest in California history, ripped through town, moving the length of a football field a second. When the hospital ran out of ambulances, Brad started loading patients into his minivan and quickly became stuck in gridlock surrounded by flames. After a harrowing escape and an emotional reunion with his kids, Brad chose to stay in Paradise where 91% of homes burned to the ground, in order to provide comfort to the community who stood by him in his darkest hours. In this episode, Brad shares his lessons on finding meaning and purpose amid tragedy and the key things that can help a community heal from trauma.
Episode benefitting Maranatha
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Our very first guest Matt Long used his one-for-one charity donation to help an autistic boy, Trey DelGrosso start a podcast. Kimi talks to Trey about becoming a public speaker, educating his peers about autism and how his motto "there is nothing wrong with me" helps him build his confidence every day. Check out his podcast Trey's Two Cents!
A Little Wiser is our bi-weekly mini-episode of All The Wiser.
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On July 4th, 1990, 18-year-old Stacey Lannert shot and killed her father, who had been sexually abusing her since she was eight. She was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentence to life without parole: Missouri state law, a disbelieving prosecutor and Stacey's own vulnerable state-of-mind all conspired against her. This harrowing real-life story of survival takes many twists and turns and is as dramatic as any movie. It is devastating, important subject matter and exquisitely told by a brave woman committed to justice for herself and all of man-kind.
Episode benefitting:
Center for Women in Transition cwitstl.org
Champ Assistance Dogs champdogs.org
St. Louis Foodbank stlfoodbank.org
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Kimi has a hard, real, and raw conversation with her long-time friend Paress, a black mom, artist, musician, and businesswoman about the different ways they experience the world, and the ways the world experiences each of them.
Links:
- Paress recommended documentaries:
- https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/documentaries-racial-justice-streaming-free-james-baldwin-toni-morrison
- Paress recommended talk with Toni Morrison:
- https://charlierose.com/videos/18778
- Paress podcast, Can We Kick It? with Cjay and Paress:
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-kick-it-with-cjay-and-paress/id1446786635?i=1000477271088
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As a child, Dan always dreamed of flying, so when he found skydiving he knew from the first jump that he had found his calling. He was living his dream, when a horrific plane crash killed sixteen of the twenty-two people on board and left Dan critically injured. After spending six weeks in a coma, Dan woke up with a broken neck, cracked skull, severe head trauma, a collapsed lung and other serious internal injuries. Against all odds, Dan recovered and went on to lead the USA 4 and 8 person Skydiving Teams to multiple World Championships. In this conversation, Dan talks about setting worthwhile ambitious goals, and how to approach the fear, adversity and obstacles you will naturally face in order to achieve them.
Episode benefitting Ambition:
AMBITION is a non-profit, school-based, entrepreneurial program for disadvantaged youth that fosters innovation, solution-driven thinking, confidence and positive work ethic through collaborative hands-on participation, real-world business experience and powerful, consistent connections with successful business leaders, entrepreneurs and special guests.
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Kimi interviews 4 kids to hear their thoughts on the impact of Coronavirus. Also, Kimi and Erica discuss our previous episode on cults.
Production and sound design by Erica Gerard
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When Dawn Smith was born in 1978, the evangelical fundamentalist group known as The Assembly, started by her father and lead by her grandfather, was already in full swing. They were living in communes separated by gender, and given schedules to account for each minute of the day, mostly spent in prayer. Things like dating, television, science, nail polish, piercings, and dancing were all forbidden (wife-training was a thing). Meanwhile, accounts of abuse continued to go unaddressed by a sinister group of leaders hell bent on maintaining power and control; until the victims started sharing their stories, bringing Dawn closer than ever to the truth. Eventually Dawn left The Assembly with her sister, husband and new baby - introduced to things like movies, and television for the first time. and finding her footing in a new exciting world. In this episode you'll hear why Dawn says that "as hard as leaving was, the hardest day of freedom is better than the best day in a cult."
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What makes for a memorable interview? Host of the All The Wiser podcast and award winning journalist Kimi Culp (Good Morning America, Oprah) speaks with New York Times best selling author and host of the hit podcast Family Secrets (over 11 million downloads!), Dani Shapiro, about the secret sauce of interviewing. You'll learn things like:
1. How to make your guest feel at ease
2. Why leading with your curiosity is more important than your next written question
3. The key ingredients of a great interview
4. How to approach asking deeply sensitive questions
5. The art of being a good listener
...and much more! If you are thinking of starting a podcast, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, don't miss this conversation with an industry leader at the top of her craft!
