In this episode, I’m joined by the inspiring Ron Hunter, a survivor of childhood trauma and the author of ‘Angel Finally Found His Wings’. Together, we dive deep into a profoundly emotional exploration of survival, resilience, and the extraordinary courage it takes to confront the past. Ron shares his incredible journey, one that began with a childhood marked by unthinkable pain—abuse, poverty, and time spent in an orphanage. Despite the overwhelming darkness that defined his early years, Ron discovered that even in the bleakest moments, there can be pockets of light. He found solace in the compassion of strangers, moments of unexpected kindness that served as lifelines. These experiences, although small, shaped his path forward, allowing him to heal, grow, and ultimately become a powerful voice for those who have suffered in silence.

Through our conversation, we reflect on the transformative power of community and the role that love, faith, and kindness play in healing even the deepest wounds. Ron's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the belief that, no matter how broken we may feel, there is always hope. As he opens up about his struggles, he illustrates how, in the midst of unimaginable suffering, the smallest acts of kindness—from a mentor, a counselor, or even a stranger—can offer a glimmer of hope. These seemingly minor gestures become the very things that keep us going, the light that guides us out of the darkness. Ron’s journey highlights the idea that “it takes a village” and that even in life’s most difficult moments, we are never truly alone. When people come together, offering support and love, they help shape a brighter future not just for individuals but for entire communities.

This episode is more than just a story of overcoming trauma—it’s a powerful reminder that we each have the ability to make a difference in someone else’s life. Whether by offering a listening ear, providing a sense of safety, or simply being there when someone needs us most, we all have the capacity to be a source of light for others. Ron’s journey of survival, healing, and ultimately, redemption, is an inspiring testament to the enduring power of love and kindness. It reminds us that even when life’s storms seem impossible to weather, we have within us the power to not only survive but to thrive. Through faith, vulnerability, and the support of others, we can find our way back to the light, embracing the hope that is always there, waiting to guide us forward.

Learn more about ron and order his book through his site https://www.angelfinallyfoundhiswings.com/ 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #ronhunter #InspiringStories #Hope #Faith #FindingHope #healingjourney #community #advocacy #overcomingfear #resillience #traumarecovery

Welcome to another episode of Judging Meghan! Today, I am joined by the incredible Dr. Shah from Empower Her Health Center. Together, we dive into essential topics like perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and the journey through hysterectomy.

I candidly share my personal experiences with hormonal fluctuations, weight gain, complex PTSD, and the life-changing decision to undergo a hysterectomy. Dr. Shah explains the nuances of these transitions, debunking myths and offering practical advice on managing these changes effectively. This episode is packed with insights on the types of hysterectomy procedures, the importance of post-surgery recovery, and innovative approaches to weight loss. Dr. Shah emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness and advocacy, encouraging women to trust their instincts and seek personalized care.

Whether you're dealing with hormonal changes, considering HRT, or recovering from a hysterectomy, this episode offers invaluable guidance. My story of resilience, coupled with Dr. Shah’s expert advice, delivers a powerful message of hope and empowerment. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative discussion filled with personal anecdotes and expert insights. 

Find out more about Dr. Shah and her practice through her site https://www.empowerherhealthcenter.com/about 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #advocacy #empowerherhealth #perimenopause #menopause #hormonereplacementjourney  #healingjourney #midlifechanges #advocacy #womenshealth #hysterectomy #HRT

This episode we’re delving into the transformative power of female friendships with special guest, Nina Badzin. Nina, the voice behind Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship and a seasoned writer on the topic since 2014, brings her wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to the table.

We explore the dynamics of women's friendships, the importance of supporting each other, and the impact of a scarcity versus abundance mindset. This episode we also discuss the challenges of feeling left out, the role of parents in teaching resilience, and the significance of fostering genuine connections without jealousy or competition.

Nina shares her journey from being a mom of four teenagers in Minneapolis to becoming a prominent figure in the friendship space. Emphasizing the value of lifting each other up, embracing vulnerability, and finding strength in community. Hear how a quest for connection during the pandemic lockdown led Nina to start her podcast, transforming loneliness into a thriving platform for friendship.

This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for anyone looking to strengthen their connections. Whether you're navigating the complexities of new friendships, dealing with painful breakups, or seeking to deepen existing bonds, you'll find valuable insights and timeless advice.

You can learn more about nina through her website https://ninabadzin.com/ and listen to her podcast “Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship” through all podcast platforms.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #communitybuilding #purpose #motherhood #abundance #suport #vulnerability #connection #friendshipadvice #women #friendship #dearnina #ninabadzin

**Trigger warning - suicidal ideation, depression, alcohol addiction

Today on The Judging Meghan Podcast, I interview Author, Jenny Debolt. We talk her story and how she has dealt with numerous unbearable losses. 

Jenny tells us the story of the loss of her niece sue to a drowning accident.  The accident forever changed Jenny and her sister. We talk about her journey through grief, as well as supporting her sister through her grief, which left her dealing with an alcohol addiction and depression, which led to her sister’s suicide.

Jenny is on a mission to break the stigma around suicide and how important it is to share stories like hers to help others get help.

If you are someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

This podcast is sponsored by Betterhelp.com
Please use my code: JudgingMeghan for 10% off your first month. 

Jan Canty's world was upended when her husband didn't come home one night. She later learned he had been connected with a pimp and a prostitute - giving them money hand over fist - leaving her massively in debt.  

After having to identify his body and being hounded by the media during his salacious trial, she needed to discover her why. The  journey was one of trauma and betrayal, but she was unable to grieve for years. 

Still unable to share where she lives, due to threats. Jan has found freedom in sharing the truth. Jan has traveled the world volunteering to help others to help heal
her  own pain. After 30 years she was ready to tell people what really happened and finally be free of the pain she was carrying. 

