Do You Know Someone Whose Life was Affected by Substance Abuse?

Most of us have known someone whose life has been affected by a form of substance abuse. In Brad’s interview he shares true life stories of people who have suffered through the dark trenches of addiction and emerge victorious.

Brad Duncan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiography and works at the Baptist Health Hospital. He is the author of eight books.

At a visitation for a 21-year-old family member who passed away from a drug overdose, Brad's life and mission changed forever. He felt inspired to share stories of hope and began interviewing people from a variety of ages, races, genders, and social statuses who had gone through addiction, overcame it and are now living abundant lives.

How to Tolerate Narcissism in a Partner

Dr. Diane Pomerantz is a clinical psychologist who has been in practice working with children, adolescents, and adults in the Baltimore, Maryland area for over 35 years.

She has done extensive work in the area of trauma and child abuse and research in the area of personality development of abused children.

She currently runs Healing Through Writing groups in her practice. She is a breast cancer survivor and has two grown children.

She and her shaggy dog, Rug, live amidst tall trees on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland.








Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times Best-Selling Author says "Diane Pomerantz's story of a punishing marriage may be an often-told tale, but she has a majestic talent for conjuring emotion and compelling the reader with an authentic and heartbreaking story."

There is Always Hope -- You are Worthy and Valuable

Charlana Kelly is an author of numerous articles and three books, “You are Not Here by Accident,”  “Reaching Out with a Message of Hope” and “In Search of the King's Court.”  Charlana's accomplishments are numerous; entrepreneur, pastor, community ministry leader, Podcast Host and CEO of SpeakTruth Media Group LLC. 

At the age of six, Charlana found out that she was adopted which sent her into a downward spiral into her teens and beyond.  During her interview, she delves into this subject and how it can affect kids.  

Charlana learned many truths on her journey such as:

What we expect to come to pass.....will

There is always hope -- you are worthy and valuable

Hopelessness is losing your expectation of good

How to Live Fully the Life You Did Not Plan - No Matter What

 

Rebecca Faye Smith Galli is an author and columnist who writes about love, loss, and healing. Surviving significant losses—her seventeen-year-old brother’s death; her son’s degenerative disease and subsequent death; her daughter’s autism; her divorce; and nine days later, her paralysis from transverse myelitis, a rare spinal cord inflammation that began as the flu—has fostered an unexpected but prolific writing career. 







The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair. 400 published columns later, she launched Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, a weekly column that shares what’s inspired her to stay positive.

Becky Galli was born into a family that valued the power of having a plan. With a pastor father and a stay-at-home mother, her 1960s southern upbringing was bucolic--even enviable. But when her brothe­r, only seventeen, died in a waterskiing accident, the slow unraveling of her perfect family began.

Though grief overwhelmed the family, twenty-year-old Galli forged onward with her life plans–marriag­e, career, and raising a family of her own–one she hoped would be as idyllic as the fam­ily she once knew.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Cynthia Simmons, a Chattanooga native, is an author of three books including a historical novel, Pursuing Gold which is a story written about Chattanooga, Tennessee during the Civil War.   


Cynthia hosts her own radio talk show, Heart of the Matter.  She also writes for Leading Hearts Magazine and has served as resident of Christian Authors Guild and co-founded Homeschool Answers.  

Cynthia homeschooled all five of her children from grade one THROUGH high school.

During her interview, she shared a dark time in her life when a series of extreme circumstances bombarded her.  For one, her husband contracted a life-threatening brain infection and required 24/7 care for years.  Cynthia shares how she never gave up when many negative situations hit her at the same time.

You Can Dare to Blossom - Even Through Cancer

Mary Lunnen is a life coach and an author of four books . She lives on the coast of North Cornwall, in the far south west of the U.K.

In 1994, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  When she asked her doctor if she could talk with someone else who had been through this, the doctor said she was not able to help her. This started Mary on a journey of writing her no-holds-barred stories of her journey through cancer.

Sharing her experiences has become her passion in helping other people cope with their own situations.

The Secret to a Better Marriage

Poppy Smith is an international speaker, multi-published author, teacher, mentor and spiritual coach.  Her goal is to encourage women to thrive in their relationships and in life.  Her practical approach in dealing with relationships is a great help to anyone wanting tips on how to improve their marriage.

“What do you and your spouse have in common?” 

“We got married on the same day.”

Many women can identify with that sentiment. They want their marriages to be happy, but they wonder how when their mate baffles and even irritates them. Some may even wonder if they made a terrible mistake.

