Never Ever Give Up Hope

The average person can keep a secret for forty-seven hours. Babs Walters held the worst kind of secret for nearly seventy years. Beginning at the age of eleven, Walters suffered childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father. His edict, "Children should be seen and not heard," defined her childhood and groomed her to silence.  But despite the cycle of generational trauma and abuse that haunted her childhood, Walters eventually had a life-changing realization: We are not what happens to us. We are the meaning and purpose we give to what happens to us. As a domestic violence and sexual abuse survivor, Babs has devoted much of her adult life to raising understanding and awareness of the long-term effects of generational trauma, breaking the chain.     She holds a master's degree in counselling human relations and has spent thirteen years on a Harassment Investigation Committee. She was recently interviewed for Brave Voices® on the U.S. Library of Congress.    It took being a self-help junkie, 45 years o

In 2018, Andrew Davie survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and hemorrhage. Now…he recently graduated with a clinical mental health counseling degree, practices as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor LGPC, consults for James Mason University about brain injury assessments, and, before her passing, cared for his mother while she had ALS. He learned how to turn a terrible situation into something good with the desire to help others who may be struggling. Andrew Davie has worked in theater, finance, and education. He taught English and creative writing at the middle, high school, and college levels for students with learning difficulties and ADHD. He taught English as a second language in the United States and abroad in Hong Kong. He has written short stories and novellas, co-hosts a music review show, and volunteers.  During the second year of his recovery, when the physical part tapered off and the emotional part began, he decided to publish a book that would somehow transform his life, and it didn't.

Mia Hanks had a rude awakening when she realized something was 'not normal' in her marriage. The worst part was that she could not see a way out. Narcissistic abuse is a bondage that has only recently been exposed as mental and physical abuse.   Narcissistic abuse is somewhat of an epidemic, and it seems many victims don't know how to escape it.  Mia Hanks is an award-winning author who brings awareness to the struggles of those abused by a narcissist and offers hope to those who need direction.   Mia's memoir chronicles her 29-year marriage to a covert narcissist.  Told in a series of short stories, it gives an insider view of day-to-day life with a narcissistic spouse.  Additionally, she has a newly launched website, miajhanks.com, providing links to podcast episodes and various other information on narcissistic abuse.    Many listeners will relate to Mia's amazing story of survival and ultimately escape.               CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE     Millions of people fall victim to narcissists wi

One day, Troy Karnes drank too much and missed his wife's birthday dinner (that he had planned). To show her he could change, he put $10k into their joint bank account and told her he wanted to use it for a dream vacation a year later. If he messed up, she could take it. He didn't last a month. She kicked him out of the house that afternoon. When he woke up in a hotel the next day, he watched the sunrise and had no idea where he had slept the night before, where he would be a week from then, or which company he might work for. He worked in the alcohol business his entire career but knew something had to change. It was a pretty hopeless moment.     Troy is a father, husband, recovering alcoholic, and salesman—a cancer survivor, business consultant, and writer. His story of recovery has helped thousands and can guide each of us in making the decisions that change our lives.    Click here to purchase book         No Silver Bullets: Your life isn't broken. Stop trying to fix it. If youʼve tried

Lori Pappas plodded with a slow, heavy pace against resistance in her youth. Her parents had her committed when she was 16 years old because they could not control her. She was rebellious, and her mother, a religious fanatic, was convinced she was possessed by the devil. While there, she heard rumors that she was scheduled for shock treatments. She devised a plan and escaped - armed with only her smarts and determination. Lori made the difficult decision to become the architect of her life without emotional support or a safety net.     She married the first man who loved her but gave up trying to navigate his paranoia when her career took off. Divorced, she started a business before falling into another unsatisfying relationship. She was like two different people for years. Her career defined her and was applauded professionally (award-winning and nationally acclaimed.) Homelife, however, was a different story, complicated and exhausting. She juggled being a mother of three, a wife, and a businesswoman for

Randy Adkins, Jr suffered the tragic loss of his 19-year-old younger brother over 20 years ago. Although that was devastating and a time of feeling helpless, it was also a time filled with questions that caused him to self-reflect and make life choices.       Randy creatively weaves his experiences as a corporate consultant, ordained minister, community leader, and distinguished toastmaster into a tapestry, inspiring observers to integrate spiritual growth principles into everyday life. Randy has a passion for creating lasting change in people's lives through writing, teaching, and speaking. He is an altruistic leader, organizational visionary, captivating speaker, and respected adviser with a mission to inspire individuals to become leaders and take initiative. Randy challenged the audience with self-reflective questions. Are you aware of what your life is producing? Whether you realize it or not, your existence is producing something at all times. It’s time for you to start producing on purpose and e

At 13 years old Sandra Schnakenburg was hit by a car traveling 100 mph while riding her bike. In addition to having her face reconstructed, she suffered a traumatic brain injury long before such injuries were widely understood. Her parents struggled to cope with her forgetfulness and memory loss, and they gave up trying. Thus began her 10-year struggle with bulimia, which shaped her in profound ways and deepened her appreciation for resilience and healing. Sandra Schnakenburg, a dual American/Australian citizen, holds a BS in Finance and International Business from Arizona State University and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from USC. After leaving a corporate finance career in 2010, she pursued creative nonfiction through courses at Writespace, Rice University, and The Writers University.    From an early age, Sandra envisioned herself leading an amazing life, even during the darkest times. Every day she consciously chose to have a good attitude and looked for the positive, even in painful situations—as

