In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Marina Mendez, a 24-year-old Panamanian educator and woman of deep faith, in Panama City, Panama.

Marina’s story begins in the shadow of unimaginable loss: by the time she was twelve years old, she had buried both of her brothers, and she didn’t pretend to be okay about it. What follows is a journey of grief, doubt, determination, and a faith that was tested to its limits.

From growing up in Panama West in a large, tight-knit family to earning a full scholarship to study in Pennsylvania, Marina shares what it meant to chase her dreams across hemispheres, and what it cost when those dreams were rerouted. Just two months before her wedding, Marina called it off, leaving her to cancel the venue, make painful phone calls to family, and, ultimately, start over. She did it with prayer, therapy, and grace.

This is a conversation about what it looks like to truly trust God when the evidence makes it hard, to be honest about your anger, and to find that your life’s detours might just be pointing you somewhere better than you planned.

📍 This episode was recorded in Panama City, Panama.

Meet Marina Mendez

Marina Mendez is a 24-year-old Panamanian educator, dancer, and woman of contagious faith from Panama West, Panama. Raised in a deeply Christian household with five sisters and two brothers, Marina’s life was marked by grief early on. Rather than letting that grief define her limits, Marina turned it into fuel, excelling academically and earning a full scholarship to Wilkes-Barre University in Pennsylvania in 2020, where she graduated with a degree in English Education and a Spanish minor, and was named Teacher of the Year.

Marina returned to Panama four months before this conversation after a broken engagement upended the life she had carefully planned. Today, she lives with her grandmother in Panama City, serves actively in her church, and carries a clear-eyed dream of seeing Panama invest more in its people - starting with education.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what stayed with us long after this conversation ended:

• Grief doesn’t wait until you’re ready. Marina was nine years old when she lost her first brother and twelve when she lost the second. She didn’t have the luxury of being “old enough” to process it. But she also didn’t pretend she was fine, and that honesty became the foundation for everything that followed.
• You’re allowed to be mad at God. When Marina’s second brother died, her faith shattered. When her wedding fell apart, she told a church leader to keep the God-advice to himself for a minute. Jennifer and Marina both affirm what many faith traditions quietly know: God is big enough for your anger. You don’t need to perform peace you don’t feel.
• Pain with purpose still hurts. Marina believes everything happens for a reason, and she’s honest that she doesn’t yet know the reason her engagement ended. Holding both truths at once - “I trust God” and “I don’t understand this” - is not a contradiction. It’s the real work of faith.
• Don’t lead with platitudes, just show up. When Marina was devastated, what helped wasn’t theology. It was her friend Darling, who picked up the phone at any hour and didn’t ask questions. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do for someone in pain is simply stay.
• Healing lives in service, not in solitude. Marina found her way back to herself not by closing the door and crying over photos, but by going back to church, pouring into others, and dancing. Moving toward people was what finally moved her forward.
• You can be happy now. In one of the episode’s most memorable moments, Marina breaks down the math of happiness: about 70% of life is ordinary moments - commuting, cooking, school drop-offs. The big celebrations are maybe 20-30%. Joy isn’t something you earn at the Eiffel Tower, it’s a decision you make in the car on the way to work.
• Compassion is putting on someone else’s shoes, and meaning it. On her way to this interview, Marina saw a man experiencing homelessness in the midday heat and started crying in the car. That’s her definition of compassion: not a concept, but a gut response. What if that were someone I loved?

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In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Stephen Panus - author, speaker, and bereaved father - to hear the story of August 9, 2020: the day his 16-year-old son Jake was killed as a passenger in a reckless car crash that changed everything. Stephen shares, with extraordinary candor and vulnerability, what it means to lose a child suddenly and without warning, from the out-of-body shock and the long months of survival mode, to the slow, deliberate work of learning to walk on. Together, he and Jennifer explore the nature of grief as a life sentence rather than a finish line, the spiritual transformation that emerged from his darkest years, and the breathtaking way Jake's legacy has continued to live - through scholarships for Lakota youth in South Dakota, a football scholarship at the University of South Carolina, and the arrival of April, the daughter Stephen believes Jake always knew was coming. This is a conversation about love that doesn't end, hope that refuses to surrender, and what it truly means to show up, for both the people we've lost and the ones still here.

📍 This episode was recorded in Fairfield, Connecticut.

MEET STEPHEN PANUS

Stephen Panus is an author, storyteller, mentor, and coach driven by purpose, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can turn pain into positive change. As the author of the best-selling book Walk On, he shares his deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of his 16-year-old son, Jake, who was a passenger in a vehicle tragically killed in a reckless and senseless car crash in the summer of 2020. Through telling his story, inspirational speaking, and leadership development training, Stephen inspires others to find strength, create meaning, and hold tightly onto hope in life’s most difficult moments. His debut novel, The Circles We Carry, will be published on December 4, 2026.

CONNECT WITH STEPHEN

Website: www.stephenpanus.com

Facebook / X / LinkedIn: @stephenpanus

Instagram: @stephenbpanus

Book: Walk On

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here is what stayed with us long after this conversation ended:

• Grief is a life sentence, not a phase. Stephen doesn't offer false comfort around timelines. Five years out, grief still rears up - at football games, in grocery store aisles, in quiet moments that catch him off guard. What changes isn't the loss; it's the capacity to carry it.
• Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Raised to get up and move on, Stephen discovered that his willingness to speak openly about his grief - to cry, to say he wasn’t okay - became the very thing that helped others find their own way through.
• Helping others was his path back to purpose. When meaning felt impossible, Stephen found it first at a scholarship ceremony at the University of South Carolina, looking into a young man’s face and feeling joy for the first time. Service became the bridge between survival and living.
• Jake’s legacy didn't end with his death, it grew. Three scholarships now carry Jake's name: for Lakota children in South Dakota, walk-on football players at USC, and inner-city youth in Bridgeport, CT. Each recipient carries a piece of Jake forward. For a bereaved parent, Stephen says, that is everything.
• The arrival of April felt like a message from Jake. Since age three, Jake had insisted he had a sister, drawing her in crayon family portraits before she existed. When April arrived at their door years after Jake’s death, with curly hair and a left-handed swing just like his, the family felt something undeniable: Jake had always known.
• You can't say the right thing, so just show up. When asked how to support someone in grief, Stephen’s answer was simple: don’t worry about finding words. Show up. Mow their lawn. Sit in silence. Cry with them. Presence is the only gift that actually helps.
• We all carry invisible backpacks of suffering. Stephen’s framework for extending grace in a fragmented world: imagine everyone you meet is carrying an invisible backpack filled with their own pain. That reframe alone, he says, is enough to move from judgment to compassion.

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What happens when the story you've built your grief around turns out to be a different story entirely? In this deeply moving episode, Jennifer sits down with Lisa Sugarman, author, mental health advocate, crisis counselor, and suicide loss survivor, in Salem, Massachusetts, to talk about one of the most profound and disorienting experiences a person can face: learning, decades later, that her father had died by suicide.

Lisa was ten years old when she lost her father - the person she describes as her best friend and her whole world. For 35 years, she grieved him and his sudden death. Then, at 45, the same age her father was when he died, she learned the truth. What followed was not just a second wave of grief, but an entirely new kind of reckoning, one that forced her to revisit every memory, every conversation, and every piece of the story she had carried inside her for a lifetime.

Lisa and Jennifer explore what it means to grieve someone twice, the particular and layered weight of suicide loss, the courage it took Lisa's mother to carry this secret alone for 35 years, and how Lisa ultimately transformed her pain into a life of advocacy - becoming a crisis counselor with the Trevor Project, a facilitator with Samaritans, and the creator of the Help Hub, one of the most comprehensive mental health resource platforms available today.

This is a conversation about truth, compassion, and what it looks like to turn the heaviest thing you carry into something that helps others carry theirs.

📍 This episode was recorded in Salem, Massachusetts.

MEET LISA SUGARMAN

Lisa Sugarman is an author and three-time survivor of suicide loss. A passionate mental health advocate, she serves as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project and as a storyteller with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she uses her lived experience to help others find healing through connection and community.

She's the Founder of The HelpHUB™, the most inclusive and comprehensive free online destination for mental health resources, tools, treatment options, crisis hotlines, and content designed to support the diverse needs of every community. Lisa is the author of Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (2026), How to Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids and Be OK With It (2019), Untying Parent Anxiety (2017), and LIFE: It Is What It Is (2014). She also cohosts The Survivors Podcast, a show that provides candid conversations and real stories of survival for anyone impacted by suicide or mental illness.

Lisa is also a facilitator for Safe Place, a virtual support group for survivors of suicide loss hosted by Samaritans Southcoast in Boston, where she also serves as a board member. She is a contributor to the Mental Health Television Network (MHTN), and her writing has appeared in Calmerry, Healthline Parenthood, Grown & Flown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, LittleThings, The Washington Post, and Psychology Today. A former nationally syndicated columnist, Lisa continues to write widely on topics of suicide, grief & loss, and mental health and wellness. Lisa lives and writes just north of Boston. Learn more at TheHepHUB.co.

CONNECT WITH LISA

🌐 Website: TheHelpHUB.co

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/thelisasugarman

📹 YouTube: youtube.com/@thehelphubonyoutube

📱TikTok: tiktok.com/@thehelphubontiktok

📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thehelphub.co

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here's what stayed with us long after this conversation ended:

• Suicide grief is its own category of loss. Unlike other forms of grief, losing someone to suicide layers on shame, guilt, the unanswerable why, and a kind of reckoning that never fully closes. Lisa describes it as a spiral staircase - you move up and down it unpredictably, and the only way through is radical grace for wherever you happen to be standing that day.
• You can grieve someone twice. When Lisa learned the truth about her father's death at 45, every feeling from age ten rushed back in an instant. Grief, she reflects, lives in the body, and learning a new truth about an old loss can restart the whole process from minute one. This is not a failure of healing, it’s part of it.
• Secrets kept out of love still carry weight. Lisa's mother bore 35 years of silence to protect her daughter. Lisa holds no resentment. Instead, she sees her mother's choice as one of the most extraordinary acts of love she has ever witnessed. And the 12-year conversation that followed the truth being revealed became one of the most beautiful chapters of their relationship.
• The people who seem the happiest can be carrying the most. Lisa's father was joyful, adventurous, deeply present, and also privately struggling in ways no one around him could see. This is not an anomaly, it’s a reminder that we cannot rely on surface presentation to gauge the depth of someone's pain, and that checking in matters even when everything looks fine.
• Grief does not end, and that's okay to say out loud. Our hustle culture wants us to process, tidy up, and move on. Lisa pushes back: grief is not a box you check. Naming that truth without apology is, itself, a form of liberation. When we stop waiting to be done grieving, we can finally meet ourselves where we actually are.
• Knowledge is protection, not burden. When Lisa finally told her daughters about their grandfather's suicide, she wasn't passing down trauma, she was giving them the tools to understand their own mental health landscape. Families that speak openly about mental illness, she believes, raise children who are more likely to seek help when they need it.
• Compassion is showing up exactly where someone is. When asked what compassion means to her, Lisa's answer was grounded and precise: true compassion is meeting someone in their actual moment, without an agenda, without a fix, and holding space for whatever form that moment takes.

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Ana recounts the visceral moment she stood outside her childhood home in Havana as a banner was nailed across the door reading "Property of the Revolution", and the decades of storytelling, grief, humor, and resilience that followed. She and Jennifer dive into what it truly means to be a refugee (not just an immigrant), the multi-generational Cuban household that became Ana's entire world and moral compass, and how the women of her family rewrote their trauma into a survival story rooted in pride and laughter.

They also explore the realities of how the Cuban Revolution has been romanticized and misrepresented in American classrooms, the unique identity struggles of being Cuban American in a country that doesn't always know how to hold that complexity, and why Ana believes stories are the only real antidote to division. This is a conversation about belonging, memory, and what we owe the people who carried us here.

📍 This episode was recorded in Concord, New Hampshire.

MEET ANA FLASTER

Ana Hebra Flaster was just shy of her sixth birthday when her family fled post-revolutionary Cuba, in 1967, and settled in Nashua, New Hampshire. She graduated from Smith College and was a software consultant before beginning her writing career. Her essays have been published by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Boston Globe, among other national print and online media. Her commentaries and storytelling have aired on national broadcasts of NPR’s All Things Considered and PBS’s Stories from the Stage.

Property of the Revolution, her first book, has won early recognition in several international writing competitions, including being shortlisted in the 2023 Restless Book’s New Immigrant Writing Prize and the 2022 Cintas Creative Writing Fellowship, and first place in the 2025 International Book Awards (Creative Nonfiction) and the 2025 Discovery Book Awards (Nonfiction overall). After forty years in the Boston area, Ana recently moved back home to southern New Hampshire with her husband, Andy, and their Havanese pups, Luna and Beny Moré.