Exchanging Hurt for Hope

Exchanging hurt for hope is Dr. Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author of three books, and a speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Sheryl has endured many changes and challenges. She has overcome drug addictions, cancer, and even widowhood and shares her story in her book, Get Back Up.

Her latest book, Experiencing God Through His Names, answers the question: What's in a name?  Names are more than groups of letters that represent a person or identify objects.  Names are powerful.  A person's character and destiny can be influenced by his or her name.  When it comes to God, His attributes and personality support His unique and distinct names.

In her interview, Sheryl walked us through those difficult years of her drug addiction, hopelessness, loneliness and trying desperately to be accepted by her peers.  She also shares her remarkable story of recovery from cancer in her bone marrow and the loss of her husband who was killed in a motorcycle accident that she witnessed.

What You Do May Fail - but YOU Did Not Fail

Damon DaRil Nailer is a multi-talented inspirational communicator, speaker, music producer, songwriter, recording artist, author and business owner.

He has conducted over 250 speaking engagements and performances, produced six musical projects, written two inspirational books, and one nonfiction book. He has been featured on TV shows, podcasts, radio shows, newspapers, magazines, and various online publications.

In Damon's words:  

You Are Not Responsible for Results - 

You Are Responsible for Taking Action 

Do you wonder what your dominant gift is?  Ask yourself these questions:

1)  What am I skilled at?
2)  What do I like doing?
3)  What do I do so others can receive satisfaction?
4)  If I didn't get paid for it, would I still receive satisfaction?

Can You Survive the Pain of Losing a Child?

Mary L. Schmidt is an artist and author of 12 books, including her inspiring memoir When Angels Fly.

When you listen to her interview, it will grip at your heart strings.  Cry with her as she shares her story and relates with so many who have lost a child -- Mary lost two little angels and understands the pain.


When Angels Fly is the story about a woman who was able to rise above an extremely abusive childhood and marriage, to learn faith, love, and motherhood from her own son’s courageous fight with cancer.

It provides an illuminating example of how women who are in physically, mentally and emotionally abusive relationships can successfully escape even in the most challenging of times. 

SALE:  When Angels Fly is on sale for only 99 cents!

How To Create Your Own Luck - When Preparation Meets Opportunity

Dr. Reggie R. Padin is an author, speaker, and executive coach. His academic credentials include a Master of Divinity and an MBA in Organizational Management and a Doctorate in Education. 

BUT.....he is so much more.  Dr. Padin's mission is all about helping people overcome their "Dumpster Moments" and to go beyond their limitations.  These can be self-imposed limitations which include fears, doubts, confusion, economic problems, emotional turmoil, and toxic relationships.  These dumpster moments can paralyze you.

Is There a Chance that an Abusive Mother can Change?

Kathy Collard Miller is an author, counselor and international speaker.  Her books include Never Ever Be the Same:  A New You Starts Today.  

Kathy shares her story of how she came to grips with her anger and changed her life.  She had been an abusive mother to her little girl and hid it from her husband.  She hated her life and couldn't grasp the strength to control herself.  

When she determined the underlying causes of her anger, her relationship with her family was restored.  She shares that journey from pain to triumph in this interview and her books.

Kathy's speaking engagements have taken her to eight foreign countries and over 31 states.  She has appeared on many TV shows and is a co-founder of AWSA, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

How to See With Your Heart

Janet Perez Eckles is an author, international speaker, radio host, life coach and the founder of JC Empowerment. As a blind woman, she is the last person you would expect to see dancing but she teaches thousands of people how to celebrate life.

She lost her eyesight at 31, her son was murdered and the man who committed the crime was acquitted.  In the midst of these traumas, she also had to cope with infidelity in her marriage.  Yet, she discovered how to turn a life of tragedy into a life of triumph.

Not only does Janet dance the Salsa but she has a You Tube COOKING show.  She does not believe in limiting ourselves - but to be strong and courageous and face every challenge in spite of adversities.

How to Heal Your Past - An Insider's Guide on Relationships

Roxanne Derhodge is a Psychotherapist, Author, and Keynote Speaker whose expertise is in relationships.   Roxanne is a trusted psychotherapist, advisor on many boards and the founder of Roxanne Derhodge Consulting.  

Roxanne previously worked with the Metro Toronto Police assisting crime victims, headed an Addictions Unit with the Niagara Health System, and was involved in corporate consulting.  Roxanne is specialized in many areas of therapy including managing anxiety/depression, domestic violence, and divorce.

"Don't allow stressors to RUN you.  You take control and run them!"

