Healing Episodes
A focus on the healing processes individuals undertake after trauma, loss, or major life changes, showcasing the paths to recovery and self-discovery.
200
Aug. 19, 2025
How Dr. Devin DeGreif Rebuilt Her Life After Her Mother’s Murder
After the brutal loss of her mother, Dr. Devin DeGreif shares how one spiritual moment changed everything and led her toward healing, purpose, and a life of helping others reconnect with their true selves.
Guest: Devin DeGreif
198
Aug. 12, 2025
Near-Death and Rebirth: Ash Perrow on Choosing to Live From the Heart
Ash Perrow shares how the stillbirth of his daughter and a later near-death experience shattered his identity and led him to rebuild a life rooted in healing, intention, and love.
Guest: Ash Perrow
197
Aug. 12, 2025
The Wildfire Didn’t Burn Her House – But It Changed Everything with Katie Svoboda-Rini
After surviving grief, burnout, and a wildfire that changed everything, Katie Svoboda-Rini shares how she finally stopped waiting for the perfect time and chose to begin again.
Guest: Katie Svoboda-Rini
196
Aug. 5, 2025
Choosing to Live: Michael Allison on Facing the Past and Embracing the Future
Michael Allison’s life has been anything but easy. From childhood abuse to combat in Iraq, the grief of loss to the silence of survival, Michael carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes before reaching a breaking point. Standing on a Florida bridge, he made a decision that would change everything.
Guest: Michael Allison
192
July 15, 2025
When the Unthinkable Happens: Donna Kendrick on Widowhood and Moving Forward
In this honest and deeply human conversation, Donna shares how she navigated grief, rebuilt her life, and created a purpose-filled path for her family. Through heartbreak, she discovered strength she didn’t know she had – and now, she’s helping others do the same.
Guest: Donna Kendrick
188
June 24, 2025
Caregiving, Grief, and Loving Until the End | Tony Stewart
In this episode, I talk with Tony Stewart—writer, partner, caregiver—about what shifted the day his wife, Lynn, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and what he learned as they walked through the next six years together. This conversation isn’t just about loss. It’s about presence. And what happens when you let yourself feel every bit of it.
Guest: Tony Stewart
184
May 27, 2025
Life After “Your Child Has Cancer” | Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree
What happens when your child whispers, “It hurts everywhere, Mama”? When the unthinkable becomes your reality, how do you show up — not just for your child, but for yourself? Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree shares the moment her world split in two with her daughter’s cancer diagnosis, and the extraordinary path it put her on.
Guest: Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree
May 21, 2025
In Case You Need This: Feel Like a Beginner Again? It’s Okay If You Do | Ep. 2
Starting over is never easy. Whether you're in a new job, a new city, a new relationship, or simply facing a new season of life, there's a part of us that resists feeling new. It whispers things like, "I should have figured this out by now," or "I shouldn't feel this lost." But feeling like a beginner isn't failure – it's growth in disguise. This short reflection offers a gentle reminder that the discomfort of starting over is also an invitation: "You’re not behind – you’re becoming." If yo...
183
May 20, 2025
How Andrew Lang Learned to Stop Fixing Everything and Start Living
What happens when your body tells you the truth before your mind is ready to hear it? Andrew Lang had built a life around doing the most. He was a teacher, a union rep, and a quiet emotional anchor for everyone around him. But underneath it all, exhaustion was building until one night, his body gave out, and that unexpected breaking point became the beginning of something new.
Guest: Andrew Lang
May 19, 2025
Introducing It’s Okay If… – A New Podcast from Matt Gilhooly
I’m excited to share something new. It’s Okay If… is a short-form podcast I created as part of my own healing journey — a space for bite-sized permission slips to feel what you feel and be exactly where you are. Each episode is under 3 minutes, and a new one drops every Wednesday at noon. In this short intro, I’ll share why I made this show, what you can expect, and how you can listen. 🎧 First 3 episodes release on Wednesday, May 21 Follow It’s Okay If… on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or whe...
182
May 13, 2025
Speechless: Finding Voice After a Medical Nightmare | Vanessa Abraham
Vanessa Abraham, a thriving speech pathologist and mother, was plunged into a life-threatening health crisis that left her trapped in her own body. With no clear diagnosis and a long road ahead, she found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, experiencing everything she once treated.
Guest: Vanessa Abraham
180
April 29, 2025
Reclaiming My Life: Emily Holland's Path to Sobriety and Self-Love
Have you ever wondered what life could be like without alcohol? Emily Holland, a podcast consultant and community manager, shares her journey of overcoming addictions and rediscovering herself through a life of sobriety and self-worth. Emily takes us through her early years, where alcohol became a constant companion from the tender age of 13. She recounts the pivotal moment on a ski slope that sparked a realization that would change the course of her life forever.
Guest: Emily Holland
179
April 22, 2025
Escaping a Toxic Marriage Unleashes Jenn Todling's True Self
Jenn Todling, a former corporate executive turned author and coach, shares her courageous journey of escaping a toxic marriage and rediscovering herself.