CONNECT WITH ANA

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/anahebraflaster

📸 Instagram: @anahebraflaster

✉️ Substack: anahflaster.substack.com

📖 Book: Property of the Revolution — available wherever books are sold

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anahebraflaster

🌐 Website: anacubana.com

🐦 X / Twitter: @AnaHebraFlaster

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Here's what stayed with us long after this conversation ended:

• Stories are not just nostalgia, they are survival. For Ana's family, retelling the stories of Cuba wasn't about living in the past. It was how they processed grief, preserved identity, and gave their children something solid to stand on. The stories kept them alive in ways no amount of material stability could.
• Children sense injustice before they have the words for it. Standing outside her locked Havana home at age five, Ana didn't have the vocabulary for revolution or displacement, but she knew something deeply unfair had happened. That early, wordless recognition never left her, and it became the driving force behind her life's work.
• The refugee experience doesn't end at arrival. Ana draws a sharp and important distinction between immigration and refuge: refugees flee, often with nothing, knowing they will likely never return and may never see their loved ones again. That particular grief doesn't resolve. It travels with you, and it shapes every generation that follows.
• The women who spin the survival story are also the ones quietly grieving. Ana's mother, grandmother, and aunt transformed their trauma into a story of triumph — "We beat Castro, look at us go." But behind closed doors, they were crying in dark rooms. Both things were true at once: the resilience and the grief. Holding that complexity is how they protected their children.
• History written by the victors can silence an entire community's truth. Ana encountered the romanticized version of the Cuban Revolution in her own college economics classes, and she pushed back. The propaganda around figures like Fidel and Che has obscured what most Cubans actually wanted and what they actually lost. Telling the fuller, more complex story is itself an act of resistance.
• We are drowning in data and starving for wisdom. One of the most striking lines of the conversation: "We're drowning in data and starving for wisdom." Ana sees storytelling, especially from older generations, as the antidote to the noise, fear, and tribalism that fragment us. Wisdom lives in the stories we no longer have time to sit still for.
• Start with the human, not the label. Ana's message to high schoolers — and to all of us — is the same: before you try to figure out someone's politics, ask who they are, what they've been through, what they care about. That's where common ground lives. The extreme version of what happens when we don't? She watched it happen in Cuba.

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After a string of tumultuous relationships that left her gaslit, depleted, and sitting in a bathtub wondering how she got there, Abby made a radical decision — to spend an entire year intentionally single, intentionally present, and intentionally devoted to her own company. The result? A healing journey she never could have predicted, a book, and a relationship she never knew was possible.

From solo concerts and dining alone for the first time to impulsive ear piercings and sunrise coffee dates by the lake, Abby shares the raw, funny, and deeply human story of what it looks like to truly date yourself — awkwardness, check-engine-light moments, and all. She and Jennifer also dive into the pressures women face around singlehood, the power of therapy and self-reflection, codependency and healing, and what it really means to show up for yourself before you can fully show up for anyone else.

📍This episode was recorded in Concord, New Hampshire.

MEET ABBY ROSMARIN

Abby Rosmarin is the author of The Year of Dating Myself: How My Solo Tour Healed More Than Just My Heartbreak. Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Bustle, the Bangalore Review, and others.

CONNECT WITH ABBY

• Book: The Year of Dating Myself
• Instagram

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Your story doesn’t start in a vacuum. The patterns in our adult relationships almost always trace back further than we think. Recognizing those echoes, without shame, is the first step toward changing them.
• Dating yourself is an act of intention, not circumstance. Abby didn’t just “be single”, she committed to a structured, year-long practice of taking herself out, showing up for herself, and treating her own company as something worth investing in.
• Self-care doesn’t have to be grand. Some of Abby’s most meaningful moments were a $5 coffee and a sunrise at the lake. Romanticizing the small things is a skill and a gift you can give yourself any day.
• You’re not being watched as closely as you think. One of the most liberating lessons of solo adventures? Nobody is paying as much attention to you as your anxiety says they are. Do the thing anyway.
• Codependency is quiet — until it isn’t. Abby reflects on how deeply her sense of identity had become wrapped up in romantic relationships, and how the year of dating herself helped her find, and keep, her own ground.
• Loneliness is real, and it’s survivable. Being intentionally single doesn’t mean you won’t miss romantic love. It means you learn you can miss it and still be okay.
• You don’t have to wait until rock bottom. Dating yourself isn’t just for the heartbroken. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, carving out time to be with yourself makes you a better partner, friend, and human.
• Compassion is curiosity. When asked what compassion means to her, Abby’s answer was beautifully simple: instead of painting someone with a one-dimensional brush, get curious about what they might be carrying.

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In this conversation, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Cheryl Johnson, a woman who has moved 45 times across 8 states, visited all 50 states, and learned that life's greatest gifts often come disguised as detours.

Cheryl's story begins at age 8 on an airplane, helping flight attendants pick up trash and dreaming of a glamorous life in the skies. For over a decade, she applied relentlessly to airlines, facing rejection after rejection until her tenacity—and some creative phone book detective work—finally paid off.

But becoming a flight attendant during the chaos of 1980s airline deregulation was just the beginning. Marriage, motherhood, financial struggles, and personal challenges tested Cheryl in ways she never anticipated. Through constant moves, difficult relationships, and moments when she didn't know where help would come from, Cheryl discovered something profound: the job she'd dreamed about since childhood wasn't her calling. Motherhood was.

Now settled on 8 acres after a lifetime of motion, remarried for 25 years, and deeply invested in family history, Cheryl reflects on what it means to let go of what you thought you wanted in order to embrace what life is actually offering you.

This is a story about tenacity and transformation, about the courage to pivot when circumstances demand it, and about learning that true compassion means getting down in the hole with people rather than just throwing them a rope from above.

📍This episode was recorded in Manassas, VA

CONTENT WARNING

This episode contains discussions of:

• Domestic violence and physical abuse
• Attempted suicide

MEET CHERYL JOHNSON:

With a life marked by a broad array of cultural experiences and extraordinary circumstances, Cheryl Johnson has found her greatest lessons outside of a traditional classroom. Her unique path, which includes relocating countless times and navigating the distinct challenges of being married to a person who was blind, has equipped her with a rare perspective. Cheryl invites you to explore her motivational story of adaptation, proving that every twist and turn is an opportunity to learn and grow.

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

LinkedIn

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Tenacity pays off—but flexibility matters more: Cheryl chased her flight attendant dream relentlessly, but her willingness to pivot when life demanded it brought her the most fulfillment.
2. Dreams can change, and that's okay: What you want at 8 (or 18, or 28) doesn't have to define you forever. Cheryl discovered motherhood was more satisfying than her childhood dream career.
3. Moving doesn't have to mean losing relationships: Cheryl made lifelong friends in Alaska after only 5 years and reconnected 20+ years later as if no time had passed.
4. Assumptions about disabilities are often wrong: Cheryl's blind first husband downhill skied, rode bikes, walked everywhere, went hunting, and mowed lawns—defying every stereotype.
5. Religious/spiritual differences in marriage create significant challenges: The rift between Cheryl's deep faith and her first husband's lack of it was a constant source of conflict.
6. Financial naivety can have devastating consequences: Giving their lender all their savings the night before closing left them with nothing during a vulnerable time.
7. Domestic violence often escalates: The first incident of physical abuse (thrown up stairs) was a warning sign—15 years later, it escalated to near-fatal violence.
8. Divine intervention shows up in unexpected ways: Cheryl's youngest daughter saying "Jesus told me to come home" saved her mother's life.
9. Community and family support are survival necessities: Without her parents and family, Cheryl would have been homeless multiple times.
10. Age gaps in relationships aren't automatic deal-breakers: Cheryl (38) and her second husband (25) have been married 25 years and built a stable, happy life together.
11. Transformation is the goal of learning: Cheryl's mantra is that learning isn't about acquiring information—it's about allowing experiences to transform you.
12. Travel changes how you see the world: Pictures can't capture the feelings, culture, and experiences of being in a place—you have to be there.
13. Compassion means getting in the hole with people: Referencing Brené Brown, Cheryl defines compassion as not just helping from a distance, but climbing down into someone's struggle with them.
14. You can't preserve what you don't share: Despite living incredible stories, Cheryl's own children don't remember events they were central to—oral storytelling and recording matter.
15. Every season has its purpose: From constant travel to settling on 8 acres with too many dogs, each season of life offers different gifts.

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In this powerful episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Ruth Carroll—a survivor whose story spans decades of unimaginable abuse, yet who now stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Ruth's story begins in the innocence of childhood, with memories of happy Christmases and playing in the front yard. But at age six, when her parents divorced without explanation, everything changed. Moving in with her grandparents at seven, Ruth entered a world of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.

From there, Ruth's life became a devastating cycle: constant abuse, relocations every six months that prevented her from forming friendships, a near-abduction at 15 that nearly ended in murder, running away at 16 to escape into an 18-year abusive marriage, and even encounters with demonic worship and threats against her life.

Yet through it all—through two suicide attempts, years of being told she was worthless, and a nervous system perpetually on high alert—Ruth found unexpected gifts: a calling as an EMT where her trauma became her superpower, the strength to learn karate and car mechanics to prepare her escape, and ultimately, a relationship with God that anchored her healing.

Now remarried for the right reasons, a professional photographer, and the author of a memoir, “Held By His Hands”, Ruth shares her story - not for shock value, but to tell even one person: You don't have to live like this. You are not alone. There is a way out.

This is a story of survival, resilience, and the evergreen journey to true healing.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

MEET RUTH CARROLL:

From the age of seven to thirty-five, Ruth’s life was shaped in shadows—learning how to survive before she ever learned how to feel safe. Ruth walked through years of abuse, silence, and fear, carrying wounds no one could see. She escaped with her life, but I did not escape alone. God met her in the darkest places, lifted her from what tried to destroy her, and taught her heart how to breathe again. What was meant to break her became the soil where faith and healing took root. Ruth’s story is one of survival, surrender, and the quiet power of grace.

CONNECT WITH RUTH:

Purchase Ruth’s Memoir - Held By His Hands

Ruth’s Facebook

Held By His Hands Facebook

Ruth’s Instagram

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Abuse creates distorted normal: When abuse starts in childhood, victims have no baseline for healthy relationships—everything abusive becomes "normal."
2. Abusers isolate their victims: Constant moving, controlling money, disabling cars, and cutting off support systems are all tactics to maintain power.
3. Strangulation is a red flag for lethality: Non-fatal strangulation is one of the strongest predictors that an abuser will eventually kill their victim.
4. Trauma can become a gift in unexpected ways: Ruth's history of trauma gave her unique resilience as an EMT—her different baseline allowed her to help others in crisis.
5. Healing is not linear and takes time: Ruth didn't begin true healing until her 50s, after multiple failed relationships and years of codependency.
6. You don't need to understand everything to escape: Ruth learned karate, car mechanics, and saved money without a clear plan—she just knew she needed skills to survive.
7. Building community is important: The church gave Ruth her first understanding that she was loved and that the abuse wasn't her fault.
8. Children need to be told what's happening: Ruth's parents never explained the divorce—this lack of information left her feeling abandoned and confused for decades.
9. Breaking codependency requires solitude: Ruth needed five years living completely alone before she could enter a healthy relationship.
10. You can break generational cycles: Ruth gave her children the boundaries and values she never received, even though she felt like she was failing them.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

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In this raw and reflective episode, Jennifer opens up about the three-year odyssey of creating this show, from publishing her first episode at 11:50 PM on January 31st, 2023 (cutting it close to her self-imposed deadline) to interviewing guests across the world. She shares the deeply personal reasons behind her commitment to in-person interviews, how her grandfathers' stories inspired the podcast, and why she believes everyone has a story worth telling.

Jennifer also reveals the evolution of her relationship with travel, from leveraging her podcast as a way to see the world to discovering that solo adventures gave her more confidence than anything else in her life. Plus, she unveils an exciting new venture: The Human Experience Legacies, a curated interview service designed to preserve family stories as heirloom keepsakes.

This is a celebration of 100 episodes, countless miles traveled, and the beautiful realization that sometimes our dreams are already happening—even when they don't look exactly like we imagined.

Key Takeaways

1. Everyone has a story worth telling: You don't need trauma or drama—being alive means you have experiences that matter and they are doors to connection.
2. Dreams happening ≠ dreams perfected: Your dreams may already be coming true even if they don't match your original vision. Don't let perfectionism blind you to your progress.
3. Confidence comes from doing: Solo travel, launching a podcast, or any challenge teaches you that you're capable of more than you thought—and you don't need anyone's permission.
4. In-person connection is irreplaceable: There's something sacred about physically bearing witness to someone's story that can't be replicated virtually.
5. Preserve stories before it's too late: Voices, laughter, emotion—these disappear when people pass. Recording stories in real-time is a gift to future generations.
6. Compassion is about being present: You don't need to fix, advise, or relate—sometimes compassion means simply bearing witness and sitting in lament with someone.
7. Travel expands your worldview exponentially: Leaving your bubble and experiencing how others live teaches you that "maybe my life experience isn't the only one that matters."

Memorable Episodes Referenced

• Episodes 57 & 58 - Alisa’s Story
• Episode 22 - Susan’s Story

Quotes to Remember

"Our stories are always gonna be the thing that capture our humanity, so they're always worth telling." - Jennifer Peterkin

"If I want to do it, I can do it... Nothing is holding you back except yourself." - Jennifer Peterkin

"You're alive, so you have a story. The problem is that we feel like things have to be so dramatic or, unfortunately, traumatic for them to be worth telling." - Jennifer Peterkin

"Just because the vision you have in your head about what your dream is, just because that doesn't fully get realized, doesn't mean that your dreams aren't happening and they aren't a reality." - Jennifer Peterkin

"When somebody is in need of compassion, they don't need fixing. They need a soft place to land." - Jennifer Peterkin

"I think lamentation is something that we are very uncomfortable with because there is no quick fix for it... I think that it is an act of compassion itself. And I also think it's an act of worship when we can sit with somebody and just try to feel this depth of sorrow for their pain and not try to do anything else with it." - Jennifer Peterkin

"Just because you're not in the exact place you thought you would be when all of these things are happening doesn't negate the fact that they are happening." - Jennifer Peterkin

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📍 This episode was recorded in Lawrence, Massachusetts

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In this deeply reflective episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin visits lifelong New Yorker Tony Stewart, who shares an intimate story of love, creativity, and grief.

Tony recounts meeting his wife, Lynn Kotula—an accomplished painter—and building a life together rooted in art, exploration, and storytelling. He opens up about Lynn’s cancer diagnosis, the emotional and practical realities of caregiving, and the profound ways illness reshapes relationships.

Through honesty and vulnerability, Tony reflects on grief, resilience, and how sharing personal stories—through writing and community—can become a powerful tool for healing and connection in the aftermath of loss.

📍 This episode was recorded in New York, New York.

Key Takeaways:

● The podcast’s mission centers on courage, vulnerability, and the power of personal storytelling.