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Amy Purdy chose to be here. After losing both her legs below the knee at 19 to a form of bacterial meningitis, doctors gave her a 2% chance of survival. A year later she finished third in a snowboarding competition on Mammoth mountain. Amy went on to become one of the top Paralympic snowboarders in the world, competing on Dancing with the Stars, touring with Oprah Winfrey, starting a foundation, and writing a New York Times best-selling book. But after another life-threatening setback, Amy once again found herself knocking down doors to get the help she needed and in doing so, has inspired people everywhere to push through obstacles and make dreams happen.
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If you've listened to All The Wiser, you know that many of our guests have survived the unthinkable. You may have also noticed a common theme that comes up in these stories - MOMS! So many of our guests have shared that their moms were instrumental to their healing and recovery; moms who soothe, moms who encourage, moms who fight, moms who push forward, and moms who save lives. In this week's mini-episode of A Little Wiser, we are celebrating mothers, and Kimi gives her own mother a call to say Happy Mother's Day.
Featuring Matt Pholson, Maya Amoils, BJ Miller, Kristen Gray, Matt Long and Kimi Culp
Produced by Erica Gerard
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Dopey Dave is a recovering drug addict who spent his 20's using heroin on a daily basis despite a successful career in entertainment. After hitting bottom and entering a treatment center, he met Chris, and his life would never be the same. Chris and Dave became fast friends and started a podcast together - The Dopey podcast - where they shared wildly funny and absurd drug stories from their past. The podcast grew quickly, keeping countless addicts around the world company. Except that two years in - unbeknownst to Dave - Chris started using again, overdosed and died. In the wake of Chris's death, a devastated Dave had to find a way forward through his grief and in doing so, expanded the message of Dopey (drugs actually kill people) and found his own voice as a solo podcaster. He has never missed an episode.
Episode benefitting hipgive.org - the first and only bilingual crowdfunding platform focused solely on advancing Latino social impact projects
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Zak Ebrahim's first memories were of a dad who was playful and made the family laugh. But at the age of 7, Zak's father committed an act of hate so radical that he was publicly thanked by Osama Bin Laden. On November 5th, 1990 El Sayyid Nosair shot and killed Rabbi Meir Kahane, the leader of the Jewish Defense League. He was also convicted and sent to prison for his involvement in the 1993 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center that killed six people. After moving 20 times in 20 years, Zak changed his name and started a new life, taking painful lessons from the radicalization that surrounded his youth, and forging his own peaceful path of empathy and unity for all human-kind.
This episode benefits Masterpeace, whose mission is to mobilize, inspire and connect talents for a sustainable future with less conflict.
https://masterpeace.org
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Preston Gorman spent 27 days in the NIH Isolation Unit fighting the Ebola virus. Gorman was a young Physician Assistant who followed a calling to help on the front lines of the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. Shortly after his arrival, Preston contracted the very disease he was there to treat. He was placed in a coffin shaped plastic bubble for the 17-hour plane ride back to the United States. He was described as one of the sickest patients to ever be treated there. Preston was placed in complete isolation where 60 specially trained doctors volunteered to treat him. Less then a month later, Preston walked out the hospital doors and would choose to remain anonymous for the next 5 years. In this episode, he speaks candidly about surviving Ebola, living with PTSD, his darkest moments, lessons on faith, family and the road to rediscovering joy and hope.
This episode benefits The Refuge - A place of rest and restoration for child survivors of sex trafficking
http://www.therefugeaustin.org/
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Maya Amoils had a very romantic mid-20's experience living and working abroad, running half-marathons and building the career of her dreams. That all changed after receiving a phone call that altered the course of her life. At 28, she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. The day before Maya came to do this interview, she completed her 15th round of chemo. She is fighting for her life and throughout her twisted and beautiful journey has discovered a lot about what matters most during our time here on earth. In this raw, vulnerable and beautiful conversation, Maya shares the ways we can show up for people when they need it the most, find compassion for ourselves during times of change, and create more moments of awe and wonder every chance we get.
Benefiting the great work of Beauty Bus! beautybus.org
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Only 1% of those who attempt suicide by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge survive, and Kevin Hines is one of those people. Fueled by a history of struggle with depression and bi-polar disorder, Kevin thought the bridge would be the easiest way to die, yet the first thing he felt after clearing the railing was - regret. Today, Kevin is a world renowned speaker, best selling author, and mental health advocate who uses his powerful personal story to save lives. He talks openly about what it feels like to live with "brain pain," the extraordinary circumstances around his survival after the jump, his experience in psych wards, the common denominator of people who consider suicide, and how the simple act of showing kindness to someone in emotional pain can save their life.