How to Turn Your Pain into Power

Doreen Hanna is passionate to fulfill her mission statement. She looks for every opportunity to guide women, of all ages, on a journey to discover their princess within and embrace the life of royalty they have been called to live!

As the Founder & President of Treasured Celebrations, she enthusiastically continues to encourage moms and mentors to become influential leaders. 

Unwanted by her father, she knew the pain of rejection for 18 years.  Marrying at 19, she wanted to prove to her father she was worthy of love.  However, she quickly discovered that the man of her dreams was an alcoholic.          




Life brought many trials for Doreen including a financial crisis, the molestation of her daughter and Doreen's father threatening her husband's life.

How did she survive? 

 She shares how she turned her PAIN into POWER    

Getting Through What You Can't Get Over

Anita Brooks, CPT, CLTF, CCS is someone who MOTIVATES others to dynamic break-throughs.  Blending mind, heart, body, and spirit as an inspirational business/life coach, international speaker, and common trauma expert, she shares HOPE.  

She is a multi-published, award-winning author of the Amazon Best Seller, Getting Through What You Can't Get Over.

There are some things in life people never get over. No matter how much they want to.  Many experience abuse, financial disaster, serious illness, death of loved ones, and other common traumas making them believe they'll never move past the pain, but through research and true story compilations, Anita offers emotional, practical, and spiritual insights from experts and people who have survived intense trauma -- and have made it through seemingly impossible situations.

Be Assured: There is Triumph After Pain

Phyllis Clemmons is a best-selling author of several books.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Management, Human Resource Development and Leadership.

In life, each of us has a common goal:  To get through life's challenges, troubles, and trials as if it were a medicine that brings us to a healthy state of being.  A state of being that promotes strength, wisdom, resourcefulness, creativity, determination, and hope.

Phyllis states that it takes those trials to make our lives meaningful, colorful and complete, driving us to be creative, resourceful, determined, hopeful, and open.

Each of her books has a common thread:

• There is triumph after pain
• There is a key to unlock every door
• There is a small voice whispering behind every choice we make  

You will not want to miss her challenging and inspiring interview:

Think You Are Indestructible? What Happens When Your Life is Put on Hold?

MaryLee MacDonald is an award-winning author, writing coach with a Master's in English/Creative Writing, and a caregiver advocate.

She thought she was indestructible until life took a sudden turn.  She knows the stress long-term care as the main caregiver for her son-in-law who was afflicted with ALS.

But that was not her first encounter with death of a loved one.  She knows the devastation of losing a spouse suddenly and the impact it makes on the entire family.

Listen to MaryLee's story and you will be inspired. Even more importantly, MaryLee will give you tips and coping skills to deal with these crises which can turn from a sprint into a marathon.





Marylee's novel Montpelier Tomorrow  has won the Gold Medal for Drama from the Readers' Favorites International Book Awards.  It was a Finalist for the Bellwether Prive, te Eric Hoffer Award and the Indie Next Generation Book Awards.

Build your Personal Brand to Leave a Legacy and a Life Purpose Fulfilled

Clare McAlaney, a best-selling author, has had a variety of careers before she found her true calling. 

She was a policewoman who later became a prosecutor.  From there, she went to the corporate life while still earning degrees and seeking her creative self.  

Clare has earned degrees in marketing, branding, and business law.  She established Creatavision Publishing while learning design, photography, and publishing on the job.

But there were dark times in Clare's life. There was a time when she did not want to live another day - when hope was gone.  

She is a pure example of someone who can turn their tragedies into victories.  She has only just begun her journey to pursue her dreams of success as a writer and publisher.

"Don't EVER Quit!

When you do what you are put on this planet to do - you will become driven until you accomplish it"

Paying the Price for Fame - and Living to Tell the Tale

Michelle Christoffels, an author of No Glory For Me, was Australia's first registered, professional, female boxer, dual UNDEFEATED Victorian Champion and Australian Champion Kickboxer.  

But there was a time in Michelle's life when she had a serious downfall, spending time in psychiatric care and a criminal conviction.  

She went from street gangs to making national headlines -- she paid the price for fame!

Just before her first professional match, she was drugged/raped by her manager and started her life on a downward spiral.




Telling her story in this interview, she shares from her heart in a way that will keep you captivated.  She was considered Australia's toughest woman (and also a cop) yet was falling apart on the inside in the battle of her life/career.  As you listen you will realize that someone out there can HELP you, has felt your pain and can offer support uniquely and honestly.