● Tony shares his life story and relationship with his wife, Lynn, and their shared experiences in New York City.

● Reflections on city life versus country life and how place shapes identity.

● The story of how Tony and Lynn met, including their age difference and creative partnership.

● Lynn’s career as an artist and the challenges she faced in the art world.

● Tony’s background in filmmaking and software development at the intersection of creativity and technology.

● The impact of Lynn’s cancer diagnosis on their marriage and daily life.

● Using CaringBridge to communicate updates and maintain social connection during illness.

● The emotional toll of caregiving and the importance of honest communication.

● Storytelling as a means of processing grief and fostering understanding.

Tony Stewart’s Bio:

Tony Stewart has led a multifaceted career spanning film, technology, and storytelling. He has made award-winning films for colleges and universities, written software praised by The New York Times and The New York Daily News, designed a grants-management system used by three of the world’s five largest charities, and led the development of an international standard for advertising transaction messaging.

Tony is the author of the memoir Carrying the Tiger, which won two Gold Medals at the 2025 Global Book Awards. Inspired by the healing process of writing his memoir, Tony studied with David Kessler and is now a Certified Grief Educator.

He and his late wife, painter Lynn Kotula, traveled extensively through India and Southeast Asia, embracing local cultures, food, and life off the beaten path. Today, Tony continues to share stories that explore love, loss, and resilience.

Connect with Tony Stewart:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonystewartny/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570889459153

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonystewart/

📰 Substack: https://tonystewartauthor.substack.com

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Becky shares her life journey marked by profound hardship, including the death of her teenage brother, raising children with special needs, divorce, and sudden paralysis from transverse myelitis—a rare spinal cord inflammation that left her wheelchair-bound just days after her marriage ended. Through it all, Becky reflects on grief, uncertainty, and the strength she found through faith, family, community, and storytelling.

She also discusses founding Pathfinders for Autism, navigating evolving autism awareness, and how writing became both a lifeline and a calling—allowing her to connect with others and offer hope through shared experience. Becky’s story is a testament to compassion, perseverance, and the belief that life can still be good—no matter what.

📍 This episode was recorded in Timonium, Maryland

Key Takeaways:

● Personal experiences of profound loss and lifelong grief.

● The impact of a sibling’s death on family dynamics and identity.

● How different family members grieve in different ways.

● The challenges and rewards of raising children with special needs.

● Coping strategies for repeated adversity and unanswered questions.

● The importance of community, support systems, and shared understanding.

● The evolution of autism awareness and access to resources.

● Balancing personal health challenges with parenting and purpose.

● The role of faith, optimism, and mindset in resilience.

● Storytelling as a powerful tool for healing, connection, and hope.

Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli’s Bio:

Rebecca (Becky) Faye Smith Galli is an author and columnist who writes about love, loss, resilience, and healing. After surviving a series of life-altering losses—including the death of her 17-year-old brother, her son’s degenerative illness and death, her daughter’s autism diagnosis, divorce, and paralysis from transverse myelitis—Becky discovered an unexpected but prolific writing career.

In 2000, The Baltimore Sun published her first column about playing soccer with her son—from the wheelchair that inspired her long-running column, From Where I Sit. Her website now houses over 400 published columns.

Becky is the author of Rethinking Possible: A Memoir of Resilience (2017) and Morning Fuel: Daily Inspirations to Stretch Your Mind Before Starting Your Day (2024). She continues to publish Thoughtful Thursdays—Lessons from a Resilient Heart, sharing insights that help others stay grounded in hope.

A Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill, Becky previously worked at IBM, where she received the Golden Circle Award for marketing excellence. She lives in Lutherville, Maryland, outside of Baltimore. Her guiding belief: “Life can be good—no matter what.”

Connect with Becky Galli:

🌐 Website: www.BeckyGalli.com

🌐 Website: www.RebeccaFayeSmithGalli.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chairwriter/

🐦 X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/chairwriter

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-faye-smith-galli-061501a/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chairwriter/

📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/chairwriter/

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In this powerful and deeply heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Minister Jalisa Hardy, also known as The Golden Child, for a courageous conversation about generational trauma, resilience, and healing.

Jalisa shares her story beginning from her miraculous conception and birth — a pregnancy filled with medical challenges and a prognosis that doctors believed she would not survive. Through her mother’s unwavering faith and spiritual encounters, she entered the world against all odds.

From there, Jalisa opens up about her early exposure to trauma, cycles of abuse, dysfunction, and secrecy that ran through generations of her family. She breaks down how therapy became a lifeline, helping her confront internalized shame, unhealthy relationship patterns, and the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and the church.

Her journey through forgiveness, faith, and self-acceptance illuminates what it means to reclaim your narrative and discover freedom from within. Through transparency and vulnerability, Jalisa offers hope, empowerment, and inspiration to anyone navigating their own healing process.

📍 This episode was recorded in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Key Takeaways:

● Jalisa’s story begins with her miraculous birth and the medical challenges surrounding her pregnancy.

● Her mother’s faith played a crucial role in defying medical predictions.

● Early childhood trauma shaped Jalisa’s self-perception and emotional development.

● Generational cycles of abuse and dysfunction formed patterns she later fought to break.

● Therapy became a pivotal part of her healing journey.

● Jalisa discusses stigma around therapy within the Black community and church culture.

● She explores difficult truths about parenting, forgiveness, and redefining family roles.

● Her experiences with unhealthy relationships highlight the importance of self-worth and boundaries.

● Sharing her story is part of her mission to inspire hope, healing, and empowerment in others.

Minister Jalisa Hardy’s Bio:

Minister Jalisa Hardy, known as The Golden Child, is a single mother, survivor, and transformative healer based in Maryland. She is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Healer, Self-Discovery & Alignment Coach, Human Design Expert, Trauma of Money Certified Professional, and self-published author.

Through her signature Freedom Framework featured in her book It’s All in Me!: My Journey to Freedom & Living Abundantly, and her C.A.L.M. Method from the 30-Day C.A.L.M. Life Planner, Jalisa empowers women to embrace purpose, pleasure, and peace. Her mission is to cultivate a community of women who lead fully aligned, liberated lives.

Her mantra encapsulates her philosophy: “Whatever you need to truly heal, it’s all in you.”

Connect with Minister Jalisa Hardy (The Golden Child):

🌐 Website: www.jalisahardy.com

📅 Book a Self-Discovery & Alignment Call: https://jalisaray.as.me/?appointmentType=59342083

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jalisathegoldenchild

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalisathegoldenchild

📍 Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/members/96818932/

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/jalisathegoldenchild

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalisathegoldenchild

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jalisathegoldenchild

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Angela shares candid reflections on her lifelong search for validation, the pain of unmet expectations, and the transformative process of learning to nurture herself from within. Through honesty and vulnerability, she explores how grief, accountability, and creative expression have shaped her path toward healing.

Her story is a reminder that transformation is always possible—at any stage of life—when we learn to set boundaries, care for ourselves deeply, and embrace our truth with radical transparency and self-love.

📍 This episode was recorded in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Key Takeaways:

● Angela’s experience with codependency and how it affected her identity and relationships.

● The importance of self-awareness and healing from depression and suicidal ideation.

● Self-care and boundary-setting as essential practices for well-being.

● Breaking free from external validation and redefining self-worth.

● The pressures women and mothers face around productivity, identity, and emotional labor.

● The role of accountability and radical honesty in personal growth.

● Navigating grief in its many forms—loss of people, identity, and expectations.

● Learning to self-soothe and manage emotional triggers with compassion.

● Embracing vulnerability and transparency as tools for lasting healing.

● Finding freedom through creativity, self-acceptance, and storytelling.

Interview recorded in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Angela Harvey’s Bio:

Angela Harvey is a compelling author and poet whose work captures the depths of human emotion and resilience. Based in Wake Forest, North Carolina, she has spent over 25 years facilitating workshops and hosting personal growth retreats that help others reconnect with their authentic selves.

Her debut poetry self-help book, Poetic Alchemy: Seven Intentions for Healing, Growth, and Transformation, grew out of her own experiences with heartbreak and self-discovery—transforming pain into art and insight.

Angela serves as the Director of Black Rainbow Love and is a columnist for SWERV Magazine. Through her writing, speaking, and teaching, she continues to empower others to embrace their potential, practice self-love, and heal through creativity and connection.

Connect with Angela Harvey:

🌐 Website: www.angieharveyspeaks.com

🌐 Head of Statements: www.headofstatements.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Angela Harvey

📺 YouTube: @AngieHarveySpeaks

📘 Facebook: Angela Harvey Speaks

📸 Instagram: @angieharveyspeaks

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In this profound episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin and guest interviewer Linda explore the extraordinary story of a woman whose Hungarian refugee parents survived World War II and the Holocaust.

The guest recounts the shocking discovery of her hidden Jewish heritage within a family that had long believed they were Catholic. Through years of research, recovered letters, and family documents, she uncovers her mother’s recognition as “Righteous Among the Nations” and her father’s harrowing survival in Nazi labor camps.

This conversation weaves together personal storytelling and historical truth, illuminating the weight of inherited trauma, the courage to confront silence, and the power of remembrance. Linda’s journey serves as a moving reminder that uncovering our histories—no matter how painful—connects us to our humanity and shapes the stories we pass forward.

📍 This episode was recorded in Great Falls, Virginia.

Key Takeaways:

● Exploration of personal and family identity across generations.

● The guest’s discovery of hidden Jewish roots within a family who believed they were Catholic.

● Her mother’s recognition as Righteous Among the Nations for protecting Jews during the Holocaust.

● Her father’s survival through Nazi labor camps and the brutal conditions of Auschwitz.

● The discovery of family documents and how they revealed a hidden legacy.

● Insights into Hungarian Jewish experiences during World War II.

● The importance of preserving memory and confronting silence among survivors.

● The enduring impact of repression and trauma on post-war identity.

● The guest’s efforts to educate others through The Politzer Saga book and museum exhibition.

● A call to listeners to uncover and share their own family stories of resilience and truth.

Linda Ambrus Broenniman’s Bio:

Linda Ambrus Broenniman grew up in Buffalo, New York, as the middle child of seven born to Catholic Hungarian physicians who survived World War II and began a new life in the United States in 1949.

After earning her BA in Psychology from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Linda left corporate America to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship, founding companies in technology and biotechnology. Her curiosity and drive to uncover hidden potential led her on a personal quest to uncover her own hidden family history.

Through years of research, Linda pieced together the remarkable story of her Jewish ancestors—the Politzer family—and their lives lost to her father’s silence. Her book, The Politzer Saga, brings their stories to life and forms the foundation of The Politzer Saga Exhibit, a permanent exhibition housed in the newly renovated Rumbach Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary.

Linda lives in Great Falls, Virginia with her husband, Ed, of 30 years.

Connect with Linda Ambrus Broenniman:

🌐 Website: www.politzersaga.com

📸 Instagram: @lindabroennimanauthor

📘 Facebook: Linda Broenniman Author Page

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In this deeply moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Cheryl Wilder, who shares her remarkable journey of survival, accountability, and transformation following a tragic car accident at age 20 that changed the course of her life.

Cheryl recounts the night of the crash that left her friend severely injured and led to her being charged with manslaughter. She speaks with honesty about the trauma, shame, and legal challenges that followed—and how those painful experiences became catalysts for healing and self-discovery. Through creativity, poetry, and intentional inner work, Cheryl found a way to rebuild her life, redefining what it means to take responsibility, process grief, and embrace the complexity of the human experience.

📍 This episode was recorded in Haw River, North Carolina.

Key Takeaways:

● Cheryl’s life was transformed by a tragic car accident at age 20.

● The role of alcohol and decision-making in shaping life-altering events.

● Legal consequences and the emotional toll of facing manslaughter charges.

● Living with shame, guilt, and the challenge of public judgment.

● The concept of post-traumatic growth and what it means to heal after devastation.

● Navigating family dynamics, isolation, and societal perceptions of drinking and driving.

● The coexistence of grief, remorse, and hope—learning to hold duality with grace.

● The importance of creativity, self-expression, and poetry in recovery.

● Intentional healing and the lifelong work of self-compassion and meaning-making.

Interview recorded in North Carolina.

Cheryl Wilder’s Bio:

Cheryl Wilder is an author, coach, and motivational speaker whose life and work center around authenticity, accountability, and the power of healing through creativity. In her community, Cheryl co-leads the For Alamance Arts & Culture Team, chairs a county-wide student writing contest, and serves as a member-at-large for the North Carolina Poetry Society.

She is the author of three poetry collections:

• What Binds Us (Finishing Line Press, 2017)
• Anything That Happens (Press 53, 2021)
• Singing Riptide (Press 53, 2025)

As the founder of BornWilder LLC, Cheryl helps clients nurture awareness and accountability to develop deeper connection and belonging in their lives. As a speaker, she shares her own experiences with shame, forgiveness, and personal growth to inspire others to reclaim their stories.

Connect with Cheryl Wilder:

🌐 Website: https://bornwilder.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-wilder/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@borncherylwilder

📰 Substack (coming 2026): https://cherylwilder.substack.com/

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John shares his early years growing up near San Francisco, his studies in mathematics and economics, and his first career as a health economist before answering the call to ministry. He recounts candid experiences from serving as a pastor in rural Ohio—including supporting an AIDS patient at a time of deep stigma and navigating the complex truths within Amish communities.

The conversation explores themes of vulnerability, empathy, inclusion, and the challenge of fostering change in diverse American communities. Now retired, John reflects on his transition into writing and creative pursuits, bringing the same compassion and curiosity that guided his ministry into his fiction.

📍 This episode was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Key Takeaways:

● Vulnerability and courage are central to authentic storytelling.

● John’s personal journey spans health economics, military service, and pastoral ministry.

● Rural and urban communities offer stark cultural contrasts that shape ministry and daily life.

● Ministry required navigating inclusion, compassion, and difficult truths.