I was honored to meet Jan. I am sure my listeners will be inspired by her tenacity and courage to never give up.



This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp.com. To get 10% off your first month, use the code: JudgingMeghan at checkout. https://www.betterhelp.com

This week, I had the pleasure of talking to Kim Toller, the host of A Million Other Choices Podcast. She was inspired to start her podcast after the murder of her niece in 2018.  And her interest in true crime quickly turned into an obsession that drove Kim to help others that may have been touched with similar tragedies.

On her podcast, she largely covers Canadian Cases. She has a special connection with the victims and their families because she understands what they are going through and wants everyone's story to be heard. It was an honor to speak to Kim. Her beautiful niece Taylor’s memory is kept alive through Kim and her story. 

This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp.com. To get 10% off your first month, use the code: JudgingMeghan at checkout. https://www.betterhelp.com

Today on The Judging Meghan Podcast, we are honored to have Author, Comedian and Speaker, Michael Gershe . Michael is a survivor of a drunk driving crash that killed his mother and nearly killed him at 8 weeks old. Michael has used his powerful and inspirational story with just a bit of humor to speak all over the United States. 

Although he broke nearly every bone in his body in the crash, he overcame multiple surgeries and became a collegiate swimmer, college educator, entertainer and author.  Michael found himself in the depths of major depression and PTSD in 2016. I was beyond inspired to meet such a wonderful man. 

His book, The Magic of Life, is available on Amazon.

This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp.com. To get 10% off your first month, use the code: JudgingMeghan at checkout. https://www.betterhelp.com

 This week, I talk to local Hermosa Beach, California  residents, filmmaker and activist, Heidi Swan and former city council member, Carolyn Petty.  We talk about the little known link between teen marijuana use and adult schizophrenia, as well as the increasing incidences of depression and anxiety. Marijuana has been found in many cases to be a gateway drug to many more severe drugs and even suicide in recent years. 

I wanted to shed some light on this topic due to the legalization and dispensaries popping up in what seems like every town in California. I had no idea about some of these frightening statistics. We also discuss the importance of labeling, the risks so parents understand how they can get involved.  I have spoken about this topic in a past episode with Michelle Leopold, who lost her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2019.  I hope you listen and share this episode. 



This episode was sponsored by BetterHelp.com. To get 10% off your first month, use the link: https://www.betterhelp.com/judgingmeghan. 

Perry Power was sexually abused by his step grandfather at the age of 10 for approximately 1-1/2 years. He kept his dark secret for many years until one day it was spotted. Perry never went back to that house again. His father sadly knew the secret but didn’t want it to ever be discussed again. This resulted in massive amounts of PTSD for Perry. He came out with his story and shares in with others to help them know it is ok to break the dreaded silence that they carry.

Today, his message revolves around breaking the silence around sexual abuse and the resulting trauma of keeping it inside. 

Join us as we discuss his  journey to healing and learning how to use his experience to inspire him, rather than hold him back. 

Perry is an Actor, Author and Advocate. He currently resides in London, England. You can follow him on Instagram @iamperrypower. His book, “Breaking The Silence,” is available on Amazon. 

Martin Lockett came from an impoverished background, he still always felt loved. Even though money was tight, he never felt like he was lacking. They encouraged him to get involved in sports and school, because they knew the lure of the streets at that time was very strong. Even with all of this on his side, he wanted to belong somewhere and fit in, which led to his first experience with drinking and drugs. 

That experience helped him to break out of his shyness, which lead to more drugs and hanging out with the wrong people. While he felt like he belonged, he didn't feel like himself, which left him torn. One particular night out led to deadly consequences. Martin found himself behind the wheel tired and ran a red light. The aftermath was the death of two people. The two people he killed spent much of their time helping others and happened to be sober activists. A columnist who was covering the accident said, "Perhaps the person they will have ended up helping the most is the man who's charged with killing them." Martin knew his life as he knew it was over, but that quote stayed in his head for years to come. 

Hear the rest of Martin's story by listening to The Judging Meghan Podcast. 

martinlockett.com
https://www.instagram.com/martinllockett/


Go check out Barkbox.com/judgingmeghan for a FREE month when you purchase a multi-month subscription. 

My guest today is Roxanne Faire. We delve into her story of her rough childhood growing up outside of Chicago. Her life was not easy growing up. Her parents struggled financially but she knew her mothers love. 

She always felt something was off and there was something her mother wasn’t telling her. Roxanne discovered at age 14 that the man she called her father was not her biological father. Her mother hid the identity of her real Dad to protect her. She struggled for many years to learn that she was born after her mother had been raped at the age of 27. 

Roxanne is a true fighter and survivor. She has only recently learned her Fathers true identity.  She is sharing her story to help other women. 

Sponsored by: https://joshrosebrook.com/ 
Use coupon code Judging Meghan to get a free Hydrating Accelerator (one of my faves!)

Today, we are going to talk about a subject I am very passionate about.  My own battle with Bulimia started at age 13 .  I talk about my own struggles with self love and acceptance. Having struggled for many years I am deeply passionate about helping young girls and women with self acceptance and love.

My guest, Rachel Freeman and I talk about the struggles we both had to get to the places where we are today.

Rachel found herself spiraling out of control after becoming a child model. Rachel has been in recovery for several years and started her own podcast and wrote a book called, Hungry 2 Live.

Go check her out at Hungry2Live!

Sponsored by: https://joshrosebrook.com/ 
Use coupon code Judging Meghan to get a free Hydrating Accelerator (one of my faves!)

Today I have the pleasure of having the host of Let the Good Things In Show with Amanda Acker. I was drawn to her positivity and wanted to have her on my show to tell us about her story. After her parents divorced, it started a cycle of family and emotional trauma that continued for years. Her senior year in high school took her from a top student to barely graduating and regularly drinking alcohol, which led to promiscuity - all in an effort to get the attention of her dad. Her attention and love seeking continued for years, which included a time in prison, giving up her children, and abusing drugs. 

