Giants Amongst Us – Details, episodes & analysis

Real stories, told by real people.

“Millions of Americans living abroad are taxpayers, yet we are treated as an afterthought by the system—expected to comply with complex and costly tax rules while being denied basic assistance.” - Gabriel Morrow

Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, today Gabriel joins us. And he's got a story to tell. In 2020, Gabriel moved to Canada for love. Shortly after moving, and filing for his U.S. taxes things began to unwind. A refund of $1,800 was due, but was never processed. It was flagged because of fraud. Four years later, and a handful of roadblocks, Gabriel finally received his refund in 2024. But this exposed him to a bigger issue - "the U.S. expat taxation quagmire."

We're gonna sort through some of the weeds in this convo and hopefully clear some things up. I learned a lot I wasn't privy to prior to our conversation. Maybe you're like me, from the U.S. and now living abroad. Or thinking about relocating. This might be for you.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!

IF YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW, AND LIKE TO SUPPORT US,

YOU CAN RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON ANY OF THESE PLATFORMS :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/reviews-feedback

Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giants-amongst-us/id1789068784

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1NtBrXqO1rJIZabduZyVC5

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Tax Fairness For Americans Abroad :

Website : https://www.taxfairnessabroad.org/blog/a-tennesseean-in-canada-discovers-the-us-expat-taxation-quagmire

Congressman Darin LaHood :

Website : https://lahood.house.gov/about

Us Expat Taxes :

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/USExpatTaxes/

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Adam Pearce Music :

Intro Music Clip : https://youtu.be/DVw6PwJL6G8?si=nkR-kPgee_aAxd50

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Dealing with a major depression disorder, and anxiety as well, today, Derek joins us. And he's got a story to tell.

Derek is a former award-winning sportswriter. He talks about the day he gave up his dream job in order to keep 50% custody of his daughter after his divorce. Since middle school, Derek struggled with major depression, and anxiety. And after losing his career, his mental health would only get worse.

When the meds didn't work or seemed to worsen his condition, he sought answers elsewhere. Diggin' into self help books, listening to psychology based podcast, participating in talk therapy. And then, he learning about meditation. And that was the big break through for Derek. He's currently working on completing his meditation teaching certification. With plans to bring to others what's been a huge help for Derek with reducing his anxiety and improving his overall health. And that's the medicine in meditation.

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Be the change you wish to see.

This was a pleasure. And I'm happy to introduce another GIANTS AMONGST US. if anything struck a chord with you, I'd love to hear back from you. Share your thoughts or reach out to us on any of the platforms you see us on. You're always welcome to add to the conversation. It's a two way street on these parts.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW, AND LIKE TO SUPPORT US,

YOU CAN RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW ON ANY OF THESE PLATFORMS :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/reviews-feedback

Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/giants-amongst-us/id1789068784

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/1NtBrXqO1rJIZabduZyVC5

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Derek Dueker :

Website : https://showmyscars.com/#connect

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=nbTNcyvSL-n4N00u

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Hope this finds you all in good spirits. We're back with another installment, and pleased to bring another story to light. Today Margaret joins us and she's got a story to tell.

Living twenty years with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease, she explains the utter anguish of it all. Her concerns were dismissed by eight doctors. They insisted she see a psychiatrist instead. Holding steadfast to her faith, it's a miracle Margaret was able to hold on long enough to find the help.

Margaret Mary O’Connor has made it her life's mission to stand on truth. Thankful, and grateful she's been given a second chance at life. And an author of two books Scandal In The Shadows, uncovering threads of early Church history and hidden truths regarding women priesthood in the catholic church. Her second book Journey of a Celiac's Soul: A Second Chance at Life, is meant to act as a vehicle for encompassing the present changing realities within the Catholic Church. Two issues near and dear to Margaret's heart, and after listening to this talk you'll have a clear understanding as to why. Welcoming another GIANTS AMONGST US, hope you enjoy this conversation.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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Find more about Margaret Mary O’Connor :

Website : https://yourradicaltruth.com/

Linkedin : www.linkedin.com/in/yourradicaltruth

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website :https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

We're back, and I sure hope things are lovely on your end? It's a new day, and new week, so let us take in that fresh breath of life and reflect in thanksgiving on all the things we do have. There's a lot to appreciate. From the smallest to tallest.

Another installment of 'In between the Stories'. Something weighing on my heart, and with a cozy set up (studio space), thanks to my wonderful wife. I decided to have a sit down and shoot the breeze. Feel free to check out the blog and inspiration behind this talk https://giantsamongstus.org/blog/the-golden-in-silence let me know how you feel about it. You're all welcome to join the conversation.

Some topics touched on :

• The New Digital Age and outsourcing our humanity to technology
• Importance of Solitude
• Examples from historical figures about the power of silence and solitude
• Healthy ways to use technology
• Exploring your inner world

We have more stories on the way. Be safe, be sane, and may we all get to experience what Ralph Emerson spoke of regarding solitude - it is there, where we can "hear the whisper of the gods."

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

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Intro Song Played :

https://youtu.be/3AaDqQD_K40?si=ydNAx1sxpluWCRrW

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

To Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music :

https://youtu.be/DnH8JECfaQc?si=7LWw4y2c2FJOq4AI

Real stories, told by real people.