● He shares experiences supporting marginalized individuals, including an AIDS patient.

● Religious and societal systems impact personal safety, autonomy, and belonging.

● Secrets within communities can carry heavy consequences, both individually and collectively.

● Empathy and community resilience are vital in creating more inclusive spaces.

● Retirement opened a new chapter for John—writing fiction inspired by lived experiences.

Jonathan Heaslet’s Bio:

Jonathan (John) Heaslet is a retired Army Captain, health economist, and ordained minister. In retirement, he has turned to writing fiction, publishing two novels: EAST OF APPLE GLEN (2023) and HAWKS NEST CHRONICLES — GOOD NEWS FROM OSCEOLA, IOWA.

Drawing from a life of service, faith, and curiosity, John’s writing continues his lifelong commitment to storytelling, empathy, and reflection. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Linda.

Connect with Jonathan Heaslet:

🌐 Website: https://www.JonathanHeaslet.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Jonathan Heaslet

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088773562534

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In this moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Linda, who shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and compassion. After the tragic murder of her best friend and her best friend’s mother, Linda made the life-altering decision to take in the five orphaned children left behind.

What began as an act of love soon transformed into a lifelong mission. Linda opens up about the challenges of unexpected motherhood, the impact of domestic violence on families, and how faith and purpose guided her through unimaginable loss. Her story led to the creation of a ministry that now supports vulnerable children both in the U.S. and Haiti.

This conversation is a powerful testament to the human spirit, the ripple effects of compassion, and the lasting impact one person can make when they choose love over fear.

📍 This episode was recorded in Lavonia, Georgia,.

Takeaways

• The tragic event that left five children orphaned and how Linda stepped in.
• The lasting impact of domestic violence and why awareness matters.
• The challenges of shifting from entrepreneur to unexpected motherhood.
• Founding a ministry to serve vulnerable children in the U.S. and Haiti.
• Firsthand experiences of the harsh realities inside Haitian orphanages.
• Reflections on grief, resilience, faith, and living with purpose.
• How one person’s compassion can spark global impact.

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In this heartfelt episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson, a shamanic healer, artist, and speaker whose life story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation.

Maria opens up about her personal journey through trauma, addiction, and domestic violence, sharing how she overcame struggles with self-worth and found her path to healing. Through sobriety, holistic practices, and shamanic wisdom, Maria discovered the importance of self-love, boundaries, and spiritual connection.

Today, she helps others navigate their own healing journeys—using movement, dance, writing, and light language as tools for transformation. Her testimony highlights the power of vulnerability, resilience, and faith in creating a life of authenticity and purpose.

📍 This episode was recorded in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Key Takeaways:

● Maria shares personal stories of trauma, addiction, and recovery.

● Her journey includes experiences with domestic violence, substance abuse, and eating disorders.

● A spiritual awakening led her to embrace holistic and shamanic practices as tools for healing.

● Self-love, healthy boundaries, and resilience were key in her transformation.

● Creative expression—through dance, writing, and spoken word—helped her reclaim her voice.

● Healing is an ongoing process that requires courage, community, and faith.

● Intuition and spiritual connection play an essential role in daily life.

● Maria’s story is a testament to the transformative power of love and vulnerability.

Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson’s Bio:

Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson is a woman walking the journey of life guided by the healing power of love. A heart-centered healer, Maria is a practicing master shamanic healer and under her brands Emotional Musings and The Musing Shaman, she works with clients all over the world, both in-person and virtually.

Her poetry and Light language inspire others on their healing journeys and stand as living proof of her motto, “Triumphing over Trauma.” Maria has overcome abuse, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and an eating disorder. She is also a three-time triathlete, a master of movement medicine, and a spoken word artist.

Today, Maria speaks to audiences of all ages as a motivational speaker and healer, helping others strengthen the mind-body-spirit connection and step into higher consciousness and self-love.

Connect with Maria Teresa Pratico-Swanson:

🌐 Website: EmotionalMusings.com

🌐 Website: TheMusingShaman.com

📸 Instagram: @emotionalmusings

📺 YouTube: Maria Teresa – Emotional Musings

🎵 TikTok: @emotionalmusings

🔗 LinkedIn: Maria Teresa – Emotional Musings

🐦 X (Twitter): @pratico_teresa

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In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin travels to Clermont, FL and welcomes Derek Newborn, who shares his raw and inspiring journey from abandonment, trauma, and self-destruction to transformation, healing, and purpose.

Growing up in Fort Myers, Florida, Derek faced the pain of parental incarceration, single-parent struggles, and a deep sense of abandonment. Becoming a father at 16 and navigating hardships such as divorce, narcissism, and a suicide attempt, Derek reveals how he reached rock bottom and began the hard process of rebuilding his life.

Through deep vulnerability, self-reflection, and a spiritual awakening, Derek learned to take ownership of his story. His journey of resilience offers listeners valuable insight into self-compassion, accountability, and the power of rewriting one’s narrative.

📍 This episode was recorded in Cleremont, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

● Childhood experiences and family dynamics shape adult struggles and emotional development.

● Derek shares the impact of parental incarceration and the challenges of being raised by a single parent.

● Abandonment and isolation influenced destructive patterns in relationships and self-worth.

● His journey of self-discovery highlights the importance of accountability and rewriting one’s story.

● Trauma is subjective—its impact depends on how it’s carried and processed.

● Community support, vulnerability, and self-compassion are vital to healing.

● Forgiveness is powerful but doesn’t always mean reconciliation.

● Derek describes the shift from narcissism and self-centeredness to authentic connection.

● A spiritual awakening redefined his purpose and ability to help others.

Derek Newborn’s Bio:

Once named one of Florida’s “Top Personal Trainers” and a published fitness model, Derek Newborn appeared to have it all. But beneath the surface, he was unraveling. Multiple suicide attempts, destructive relationships, and narcissistic behaviors nearly cost him everything.

Instead of ending his life, Derek chose to end the version of himself that was destroying it. Through resilience, accountability, and faith, he rebuilt his life brick by brick. Today, Derek helps women escape toxic relationships with narcissists, reclaim their worth, and reconnect with their authentic selves—mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Having lived many lives—teenage father, construction worker, trainer, model, business owner, and survivor—Derek proves it’s never too late to rewrite your story. His mission is clear: no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again—and thrive.

Connect with Derek Newborn:

🌐 Website: dereknewborn.com

📘 The High Ground Coaching Community: Skool – The High Ground

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In this powerful and emotionally charged episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down in Boynton Beach, FL. with Michael W. Allison, MBA—U.S. Marine, Purple Heart recipient, award-winning keynote speaker, and best-selling author—to explore a remarkable life story shaped by trauma, transformation, and purpose.

From a challenging immigrant childhood in Jamaica and Miami marked by poverty, bullying, and abuse, Michael shares his road to redemption through military service, leadership, and healing. He opens up about his combat experiences in Iraq, including surviving a VBIED car bomb, and the lasting psychological impact of war.

Michael also discusses how he rebuilt his life after service—founding The Adversity Academy, helping Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies unlock performance through resilience, and stepping onto stages around the world to inspire others to lead with identity, strength, and courage.

📍 This episode was recorded in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

● Michael’s early life in Jamaica was shaped by poverty, natural disasters, and trauma.

● After immigrating to Miami, he faced bullying, family struggles, and cultural challenges.

● Joining the U.S. Marine Corps gave him a sense of direction, discipline, and brotherhood.

● Boot camp and military service taught him adaptability, leadership, and mental toughness.

● He recounts intense combat experiences in Iraq and the emotional toll of war.

● The unbreakable bonds between Marines and their shared resilience are a central theme.

● Michael explores how trauma shaped his personal life and how healing became a mission.

● Today, he is a global speaker and resilience coach for elite clients including Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon.

● His frameworks—Break The Bottle™, Protect The House™, and Leadership Re-Entry™—are used by leaders worldwide to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.

Michael W. Allison’s Bio:

Michael W. Allison, MBA is a U.S. Marine Purple Heart recipient, 2x Navy & Marine Achievement Medal honoree, INC 5000 entrepreneur, and award-winning internationally recognized keynote speaker. He is the founder of The Adversity Academy Leadership Development Group, where he helps Fortune 500 brands, federal agencies, and industry leaders unlock performance through resilience and identity-driven leadership.

Michael is the creator of the Break The Bottle™, Protect The House™, and Leadership Re-Entry™ frameworks—trusted globally to develop high-performing executive teams. A TEDx speaker and best-selling author of Overcoming Adversity: Getting Your Life Back on Track, Michael draws from his combat survival and trauma recovery experience to guide others toward clarity, conviction, and cultural transformation.

He believes that breaking personal barriers is not just for oneself—but for everyone still watching and wondering if they can.

Connect with Michael Allison:

🌐 Website: https://michaelwallison.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammichaelwallison/

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammichaelallison

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammichaelwallison/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iammikewallison/

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammikewallison

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iammichaelwallison

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📍 This episode was recorded in Orlando, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Matt’s life changed forever when his mother died in a motorcycle accident while he was visiting his father for the summer.
• That moment led to a perfectionist mindset, rooted in fear of further abandonment.
• It took Matt 20 years to begin processing his grief—and therapy helped him understand how much of his life was driven by the fear of not being enough.
• He learned from that experience how to grieve differently when his grandmother—the most consistent maternal figure in his life—passed away.
• Starting The Life Shift podcast became a healing outlet, helping him connect with others through their pivotal life stories.
• Matt’s story highlights how grief can be delayed, repressed, or misunderstood—and how compassion begins with truly listening.

Matt’s Bio:

Matt Gilhooly is the creator and host of The Life Shift Podcast, where he shares candid conversations about the moments that change everything. With nearly 200 episodes and counting, Matt’s built a space where everyday stories are treated with the care and depth they deserve.

He’s also a creative producer and communications strategist with a background in higher education, brand storytelling, and internal communications. But at his core, Matt’s a meaning-maker – someone who believes that honest, human connection is where the real magic happens.

You can learn more at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com or find The Life Shift wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Matt:

www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com

#TheHumanExperiencePodcast

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📍 This episode was recorded in Orange City, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Katherine was born in wartime Hungary and raised by her grandmother while her mother survived a concentration camp.
• After escaping Hungary following the 1956 revolution, she began a new life in the U.S., learning English and working jobs from Woolworth’s to Wall Street.
• Her early love for math laid the groundwork for a structured, logical approach that served her across industries.
• She transitioned from being a gymnast to a playwright, then became a Hollywood agent and screenwriter—all while raising a child alone.
• After nearly 30 years in California, a major earthquake pushed her to reinvent herself once more—this time as a novelist in Florida.
• Katherine speaks candidly about dreams deferred, lessons in resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of inner peace and creative fulfillment.
• Her perspective on compassion and passion is both simple and profound: one is about giving; the other, about being moved to act.

Katherine’s Bio:

It is an arduous task to capsulize 84 years of life that started as a war baby in Europe. Years of being a nationally ranked gymnast ended in escaping from communist Hungary. The refugee saga went from dishwasher to retail jobs, to love, marriage to an actor and on to Hollywood; from talent agent to screenwriter; from broken marriage to single parenting; always taking college courses to better myself. A 6.9 (7.) earthquake triggered my exit from California; becoming a novelist in Florida continued to fulfill years of working for acceptance as an American writer.

Connect with Katherine:

www.katherinemitchellauthor.com

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📍 This episode was recorded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Key Takeaways:

• Robert Kesten is the Executive Director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, which preserves and shares LGBTQ history and culture.
• His activism began in childhood after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., when he organized a fundraiser to help send kids to camp.
• Robert emphasizes the importance of telling full, interconnected histories—likening it to a dense tapestry where every thread matters.
• He has worked across diverse causes: LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, Holocaust remembrance, and international human rights education.
• Kesten produced a documentary on the Holocaust for March of the Living, focusing on emotional impact over dialogue.
• His view of compassion is putting the greater good above oneself, and his guiding philosophy is to leave the world better than he found it.
• Despite decades of global work, he describes his life as "rewarding" rather than "successful"—a reflection on the value of impact over recognition.

Robert Kesten’s Bio:

Kesten is president and CEO of Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The nonprofit organization is one of the largest of its kind in the LGBTQ+ world and one of the oldest, having been started in 1973.

Prior to joining Stonewall, Kesten traveled around the world promoting acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document in building a better and more stable world. Kesten conceptualized the United Nations Decade of Human Rights Education, which was approved by the General Assembly and ran from 1994-2004.

Connect with Robert:

stonewall-museum.org

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📍 This episode was recorded in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

• She Is U is a nonprofit founded by Shakina Rush that offers resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and assault
• Her own lived experiences—beginning with childhood trauma and continuing into young adulthood—fueled the mission behind the organization
• Shakina emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving herself, as a turning point in her healing journey
• Her healing deepened after a spiritual awakening when she first heard God’s voice clearly in her early 20s
• The organization’s unique programs include family bonding weekends, a scholarship fund, bereavement support, and even donating vehicles to survivors
• Shakina believes that domestic violence is a symptom of deeper, often unaddressed trauma
• She is planning new initiatives like Walk in My Shoes, a Converse-sponsored empathy-building experience
• Compassion, to her, means offering grace and practical support—filling the gap without judgment

Shakina Rush’s Bio:

My name is Shakina Rush, and I am an Overcomer! I’ve overcome childhood sexual abuse, intimate partner violence that started when I was just a preteen and followed me into my young adult years, and sexual assault as a grown woman. Every time I open my mouth and tell my story, I feel another layer of freedom. I don’t get tired of sharing—it’s part of my healing. A part of me that was once trapped in guilt, fear, and shame gets released every single time.

We Overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and through the Word of our Testimony. That’s not just a scripture to me, it’s my life. I’ve made the choice to forgive. I forgive myself. I forgive those who hurt me. I forgive the ones who let me down, who left me when I needed them most. I release it all, and I walk forward in truth, purpose, and peace.