Guest: Jenn Todling
April 20, 2025
Fresh Starts: Olivia's Reflections on Growth and Change
This bonus episode dives back into a conversation with Olivia Howell, who reflects on her journey since sharing their pivotal moment on The Life Shift. We kick things off by discussing how a toxic relationship culminated in a life-altering decision, showcasing the raw reality that sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that lead to the biggest changes. Olivia emphasizes the importance of sharing these experiences, not just for personal healing, but to resonate with others who might be navigating s...
176
April 1, 2025
When Illness Becomes a Gateway to Spiritual Awakening: Ofer Niv's Journey
Have you ever felt like your life was running on autopilot, chasing success without truly feeling fulfilled? In this episode of the Life Shift podcast, I sit down with Ofer Niv, a former corporate manager turned energy healer, who shares his remarkable journey of transformation after facing a life-altering health crisis.
Guest: Ofer Niv
175
March 25, 2025
Susan Lieu Breaks Family Silence Through Art and Healing: The Weight of Grief
In this episode of the Life Shift podcast, I sit down with Susan Lieu, a Vietnamese American playwright, performer, and author, who shares her powerful journey of healing and self-discovery after losing her mother at a young age. Through her art, Susan has found a way to process her pain, reclaim her narrative, and inspire others to embrace vulnerability and the power of storytelling.
Guest: Susan Lieu
March 23, 2025
The Power of Kindness: Lessons from Robert Peterpaul
Robert Peterpaul returns to The Life Shift Podcast to talk about the profound impact of kindness, particularly in the face of tragedy. The Life Shift Rewind I’m excited to share bonus episodes from Patreon, where I revisited past guests to discuss what has changed and the value of sharing their stories. Since I currently only have the lower tiers available, I wanted to make these conversations accessible to the public feed. If you'd like to support the show directly, please consider joining th...
171
Feb. 25, 2025
Designing Your Life: Intentional Living After Loss With Cathy Christen
Cathy Christen shares her journey of overcoming personal tragedy, redefining success, and living with intention. Cathy reflects on how pivotal moments in her life, including profound losses, helped her shift her mindset and create a life centered on joy, purpose, and connection. By sharing her story, Cathy inspires listeners to embrace intentional living, prioritize what truly matters, and take actionable steps toward designing a life they love.
Guest: Cathy Christen
168
Feb. 4, 2025
How a 64-Day Hike Transformed Trudie Marie's Life After Trauma
Trudie Marie takes us on an inspiring journey of healing and self-discovery after facing the challenges of complex PTS(D). Amid the pressures of a demanding law enforcement career and personal struggles, she courageously decided to embark on a transformative 64-day solo hike along the stunning Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia. This life-changing adventure allowed her to confront her past traumas, discover inner peace, and rebuild self-trust.
Guest: Trudie Marie
167
Jan. 28, 2025
Beautifully Mending: Sylvia Moore Myers' Insights on Grief, Loss, and Resilience After Violent Tragedies
Sylvia Moore Myers shares her profound journey of loss, resilience, and healing, emphasizing the transformative power of resilience in the face of unimaginable and violent tragedies. After the tragic loss of her son Jacob to violence and surviving her own attempted murder, Sylvia highlights the importance of understanding grief as a lifelong journey rather than something to be rushed through. She invites listeners to embrace their scars, reframing them not as marks of suffering but as symbols of strength and growth.
Guest: Sylvia Moore Myer
166
Jan. 21, 2025
Embracing Change: How Loss Became a Catalyst for Self-Discovery for Caren Paskel
Caren Paskel shares her inspiring journey of transformation and resilience following the profound loss of her husband, David, to brain cancer. Her story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find purpose and joy amidst life's challenges. Caren emphasizes the importance of self-belief and the courage to reinvent oneself, highlighting how David's unwavering confidence in her inspired her to take bold steps in her life and career. Instead of succumbing to sorrow, she chose to honor David's memory by celebrating life and helping others through her work. Caren's insights serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and impactful life by focusing on personal growth and community support.
Guest: Caren Paskel
161
Dec. 17, 2024
From Diagnosis to Legacy: How Ashley Gould Honors Her Father
In this episode of The Life Shift Podcast, Ashley Gould candidly shares her transformative journey following her father’s cancer diagnosis. In this conversation, we explore the impact of grief, the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, and the importance of embracing change. Ashley reflects on her father's enduring influence, the pivotal shift in her life after his diagnosis, and how it shaped her path toward creativity and fulfillment.
Guest: Ashley Gould
Dec. 7, 2024
Life Shift Notes: Straddling the Picket Fence – Barb Higgins
In this bonus episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation with Barb Higgins, who has faced numerous life challenges, including the tragic loss of her daughter. Barb's journey is a testament to resilience and finding meaning in grief. She emphasizes that while our experiences shape us, they do not solely define us. She shares how she maintains her joyful spirit despite the hardships, even describing herself as a "wrinkly kid" at heart. This is my little episode to convince you to listen to Ba...
Nov. 20, 2024
Day 19: Feeling Down: A Real Talk on Mental Health – 30 days, 30 episodes
On Day 19, I share the importance of acknowledging and sharing our feelings, especially during difficult times. I open up about my struggles with sleep and the emotional burden of recent grief, illustrating how these feelings can affect daily life. I highlight that it's okay to not feel great all the time and share the value of having a support system to share these feelings with. I believe verbalizing our struggles can help normalize them, making them feel more manageable. By being honest ab...