We are back with another one. And right out the gate, hope you're doing just fine. Today Yvette joins us and she's got a story to tell.

Since the age of 9 years old Yvette has struggled with Mental Health. Her childhood was broken up by abuse, and bullying. Being so young, and without any outside support, Yvette talks about the struggles she had with trying to cope with the pain - self harm, cutting, and even suicide attempts. At fourteen years old her mental health and depression seemed to only get worse. Yvette tried therapy, but that was something at the time through no fault of the therapist that didn't work.

We're going to hear how Yvette came to find Therapy in writing. Journaling, and that wonderful tool known as 'writing' to express her emotions, experiences, dreams, passions, and past traumas has been a big part of her recovery. Rising out of a dark hole and inspired to help others by sharing her story, I'd like to welcome another GIANT AMONGST US. A big THANK YOU once again to Yvette for opening up a few pages in her story and sharing it with us.

Yvette also talked about her love for castles, cathedrals and the architecture behind them, the pyramids in Egypt, her plans on visiting Transylvania in the upcoming months, checking out a "smash room", and of course her book Mind, Music, Love, that's almost ready to be published.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

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More of Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

Youtube : https://youtube.com/@GiantsAmongstUs?si=1ZUiC8zQNDcIsYKI

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Great to be back with another conversation. Today Allan joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Allan's taking us for a ride, sharing his first hand experience with Ayahuasca. He's sat through hundreds of ceremonies in Peru with lineage Shipibo shamans, and experienced healing from Dissociative Disorder. Allan's upbringing was far from ideal. Alcoholic parents. His mother in and out of mental institutions. When Allan was in the 1st grade, his brother was killed in a farming accident.

A chaotic childhood, losing his brother early on, Allan found himself battling with his own addictions. He started to drink heavy as a teenager. Using drugs, and struggling with the inner turmoil, and trauma from childhood. It was at the age of 29 that he decided, enough was enough. "It's time to get sober." Not long after his sobriety, he realized quitting the drugs and alcohol wasn't enough - "what about the emotional hangover?"

Dissatisfied with working for the Canadian government as a journalist, and in media. He left a good pension to start his own business. Which turned out pretty successful. But throughout the years, he had an obsession with the human condition -"what drives humanity?" A characteristic he later learned is very common among people with Dissociative Disorder. And this brings us to Ayahuasca, and Allan's very own experience with her healing touch. Allan does a great job sharing his knowledge and experience with plant medicine :

• The spiritual aspects, medicinal usage and intelligence of the plant
• The purpose of a shaman or facilitator during an Ayahuasca ceremony
• How did the Amazonians, with over 40,000 plus plants in the jungle, not only discover Ayahuasca, but learn how to prepare and brew it?
• For what purpose did the tribes in the South American Amazons use Ayahuasca?
• How safe is it?
• Its use for trauma (including generational) and addiction recovery around the world

plus a whole lot more. I'm happy to welcome another GIANTS AMONGST US.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Allan Finney :

Website : https://ayahuascacanada.com/

Youtube : https://ayahuascacanada.com/

Book : https://www.amazon.ca/Ayahuasca-Gringos-Amazonian-Ceremonies-Facilitators/dp/0992044014/ref=monarch_sidesheet

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's nice to be back. Hope this finds you in good spirits. Today Kim joins us, and she's got a story to tell.

As a child, and through her early school years, Kim's family moved around quite a bit. That meant her having to adjust with living in different states, and changing schools. Being Asian-American, Kim dealt with racism, and being picked on and bullied by class mates. She talks about how that affected her as a young girl, and even as an adult.

Kim talks about the birth of her two children, and post partum depression. In 2020, Kim gave birth to her second child. As the lockdowns from covid ramped up, so did anxiety, and the uncertainty of the times. Kim's daughter suffered from reflux issues, for seven months. Worried about her daughters health, the state of the world, and business affairs. These combined factors, along with depression and anxiety. Kim found herself spiraling downward.

In her darkest time, Kim reached out for help. Wanting to provide a supportive and loving environment for her children. Three ingredients that helped Kim with her recovery : her faith in God, a supportive husband, and therapy. In a much better place, Kim has been able to grow and establish her own photography business, based in San Diego, California.

Creating, performing, and striving, for her children, husband, and love for photography. She's now doing something she truly enjoys and has a passion for. I'd like to welcome another GIANT AMONGST US.

Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, GIVE US A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT.

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Kim :

Instagram : @Magersphotography

Website : www.magersphotography.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kimmagersphotography?mibextid=LQQJ4d

SD Voyager Magazine: https://sdvoyager.com/interview/community-highlights-meet-kim-magers-of-magersphotography

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

Nice to be back with you all. Hope this finds you in good spirits. We've got another story to share. Today Justin joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

From a small town in Montana with a population of roughly 300 people. Justin enjoyed time as a child. Remembering the times his mother would take him up to the mountains in a jeep. But things would get a little shaky as he got older. As a teenager, rumors and false accusations began to spread about him. It turned ugly quick. And he was bullied because of it. Being harassed, and threatened in and out of school. And an angry mob of teens, attacking him, out of fear, Justin dropped out of school. He refused to go out in public, stayed inside, and completely out of sight.