Connect with Shakina:

www.sheisu.org

Instagram

Facebook

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📍 This episode was recorded in Madison, Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways:

• Richard’s mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, was adopted by American missionaries after surviving the 1931 Yangtze River Flood
• Her extraordinary life took her across China, India, and the U.S. during wartime and political upheaval
• She was separated from her adoptive parents for decades after the Communist revolution
• Despite being trapped in China, she became a surgeon and survived persecution with the help of unlikely allies
• Richard immigrated to the U.S. at 14, leaving behind his father and sister and navigating identity loss and cultural dislocation
• He spent nearly 10 years completing his mother’s memoir as a redemptive act of healing and honoring her legacy
• Richard reflects on the “third culture” experience—belonging fully to neither country but shaped deeply by both
• Compassion, for Richard, starts with listening deeply and without judgment

Richard Hsung’s Bio:

Richard P. (Perkins) Hsung was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. as a kid with his mother. He earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Chicago and became a professor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (https://richardperkinshsung.com). Richard spent ten years editing and completing "Spring Flower," written by his mother, Jean Tren-Hwa Perkins, MD. This three-volume memoir, published by Earnshaw Books (https://earnshawbooks.com), chronicles his mother's life as an adopted child of American medical missionaries, which began shortly after the catastrophic Yangtze River Flood in 1931 that killed millions. Learn more at Yangtze River by the Hudson Bay (https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html).

Connect with Richard:

https://richardperkinshsung.com/

https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html

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📍 This episode was recorded in Loves Park, Illinois.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Nguyen’s family escaped Communist Vietnam by boat in 1975, surviving multiple near-death experiences
• Her upbringing as one of 10 children shaped her resilience and gratitude
• She founded Faithful-2-Fitness to provide free health education and lifestyle tools to underserved families
• Cultural context and compassion are essential in addressing childhood obesity
• Her Catholic faith deeply informs her work in medicine, service, and philanthropy
• Writing Live to Give and other books helped her process grief and inspire generosity
• Small acts of compassion can spark long-term transformation—personally and societally

Dr. Katrina Nguyen's Bio:

Dr. Katrina Nguyen is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist, a two-time best-selling author, and founder of Faithful-2-Fitness, a nonprofit to fight childhood obesity.

She was just 14 months old when her family escaped by boat from Communist Vietnam in April 1975 after the Fall of Saigon. She nearly died twice during her journey to freedom and the American Dream.

She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. She has shared her expertise via EWTN Global Catholic Network, YMCA podcast, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Her Christian faith drives her to serve others. She established charity funds with Raymond James and Northwestern Mutual. Her nonprofit's sponsors include Chick-fil-A and Fleet Feet.

Dr. Nguyen lives in Illinois with her husband Dr. Deladisma. She enjoys being a dog mom, gardening and traveling.

Connect with Katrina:

https://www.instagram.com/mdkatrina/#

https://www.tiktok.com/@mdkatrina

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📍 This episode was recorded in Rockford, Illinois.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal experiences with domestic violence and the power of storytelling
• The significance of listening with intention
• Ralph Velasco's journey from suburban Chicago to travel photography
• Early influences and formative travel experiences
• Career transitions from restaurant ownership to real estate and photography
• The impact of the financial crisis on career decisions
• The benefits of small group travel experiences
• The appeal of travel for single women seeking community and security
• The evolving nature of career paths and personal growth
• Favorite travel destinations and considerations for group travel logistics

Ralph Velasco’s Bio:

Since 2008 (16+ years) Ralph Velasco has been a full-time travel photographer and international tour organizer, having created and led over 120 highly-rated international tours in well over 30 countries on 7 continents (plus over 100 domestic tours in the U.S.)

When not traveling, Ralph is based in Chicago. However, he's been location-independent for 11+ years and traditionally spends anywhere from 8 - 9 months on the road internationally scouting and leading his tours.

Ralph has authored several books on travel photography, and he just combined his most recent books into a 3-in-1 book bundle titled The Mindful & Intentional Traveler

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DKTL61PL).

These books include:

1. How to Be a Mindful Traveler Using Your 5+ Senses

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFM2P87D)

2. Travel Activity Book for Adults: GRATITUDES Edition

(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D3MKB1TP)

3. 60 AFFIRMATIONS for Travel (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQPLBM6T)

He has a YouTube channel called The Continental DRIFTER® (https://youtube.com/continentaldrifter) and a related website (https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co) where everything about his business can be found, including tours, blog posts, his YouTube channel, podcasts, merchandise and more.

Ralph is often asked how people can learn to do what he does and so he created a self-guided online course called Tour Organizer Training: Get Paid to Travel. In this course made up of 7 Modules and 26 Lessons, he goes step-by-step through what’s involved in creating a tour business.

Ralph has spoken all over the world and in the U.S. at the Travel & Adventure Shows and the New York Times Travel Show, as well as at travel blogger conferences (in Spain, Sweden, Israel, and Ireland) and the IOETI digital marketing conference in Cairo, Egypt (see more at https://continentaldrifter.co/speaking/)

Finally, he created an iOS app called My Shot Lists for Travel more than 14 years ago, but it's no longer on the app store and instead he turned the information into a book called 52 Categories of a Shot List: Create Images that Tell a Story, also available on Amazon (https://tinyurl.com/52categories).

Connect with Ralph:

https://continentaldrifter.co

https://fb.com/thecontinentaldrifter

https://instagram.com/ralphvelasco

https://www.linkedin.com/company/continental-drifter

https://x.com/ralphvelasco

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📍 This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

• Vincent Thompson is the Communications Director for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.
• A lifelong Philadelphian, he grew up in North Philly and Germantown, and attended Temple University and Marietta College.
• He began his career in journalism, covering politics for outlets like the Philadelphia Tribune and WURD Radio.
• Vincent has hosted City Council radio sessions and emphasized the importance of knowing your district councilmember.
• He explains the structure of local government and why citizens should be more engaged at the city level.
• He encourages people to “be curious, not judgmental” and offers a human-centered view of government service.
• Vincent shares personal stories—from receiving a letter from his journalism idol to the importance of leading with kindness in leadership.
• A passionate advocate for Philadelphia, he invites visitors to see City Hall, the city’s diverse neighborhoods, and yes—try the cheesesteaks (but he’s not picking favorites).

Vincent Thompson’s Bio:

Vincent Thompson is the Director of Communications for Philadelphia (Pa) City Council and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.

In his more than 30 year career in media and government, he has served as a Chief of Staff for the late Philadelphia City Councilman Juan Ramos, spokesperson for two past School District of Philadelphia Superintendents, former President of the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, former Vice President/Broadcast for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and has covered Republican and Democratic National Conventions starting with the 1988 Republican National Convention.

Mr. Thompson has won numerous awards in his career for his work in journalism, public relations and community service. In 2018, he received PABJ’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2017, he was named Politics and Government Reporter of the Year by the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest press club in daily operation.

He has been named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans by the Philadelphia Tribune newspaper and has been a winner of the National Education Association’s Excellence in Broadcasting Award.

Connect with Vincent:

Twitter @Mediamancomm

Instagram: @phillymediamancomm

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📍 This episode was recorded in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

Her father was one of 10 children in a coal-mining family in Pittston, PA, and the only one to attend seminary.

Despite growing up in humble beginnings, many of her uncles went on to college and professional careers, breaking generational cycles.

Her mother’s family hailed from Naples, Italy, and she grew up immersed in Italian traditions and strong family ties.

Music played a huge role in her youth—she became the pianist for her school assemblies and eventually played in the All-City Orchestra in Philadelphia.

She lived through World War II and vividly recalls the day Pearl Harbor was bombed—her younger brother’s birthday.

She later married Opa (Laszlo), a Hungarian immigrant, physicist, and survivor of religious persecution, whose brilliance and humility left a lasting mark on the family.

Personal memories, from roller-skating mishaps to Epcot visits and feeding the dogs behind Grandma’s back, make this story uniquely intimate.

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Now a certified holistic practitioner, Kim helps others navigate their own healing journeys. She joins host Jennifer Peterkin to discuss the reality of burnout, the limitations of traditional therapy, and the power of exploring alternative healing methods.

📍 This episode was recorded in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

Kim’s journey from teacher burnout to holistic healing

The emotional toll of losing an identity tied to career success

How traditional therapy helped—but also left gaps in her healing

The role of yoga, meditation, Reiki, and energy work in her transformation

The importance of trusting your intuition when seeking help

How Kim now helps others on their own healing and self-discovery journeys

#TheHumanExperiencePodcast #HealingJourney #EnergyHealing #MindBodyWellness #OvercomingBurnout #HolisticHealing

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Website - https://www.kimkeane.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kimvkeane/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kimvkeane

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kimvkeane

Email - kim@kimkeane.com

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She also shares an important update about the future of the podcast and what it means to "hold things loosely" when life demands change. Finally, an important announcement: for the foreseeable future, new guest interviews will now be released every other week instead of weekly. This shift allows Jennifer to continue creating meaningful conversations while ensuring the podcast remains a labor of love rather than obligation.

Tune in to hear the full story behind this decision and what’s next for The Human Experience.

🎧 Listen now

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In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer sits down with Sophia, whose remarkable journey has taken her from working with Buckminster Fuller in architecture to running a couture fashion business, and ultimately helping survivors of human trafficking as a therapist.

Sophia shares the miraculous moments that shaped her path, the science of synchronicity, and why paying attention to divine nudges can lead to unexpected yet deeply fulfilling opportunities. She also discusses how her spiritual awakening, as detailed in her books The Divine Language of Coincidence and Consciousness Beyond Death, has attracted the attention of scientists studying after-death communication.

If you’ve ever questioned whether the universe is sending you signs, this conversation will inspire you to trust the process, take action, and step into the life you were meant to live.

📍 This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways:

How to Recognize a Meaningful Coincidence – The difference between random chance and a life-altering synchronicity.

Turning Coincidences into Miracles – The power of taking action when the universe nudges you.

An Unconventional Path – From architecture to fashion to therapy, how Sophia’s journey unfolded in unexpected but fulfilling ways.

Helping Women Heal – The impact of her work with at-risk and formerly trafficked women through Living a Fearless Life and the Salvation Army.

The Science of Miracles – Why researchers are studying after-death communication and synchronicity, and how Sophia’s experiences are shaping the conversation.

Faith, Gratitude, and Trusting the Process – How embracing the unknown can lead to personal transformation and deeper fulfillment.

🎧 Listen now to hear Sophia’s extraordinary story and learn how to start recognizing and acting on the miracles in your own life.

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Website: sophiademas.com

Instagram: @Sophia_Demas

Facebook: @TheDivineLanguageOfCoincidence

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📍 This episode was recorded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

Adversity Doesn't Define You – Despite growing up in a challenging environment and taking on adult responsibilities as a child, Ethan found ways to rise above his circumstances.

Resilience After Tragedy – After surviving a devastating car accident with life-threatening injuries, Ethan fought through recovery and used his experience to inspire others.

Breaking Generational Cycles – Recognizing the impact of unhealed trauma, Ethan made the decision to break the cycle and redefine his future.

The Power of Storytelling – Writing his book allowed Ethan to reclaim his story, find healing, and connect with others facing similar struggles.

Mentorship and Community Matter – Positive role models helped Ethan along the way, and now he pays it forward by mentoring young people and advocating for personal growth.

Self-Publishing for Creative Control – Ethan turned down traditional publishing deals to maintain ownership of his story and create opportunities on his own terms.

Finding Purpose Through Pain – What could have been a life-ending event became the catalyst for Ethan’s mission: to help others, advocate for resilience, and create a lasting legacy of empowerment.

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To support the Autobiography titled The Inspirational Story of Ethan A. Poetic: Chronicles of Adversities, Education, Sports, Relationships, & Resiliency.

Available print on demand, eBook, and Audio through Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Libro, Apple, Spotify, Target, Walmart, Kobo, Barnes & Noble.

For media inquires and speaking engagements visit https://ethanspeaks.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/EthanPoetic23

Instagram: @ethanpoetic23

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanapoetic1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2FqLkM7n4iY8TVjfHZhMHg

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Two years after his first appearance on the podcast, Joe returns to share the incredible and often painful journey of adopting his niece and nephew. In this raw and honest conversation, he details the struggles of navigating a deeply flawed foster care system, the emotional toll of parenting children with trauma, and the ongoing challenges of healing as a family.

From dealing with corrupt social workers to searching for the children's fugitive parents, Joe takes us inside the reality of stepping up when no one else would. Now, with the adoption finalized, he and his wife continue to work through behavioral struggles, the lack of mental health resources, and the weight of carrying a story that is far from over.

Despite everything, they remain committed to giving these kids a future filled with safety, stability, and love.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

The System is Failing Vulnerable Kids – Despite numerous reports of abuse and neglect, authorities failed to intervene for years. When they finally did, the support promised to foster families was unreliable or nonexistent.

The Adoption Process Was a Bureaucratic Nightmare – Joe and his wife faced months of delays, missing paperwork, and even attempted theft from caseworkers.

The Reality of Parenting Children with Trauma – From severe emotional outbursts to difficulties with social skills, the long road to healing requires constant patience, structure, and therapy.

What Needs to Change – Joe calls for better vetting of social workers, more support for foster families, and real consequences for those who neglect and abuse children—including within the system itself.

Would He Do It Again? – Joe doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles but remains firm in his commitment to his family.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)

The Crisis Hotline (US)

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Content Warning: In this episode we discuss domestic violence, suicide, drug addiction, and childhood abuse. Please proceed with care.

In this deeply personal and moving episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Joe, a close friend whose journey through family, trauma, and resilience takes unexpected turns. What started as a simple Ancestry.com DNA test led Joe to uncover a hidden chapter of his family history—one that brought him a sense of belonging he never knew was missing.