We talk about how we are not defined by our past and her healing journey that has included starting her podcast, and connecting with others who have also found themselves incarcerated. 

Listen and learn from this strong woman about how you can find the good in everything - even in a traumatic past. 

This episode I’m joined by guests Lulu Daly from One World Surgery and Dr. Mary Hannon of South Bay MD. Lulu shares the incredible story of how a trip to Honduras transformed her family's life, leading to the creation of a life-saving organization. Discover the challenges they faced and the lives they’ve touched through their medical missions, including the extraordinary journey of building a thriving medical center in Grand Cayman, which grew from performing two surgeries a week to over 50 complex procedures weekly.

Dr. Mary Hannon brings her unique perspective as an E.R. doctor, balancing professional achievements with personal growth. Together, they highlight the power of family, community, and resilience in achieving extraordinary goals. Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or someone passionate about making a difference, this episode will leave you motivated and ready to embrace your own journey.

Tune in to hear heartwarming anecdotes, pivotal moments that spurred their missions forward, and the invaluable support from loved ones. Learn about the profound impact of involving their children in these missions, creating life-changing experiences and shaping their perspectives. This episode also delves into the importance of sustainability, community, and compassion in making a lasting difference. Let the stories of Lulu, Mary, and Meghan inspire you to find your own path to making a positive impact in the world.

To find out more about One World Surgery got to https://oneworldsurgery.org/ 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #community #purpose #family #healing  #compasion #sustainablehealthcare  #globaloutreach #impactfulchange #inspiringstory #medicalmission #globalhealth #oneworldsurgery

**Trigger warning: The following episode may be triggering including topics of depression and suicide.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of having Kate Ruehle with me. In February 2019, her son, Warren, took his life by suicide. She is now sharing her story with others to bring awareness to others. 

In the last several years the numbers of children taking their own lives has tripled. Please listen to her story and share with all parents. Her story is one of devastating heartbreak. Kate is on a mission to spread awareness and prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255

https://jasonfoundation.com/youth-suicide/facts-stats/

The Hosts of The Good Mourning Grief Podcast, Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn are todays guests. Both ladies lost their Mothers suddenly and tragically in 2019.  Thrown into the unbearable losses in their early thirties was too much to bear. Imogen was also a new mother and felt she was all alone. 

We discuss why they started their podcast, how they met and became the best of friends in  a grief support group. 

Both ladies taught me so much. I was especially touched by the fact that they have turned their pain into purpose. Sal and Im, as they prefer to be called, are on a mission to break the stigma on discussing mental health. I love that their close bond and friendship was started during the most difficult of  times. They have now become the best of friends and share their weekly podcast to help others in the midst of loss.

Want to go check out their podcast? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-mourning-grief-podcast/id1529978129

This is my most heartfelt episode to date. Today you are going to hear a conversation between myself and my Mom.  We discuss her attack as a young girl and how it forever impacted her life. She lost both a child and a husband, and has had to learn how to live again after these traumatic losses. 

While I had my own trauma from the many losses in my life. My relationship with my Mom has had ups and downs. The love is always there. I wanted to share for those people who are going through hard things as encouragement and hope that our story may help someone out there. I realize how very lucky I am to have my Mom and will always treasure this conversation.

Listen, cry, and be inspired to love your family even harder and stronger. 

Today's guest is Antoinette Logan. She is an international author of "It Starts with I", a life coach, media professional, CEO, and all around amazingly strong. She talks to me about her childhood experiences with trauma, feeling unwanted, abused, and how she used those experiences to make her into the woman she is today. 

ABOUT ANTOINETTE:
Antoinette Logan is a multi-faceted media professional and international author, based out of Atlanta and Chicago. She has worked her way up in the branding and marketing field, as a personal assistant and brand ambassador to being the CEO of the full service creative company, The Altered Image Agency (A.I.M.) and the founder of the non-profit, Bonded By Birth. 

She has found a way to make it happen, whatever "it" maybe in the moment. From pain to positivity and a dream of sharing her love with everyone she encounters, this woman has set out on a mission to serve. She is not one whom does a thing, she just does "her" thing which can be a number of "things."

She is a life coach who teaches from experience and personal connections, to business consultant who can help you hit the ground running. With Ms.Logan, you can really HAVE IT ALL. 

Ms. Logan has had many accomplishments in branding, public relations, producing of digital media, events and much more. It's easy to see why anyone can ask Ms.Logan anything.

She is your Information Highway to Destination Elevation. 

**Trigger Warning: In this episode, we talk a great deal about childhood abuse, rape, and domestic violence**

In this episode, I talk to Marie Neill. She is an amazingly strong woman who has been through some intense trauma. From being abused during childhood to being raped to being sold to a man 24 years older than her in a foreign country, she has gone  through just about every trauma you can imagine. 

We talk about her story and how she managed to find the good in the hard times. We discuss where she is now and how she is giving back to the world to help others, including by becoming a Mental Health Advocate, determined to help others with her strength and passion.  

barkbox.com/judgingmeghan

My guest today, Judy Van Niekerk, is an entrepreneur, a human behavioral specialist, and an iconic life mentor. She has learned through her own experiences that there is no challenge that we cannot thrive from. No challenge we are not greater than.

Her story, which may be triggering, is one of bravery and hope.  She stresses that  what happened to it her as a young girl did not define her, but it did inspire her to thrive in the way she is living her life today. Being locked up during childhood and being abused in ways we cannot even imagine forced her to look deep inside to find the transcendent love she shares with others today.  I am beyond honored to speak to Judy. As she tells me there is nothing we can not beat or manifest for ourselves. 