Episode benefits The Kevin and Margaret Hines Foundation https://kmhinesfoundation.org/
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Damien Echols grew up as a Metallica-listening, Wicca-dabbling, non-conformist teenager in southern bible belt country. When three 8-year-old boys were found dead in the woods of West Memphis Arkansas, the police immediately turned to Echols and his two friends Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. In 1994, Damien was sentenced to death and spent 18 years in prison including 10 years in solitary confinement. In order to keep his mind active, Damien turned his cell into a monastic-like sanctuary and practiced meditative rituals for up to eight hours a day. It was during this time that Damien met his wife Lori, who assisted in the uncovering of new DNA evidence that would eventually free him. Damien shares that we can all escape our own individual prisons, whether mental, emotional, or physical, and come out on the other side thriving.
Benefiting Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue https://www.rmfr-colorado.org/
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BJ Miller was a sophomore in college when he lost both his legs and half of one arm in a freak electrical accident with a New Jersey commuter train. He spent months in a burn unit followed by outpatient physical therapy to learn how to manage daily life as a triple amputee. Looking to put to use the lessons he learned on suffering, BJ decided to become a physician - specifically a palliative care doctor, working with patients to create a dignified, graceful end of life experience. BJ shares his thoughts on what truly matters in life from spending time with hundreds of people facing its end.
Benefiting The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care https://www.thectac.org/
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If you follow the sport of tennis at all, you know the name Mardy Fish. He rose to prominence in the early 2000's and became the #1 American tennis player in the ATP rankings and #7 in the world. What you may not know about Mardy Fish is that during a career defining match at the US Open against Roger Federer, in front of 25,000 people and with millions watching on TV, he walked off the court, withdrew from the match and simply vanished. It wasn't until many months later than Marty courageously revealed that he had suffered from a severe anxiety attack on the court, and was privately struggling to function in his daily life. Without a model to turn to for how to manage as an athlete with an anxiety disorder, he had to become the example he never found, and in doing so has inspired men and women all over the world to live a full and successful life in spite of mental illness.
Benefiting the Mardy Fish Children's Foundation
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Paula Stone Williams knew from a young age that she was transgender, but as a leader in a conservative evangelical religious community, then Paul, avoided transitioning at all costs. Paul's son, Jonathan, followed in his father's footsteps and began a career in ministry, creating a new church under the same organization. Three months into his new job, Paul sat Jonathan down and told him that he was transitioning to a woman. The community backlash was instant, members exited in mass and funding disappeared. But through the reckoning, they forged a new relationship with their faith, each other, and birthed two inclusive churches publicly and intentionally welcoming the LGBTQIA community.
Benefiting Left Hand Church and Forefront Brooklyn
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Kimi shares some of the most memorable moments from our guests this year, why we decided to take a short break for the month of December and our intentions for the 2019 holiday season.
Thank you, dear listeners, for all the incredible feedback you've given us about the show since we launched in April. We wouldn't be here without you and we are grateful for every moment of it! Happy Holidays to you and yours. See you in the new year!
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Tracy Walder left behind a childhood of bullying and headed to USC where she studied history and held leadership positions in her sorority. When a recruiter from the CIA invited her for an interview her junior year, the "up-for-anything" bubbly blond jumped at the opportunity. Little did she know a year later, she would be placed in the counter-terrorism center in the weapons of mass destruction unit and regularly attending meetings with President Bush and the head of the CIA George Tenet. She departed for the middle east and by the age of 25 had already learned how to tail people, interrogate suicide bombers and gather life saving intelligence, all while witnessing death and destruction up close. Her career continued to take her to unexpected places where she was challenged at every level. Her message to girls everywhere: don't try to change who you are to fit what you think the job wants you to be.
Episode benefiting Girl Security https://www.girlsecurity.org/
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Ed Gavigan was walking home one night from the bar where he worked in Manhattan when he was jumped by three kids and stabbed six times in the back, side and neck. Doctors gave him a 2% chance to live. In the hospital he learned that the three kids were gang members looking for someone to kill as part of an initiation for moving up in the gang, and Ed was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But what’s even more remarkable than Ed surviving such a brutal attack is that he forgave his attackers and discovered - against a backdrop of debilitating depression and PTSD - a capacity for empathy he had never known.
Episode benefits Legacy of War https://www.legacyofwarfoundation.com/
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In his 20’s Khalil Rafati left his small town with a dream of moving to Los Angeles and becoming famous. But by the time he was 33 he found himself living on LA’s notorious skid row, 109 lbs., homeless, and fueling a daily heroin and cocaine addiction. Today, at 49, Khalil is now a wildly successful entrepreneur and the face of his wellness brand, Sunlife Organics. What is it like to beg for money? Why did he finally get sober after 9 overdoses? The Khalil you will meet today has incredible wisdom and life lessons to share about addiction, the underbelly of recovery, hope and the power of kindness.