This conversation explores cycles of abuse, the power of compassion, and the meaning of true family. Joe shares raw and honest reflections on his past, the struggles of his childhood, and his decision to break generational trauma for the sake of his own children. He also opens up about taking in his abused and neglected niece and nephew, vowing to give them the love and stability they never had.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

Family isn’t just about blood. True family consists of the people who show up, support you, and love you unconditionally.

Breaking the cycle of abuse takes intention. Joe made the decision to raise his children differently, ensuring they never experience what he did.

Small acts of kindness can save lives. A single moment of compassion can be the difference between hope and despair for someone struggling.

Addiction is a disease, but it doesn't excuse abuse. While Joe has empathy for the struggles of his niece and nephew’s parents, he refuses to let their pain continue to harm the next generation.

Finding family later in life can be healing. Meeting his newfound relatives through Ancestry.com filled a void Joe didn’t realize existed.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)

The Crisis Hotline (US)

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Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com

Laurel also shares how her experiences have shaped her as a mother, her thoughts on adoption, and the complexities of overcoming societal stigmas around trauma and divorce. This conversation is raw, heartfelt, and filled with moments of profound insight.

📍 This episode was recorded in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

The impact of childhood trauma: Laurel discusses how unprocessed trauma can resurface unexpectedly and affect adult relationships and identity.

The importance of boundaries and structure: Growing up in foster care and two very different homes taught Laurel the significance of stability and boundaries.

Healing through therapy: How discovering counseling helped Laurel navigate unresolved trauma and reshape her identity.

The nuances of adoption: Laurel provides a compassionate perspective on adoption, discussing its complexities and emotional impact on adoptees.

Living authentically: Her journey to breaking free from people-pleasing, embracing vulnerability, and showing her children what strength and love look like.

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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with c, founder of the Greenhouse Project in Chester, Pennsylvania. John shares his incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to living out his faith through radical community-building. He unpacks the mission behind the Greenhouse Project, a ministry rooted in transforming lives by building relationships and fostering spiritual growth within his community.

John discusses how his past shaped his calling, the challenges of ministering in an underserved area, and the profound importance of reconciliation, both with others and within oneself. This episode is an uplifting reminder of the power of love, compassion, and living intentionally for the greater good.

📍 This episode was recorded in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

The Greenhouse Concept: Like a physical greenhouse fosters growth, John believes environments rooted in love, faith, and community nurture spiritual and personal transformation.

The Power of Reconciliation: Owning past mistakes and working toward reconciliation brings healing for both individuals and relationships.

Community-Centric Ministry: Greenhouse Project programs are designed in response to the needs expressed by Chester residents, including education, recovery support, and community cleanups.

Living Love and Compassion: True compassion is about sitting with others, seeing their value, and understanding their story without judgment.

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John’s Links:

Website: https://www.ghproject.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-clifford-493635175/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jclifford634/

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In this episode of The Human Experience, we sit down with Jeny, a Romanian native and social worker, to explore her extraordinary story. Jeny shares her experiences growing up under the communist regime in Romania, witnessing the 1989 revolution, and her current work with children in need through Firm Foundations Romania (FFR). Through her lens, we gain a deeper understanding of Romania’s history, resilience, and transformation over the past few decades.

Jeny’s dedication to helping others, her deep faith, and her reflections on community, compassion, and change create an inspiring narrative. Join us as we delve into her unique perspective and hear about her journey from childhood to becoming an advocate for vulnerable children.

📍 This episode was recorded in Budila, Romania.

Key Takeaways

Life Under Communism: Jeny recalls the scarcity of food and resources, strict rules, and the community bond that adversity fostered.

The Revolution of 1989: A life-altering event that ended decades of dictatorship and brought freedom—but also chaos—to Romania.

Orphan Crisis and Reform: The stark reality of orphanages in the 1990s, the international spotlight, and the reforms that followed to create a more robust child protection system.

Fostering and Adoption: The progress in Romania's foster care and adoption systems, and the ongoing efforts to support vulnerable children.

Faith and Compassion: Jeny’s unwavering commitment to helping others and her belief in the importance of love and community in driving change.

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Learn more about Firm Foundations Romania and their work! https://www.firmfoundationsromania.com/

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📍 This episode was recorded in Athens, Greece.

Key Takeaways

Parenthood is a journey of constant transformation. Embrace the change and allow yourself to redefine who you are at every stage of life.

Societal pressures don't define your worth. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a career-driven professional, or a hybrid of both, your path is valid.

Relationships evolve. Open communication, empathy, and intentional connection are critical to maintaining healthy partnerships in parenthood.

Support systems matter. Rebuilding the "village" concept can help mothers and fathers navigate the challenges of raising children while maintaining their individuality.

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Markella’s Links

Website: https://www.markellakaplani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markella.kaplani

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markellakaplani.motherhoodcoach

Podcast: https://www.markellakaplani.com/podcast

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In this deeply moving and inspirational episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Anne Byler, the founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Anne opens up about her journey through unimaginable trauma, spiritual confusion, and eventual redemption. With raw honesty, she shares her story of profound loss, spiritual abuse, and the path to creating a global brand out of a desire to support her family and community.

📍 This episode was recorded in Texas.

Key Takeaways

"Life is hard, but God is good." Anne reflects on the theological shift that allowed her to reconcile her experiences with her faith.

Secrets hold you captive. Freedom begins when you find the courage to share your story.

Redemption is complete. Anne’s journey from despair to building a globally recognized business is proof that healing and purpose can arise from pain.

Compassion requires action. Anne’s belief in noticing others and acting on their needs has been a cornerstone of her life and business philosophy.

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Auntie Anne’s Links:

Website: https://auntieannebeiler.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntieanneb/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auntieannebeiler/

Books: https://shop.auntieannebeiler.com/

Donate to The Human Experience Podcast

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Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Key Takeaways

Courage in Adversity: Susan’s father’s story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness required in wartime, as well as the power of community in protecting and preserving life.

Generational Legacy: The love and resilience that Susan’s father embodied continue to impact her family, underscoring the importance of storytelling in preserving values.

Unconditional Love: The episode reminds us that love without conditions is one of the most valuable gifts we can pass on to others.

The Power of Forgiveness: As Susan beautifully articulates, "The unforgiver carries the weight." Her father’s lessons about forgiveness and self-reflection are profound reminders of how we can release pain and grow.

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Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, murder, and suicide.

In this episode of The Human Experience podcast, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Shelly, an author, activist, and survivor who shares her harrowing life story and the lessons she's learned along the way. Shelly's memoir, Beautiful Ashes, serves as the centerpiece of their conversation, shedding light on her incredible journey through loss, trauma, and ultimately resilience.

📍 This episode was recorded in Detroit, Michigan.

Key Takeaways

Facing the Worst and Finding Strength: Shelly's journey reveals how confronting unimaginable tragedy, such as the loss of her mother to domestic violence, can lead to profound personal strength and resilience.

Breaking the Cycle of Silence: By sharing her story in Beautiful Ashes, Shelly highlights the importance of breaking the silence around domestic violence and generational trauma to inspire healing and awareness.

The Complexity of Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is multifaceted, often intertwined with moments of normalcy, love, and fear, making it harder to recognize and escape.

Generational Trauma and Its Impact: Shelly's story underscores how cycles of abuse and trauma often span generations, shaping victims in ways that require intentional healing and intervention.

The Power of Forgiveness: Shelly’s decision to forgive her father, despite his heinous actions, reflects the liberating power of forgiveness in reclaiming one’s life and peace.

Healing Is Not Linear: Shelly’s recovery involved years of therapy and trying different modalities, showing that healing from trauma is a long, non-linear process requiring persistence and self-compassion.

Empathy as a Foundation for Compassion: Shelly emphasizes the need for empathy, encouraging others to view the world through others’ perspectives to build understanding and compassion.

Finding Purpose in Pain: Through advocacy and writing, Shelly has transformed her pain into a mission to help others navigate and overcome their own struggles, proving that adversity can lead to meaningful opportunities for growth.

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Shelly’s Links:

Website: https://www.beautifulashesmemoir.com/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulashesmemoir/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulashesmemoir/

Twitter: https://x.com/BeautifulAshes7

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF5RGyotMcj6Tb9kTxq0nZw

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Ashes-Murder-Betrayal-Womans-ebook/dp/B09KNWK5MP/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2G6NR3RAHO1WA&keywords=beautiful+ashes&qid=1681299104&sprefix=beautiful+ashe%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2

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In this episode of The Human Experience Podcast, host Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Laura, a long-time friend who works in a refugee resettlement. Through her story, Laura shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to finding her passion in helping displaced individuals build new lives. Laura’s work involves navigating the complexities of cultural differences, governmental processes, and the day-to-day challenges refugees face as they integrate into their new communities.

📍 This episode was recorded in Orlando, Florida.

Key Takeaways

Discovering Purpose Through Unexpected Paths: Laura’s journey into refugee resettlement began unexpectedly, highlighting how unforeseen opportunities can lead to fulfilling life work.

Resilience of the Human Spirit: Refugees often endure unimaginable hardships yet demonstrate incredible resilience and determination to build better lives for themselves and their families.

The Complex Refugee Resettlement Process: Refugees undergo a rigorous vetting process before arriving in the U.S., debunking common misconceptions about their journey.

Proximity Breeds Compassion: Building relationships and engaging directly with refugee communities fosters understanding, dispels stereotypes, and amplifies empathy.

Faith in Action: Laura’s story challenges faith communities to actively support refugees, moving beyond sermons to tangible acts of love and service.

The Importance of Cultural Diversity: Refugees enrich communities with their traditions, languages, and talents, creating a more vibrant and dynamic society.

Opportunities to Get Involved: From mentorship to donations, anyone can make a difference by supporting resettlement agencies and welcoming refugees into their communities.

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There are so many opportunities for U.S. citizens to welcome refugees to the United States; to help them begin to build a home, and to break barriers that are forged by misinformation and ignorance. Check out one of these organizations for more information (all U.S. based):

Alight

International Rescue Committee

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

National Immigration Forum

Donate to The Human Experience Podcast

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Send me an email at TheHXPod@gmail.com

📍 This episode was recorded in Rovinj, Croatia.

Key Takeaways

Healing Trauma: Katya emphasizes that trauma doesn't need to stem from major life events. Unmet needs in childhood can lead to lasting emotional wounds that shape our beliefs and behaviors.

Meditation and Self-Work: Regular meditation and introspection are vital for emotional and physical healing. Katya’s journey highlights how consistent practice led to a significant shift in her health and outlook.

The Power of the Subconscious Mind: Addressing and rewiring subconscious beliefs can radically transform one’s life, allowing for emotional and physical breakthroughs.

Compassion as the Foundation: Self-compassion is essential for healing and extends naturally to others, enabling forgiveness and emotional release.

Unlearning and Rewiring: Personal transformation involves shedding outdated beliefs and narratives, reconnecting to one’s essence, and embracing a life rooted in authenticity.

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Katja’s Links

Website: https://mindive.life/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katja.matosevic.mindstrategist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katya.matosevic

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katjamatosevic/

Email: katja@mindive.life

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📍 This episode was recorded in Terzo di Aquileia, Italy.

Key Takeaways

Finding Peace Within Challenges: Nadia’s journey exemplifies how even the most difficult life challenges, including childhood bullying, feeling like an outsider, and health crises, can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.

Near-Death Experience and Life Transformation: A life-threatening asthma attack became a turning point for Nadia, motivating her to radically change her lifestyle, prioritize her health, and ultimately shift her outlook on life.

The Power of Self-Love and Self-Trust: Nadia emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-trust as foundational elements for personal growth, healing, and finding true freedom and happiness.

Holistic Healing – Mind, Body, and Soul: Nadia’s work focuses on integrating all aspects of a person—mind, body, and soul—to facilitate deep and lasting healing, demonstrating how all parts of ourselves are interconnected.

Compassion and Interconnectedness: Nadia highlights the importance of seeing ourselves and others through eyes of love and compassion, understanding that many negative behaviors stem from a place of disconnection from one’s true self.

The Love Solution Program: Through "The Love Solution," Nadia helps people reconnect with their true selves by fostering self-love, healing relationships, and understanding their life purpose in a simple and accessible way.

Embracing Spirituality and Personal Growth: Nadia’s journey showcases the role of spirituality and inner work in finding meaning, healing, and purpose in life, ultimately leading her to help others on their own paths.

Living a Life of Purpose: Nadia believes that every person has a unique purpose and a responsibility to share their light with the world. Her work is dedicated to helping others realize and embody this truth.

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Nadia’s Links

Website: www.nadiawongauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiawongthehappinesscoach?igsh=b3AzbHlkaDIydW1i

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009322990429

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📍 This episode was recorded in London, England.

Key Takeaways

Turning Pain Into Power: Amey's divorce, though initially devastating, became a springboard for her greatest personal transformations.

Rediscovering Identity: From simple acts like learning what she liked to eat alone to exploring new passions such as travel, Amey slowly pieced together her true self.

Empowering Others: Today, Amey uses her journey to inspire and coach other women to reclaim their identities with courage and authenticity.

Finding Joy and Healing in Service: Volunteering played a key role in Amey’s healing journey, reinforcing that serving others can help mend a broken spirit.

Practical Steps for Growth: Amey emphasizes the importance of holding onto personal passions and giving oneself grace in times of transition.

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Amey’s Links

Website: https://my-resilient-journey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameydeanne/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/resilient.tx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amey.deanne/, https://www.facebook.com/amey.deanne

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📍 This episode was recorded in London, England.

Key Takeaways:

Transforming Trauma into a Journey of Discovery: After an illness left Vanessa blind and paralyzed, she channeled her producer instincts to approach her recovery like a project, recording daily progress and setting small but meaningful goals. Her journey underscores how trauma can become a powerful catalyst for self-discovery.

Rediscovering Vision and the Mind’s Role in Recovery: Vanessa designed her own vision exercises, challenging the brain’s adaptability and creating daily “experiments” to help retrain her sight. Her recovery experience reveals the intricate relationship between the mind and body and the importance of patience in physical and mental healing.