Judy's Bio
Judy van Niekerk is a serial entrepreneur in the real sense having established businesses in many different industries from environmental agency and training, pioneering agricultural projects, high tech companies, marketing and advertising agency in which she has achieved international acclaim in many of them including International Woman Winemaker of the world, Bravest Woman UK to name a few. She has also been an international sports woman representing her adopted country South Africa at world championships scuba diving as well as a best selling author and international speaker.

Stroke survivor, Marcia Moran, is my guest today.  I have wanted to do an episode about this subject for a while, especially after I read her book, Stroke Forward.

We talk about what a stroke is
The warning signs of a stroke
Even healthy people can have a stroke
The importance of getting to the hospital as soon as possible and why BEFAST is so important. 
How to be your own healthcare advocate

From her website, Stroke Forward...

The morning my stroke occurred caught me off guard. I woke up and knew something was "off." I tried to text a friend to tell her that I wouldn't make coffee that morning. The text was gibberish. "Oh well," I thought. "I will text her later." I rolled over. Excruciating pain struck! Despite my throbbing headache, I drifted off to sleep. That was a mistake.

​

Later that day, I awoke to right-sided paralysis. I had a choice to make. Try to make it down the hall so my husband could find me… or give up right there. I fell to the floor and started dragging my way toward the door, using my left hand and the carpet pile to leverage me. 

I am Marcia Moran. This is my story...



barkbox.com/judgingmeghan

Victoria Cuore has endured more pain than one can even imagine in one lifetime. She was raised  by narcissistic parents that sent her off to her grandmother at a young age.  After a horrible break up with what she was her true love. She met a man that on paper was everything a girl could ask for. Her boyfriend began Love Bombing her early on in the relationship. He insisted on a quick marriage and quickly after they were married and pregnant, the relentless abuse began.  Victoria was beaten so badly that she has had over 100 surgeries.

Thankfully, she  got away, and rescued her young daughter.  Victoria has  used this pain and trauma to help others. Her book, Who Kicked First: A Memoir, tells some of her story of being abused and the later affects upon her special needs daughter. Her website has some amazing resources for people living in an abusive relationship. There is always a way out. 

https://www.acontagioussmile.com/

Barbox.com/judgingmeghan

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Braun. He is an internationally renowned medium, lecturer, author. I wanted  to have him on to talk about his career as a medium with over 17,000 sittings under his belt.

I have personally sat with Tim numerous times. The information he has shared with me brought me peace and healing. Tim is currently practicing in Newport California. He does readings all over the world. You can follow him @timbraunmedium on Instagram and his website, https://www.timbraunmedium.com/

Enjoy!

Check out his  book at https://www.amazon.com/Life-Death-Mediums-Messages-Overcome/dp/B09TZM844V/

Check out Barkbox for your favorite furry friend at https://barkbox.com/judgingmeghan. 

Todays episode is one I will never forget. Will Jimeno recounts his story of 911. If you were old enough you will never forget where you were on that horrific day.  Will tells the story of walking into the towers knowing that a plane had hit the building.  He says he and his fellow Port Authority Officers knew what they needed to do. It is nothing but a miracle that Will is still alive. He lives his life in service to others.

It was an honor to talk to Will a true hero.


ABOUT WILL:
At the time of the attacks, Will Jimeno was a rookie cop assigned to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. He saw the shadow of American Airlines Flight 11, the airplane that seconds later hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He rode to the WTC site with 20 other Port Authority police officers in a commandeered bus.

The collapse of the South Tower trapped Jimeno and two other Port Authority officers, led by Sgt. McLoughlin, under the Concourse between the twin towers. Only Jimeno and McLoughlin survived. Dominick Pezzulo survived the initial collapse but was killed by the collapse of the North Tower while he was trying to free Jimeno.

A USA Today account observed:
Sometimes they yelled for help. But mostly the 48-year-old sergeant, a 21-year veteran, and the 33-year-old rookie talked intimately, sometimes revealing personal things — about kids, families, feelings — that they had never shared with anyone. Jimeno asked the Sergeant to deliver a message over the radio to his wife, Allison, who was seven months pregnant. They had received no response earlier, but he thought maybe their radio call would be picked up on a police tape recording. "Attention," Sgt. McLoughlin announced, "Officer Jimeno requests that his baby girl be named Olivia." His wife had liked the name. He hadn't been so sure. Now, as he prepared to die, he wanted to think of his baby girl, Olivia.[

The two men were located and extricated after former U.S. Marines Sergeant Jason Thomas and Staff Sergeant Dave Karnes heard their cries for help. Both survivors, especially McLoughlin, were severely injured. They required several surgeries and months of hospitalization for recovery and rehabilitation. On June 11, 2002, McLoughlin (with a walker) and Jimeno (with a limp) walked across a stage at Madison Square Garden to receive the Port Authority's Medal of Honor.

https://barkbox.com/judgingmeghan

This episode I’m joined by the esteemed Dr. Stephen Sideroff, a renowned psychologist and expert in resilience, longevity, and optimal performance. Dr. Sideroff shares his wisdom on managing stress, living in the moment, and finding balance in the chaos of life. His insights on turning stress into a tool for success and maintaining mental health are invaluable for parents and anyone navigating modern life's complexities.

This episode also explores the patterns and lessons formed in our childhood and how they impact our adult lives. Discover why these early adaptations often lead to challenges like hypervigilance and attention deficits. Learn about the importance of mental balance, resilience, and developing a growth mindset to transform perceived shortcomings into opportunities for growth.

We also discuss the impact of stress on aging, health, and decision-making, and how resilience can extend our health span. From limiting negative influences to embracing mindfulness practices, this episode is packed with actionable advice for reclaiming control over your life and well-being.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #author #balance #psychologist  #trauma #optimalfunctioning #The9PillarsofResilience #mindfulness #maintaining #Dr.StephenSideroff #stress #resilience 

I am honored today to have Dr. Kevin Payne on the podcast. He is a social psychologist, a speaker, a podcaster, author,  and skydiver - currently with under 600 jumps under his belt.