Benefiting the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery India
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Cassie McKee is Kimi's cousin and one of the people Kimi looks up to most in her life (and not just because Cassie is a world class bedazzler). Cassie has a form of dwarfism called Achondroplasia, which her husband and kids have as well. In this episode, she opens up to Kimi about what it's like living as a family of little people in an average sized world, genetics, parenting, and why she has made it her mission to meet strangers' curiosity about her and her family with open, honest dialogue and a warm, friendly smile.
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Jake Olson was born with cancer in his left eye and by the age of twelve he was told that his right eye would also need to be removed leaving him completely blind. His last wish of sight was to watch his beloved USC Trojans play football one last time. Few would imagine that years later Jake would become a Division 1 football player himself after being asked to join the Trojans team as a long snapper. Today, he talks about coming of age as a blind boy, how life isn’t fair, that there is always something to be grateful for, and that no matter what you can find a way to do the things you love.
Benefiting Out of Sight Faith Foundation
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Aaron Stark grew up in a violently abusive and drug fueled home. By the age of 16 he was overweight, depressed, suicidal, and the victim of endless bullying. His plan was to unleash his pain by becoming a mass shooter, killing dozens and then himself. Now a 40-year-old father and husband, he shares the act that saved his life and countless others that day, and why we have to give love to the people we think deserve it the least because they need it the most.
Benefiting Samaritan House Denver https://samhousedenver.org/
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25-year-old David Byrd was stand-up paddle boarding with his dad on a family vacation in Hawaii when he was brutally attacked by a 12-foot shark and left an amputee. He spent months undergoing countless reconstructive surgeries. It's been over a year since the accident and for the first time David is speaking publicly about his memories of the attack, the conversation he had with his dad in the water that day, why he wasn't afraid of dying, and how he considers himself to be incredibly lucky.
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At 31, Nora McInerny was happily married to a man named Aaron, with a toddler named Ralph and a career in advertising. But in 2014, over the span of 6 weeks, she miscarried her second child, lost her father to cancer and then her husband Aaron to a brain tumor. In this episode, Nora shares, with her trademark honesty and humor, how our Western culture has woefully unprepared us to talk about death, and what to do when someone you know is going through something really, really terrible.
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Sergeant Kevin Briggs is known by many as the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge.” An army veteran with no formal suicide prevention training, Kevin Briggs dissuaded more than 200 people from jumping off the bridge over his 23 years with the California Highway Patrol. With a gentle voice and compassionate lens on the world, Kevin shares his experiences working with people who are in tremendous pain and how his innate ability of “listening to understand” has been his greatest tool in encouraging people to come back over the rail onto solid ground. Retired, Briggs is now dedicating his life to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention across the globe.
Benefitting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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Our very own host, Kimi Culp, is interviewed by her friend and former Good Morning America colleague, Holly Gordon about a secret Kimi has kept for over twenty years: her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In this revealing and highly personal conversation, Kimi describes how she experiences the highs and lows of a manic episode (while balancing a demanding career in journalism!), and why she decided to finally share her secret on All The Wiser.
Benefiting Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/
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Gerardo Lopez grew up in gang territory in Los Angeles, CA. At 14, he joined MS-13 a notoriously dangerous international gang. It took 13 seconds for him to be jumped in, but another decade before street crime and juvenile detention centers would be a thing of his past. Today, Gerardo “Clever” Lopez is a gang interventionist and executive director of Homies Unidos, a non-profit that helps at-risk youth avoid making the same mistakes by promoting peace and prevention.
In Today’s Episode:
- Growing up in “the hood” (04:17)
- Locked up. Life in Juvenile Hall (18:29)
- The moment Gerardo decides to walk away from his gangster life (22:37)
- An unexpected helping hand and the power of sharing your story in a room full of strangers. (25:21)
- Facing 48 years in prison and the day his case was dismissed and a prison guard told him “your free to go.” (35:10)
Wise Words:
- “So I ended up getting jumped into the gang, [00:17:30] and when I was getting jumped in the number one thing that I was thinking about, I had already counted down when the carnival was coming into town, when I could walk around that carnival and say that I'm from MS-13, right. To feel that sense of respect, power and pride, if you will.”
- “Yeah man, they got a green light on you guys.” A green light meaning that they want to go ahead and take your life, they want to go ahead and kill you. Right, so during that time we were all like, man, we thought we would get that respect, power and pride within the gang, now we're starting to feel even more fear, we're feeling even more paranoid because now we just don't have MS-13 after us, now you have all those surrounding gangs after us.” 27:30
- “Well, you know I did feel that emotion that remorse, especially the pain and suffering that it was causing my family. I remember there was times when there was gunshots in my neighborhood and my mom [00:33:30] would always come running out with her sandals and her nightgown to see if I had got shot.”