Collaboration with Science to Understand the Brain: Vanessa’s curiosity led to collaborations with neuroscientists, resulting in art-science projects like visualizing mindfulness with brainwave data. Her story highlights how community and interdisciplinary partnerships can support individual healing and inspire larger scientific insights.

Mind-Body Practices as Healing Tools: Through breathing exercises, visualization, and hypnotherapy, Vanessa found powerful methods to manage PTSD and anxiety. Her experience shows the value of exploring various mindfulness practices and finding personalized methods that resonate, especially during recovery from trauma.

Nature as a Gateway to Self-Care: Vanessa’s advocacy for forest bathing—a slow, sensory-focused walk in nature—reflects her belief in nature’s restorative power. She encourages this accessible practice to help people connect with their senses, reduce stress, and find emotional balance.

Compassion as a Superpower: For Vanessa, compassion was a skill she had to rediscover, not only as self-kindness but as a transformative power that enables resilience. She highlights that compassion often grows stronger through adversity and can become a profound source of inner strength.

Flexibility in Healing: Customizing Mind-Body Practices: Vanessa encourages a flexible approach to healing, suggesting people try different practices (like mindfulness, nature connection, and body-based practices) to discover what best supports them. Her story champions a personalized journey in wellness and self-care.

Embracing a New Normal and Giving Back: Rather than returning to her previous life, Vanessa embraced a new purpose, dedicating herself to developing wellness programs, community-led nature therapy, and science-based initiatives that inspire others to reclaim their health and well-being.

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Vanessa’s Links

Website: https://vanessapotter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessapotterwrites, https://www.instagram.com/parkbathe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaPotterWrites/, https://www.facebook.com/parkbathe

X: https://x.com/patienth69, https://x.com/park_bathe

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📍 This episode was recorded in Maidstone, England.

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📍 This episode was recorded in Chester, England.

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Saloni’s Links

Website: salonisurah.com

Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/SaloniSurahAuthor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/salonibook

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@bedtimestoriesbysaloni

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Flora-Investigates-Case-Missing-Gold/dp/1739448405

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📍 This episode was recorded in London, England.

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Paola’s Links:

Portfolio: https://paola.art/

Business Suite: https://digibees.studio/

Facebook: Personal @paolaminekov & Page @paolaminekovart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolaminekov/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolaminekov

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📍 This episode was recorded in Manchester, England.

Natasha’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashastales?igsh=bW53dnp2cG04ams0&utm_source=qr

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oyoK8WRT061QCPO9WgHFe?si=iZDInQLdRJOXQ-N0ulSqdQ

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📍 This episode was recorded in Oulu, Finland.

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Paula’s Links:

Website: https://www.paulaimmo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaimmo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valmennuspaulaimmo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaimmo?originalSubdomain=fi

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📍 This episode was recorded in Odense, Denmark.

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In this episode of the Human Experience Podcast, host Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Alexandra Catalina Guitza, also known as Cathy, for a profound conversation about her life journey, spanning different cultures, mental health challenges, and the pursuit of a global identity. Cathy reflects on her upbringing in post-communist Romania, her extensive travels through Germany, India, Thailand, and her current life in Prague. She opens up about her struggles with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and a psychotic episode, and how medication played a critical role in her recovery. Cathy shares insights from her "Eat, Pray, Love" journey of self-discovery and discusses her current focus on building a life rooted in mental wellness, authenticity, and compassion.

📍 This episode was recorded in Bucharest, Romania.

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Cathy’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordywitness

TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/wordywitness

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In this second part of Alisa’s story, host Jennifer Peterkin continues the conversation about Alisa's harrowing journey through domestic violence and the fight for justice after being rescued from her husband's violent kidnapping and assault. Alisa recounts her legal battle, including the re-traumatizing process of facing her abuser in court, who chose to represent himself. She shares the impact this had on her healing journey, her children’s trauma, and the systemic failures that allowed her abuse to escalate.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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In this episode of The Human Experience, host Jennifer Peterkin dives into the harrowing and powerful story of Alisa, a survivor of domestic violence. Alisa’s story, well-known due to its coverage on true crime shows and podcasts, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the unimaginable trauma she endured, Alisa has emerged as a speaker, author, and advocate for victims of domestic violence. This episode marks the first part of a two-part series where Alisa shares the details of her experiences, providing a raw and unfiltered look into the realities of abuse, the failings of the system, and the strength required to survive.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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In this powerful episode, Jennifer Peterkin sits down with Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), to explore her journey into the fight against sexual exploitation. Dawn shares her personal experiences, the challenges of her work, and the incredible victories achieved through grassroots advocacy. This episode sheds light on the importance of unity, the impact of survivor-led initiatives, and the ongoing battle to hold corporations and policymakers accountable for protecting human dignity.

📍 This episode was recorded in Washington D.C.

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Dawn’s Links:

National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE): https://endsexualexploitation.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endexploitation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centeronexploitation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD45nGjBYtEcVXFqXk7LUjg

X: https://x.com/ncose

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📍 This episode was recorded in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

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📍 This episode was recorded in Kettering, England.

Crina’s Links:

Children's Book: Happy Hippo and Kind Goose available on Amazon Kindle

Learn More About Firm Foundations Romania: To learn more about the organization that played a pivotal role in Karina’s life, visit firmfoundationsromania.com

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In this episode of The Human Experience, Jennifer Peterkin welcomes Andarge, a vibrant and humorous radio and podcast host, to share her journey and insights into the intersection of fashion and social justice. Known for her lively personality and deep discussions, Andarge brings a unique perspective to the table.

📍 This episode was recorded in Savannah, Georgia.

Andarge’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atandarge/

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📍 This episode was recorded in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

Rachel’s Links:

Travel Agent

Website: www.magicalworldofrachel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicalworldofrachel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairytalejourneysbyrachelturley

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_y812c1Z3yveE7-ovz5doA?view_as=subscriber

Hair Stylist

Website: www.wonderlandstudiopa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelturleybeauty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelturleybeauty

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📍 This episode was recorded in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kelvin’s Links:

https://rusticnature.tours

Instagram: @rusticnaturetours

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📍 This episode was recorded in Towson, Maryland.

Becca’s Links:

https://extendcoach.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccapearce/

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📍 This episode was recorded in Columbus, GA.

Cynthia’s Links:

https://www.facebook.com/cynthianewberrymartin

https://www.facebook.com/cynthianewberrymartinwriter

https://www.instagram.com/cynthianewberrymartin/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthianewberrymartin/

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In this powerful episode, host Jennifer Peterkin dives into the harrowing and inspiring story of J.D. McCabe, a father of two who endured severe domestic abuse. J.D.'s journey from being trapped in an abusive marriage to finding liberation is detailed in his memoir, The Third Gift.

📍This episode was recorded in Charleston, South Carolina.

J.D.’s Links:

Website: https://thirdgift.com/

Book: https://thirdgift.com/books/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethirdgift/?hl=en

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thethirdgift?xmt=AQGzrKf_OCRtAhuM1UZ8ajzIhrE8Dn8ZwfE7VYnjUo7D5Tw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thirdgift

Twitter: https://x.com/thirdgiftbook

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thethirdgift

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📍This episode was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina

Kathy’s Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyizardclt/ and https://www.instagram.com/womenfaithstory/

Websites: https://www.kathyizard.com/ and https://www.womenfaithstory.com/

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📍This episode was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tony’s Links:

Website: https://tonymantor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonymantor/

Twitter: https://x.com/TonyMantor?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonymantor/

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In today’s episode, host Jennifer Peterkin is joined by the inspiring Martha Kartaoui, who endured years of spiritual and physical oppression within a religious cult. Martha’s story is one of resilience, healing, and transformation.

📍This episode was recorded in Durham, North Carolina.

Martha’s Links:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/martha-kartaoui-a7840b291

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martha.kartaoui?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthakartaoui/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

Website: www.picwellnessllc.com

Purchase Martha’s Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Glory-Going-Survivor-Courageous-Warrior/dp/B0D4FCDMY4

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📍This episode was recorded in Maryville, Tennessee.

Amy's Links:

Instagram

Facebook

Email: amy@amyscoaching.com

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Thankfully, Bruce is in remission. But during his battle with cancer and beyond, he chose to see the good; he chose to get curious.

Bruce seeks out adventure at every turn, pushing himself to try new things, get out of his comfort zone, and above all else, to keep asking questions.

📍 This episode was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Buy Bruce's book - There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions

Visit Bruce's website

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This episode is a bit different than those we've done in the past; I had four guests on to discuss some of the intricacies and lesser discussed issues within Interpersonal Violence (also known as IPV) - namely, cyber stalking and parent/child alienation.

While many have suffered from both cyber stalking and parent/child alienation, there are still many that don't know much about it, and more importantly, how the system fails the victims.

Cyber stalking and parent/child alienation are difficult to legislate, for different reasons. But what remains the same is that very often in cases of IPV, victims see no justice.

Both Rhyan Strasters and Brian Martin are working, respectively, to bring new legislation to the table so that both of these issues can be better handled in the future.

📍 This episode was recorded in Pennsylvania.

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But upon her return from China, Chandrika found herself with more questions than answers, and she struggled to find her footing within the American church again.

Chandrika's book is a raw and unabashed look at her journals she kept while she was serving in China, and an unflinching commentary on how far she has come since then.

📍 This episode was recorded in Columbus, Georgia

Buy Chandrika's Book - Lord, I Don't Want To Die A Christian

Visit Chandrika's Linktree

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Heidy has a unique view of what it means to be an immigrant in America as someone that has walked alongside and done life with many people who made the US their home after moving here.

Heidy is an author, speaker, podcast coach, and she hosts a podcast called "The American Dream Through the Eyes of Immigrants". In her show, she interviews people about what it means to them to create their life in the US, the joys and the struggles.

📍 This episode was recorded in Deltona, Florida

Heidy's Podcast

Heidy's Instagram

Heidy's LinkTree

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When Heather and her husband found out they were pregnant with their first child, it was a time of celebration. Like many newlyweds, they were excited to start their family.

What they couldn't have foreseen was the gut-wrenching reality of infant loss that many live with every day.

At 38 weeks, Heather lost her baby boy. Because it was so late in the pregnancy, she had to deliver him, even while knowing that he was no longer alive.

For years, Heather battled with the grief that comes with such unexpected trauma. It took nearly two decades, but Heather is now telling her story to share both the realities of infant loss and the effects it can have on your life, as well as the hope that exists in healing.

📍 This episode was recorded in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Julie has the kind of story that you look back on and say, how can one person have lived through so much? Growing up in an abusive household, Julie was eager to get away as soon as she had her high school diploma. But escaping your past and your trauma, aren't necessarily easy; especially when life continues to get harder.

Because of how involved Julie's story is, it's split into 2 parts. This is part 2, where Julie talks about navigating difficult relationships, and multiple serious illnesses that have affected their family relationships.

You can visit Julie's website here.

📍 This episode was recorded in Dallas, Texas.

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Julie has the kind of story that you look back on and say, how can one person have lived through so much? Growing up in an abusive household, Julie was eager to get away as soon as she had her high school diploma. But escaping your past and your trauma, aren't necessarily easy; especially when life continues to get harder.

Because of how involved Julie's story is, it's split into 2 parts. This is part 1, where Julie talks about growing up, getting married, having young children, and navigating all of that while walking through abuse, uncertainty, injury, and illness.

📍 This episode was recorded in Dallas, Texas.

You can visit Julie's website here.

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Cody was a paramedic for over a decade. He spent more than ten years of seeing some of the saddest and worst parts of humanity, some of whom he knew personally. While he did so much good during that time, it left him numb, needing to dissociate and rely on alcohol to get through.

When his family encouraged him to go on a missions trip, it was the last thing he wanted to do. But spurred on by his mom and his niece, Cody went. And he found a new dream.

These days, Cody describes himself as a missionary to missionaries. He spends his time working with individual missionaries, small organizations, and orphans around the world.

📍 This episode was recorded in Brasov, Romania.

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While doula may or man not be a term you're familiar with, the practice of being the emotional, mental, and physical support for a woman leading up to, including, and after birth, their role has existed for centuries.

Quanisha is diligent in supporting her clients through the entire process of pregnancy, birth, and after care. It is her work in this community that got her involved with the San Antonio Black Doula Collective - a nonprofit that seeks to "support black families and doulas of San Antonio to help counter the high rates of maternal and infant mortality rates..."

📍 This episode was recorded in San Antonio, Texas.

Follow Quanisha on Instagram

Learn more about the San Antonio Black Doula Collective

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When Mel was a teenager, still under her parents care, she was diagnosed with a progressive autoimmune disorder. While a diagnosis like that is bound to change your life in some way, the reality was that Mel had to start thinking about what she and her husband-to-be wanted their future to look like; this disorder could make it complicated to have children.

Knowing they wanted kids, Mel and her husband began planning for a family right away. And while they were able to welcome their first child without many complications, the story of Mel's subsequent pregnancies are ones of pain, grief, and confusion.

Infant loss is an incredibly difficult, but important, topic to speak about. It's important because so many women are suffering in silence, feeling as though they have done something wrong.

But there is help and there is hope. If you are struggling with infertility or infant loss, you are not incomplete, or bad, or wrong.

Mel's story is, ultimately, one of joy. And while not everyone will have the same outcome, telling these stories is important because they help us to know that we are not alone.

📍 This episode was recorded in Dallas, Texas.

Purchase Mel's Book, Tiny Miracles

Join Mel's Facebook Group

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As a pastor's kid, Hesron always knew what was expected of him. He played the part well, but from a young age, Hesron began living in two separate worlds. He was one person while he was in front of others, and someone else behind closed doors.

After being introduced to pornography at the age of 12, Hesron struggled with an addiction to it for more than a decade; and it escalated until he hit his lowest point - being unfaithful to his wife.