Kevin talks about his misdiagnosis living with chronic pain. After years of struggling he was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which is what truly spurred his mission. You can find Kevin under his podcast, “Your Life Lived Well”and at yourlifelivedwell.co. Kevin is in a mission to help others and never defined by what he can’t do in life due to his diagnosis. 

ABOUT KEVIN:
Kevin is a social psychologist, entrepreneur, author, podcast host, speaker, teacher, and frequent guest interview or panelist. He shares the results of his extensive research concerning how to live a quality life with chronic distress, pain, and illness. He also shares his personal exploits as a collector of experiences — even while battling Multiple Sclerosis for decades. Life is too remarkable to sit on the sidelines, even when we’ve got to get more creative about how we get in the game!

He was born and raised in the Kansas City Metro area. He can’t have too many books, is a lifelong tech geek, devoted to his animals, pretty fond of his kids, and sometimes appears as a pirate.

He also never misses a chance to jump from a perfectly good airplane.

Today is probably the most important episode I have ever recorded. Michelle Leopold was mom living her normal life until the most horrifying thing happened to her family - the death of her son, Trevor. 

She tells the story of this handsome, outgoing, loved teenager who started out by smoking pot. This didn't alarm her until she realized that the pot we smoked when we were younger is much different than what is sold today.  This was his gateway drug to what ultimately killed him. 

We learn about how fentanyl is added to street pills to get a bigger high. The CDC estimates that 2 out of 5 street pills include fentanyl that the user doesn't even realize is there. 

Michelle shares the story of Trevor’s passing at just 19. She is determined to educate every parent of the dangers of how easily these pills can be accessed. One pill taken and his life was over. Michelle says that she keeps going determined to live in Trevor’s memory and help others. 

To connect with Michelle: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleLeopold.NorCal

Today's episode is with the founder of the National Single Parent Resource Center, Judy Romanoff, also known as Coach Judy. Her personal experiences with her own daughter and a prolonged custody battle inspired her to change the whole direction of her life and career. The knowledge she took from her own pain and the pain she heard from other women helped her turn this time into a positive thing where she could give back to parents who needed help and guide them through a family court situation. 

About Coach Judy:
Judy Romanoff or “Coach Judy” is the M-POWERMENT Coach to CEO’s, corporations, celebrities, and families. Coach Judy is an exclusive motivational expert who provides high powered coaching information and resources from A to Z with quality, simplicity and fabulous positive energy. She is the host of the Coach Judy Talk Show and founder of About FYI for anyone seeking important guidance on how to handle divorce and custody issues.

In 1995, former Boca Raton City Mayer Carol Hansen presented Coach Judy with a “Key to the City” for sponsoring Single Parents Family Day. Coach Judy is a National Phoenix Award Recipient, Founder of National Single Parents Resource Center, President of FYI 101 Inc. & Wrote, Hosted and co-produced a unique M-POWERMENT training kit for learning the inside scoop to divorce and single parenting who now offers M-Powerment Fashions for single parent families.

This week I sat down with Danielle Cobo.  We discussed her battle with Postpartum depression after the birth of her twin boys.  I learned 1 and 7 women experience postpartum depression. 

We have been taught as a culture to keep it quiet. I also experienced postpartum with my first born, and I remember feeling guilty because we went through so much to have her.  

This episode is just a reminder to be real with others. Talk about your feelings and get help if you need it. There should be no shame! 

Women have so much pressure to be perfect, perfect looking, perfect mom, perfect wife. It doesn’t exist! Keep Going!

From living with parents who had a toxic marriage to being bullied and scared of trusting anyone. My guest today, Gill Tietz has been through so much pain. The pain left her angry and looking for happiness, which she found through her coping mechanism of drinking alcohol. 
 
Today we talk about her journey to finding her power in being sober and how she combatted the anger she was left with due to her childhood. Gill is a biochemist and podcaster. Her weekly podcast, “Sober Powered,” helps others each week who struggle with addiction. 

Today, I am talking again to the most amazing therapist on the planet. Dr. Nadine Macaluso has put up with me for many years and all of my issues, and I credit her for helping save me.

 In this episode,  we  talk about several topics including. the tragic passing of Chelsea Christ. Chelsea took her own life at just 30 years of age. She was Miss USA 2019, an Attorney and Reporter with “Extra.” We discuss how many people suffer from depression and suffer silently. We also discuss the new A&E docu series, “The Secrets of Playboy.” Many women were lured into this flashy life, only to find themselves victims of the alleged monster, Hugh Hefner.   

I met Chloe through my sister, who was her teacher. When my sister read her book, Perf: The Unspoken Flaws in a “Perfect” Culture, she said I had to interview her. Chloe is an author, as well as an assistant for a talent agency for a scripted comedy series. 

Chloe wrote the book for those who keep comparing themselves to others and beating themselves up with the “You Should Be”s. This can be paralyzing to moving forward and Chloe wanted to break free from the perfectionism that was holding her back. 

Enjoy this conversation with Chloe Cullen! 

Buy her book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636764819/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_5VTW9P1MKRXT66WXAX6K 

My guest, Fred Rutman, started intermittent fasting after several health scares to heal his body. The research he had found dealt with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, which is when you have too much insulin floating in your system. Once that gets out of whack, so many of your other hormones get out of whack, including your leptin and your ghrelin, which is your satiety and hunger signals, your estrogen, your testosterone, your adrenaline,  your growth hormones, and more. It's a domino effect. 

When you begin fasting, you give your digestive system a chance to calm down and get rid of some inflammation, which leads to a lot of your other hormones falling into place. He has seen people who IF get rid of their thyroid problems, get rid of their type two diabetes, get rid of sleep apnea, get rid of asthma, and the list goes on and on and on. 