- “And even having sometimes, well a lot of times, cell mates from people from different gangs that we go along with, or just different gangs and you start talking to these people [00:45:00] and their stories are not like the ones from El Salvador, right but their stories consisted of sometimes similar to my stories. They had a loving home, their parents worked two or three jobs, some of them didn't have a loving home, some of them their parents were addicted to drugs. The violence was just here in the neighborhood, a lot of afterschool programs left.”
- “When we used to play baseball out on these fields [00:45:30] in these juvenile camps, all the gangsters were the best players. I mean they came from, I remember baseball was big back then, but then a lot of times these parks ran out funding or people quit playing baseball, whatever sport they played and went to gang-banging then.”
- “I remember going to funerals and seeing moms crying and me sitting next to my homie and watching the casket of my homeboy that was right there, and a mom hugging the casket. Even like wanting to wake her son up. Right. And when [00:50:30] he was getting buried, she tried to jump in that hole right there as well, to get buried with him. Right, and I was all like, man homie, and I'm talking to my homie, it was like, "Man that's messed up right? I hope that's not me next time," right. And he's like, "Yeah."”
- “If I was leaving the gang, if they were going to take that part of my life from me, I was willing to [00:55:30] let go of that part of the life, you have to go ahead and replace it with something else.”
- “People can change, it is...
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Kristen Gray left her job to be a stay at home mom with her two young girls. In 2015, Charlotte (4) and Gwenyth (2) were diagnosed with Batten disease: a fatal disorder that would leave them blind and unable to walk, play or speak. Kristen and her husband were unwilling to accept this fate. With a breathtaking swell of love and support, they raised millions of dollars to fund the first clinical trial and real hope for a cure. Her story is a testament to the power of love (and not taking no for an answer.)
In Today’s Episode:
- A mother’s intuition and stopping at nothing for answers (3:37)
- The day her 4 year old daughter, Gwenyth, receives the fatal diagnosis (12:23)
- The call that her youngest daughter, Charlotte, shares the same diagnosis (15:26)
- A family In search of life saving treatments and hope (31:03)
- Charlotte and Gwen’s results after the first ever clinical trial (32:17)
- A mom on a mission builds a school for her daughter and other families as they search for some sense of normalcy and moments of joy and connection (35:07)
Wise Words:
- “They shut the door and he said, “Your daughter Charlotte has Batten Disease CLN6. It’s a neurodegenerative brain disease. It’s rare. It’s fatal and there is no cure. We know one other child that has this diagnosis in India.” He slapped down a pamphlet that gave us more information about the disease and said, “Prepare your home for wheelchairs and kiss your daughter every day.” Then he said, “By the way, your younger daughter has a 25% chance of having the same diagnosis.” (12:23)
- “You could go one of two ways, you either bond together and just fight this fight together and support each other or, you grow apart and you both carry on in your own experiences in whatever way that is.” (16:42)
- “I don’t think Gordon and I ever allowed ourselves to think this was going to be a terminal thing for our girls. We decided to carry the mindset that we were going to fight this and we were going to overcome it.” (17:19)
- “You definitely learn to appreciate the small things in life and take each day as a blessing with gratitude. Everyday, Gordon and I would wake up and wonder what condition Charlotte would be in. Is she going to get out of bed and is she going to walk or is she going to get out of bed and fall. We really lived each moment as it came and really celebrated the little things that were happening each day.” (20:30)
Links Mentioned:
- www.curebatten.org
- www.thegrayacademy.org
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After decades of preparation, Bob Woodruff was offered his dream job: the anchor chair at ABC World News Tonight. But less than two months later he was hit by a bomb in Iraq, incurred massive head trauma, and spent 36 days in a coma fighting for his life. When he finally woke up, the famous journalist with a photographic memory could no longer remember the names of his four young children. While Bob eventually regained many of his physical and cognitive abilities, his life and career were forever changed. In this candid and life-affirming conversation, Bob shares his perspective on invisible wounds, unexpected gifts and the joy of rediscovered purpose.