Reflecting back as an adult, Justin talks with us about what he was going through as a child. As well as the emotions, pain, fears, and destructive habits that would follow-- heavy drinking, gambling, and depression. Destroying his health, relationships, and desire to live. Eventually he hit a wall, and became sick of the person he had become. And that's when things started to change. He's now enjoying life on his terms. With being creative, traveling, and enjoying a healthy relationship with both his daughters. We've got another GIANT AMONTS US folks, and I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Justin :

Amazon Book : https://www.amazon.com/There-Are-Ghosts-These-Pages-ebook/dp/B0CWCKDF1B/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

Spotify Music : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Z4airQQ1Vr1aI0eztnX1j

Podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/7wgQYdYhV1YNzDayaop5tJ

Pillow Pals Podcast Linktree : https://linktr.ee/pillowpalspod?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYrZwW7YE87pQoXq4cXlRQ-9wgDAXNvDbEisn_etqVrrQfh52QW1YiWuPk_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

It's great to be back to share another story with you all. I certainly do hope this finds you in good spirits. Today Jonathan joins us, and he's got a story to tell.

Originally from Ecuador. Life as a kid was pretty normal for Jonathan. He played soccer, hung out with friends, and enjoyed time with family. But at 12, life would completely change. Countless hospital visits, and huge medical cost with trying to find a treatment for his condition. Left no results. Eventually, with nothing, but the clothes on their back. Jonathan and his mother left for Canada. Seeking any kind of assistance, medically, that might help save his life. Having survived cancer twice. Jonathan recalls one of many, near death experiences.

He's also a recipient of a bone marrow transplant. 10 people underwent surgery at the same time as Jonathan, only 2 are still alive. Through the pain his body endured, the effects from chemo therapy and radiation, graft versus host disease, and a long list of other complications. He's still hopeful for the future, and doing much better.

Along with the medical staff and their support, his mother was a big reason he was able to keep fighting and stand strong. Talk about the unconditional and unwavering love a mother can have for their child. In his own words, "she was the only reason I kept fighting and held on." He also acknowledged gratitude (offline, after recording) towards the donor (from Germany) who was his perfect match. Making the transplant possible, and a success. Jonathan might be the first to give someone else credit before he gives it to himself.

But, today we're going to honor this man's courage, and resilient spirit. You're without a question, another GIANT AMONGST US. May the thoughts, well wishes, and prayers of those who listen to your story bring comfort to you, filling you with peace, and the promise of brighter days.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU FOUND VALUE IN THE SHOW, STAMP US WITH A RATING ON YOUR WAY OUT. AND TELL A FRIEND TO TELL A FRIEND.

_____

Jonathan :

Email : jonyx072792@gmail.com

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Real stories, told by real people.

As always it's good to be back. Hope you all are doing well. I'm happy to introduce to another guest. Today, Ethan joins us and he has a story to tell.

In school, everything came pretty easy for Ethan. His teachers considered him gifted. But, not too long into high school, he started noticing a change - depression, feeling sluggish and tired all day, brain fog, problems with sleep. His condition wouldn't get better, and he found himself struggling socially, shying away from people, he felt awkward, overwhelmed with anxiety, which was a startling contrast to how he was as a child.

This led him down a year long journey trying to figure out what it was that was affecting him mentally, physically, emotionally. And despite all his efforts - engaging in hobbies, intermittent fasting, changes in diet, psychotherapy, his condition seemed to only get worse.

Eventually, he stumbled upon a condition, and things started to click. Upper Airway resistance syndrome, which is a type of sleep apnea. And something I wasn't too familiar with prior to our conversation.

Ethan's going to walk us through how this type of sleep apnea affect every aspect of his life. What may of caused it, some of the ways he's tried to cope with it, including a past surgery, and a big motivation as to why he has fought tooth and nail, being totally pro active in his road to recovery, and his big why being music.

So here goes, another GIANTS AMONGST US. Hope you all enjoy the conversation today.

'Til next time

and very soon,

PEACE!!

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND.

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Ethan :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/42Es7nle2xppSfW0O9jMhg?si=Hm00T5_DRM-dtw8lrsjpUQ

YouTube : https://open.spotify.com/artist/42Es7nle2xppSfW0O9jMhg?si=Hm00T5_DRM-dtw8lrsjpUQ

Bandcamp : originofstyx.bandcamp.com

Soundcloud : soundcloud.com/originofstyx

Patreon : patreon.com/OriginOfStyx

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Connect With Giants Amongst Us :

Website : https://giantsamongstus.org/

Show Updates & Extras : buymeacoffee.com/Giantsamongstus

Share Your Story : giantsamongstus@tutanota.com

YouTube : https://youtube.com/@giantsamongstus?si=LQqRyvae3UozibHy

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Giants_Amongst_Us/

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Background music by :

@bnoizemusic

Intro track by Origin of Styx :

https://youtu.be/uZk5iXuwYv8?si=DHIbeDkT0wF1jLjk