It was through his willingness to take accountability for his actions, his humility in seeking help, and his faith that Hesron has ultimately found healing.

📍 This episode was recorded in Austin, Texas.

Visit Hesron's Website

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The physical difficulties were one thing, but the emotional and social fallout have caused the biggest scars. Christine spent many years feeling othered, and outcast. People refused to give her a chance, even when she was determined to prove herself.

But where others may have given up, Christine fought. She fought for herself and her position. She accomplished lifelong goals and worked to become the person she wanted to be.

These days, Christine is an advocate for the cleft lip and palate community, working with the nonprofit organization Smile Train to provide education and resources for all about cleft lip and palate.

📍 This episode was recorded in Gainesville, Florida.

Visit Christine's Facebook & Instagram

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Walking through the insurmountable grief of losing one of her children to an accident, and then being sexually abused by a person she trusted, Anne was quite lost for a period of time.

But, as she began to talk about her grief and her shame and her guilt and her loss, she started to find freedom.

It was in the midst of this healing that she opened a pretzel stand at an Amish market. And it was that pretzel stand, or more importantly, that pretzel recipe, that would begin Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Company, changing Anne and her family’s lives forever.

📍 This episode was recorded in Texas.

Visit Anne's Website

Purchase Anne's Books

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The past six years have been formative, and certainly difficult, as Stephanie completely shifted her life - her marriage, her goals, her priorities, her values. The car door incident wasn't pretty, but it brought clarity.

Along this winding path, Stephanie decided to open a business called NEO (New Eyes Open) Strategic to try and help others make plans for themselves and their businesses; plans that make sense and align with their values and goals.

📍 This episode was recorded in Austin, Texas.

Stephanie's business - Neo Strategic

Stephanie's Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

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Having recently entered motherhood, Karen realized that what she wanted had shifted. In fact, her entire identity had shifted.

Through making tough choices, redefining success, and getting the help of her own coach, Karen was able to construct a life that fit who she had become.

These days, Karen's focus is helping other parents walk in their newly formed identities through her own coaching platform, Karen Jane DeWitt Coaching, and her podcast, Juggling Joy.

📍 This episode was recorded in Austin, Texas.

Book a free visioning session at Karen Jane DeWitt Coaching.

Follow Karen on Instagram or Facebook

Listen to the Juggling Joy Podcast

Follow Juggling Joy on Instagram

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Jen has taught in Poland, safari'd in Tanzania, adventured in New Zealand, and most recently, is working with Roma children in Brasov, Romania. She is the embodiment of a free spirit, going wherever she is called and being willing to lend her expertise (whether it be teaching or go-karting) along the way.

📍 This episode was recorded in Brasov, Romania.

Jen is currently working with Firm Foundations Romania. For more information, see the links below:

Firm Foundations Romania Website - learn about projects and how to get involved!

Follow FFR on Instagram

Follow FFR on Facebook

Follow FFR on YouTube

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The mission of Firm Foundations Romania:

FFR believes that all people are made in the image of God and are therefore worthy of love, respect and dignity. It is because of this that we are committed to caring for and supporting the Roma community in Romania by offering access to education, tangible resources, and the Gospel.

Their vision:

Our focus is loving the unloved and providing educational opportunities to the forgotten youth of this country. Our vision is for every disadvantaged Romanian child to experience the power of God’s love in order to live life to the fullest; our hope, that they would then be influenced to serve others and be an example for the people of Romania.

📍 This episode was recorded in Brasov, Romania.

Click the links below to learn more!

Firm Foundations Romania Website - learn about projects and how to get involved!

Follow FFR on Instagram

Follow FFR on Facebook

Follow FFR on YouTube

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📍 This episode was recorded in Stuttgart, Germany.

Firm Foundations Romania Website - learn about projects and how to get involved!

Follow FFR on Instagram

Follow FFR on Facebook

Follow FFR on YouTube

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In 2005, Sarah began a diaper project with her best friend and business partner, Steffi Vogel (whose own episode will be released in a couple weeks!) in a children't hospital in Brasov, Romania. That seemingly small act would catapult them both into a beginning a globally recognized nonprofit, Firm Foundations Romania.

Through the years, Sarah has written songs based on her experiences living in Romania, and she performs them all over the world as she shares about their heart for the Roma children of Romania.

📍 This episode was recorded in Brasov, Romania.

Be sure to visit Sarah's website for more info.

You can listen to her music on Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify. Sarah has a new album coming out this month called Keep Going.

For any talent inquiries, please contact sarahviennamusic@gmail.com

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When Maureen got COVID in March of 2020, all of that came to a screeching halt. Because she got the virus so early, Maureen unfortunately experienced the strongest strain. More than 2 years later, she's still struggling with the effects of what COVID has done to her.

Known as Long-Haulers, a small percentage of people are living with permanent changes to their lives due to COVID. These changes are physical, neurological, and certainly emotional.

📍 This episode was recorded in Media, Pennsylvania.

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Formerly a journalist, now an entrepreneur and owner of multiple businesses, Lela is proud of the success that she has built for herself and her family - a legacy that will far outlive her.

Lela's story of perseverance, determination, and grace, is not unlike many stories of immigrants - leaving people and places they love to take a chance somewhere else. But it's a great reminder that while we may not have control over what happens to us, we have the ability to choose how we will react to it.

📍 This episode was recorded in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

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Stories like Susan's are fascinating. The story itself is quite incredible, but I think what's more is how important our legacies are to those around us, and how sacred it is to preserve them.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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📍 This episode was recorded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Kristen's Website & Socials

Kristen's Bio:

Kristen M. Vogel, M.A. (Yogini A.) (she/they) is a cross-sectoral cultural consultant and a global gender equity specialist. A global citizen with nearly a decade of professional experience in diverse cultures, Kristen is an advocate for equitable policy and women’s representation and voice. A transnational feminist anthropologist, she values diverse perspectives in/on leadership and recognizes indigenous matriarchies as valuable models for the achievement of gender parity at all levels of decision-making (UN SDG 5.5). Having worked across local governments, nonprofits/ NGOs, social enterprises, and civil society and multilateral organizations in Ghana, Costa Rica, India, and the U.S., she quickly adapts to new languages and cultures. As a Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Kristen creatively implemented equitable policy across sectors through national legislative research and network building for pay equity, the creation of scalable culture-centered operations models for racial and socio-economic equity, data visualization for transparent budgeting, and implementation of strategic City procurement processes for innovation equity. Kristen is currently a Public Policy Advocate with Black Women’s Policy Center, while seeking a full-time position to further her career in the pursuit of gender equity.

Kristen is also a yoga student/teacher, horseback riding teacher/ trail guide/ wrangler, barista and an aspiring social entrepreneur, among other things.

The content of this podcast is Kristen’s alone and does not reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corp, or the Ghanaian Government

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To hear Ro & Bree explain it, this was always inside of them. Love The People has always been their heart. It's more than a company, it's a movement. One as radical as it is simple - love people well.

📍 This episode was recorded in Toledo, Ohio.

Ro & Bree have offered listeners of The Human Experience 20% off their purchase! If you visit their site and use the code THEHXPOD20

PLUS, 10% of every order goes directly World Central Kitchen.

Check out Love The People

Visit their Shop

Follow on Instagram & Facebook

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After years of walking together through incredibly difficult, and mysterious, health issues, they came out on the other side wanting to leave a positive and lasting impact on the world. They know what it means to live as though you haven't got much time left, and they've dedicated their lives to one of the only things you can leave behind - love.

📍 This episode was recorded in Toledo, Ohio.

Ro & Bree have offered listeners of The Human Experience 20% off their purchase! If you visit their site and use the code THEHXPOD20

PLUS, 10% of every order goes directly World Central Kitchen.

Check out Love The People

Visit their Shop

Follow on Instagram & Facebook

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Kakuma and Dadaab are two of the largest refugee camps in Kenya. In fact, Dadaab used to be the largest camp in the world. As a humanitarian aid worker in the camps, you live alongside those displaced and disavowed. Winnie's experience working in the camps are what she carries closest to her heart, they fuel her desire for justice and restoration.

At the time of the recording, Winnie was the Program Director for Neema, a nonprofit dedicated to the holistic thriving of young, vulnerable women in western Kenya. You can read more about Neema here.

Winnie is also a published author. While she dreams of publishing her novel one day, she contributed to a collection of short stories called Nairobi Noir. You can purchase Nairobi Noir here or wherever books are sold.

📍 This episode was recorded in Kitale, Kenya.

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Eric is a counselor by trade, a job that seems to suit him well as he is able to access and express his emotions freely, a skill that not everyone has honed. His yearning for both justice and compassion are a well established tension, a tightrope, that he walks determinedly in his pursuit of understanding.

📍 This episode was recorded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Having experienced her own trauma early on in life, Hannah's learned capacity for compassion and grace have allowed her to champion others in pursuit of justice, love, and mercy.

📍 This episode was recorded in Toledo, Ohio.

Visit Sanctuary Night's Website

Follow Sanctuary Night on Instagram

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📍 This episode was recorded in Kitale, Kenya.

Learn more about Neema

Learn more about Neema's capital campaign - Securing Her Future

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Tyler's story offers a unique perspective - being the partner of someone that is dealing with a serious mental health condition.

Mental health is a topic that should be handled with care and respect. It is for that reason that we have focused mainly on Tyler's perspective during this story. Additionally, names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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Shelly Edwards Jorgensen is the author of Beautiful Ashes, a memoir about her life growing up in a domestic violence household and the permanent consequences it can have on your life.

Shelly's father murdered her mother when Shelly was 15. It was both a shock and something that she had been waiting to happen. Shelly's story of growth and perseverance is hard-won. Her strength, wisdom, and humility are to be admired.

📍 This episode was recorded in Detroit, Michigan.

Shelly's Website | Shelly's Facebook | Shelly's Instagram

Buy Shelly's Book on Amazon or wherever books are sold online.

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The organization Alli works for, People's Oakland, is a pillar of their community - offering a respite and a space for safe, holistic healing to its members.

Alli's journey to finding her purpose in this line of work is poignant and a beautiful example of how we never really know what opportunities are going to open up, and where our hearts will lead us.

📍 This episode was recorded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

For more information about People's Oakland, visit their website.

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When she had the opportunity to go to the United States for school, Loitanit jumped at the chance; hoping to make her home there. But her family needed her back home.

Now, Loitanit works for Neema as the the Business Skills Development Mentor for Alumni. She's good at what she does, and she enjoys the work. But in her heart, she still dreams of new adventures outside of her corner of the world in Kitale, Kenya.

📍 This episode was recorded in Kitale, Kenya.

Listen to Jackie's episode

Learn more about Neema

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Amin is a former refugee from Somalia. He is now an American citizen with a beautiful family and is on his way to realizing his dreams as a CRNA, but the road to get here wasn't easy.

Amin was motivated to succeed through a promise that education would give him the life he wanted. And though he's faced his fair share of adversity, Amin has continued to chase his dreams through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering desire for more.

📍 This episode was recorded in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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📍 This episode was recorded in Kitale, Kenya.

Visit Karibuni Lodge

Child Rescue Kenya

Neema

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Since then, Sue is on a mission to end sexual exploitation through her organization, Walk Her Home. A nonprofit created to educate about human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, fundraise for change-makers, and lobby for policy that will help victims and survivors.

📍 This episode was recorded in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.

For more information you can email Sue at singram@walkherhome.org

or visit the Walk Her Home Website

Buzzfeed Expose

National Center on Sexual Exploitation

National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance

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What do you do when it feels like everything you've worked for means nothing? What do you do when you lose it all?

Mike has fought tirelessly to rebuild the life he thought he had lost. And through his efforts, he's created a community of people that have found hope, help, and understanding.

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Visit Mike's Gym - Q Fitness

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Jackie's job is difficult, but her heart is boundless and abundant.

Her passion for counseling and the healing that it brings is clear in the way she speaks and in the relationships she has built.

Neema's staff of trauma counselors, social workers, teachers, and caregivers continually pour their hearts, energy, and resources into restoration.

📍 This episode was recorded in Kitale, Kenya.

Learn more about Neema

Make a Donation

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Laura is an American working in refugee resettlement, a job that has both lit a passion and compassion deep within her. This wasn't the career she set out to do, but it's now where she's thriving.

There are so many opportunities for U.S. citizens to welcome refugees to the United States; to help them begin to build a home, and to break barriers that are forged by misinformation and ignorance.

📍 This episode was recorded in Orlando, Florida.

Check out one of these organizations for more information (all U.S. based):

Alight

International Rescue Committee

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

National Immigration Forum

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline (US)

The Crisis Hotline (US)

📍 This episode was recorded in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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A true champion for victims, Tia can be found every Friday evening at 7pm EST on LuvBay Afrobeat Music and Talk Radio where she discusses different aspects of Domestic Violence on her show, Suffering in Silence.

You can catch up on previous episodes of Suffering in Silence here.

You can email Tia at SufferingInSilenceDV@gmail.com

If you are in the United States and need help please visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

📍 This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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If you are in the United States and need help please visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Music by Zakhar Valaha, Olexy & Juan Sanchez

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STAY CONNECTED

The Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | Facebook

The Human Experience Legacies | Instagram

Connect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedIn

Support the Podcast

Music by Zakhar Valaha & Juan Sanchez

_______________________

STAY CONNECTED

The Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | Facebook

The Human Experience Legacies | Instagram

Connect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedIn

Support the Podcast

Stay tuned!

Music by Zakhar Valaha

_______________________

STAY CONNECTED

The Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | Facebook

The Human Experience Legacies | Instagram

Connect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedIn

Support the Podcast

Stay tuned!

Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi, LesFM

_______________________

STAY CONNECTED

The Human Experience Podcast | Instagram | Facebook

The Human Experience Legacies | Instagram

Connect with Jennifer on Substack | LinkedIn

Support the Podcast