In Today’s Episode:
- Bob starts his dream job: co anchoring World News Tonight and leaves to report on the war in Iraq (7:40)
- The moment he was hit by a roadside bomb (12:40)
- Unaware if he is alive or dead (13:00)
- What physically happens to your body and head when you are blasted by a bomb (21:40)
- Are there any stories worth dying for? (39:10)
Wise Words:
- (On Peter Jennings) “He’s the guy that I really wanted to emulate; I think I wanted to be like Peter.” (6:50)
- “It was never the 36 days that the ones that were painful, it was the years afterwards, certainly the months after.” (19:50)
- “Once that miracle of survival kinda starts to sweep away, you realize that your life is gonna be completely different and you have to make this transition. (25:10)
- “You’ve got this gigantic world that you have to find your spot in, you know, your direction in, and that’s a shocking change, and I think that’s the blackness. I think the blackness that everybody that’s gone through this, goes through.” Now you’ve gotta figure out what you’re gonna be and what you’re gonna do.” (25:55)
- “I realized that one of the reasons of religion is, I think, to give you comfort about where you’ve gonna spend most of your existence, and I think I had a realization that this is exactly what’s out there. And you can have all sorts of thoughts about what’s written in the various books and it’s got detains in it that some either believe or don’t believe, but if you really think about it, whoever the prophets may be, what they’re really trying to tell you is that it’s gonna be nice when you go.” (27:28)
- “There’s nothing better than friends, you know? The ones that truly are your friends are the ones that stick with you when you go through suffering, and so those I still have.” (29:15)
- “I think people they don’t really see what their lives are until sometimes they see something worse.” (37:55)
- “If you don’t have journalists out there to tell the story, then you might as well get thrown back to the great soviet days. I’ve been to the countries where in no journalism, and you can tell the impact on the people to not have it.” (39:20)
- “Make sure that those around you are still there by your side. That means there’s a lot you’ve got to do make sure they’re next to you. You can’t just beg for it and you can’t just assume it.” (40:57)
Links Mentioned:
- www.bobwoodrufffoundation.org
- In An Instant by Bob and Lee Woodruff: https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Familys-Journey-Love-Healing/dp/0812978250
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Part 2 of 2. Mom, wife and artist Michel Varisco, walks us through the day of her husband Steve Gleason's terminal diagnosis, finding out she was pregnant a month later and what it was like to watch a documentary about her life in a packed theater at Sundance Film Festival. She opens up about the pressure of living up to false expectations, the realities of life as a full time caretaker, their decision to have a second child and how her darkest days inspired her work as an artist.
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Former NFL football player Steve Gleason founded a charity, Team Gleason, helped create the largest ALS research project in history, has a congressional medal of honor, a law passed in his name and is the star of a Super Bowl commercial and film about his life. Most importantly, he is a proud father of two kids -- Rivers and Gray. Steve accomplished all of the above and more while unable to walk, talk, eat or breath on his own. Steve shared his story with ALL THE WISER while typing with his eyes. He recorded and banked his vocabulary to preserve his authentic voice which you will hear in his candid interview on finding his purpose, the pitfalls of being called a hero, his insecurities, hope for his children and the things he misses most about his life before ALS.
In Today’s Episode:
- Being told he will be dead in 2-3 years (3:58)
- Losing his ability to walk and talk (5:54)
- A day in his life 8 years after being told he would not live (10:02)
- How to live a meaningful life with ALS (13:52)
- How ALS affects families (20:27)
- Why he believes technology saved his life (22:42)
- A trip to space and changing the the future of ALS with virtual reality and artificial intelligence (31:13)
Wise Words:
- Would I spend all my time left, would I spend the time searching for ways to be cured, or would I try to do whatever I really wanted to check off the bucket list? (4:50)
- People with nothing left to lose have nowhere to go but up. (9:48)
- As someone who’s lost most of his physical abilities over the past 20 months, I can tell you that the anticipation of loss is worse than the actual loss itself. (15:06)
- ALS is a remorseless and humiliating disease. It can annihilate families. Spouses become unrecognizable to each other, veiled in frustration, anger and shame. Michel and me included, life begins to unravel into chaos as the person with ALS becomes more reliant on their spouse, and before anyone realizes it, frustration and resentment and shame end up clouding the entire relationship. (20:27)
- It’s really true for all relationships. If you can’t communicate honestly and if you can’t have compassion for the other person’s pain, you have no relationship. But ALS magnifies and intensifies that principle. Michel and I were in the low point. Our breaking point. Fortunately we found a way to thaw the ice, start communicating openly, and understand each other. Things are very different than before I was diagnosed and we definitely struggle, but we’re in a good place. We communicate well and we’re a tightly forged team. (21:20)
- I’ve thought a lot about suffering, and I notice it doesn’t matter whether you are poor or wealthy, white or black, talented or untalented. It doesn’t matter if you have ALS or not. Every human experiences suffering, and some people who have any type of chemical imbalance or mental illness, they suffer mightily to stay positive. Every human experiences suffering. While I’m not saying we should complain all the time, it’s our most powerful tool as humans to share our pain and vulnerabilities with each other. (27:11)
- I rarely get caught up in the things that I cannot do. I suppose that means that I’m either really stubborn or I like to think that if a person can find the way to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, things like walking around or talking far and away is less important to a person if they can feel they are making an impact in other ways. (28:13)
Links Mentioned:
- Steve’s Charity: http://www.teamgleason.org/
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Beloved television producer, Monica Escobedo, survived the unthinkable. For the first time, she shares the details of the day she lost her brother, mother and father in a murder-suicide. Monica courageously shares her story of loss, love, intuition and why she chooses to honor her mentally ill brother in spite of his final act. Her strength, honesty and life perspective will leave you astounded and inspired.