We discuss the basics of intermittent fasting and how it can be implemented in most anyone's life. 

You can follow Fred here: https://www.instagram.com/repeatedlydf/

Don't forget to use the coupon code MEGHAN15 for 15% off their wellness shots. https://dosedaily.co/

Do you believe in gut feelings? In this episode, I talk to licensed clinical social worker, BZ (Elizabeth) Tebo. 

**Trigger Warning - We talk about many things, including suicide, so if this is a trigger for you, you will want to skip this episode. 

- We learn all about BZ Tebo and how she came to the point she is at now
- We discuss whether you should listen to your gut
- How life experiences can inspire your calling and profession
- All about her new children's book, The Elephant on Aaron's Chest
- The importance of helping kids express their feelings and emotions

BZ Tebo didn't always dream of becoming an author. When she was younger she wanted to be an astronaut, a lawyer and a choreographer. After earning a Master of Social Work degree at The University of Michigan, she traded the Midwest winters for the California sunshine. She works as a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California.

Buy her book here: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/The-Elephant-on-Aarons-Chest1

In this episode, Meghan interviews author, Mark Schutter. He is the author of Cowboys Are Not Supposed to Cry, a memoir. He tells his story of living a life with grief that began in his midtwenties. The death of his young wife left him alone, and although life was tough, he vowed to show the world that he was tougher.

Remarrying and having a daughter, to onlookers, from the outside, life seemed happy again, until in an anguished night of prayer, Mark heard the words that to be the husband and father he wanted to be, he must:

• reconcile the past
• embrace the present
• redeem the future

We talk about:

• How men have a hard time talking about mental health
• His story of grief and loss
• His impetus to share his story

About Mark:
As a much younger man, Mark stood helplessly at the edge of the dark abyss of pain, death and grief. The experience of watching his first wife die at age 26 from breast cancer forced him to question the meaning of life in his search for answers that impact his writings to this day.

He has lived his entire life in the Pacific Northwest where the land, nature and people both inspire and fuel his writing. His poetry has been featured in several print and online publications as he works on his first full-length book of his poetry that explores the pain that we all face during our lives and the hope that can rise.

He is happily remarried to a wonderful woman who he claims is the most beautiful and strongest woman he has ever known. He has been blessed with a beautiful daughter who keeps him young in this second chapter of life that he has been granted. He enjoys horses and mountain biking when not writing. He believes in the ‘ripple effect,’ touch one life and you may touch the world, for to share the journey, however brief, is a wonderful gift. His wish is to share the joys, the sorrows, the hope and healing to inspire others to live despite the grief we all carry because there is “life after…”

https://markschutter.com/

Support the show (https://judgingmeghan.com/support/)

Today's episode I'm joined by Steve Jordan, a renowned fitness expert, podcaster, and author. Steve opens up about his traumatic brain injury, a life-altering experience that tested his resilience and ultimately paved his path to recovery. From being a top athlete and popular student to facing a near-death experience, Steve's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Steve discusses his new book, "Pickleball Power," and his holistic approach to health and wellness. As a seasoned podcaster of "The Steve Jordan Experience" and owner of Westwood Private Fitness, Steve offers valuable insights into maintaining optimal health, the importance of mindset, and the joys of parenthood later in life.

Explore Steve's rise to becoming a top personal trainer, his journey from a simple certification to training at the White House Athletic Center during the Clinton administration, and his ambitious move to New York City, where he trained celebrities like Seal and Heidi Klum. Steve's relentless dedication and belief in his goals propelled him to success, making him one of the most sought-after trainers in the country.

You can order Steve’s book “Pickleball Power: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Healthy and Fit for Peak Performance” on Amazon.com. You can learn more about Steve or listen to his podcast “The Steve Jordan Experience” through his website https://stevejordan.com/ 

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #author #findingpurpose #thestevejordanexperience #fitnessexpert  #trauma #podcaster #personaltrainer #braininjury #athletics #stevejordan #physicalhealth #pickleball

In this episode, Meghan talks to Denise Klein, Addiction Specialist  and Executive Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu, one of the nation’s premiere dual diagnosis treatment centers. Denise discusses her new upcoming book in which she co wrote, “Truth about Rehab.”

The two discuss everything related to addiction, including the prevalence of dishonest treatment centers.

Some of the questions they cover are:
- What are some red flags for a bad treatment center?
- How to choose a treatment center that is right for you or your family member?
- What questions should you ask a treatment center before enrolling?
- What are the factors that lead to relapse?
- What’s the biggest difference between 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day in-patient treatment?
- What are the underlying issues that lead to addiction?

About Denise
Denise E. Klein, MSW, is the Executive Director of Milestones Ranch Malibu, one of the nation’s premier dual diagnosis treatment centers. Denise has been committed to helping families for over 30 years and is very passionate about helping families find the right treatment center.

In this week's episode, Meghan speaks from her heart, sharing her own story without sparing any details, starting with the story of why her new year has started rougher than expected.

For the audience of Judging Meghan, this week's episode is a must-listen and gives context for so many other moments from past episodes. We hope you listen and that this episode inspires you to tell your truth and your own story to someone you know.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Support the show

In this episode of Judging Meghan, Meghan talks to motivational speak Wayne Forrest, who became paralyzed from the chest down at the age of 25.

"I made a terrible mistake and put myself in a position which caused me to dislocate my neck." While Wayne had to relearn how to live after this terrible accident, he shares his story about how he moved on. "One step at a time," Wayne says, "you have to go through the motions."

Wayne tells Meghan the story of how he became a life coach and motivational speaker. When doing extreme sports for disabled people, he found a new reality he had never considered before.

