Healing Episodes

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

Jenn Todling, a former corporate executive turned author and coach, shares her courageous journey of escaping a toxic marriage and rediscovering herself.

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

Losing a pet can be a profoundly unexpected and deeply challenging experience, and in this episode, I share my journey with the loss of my buddy and little dog, Mikey.

Taylor Coffman's experience of giving birth was marred by a sudden medical emergency that thrust her into a fight for survival. After a seemingly normal pregnancy, the birth of her daughter resulted in an unforeseen diagnosis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare condition led to a rapid decline in her health, including kidney failure and the need for dialysis. The episode captures the raw emotions associated with motherhood, the fear of the unknown, and the profound impact of medical crises on family dynamics. Taylor's narrative is not just about survival but the transformative journey that emerges from such a crisis.

DAY 4 of 30! Sharing personal stories has been a powerful tool for me in creating connection and healing. In this episode, I reflect on my journey of embracing vulnerability and openness, rooted in pivotal moments in my life, including the loss of my mother. I talk about how my early experiences with grief influenced my desire to present a brave face to the world, often at the expense of acknowledging my emotional truth.

Brigette Panetta shares her inspiring and deeply personal account through a harrowing legal battle that began just days before the birth of her daughter. Caught off guard by a lawsuit from the Australian Securities Investment Commission, Brigette was thrust into a whirlwind of uncertainty, fear, and resentment as she prepared to embrace motherhood. The emotional strain of the legal fight compounded the challenges of navigating new parenthood, leading her to question her identity and future. Throughout this ordeal, Brigette reflects on the immense pressure she felt to uphold her roles as a partner and mother while also dealing with the fallout from the lawsuit.

Michelle Hord's story is one of unimaginable grief but also one of resilience and hope. In this episode of The Life Shift, Michelle shares her journey of overcoming tragedy and finding a new purpose in life. "I remember driving up on the scene, and I just knew that it was my child. There was no doubt in my mind. And I remember getting out of the car and running towards them, and they wouldn't let me get close. And I just remember hearing somebody say, 'Ma'am, you don't want to see this. Turn around and walk back to your car.' And I just remember thinking, 'I want to see my child. I want to see my child.'" - Michelle Hord