In Monica's honor, we are donating $2000 to Give An Hour.
In Today’s Episode:
- Monica’s premonition and trying to find her mom and dad (5:50)
- Monica learns that her mother has died (6:35)
- She is told she has lost her father and brother as well (12:05)
- Learning her brother had been going to target practice (15:37)
- Forgiving her brother and his final act (19:18)
Wise Words:
- “If I could advise anyone, trying to counsel a friend going through something. It's say something, even though you don't know what to say, say, “Hey, I'm here for you.” (21:15)
- “Your life can change in an instant. It really makes me appreciate the moment a bit more. Even if it's a rough day, I try to think about what I'm thankful for.” (39:08)
- “I am really self-disciplined. I think when there's no parents to kick your butt or encourage you, that you realize how self-motivated you have to be. But if you keep motivating yourself and putting one front in front of the other ... And maybe I could only do a baby step at first, but eventually, you can reach the top of the mountain.” (38:15)
- “I am the sister of a shooter. I see how signs can be ignored. I think I had blinders on, and even though I locked my door because I was a little bit scared of him, I didn't really hone in on it. And looking back, I wish that I had kind of focused on it a bit more, and made more of an effort to try to really get some other figure involved, to get him help.” (37:35)
Links Mentioned:
- https://giveanhour.org/
Follow Us:
- https://twitter.com/allthewiserpod
- https://www.facebook.com/AllTheWiserPodcast/
- https://instagram.com/allthewiserpodcast/
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Matt is the co-founder and CEO of Omaze. His company has raised over 130 million dollars for charities by auctioning off once in a lifetime experiences — think a walk-on role in Star Wars or being George Clooney’s date on the Red Carpet! He opens up about what changed everything for him: a near death experience that left him flatlining and in a coma. Matt shares how his mom saved his life, his experience on “the other side” and how he views his relationships and company in an entirely new light.
In honor of Matt's story we are donating $2000 to Folds of Honor.
IN TODAY’S EPISODE
- Signs that something was wrong (6:50)
- Flatlining for 5 minutes and his experience on “the other side” (11:33)
- The machine and doctors that saved his life (21:43)
- How his mom’s presence and strength as witnessed her son flatline (27:33)
- Matt finally has a 2nd date with his now girlfriend in his hospital room (33:09)
WISE WORDS
- They didn't know her son. It was this very spiritual experience for her. She said it was like ... and it just gave her this strength, and so she gathered herself, and she turned back to the table, and she started coaching me. Coaching me back. She said, "Matthew David Pohlson, these people are fighting to save your life. They are fighting so hard to save your life, but you're not fighting hard enough. You gotta fight, Matthew David Pohlson! You gotta show them that you're a fighter! You gotta fight to come back! These people are fighting to save your life." (11:09)
- And I remember just fighting and fighting and fighting, and just like, it felt like an infinitely long journey. Then I remember the moment of just like, bursting back into the world, and feeling that feeling of ... oh, my gosh, the journey. I'm here. I'm back. And looking at my mom, and looking at my dad, and then, there's just like, this moment of pure joy. Where I felt connected to everything in the world, all at once. (15:06)
- I mean, I was gone. All the doctors were saying, I was gone. I was out of that body. Because they said, it's very uncommon, or not very uncommon ... they've never seen someone flatline, and then, open up their eyes, and lift their hand and give a thumbs up. (15:49)
- "But do you remember what you wrote?" I said, "No." He said, "You wrote, the first thing you wrote was, 'Tell my mom that I fought so hard." (29:57)
- "Look, before you leave, I want you to understand something. When I finish my career, 30 years from now, and I'm talking about the most extraordinary case I've ever seen, this is gonna be it.” (33:55)
- I would say everything you want is on the other side of fear. We create these fears so often for our self, that get in the way of so much that we want to do, or people we want to love, or ... but know that, and when you overcome that fear, just know that the love you put out can change people's lives in ways that you may never be able to see, but it matters. (44:10)
- LINKS
- HTTPS://WWW.OMAZE.COM
- HTTPS://WWW.FOLDSOFHONOR.ORG/
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Christopher Brune Horan shares his remarkable journey of fatherhood, the road he walked through fostering to adoption and into the heart-changing experience that is parenthood.