"I was doing these activities, and what happened was really strange. I was the one with the disability, but there were people without physical disabilities on these courses who were scared of heights or being underwater, and it really leveled the playing field." Wayne has lived his life helping others and never letting his condition deter him from living his life to the fullest.

In this episode, Meghan speaks to fellow podcaster Melissa Bright. The two discuss their life experiences and how those experiences led up to them both becoming podcasters in the Mental Health space. 

Melissa's journey to find her purpose began with one simple question: "What makes your heart hurt?" After having a daughter at a young age, and losing her mother, she knew  what she had to do, and decided to live a life learning and speaking about others' journeys.

Her story is touching and familiar to Meghan, who understands firsthand  what it's like to want to help bring positive messaging about mental health into the world of podcasting.

About Melissa Bright
Melissa Bright is on a mission to help people not feel alone in their struggles. She is the host and creator of The Bright Side of Life Podcast, a mental health podcast that navigates and discusses successful journeys to happiness. She can be found at thebrightsideoflifepodcast.com.

In this episode, Meghan speaks with Maeve McGrath about bringing awareness to mental health laws in the United States, inspired by her brother Ryan. 

Maeve’s brother struggles with bipolar disorder, which resulted in him becoming homeless and living on the streets of Venice, California. Maeve fights everyday to save his life.  She  speaks on how the families of those who are mentally ill and homeless feel hopeless and betrayed  because it is so much harder to get them help if they refuse to take their lifesaving medication. 

Her brother suffers from a condition called Anosognosia, also called “lack of insight”. Maeve explains that those who have this condition do not have the ability to recognize their illness.  Maeve and Meghan discuss several options such as, “The Three Strikes Option” and that this is no longer a situation or sad but, a “Humanitarian Crisis” and extremely dangerous for everyone. 

About Maeve: 

Maeve McGrath has been a working illustrator and animator in Los Angeles since 2002. She has lived on the westside for over 20 years, currently living in Playa del Rey. Maeve has juggled raising her daughter and work while taking care of her brother who suffers from severe Bipolar illness and is committed to raising awareness of the need for reform in this nation's mental health laws.

Dr. Tracy Bennet graces this week's episode discussing a heavily debated topic within the parenting community on children and their screens. 

Most kids spend an average of 10 hours a day on their screens, and 56% of parents worry their kids are screen addicted. The average age of first exposure to online pornography is 11 years old and 4 out of 5 tweens are on social media before age 12. Being distracted by the loss of her parents, Dr. Tracy needed answers for her own kids that had started to suffer from digital injuries and needed shame-free, actionable strategies that worked. Unfortunately they were not out there, so she committed to the GetKidsInternetSafe mission. Dr. Tracy has seen the effects of unrestricted digital access which has lead to higher cases of panic disorder, depression and video gaming addiction in children, but throughout her 25+ years as a clinical psychologist she has found the treatment and the preventative,  ADD tools to help modern families. 

About Dr. Tracy Bennet:

Dr. Tracy Bennett is a screen safety expert who teaches families how to strengthen relationships AND achieve screen sanity. She is founder and CEO of GetKidsInternetSafe (GKIS) and author of Screen Time in the Mean Time: A Parenting Guide to Get Kids and Teens Internet Safe and the GKIS Home Starter Workbook. In her work as a clinical psychologist over twenty-five years, she sees the impacts of digital injury and how to treat and prevent it. 

Joel Correa, a TikTok phenomenon at more than half a million followers, is featured on today's show speaking on growing up trying to hide his sexuality. 

Joel's formative years were shaped by the bullying and teasing they endured all throughout school due to being Afro-Latino and Gay. Beyond school, they also faced traditional family values that did not align with who they were becoming. Joel continued to persevere through the unforeseen challenges that life threw at them as they grew up, from the untimely death of their father to the mending of the relationship with their mother. 

Their path was not on the same beaten route their traditional family expected, but they forged a new one after dropping out of college and eventually finding and cultivating their makeup skills in 2020, and becoming the amazing artist we see today.

About Joel: 

Joel Correa is a person of many talents, but the most notable is their skill with a makeup brush, that has gotten them among other things to TikTok stardom, but there is always more than meets the eye. Joel  is an Afro-Latino  first-generation immigrant, whose parents fought to take them back to the island but they had a love for American music that could not be beat, but being able to integrate both cultures into their life now has and will continue to shape their future. 

After a short week off from the podcast, Meghan is back this week with Erin Walker to speak about her journey to becoming an expert in female aging issues, especially during perimenopause and menopause. 

Erin's journey began five years ago, but her hormone-related issues likely started during her first menstrual cycle when she was 11. Unfortunately, Erin suffered years of painful and debilitating symptoms before getting to the root of her troubles.

Through this journey, she became an advocate for her health and went back to school to help herself, but found her mission, to empower women in understanding how their bodies work and how to care for them. 

About Erin:

Erin Walker is a wife and mom of 4 boys. She is a board-certified integrative health coach and bioenergetics practitioner. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Community Health Education.

On this week's episode, Nikki DeLoach speaks about her time spent in the entertainment industry and the unforeseen struggles growing up. Though she experienced many challenges, nothing could have prepared Nikki for the day she received the news of her father’s diagnosis.

Nikki was pregnant with her youngest, Bennett, within the same month she found out  her baby had 4 heart defects, her father was diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s: Pick’s disease. A decision had to be made between saving her baby and seeing her father, the decision was easy but the feelings that came along with them were not.

Being heavily imbued in the entertainment industry cost Nikki time with her father as his days were coming to a close. On his last day, Nikki said her goodbyes, he might not have known her name but knew his daughter.

About Nikki
Born in a small town in South Georgia, Nikki DeLoach always knew she wanted to be an entertainer. She started dancing at the age of three, eventually adding singing, modeling, and acting to her repertoire. Outside of her many talents, DeLoach is dedicated to sharing her passions and ideas with others. She is a passionate supporter and spokesperson for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where she serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees, and The Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her father who recently lost his battle with a rare form of dementia called Pick’s Disease.

Meghan talks to her friend, Jennifer Caras  on today's episode.  The loss of her sister at a young age and the journey she has been through since her tragic passing.  Julie  passed away in her late 20's from a brain tumor, after being misdiagnosed for years.

Jen speaks on the struggles many have with doctors, and finding the right diagnoses that could save your life if its caught early.  Jen struggled seeing her sister not able to do the same things she was doing, like buying her first apartment or getting married. After her passing, Jen lives her life in Julie’s memory.

We have all had loss in our lives, some more than others.  Jen has not only gone through loss, but also has been taught many lessons throughout  her journey. The signs our loved ones send us after they pass is a gift, which Meghan and Jen also speak about.

About Jennifer:
Jen is a mom of three, having her first born son diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. She went on to have twins, honoring their names after her sister, Julie. Jen is a very successful top real estate agent in the South Bay of Los Angeles.  She is a beacon of light in a sometime very dark world.

https://www.jennifercaras.com

Support the Show:
Instagram: @judgingmeghan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judgingmeghan/

In this episode I’m joined by  Paul Summers Junior, a recovering addict, author, and musician, whose journey unfolds as a poignant narrative of self-expression, resilience, and redemption. Thi episode we discuss the evolving societal perceptions towards individuality and creativity, highlighting music's healing role in nurturing connection and empathy.

With raw honesty, Paul shares his personal battles with addiction, traversing the highs of performance to the harrowing lows of substance abuse, shedding light on addiction's grim realities and its toll on individuals and families alike. Yet amidst the darkness, there is hope. Paul recounts his journey to recovery, stressing the significance of support systems and the transformative influence of figures like Candy Finnegan in catalyzing their healing.

This conversation serves as a source of empowerment and enlightenment, showcasing the strength and resilience inherent in every individual, affirming that amidst life's challenges, grace and understanding can prevail. If you want to read Paul’s book “Hide & Seek” through his website https://www.paulsummersjr.com/ or through Amazon.

This podcast is a place for trauma survivors as well as their friends and family. This is a safe environment to be vulnerable but it's also a place for celebration and moving forward. Let's all start to embrace who we are becoming by #mentalhealth #selfcare #self #judgingothers #judgingmeghan #suicideawareness #suicideprevention #survivor #resilience #traumahealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcasts #author #findingpurpose #empowerment #family  #addictionrecovery #music #paulsummersjr #fatherhood #recovery #addiction #selfdiscovery

Diane Foley, mother of American freelance journalist James Foley, speaks with Meghan on today's podcast about her journey of recovery after her son was taken hostage for over two years before eventually dying at the hands of his captors.

It's hard to imagine a more heartbreaking tragedy than the loss of one's child, but Diane Foley epitomizes strength and resilience in the face of unthinkable grief. Having endured unimaginable emotional trauma, she has emerged as an advocate for others who suffer similar losses.

As someone living far away from the front lines of war, I've often wondered how ordinary people find the courage to carry on after losing a child to violence—never realizing that I might someday be asking that very question. If you're curious about the answer to this question, I strongly urge you to listen to Diane's interview.

About the James Foley Foundation
If you are interested in supporting the James H. J. Foley Legacy Fund, please visit https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/take-action. Their Instagram can be found at @jamesfoleyfoundation. You can join the James Foley Freedom Run here. 

*** TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual abuse, Sex trafficking, Labor trafficking, Cult, Suicide ***

Amanda shares her story, starting when she was just a little girl being raised in what she described as an ultraconservative Christian cult. She was groomed from the beginning to not say no to a man and to be a homemaker. She was molested and sexually assaulted, with no idea how to deal with it at such an early age that it turned into rage. 

After a variety of events in her life, including sex trafficking, and a terrible car accident, Amanda became extremely suicidal, and still felt like her abuser was the only option for survival. Amanda bought a plane ticket and a puppy and flew back home, telling him where she was and waiting for him to come to find her. He never did, that's when she realized she needed more change.

Amanda read books, listened to podcasts, and she started healing. She got involved with Selah Freedom, an organization for sex trafficking, working with them for several years. Then, she fully understood that she had been involved in sex trafficking as well. She started going to therapy and has been going ever since. Amanda is now in a healthy relationship, happily married, and trying for children. She has also suffered from fertility issues due to all the abuse she encountered, yet still having a positive outlook on it all. She has helped many get out of abuse and trafficking with her own experiences.
 
About Amanda:
Amanda Catarzi is a survivor. In her past she has worked for Selah Freedom, helping others find their voice and use it effectively, allowing them to heal. She is inspiring to many, using her trauma and experiences as a learning tool for others. She now is a marketing strategist and runs a successful content agency, Inkery Co., is happily married, and trying for a baby. After experiencing such trauma in her life, she still has a positive outlook on life.

Connect with Amanda on Instagram: @amandacatarzi
https://www.selahfreedom.com/getinvolved

Sexual Abuse Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Sexual Abuse Website: https://www.rainn.org/

It took Clara years to fully understand and accept just what she went through as a child. She would wake up every day and be expected to behave like an average kid. But she wasn't average in her parents' eyes, being labeled the Blacksheep at a very early age.
 
In this episode, Clara shares the intimate details of exactly what it's like to experience abuse as a child, as well as her journey to finding self-acceptance despite the events she experienced.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

About Meghan
Before starting her podcast, Meghan struggled for years with Complex PTSD and now shares stories of people's personal journey of healing. Learn more about the show at judgingmeghan.com |  You can also follow Meghan on Instagram at the links below:
Instagram: @judingmeghan | Facebook: facebook.com/judgingmeghan

Support the Show
If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider supporting the show at https://judgingmeghan.com/support/