Christopher and his husband, Jesse, decided to marry, start a family and adopt within months of falling in love. Their story starts with a phone call that a little boy has been born to a mother addicted to crystal meth and has nowhere to go. The years that follow are filled with loss and love and, as Christopher shares, a “heart that was broke wide open.” He talks openly about the tragic loss of their infant son, Kaidon, and the courage to love again and foster two young boys they are now in the process of adopting.
Christopher confronts the realities of being a gay, married man on a quest to become a father and imparts the valuable lessons he and Jesse have lived as they bridge the gap of racial divisions and fight for their rights to raise a child. While Christopher’s life experience takes us up and down and ultimately into the belly of grief, he happens to be a Moth story-slam champion, and shares his path to family in the most poetic of ways, leaving us all softened in the light of hope that only the best storytellers can shine.
In Christopher's honor, we are donating $2000 to Inspire Spiritual Community
IN TODAY’S EPISODE
- Baby Kaidon is born to a crystal meth addict and has nowhere to go (14:00)
- Learning his birth mom doesn’t want her son with two gay men (21:40)
- Kaidon goes from healthy a baby mom to sick in a matter of days (29:11)
- Kaidon passes from Kawasaki disease (33:19)
- Christopher and Jesse support his birth mother as she plans his second funeral (38:33)
- Finding the courage to love again and adopt Victor and Tony (47:20)
WISE WORDS
- We stopped at a gas station two exists away from the hospital. Jesse installed the car seat underneath the flourescence of the mobile station. The next thing I knew, we were meeting what would be our son. (22:03)
- I remember they told us, “There’s a baby. He’s being released from the hospital. He has nowhere to go.” There was something so powerful about that, and I knew that Jesse and I were capable. I was like, “No matter what, this kid needs help.” (22:29)
- I was holding him, and I remember this woman said to me, “He isn’t glass,” meaning, the way I was holding him was so fragile. I was like, “Okay.” That made me realize “Okay. He isn’t glass. Relax a little bit.? We were two men, and we hadn’t had this experience before, but we were in it together. It was beautiful. (24:42)
- Right away, in that first meeting, I said to her, I said, “I know you don’t want your son with two gay guys. Let’s talk about that.” (32:04)
- I think I said before what they don’t tell you about foster to adopt is if you really want to adopt, there’s this part of you that you need the parent to fail in order for you to be able to adopt. That didn’t feel good on our part. (33:15)
- Afterwards, there’s something that happens when a baby dies in a hospital that doesn’t happen when you lose any other loved one, not your spouse or sibling or anyone, a friend. What happens is afterward, they present your baby to you to hold. I remember very clearly, they very careful, almost ceremoniously wrapped this baby, which was the light of our life, Kaidon, in a hospital blanket, and they presented him to us. (43:27)
LINKS
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Matt Long’s extraordinary life story is a lesson in the power of perseverance. The best selling author, motivational speaker and former New York City firefighter has been to the brink and back. TWICE! Matt survived 9/11 and eventually found himself depressed, overweight and turning to booze to heal his emotional wounds. He rebuilt his life and body when he decided to turn things around and become an elite athlete and Iron Man.
Four years later, Matt was hit by a 40,000 Ib. bus on an early morning bike ride to work. His body was nearly severed in half and Long was given a 5% chance to live. Three years and 43 surgeries later, he fought his way back to the finish line of the New York City Marathon and completed another Ironman. Long was named as one of the top 25 fittest men in the the world by Men's Fitness.
Matt shares why he would not take the day of his accident back, the power of mindset and why waking up with intention and the words "I WILL" is the only way to start your day.
In Matt's honor, we are donating $2000 to the I WILL Foundation.
IN TODAY’S EPISODE
- What it was like to be a fireman on September 11 (14:00)
- Matt is hit by a 20 ton bus on an early morning bike ride (22:45)
- Finding the will to go on - one small step at a time (34:45)
- His wisdom and new perspective on life after surviving and thriving after two unthinkable experiences (46:15)
WISE WORDS
- I just, as a fireman, I always pride myself on being so happy to go to work. There’s not many people in this world that love going to work. Firemen love going to work and weeks, months after 9/11, I didn’t love going to work anymore, and I couldn’t go to work if I wasn’t sipping a beer. My whole outlook on life had changed. (23:14)
- And the worse damage was, like you said, I was basically cut in half. My right leg they described to me as no longer functionally attached to my body. (37:00)
- The depression I was having wasn’t a full out pity party, wasn’t a “Why me?” specifically. “Why did I get hit by this bus?” It was more of, “Why did I live?” (39:30)
LINKS
- MATT’S BOOK
- HTTP://MATTLONGSPEAKER.COM
- HTTP://WWW.IWILLFOUNDATION.US
- HTTPS://WWW.RUNNERSWORLD.COM/RUNNERS-STORIES/A20888542/A-SECOND-LIFE/
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