To all aspiring authors and those who have already been published, you will gain valuable knowledge about publishing from Terry Whalin. Terry Whalin is an editor and author of over 60 books and has written for more than 50 magazines. Several of Terry’s books have sold over 100,000 copies.   Because of the common misconceptions and conflicting information about publishing, many authors are left confused when it is time to publish their book. These authors often focus only on the content of their book, but either ignore or do not fully understand the business side of publishing. This is where Terry can help authors to be realistic and well-informed about the publishing industry they are entering. During his interview, Terry explains what authors need to know about publishing so they can make their dreams a reality. He explains some of the biggest errors authors make regarding their expectations for their book. He clarifies the myths many authors are led to believe and what attributes contribute to their succe

John Graham graduated from college with no real training, no direction, and no one to help him. As a result, he went through eight career detours, moving from state to state, feeling helpless, alone, and not knowing what to do or where to go much of the time.   It was not until he and his wife committed to helping others who were struggling more they were and founded Good Samaritan Home that he found his place and a sense of purpose.     John Graham had gone from homelessness, a series of career restarts over the years, to a business owner and a published author. He was a door-to-door salesman, children’s home counselor, substitute schoolteacher, truck driver, fireman, building contractor, minister, and journalist. At 75, he published his debut novel called Running As Fast As I Can, which had been rejected nearly 200 times. John is familiar with second, third, and fourth chances that many of us need to reach our goals. It is in developing what he calls calloused hands and a tender heart, along the journey

Jenn Todling had a mental breakdown after caring for her chronically ill spouse for five years. She felt trapped and hopeless, assuming she would never be able to leave the situation or have a fulfilling life. This was a turning point for her to realize that her mental health was at risk, and she needed to seek help and support. With a past life as an audit partner at Ernest and Young, a stint at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and an adjunct faculty coach at the University of Denver, Jenn’s journey to become an author, speaker, and coach embodies the power of transformation.      Jenn kept a journal of ideas she needed to share with the world - life lessons and guiding principles led to publishing her journey to help support people through transformation and help them become their most authentic selves.   In her interview, Jenn shares: - The power of mindset in looking for hope in challenging situations. - How creative expression can help support us in getting unstuck from sticky situations. - H

From her humble beginning as a bartender to the sacred halls of the convent and through the trials of tumultuous relationships and alcoholism, Gina Economopoulos grapples with loss, grief, and the pursuit of self-discovery. From the agonizing decision to leave the convent behind to the numbing embrace of alcoholism, every step of her journey is fraught with uncertainty and pain. Yet, through sheer resilience and unwavering determination, she begins the process of healing, learning to let go of the past and forge new connections in the present.    Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek-loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12-year convent journey after her mother's passing. Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud Alcoholics Anonymous member, and her story of resilience through t

In 2004, Madelaine Weiss had a flesh-eating disease, which started as strep throat and extended into her arm. She had a 1% chance of survival. The doctors were threatening to remove her upper right quadrant, but after seven weeks in the hospital and three months off her post at Harvard Medical School, here she is – happy, healthy, prosperous, and productive with a smile. Madelaine Weiss is a Harvard-trained licensed psychotherapist and mindset expert, with an MBA and board certification in executive, career, and life coaching. She is the founder and former chair of The School-Business Partnership, former parenting education facilitator, group mental health practice administrative director, corporate chief organizational development officer, associate director of an educational resource program at Harvard Medical School, and bestselling author of “Getting to G.R.E.A.T. 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life.” "The harder a decision is to make.....  STOP and take time to listen to your inner voice."   Madelaine shar

Dr. Danny Brassell is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a PH.D.” Dr Danny went to 18 schools before he was 12 years old, and everyone made fun of him because he stuttered. It is ironic that he now gets paid huge sums of money to travel the world and help people speak.      Dr. Brassell has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide and authored 18 books, including his latest, Misfits and Crackpots. As the co-founder of the world’s top reading engagement program, Danny is on a mission to bring JOY back into education and the workplace. He helps entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source.   Dr. Danny Brassell never gave up hope. He defines himself as a puppy dog – easily distracted and curious. When he realized that many people struggle with crafting speeches that boost their business, he knew he could make a valuable contribution. During Dr. Brassell's interview, he will provide you with steps on the 5 C's

When Dr. Beverly J. Armento was 23, in her first year of teaching, and after 17 years of physical and emotional abuse, she was at her darkest hour and considered suicide. She struggled through the night, listening to the voices in her head and hearing what former teachers and students were arguing with her about the pros and cons of that choice. By dawn, she came out on the other side of hopeless toward home. She had clarity on her purpose in life with the drive to live free from the fear and trauma in her current state. Dr. Beverly J. Armento, professor, educator, author, speaker, and advocate, was responsible for her blind, artistic, and mentally ill mother. To people around her, she seemed to excel at school and in the world, but inside, Beverly was cowed by her mother's rage and delusions. In her interview, she tells the story of twenty years struggling to survive the trauma and the next twenty years of how she found hope to survive through the hidden pain.  INTERVIEW   As the “Seeing Eye Girl” for he

Willie Handler is a child of two Holocaust survivors and has inherited not only their trauma but also their resilience. That resilience helped him battle through life’s challenges. Willie Handler has reinvented himself on several occasions throughout his work career. He has been a hospital administrator, a government policy manager, an insurance expert, and a consultant. Following his retirement from the government, Willie began a writing career.     Growing antisemitism and Holocaust denial motivated Willie to research and write about his family’s story during the Holocaust and the impact it had on him.  Willie has published three satirical fiction novels over the past few years. His latest book is a memoir focusing on growing up as a child of Holocaust survivors. He is currently working on a book dealing with generational trauma in descendants of Holocaust survivors.  In light of what is happening in the world, this interview with Willie is timely and enlightening.   Growing up, the author and h

In the eighth grade, Katherine Giovanni almost committed suicide, and she tried again when her mother died. But this was the flashpoint in her life that caused her to turn around and walk in a new direction. Katherine had survived cancer, attempted suicide twice, and lived in a dysfunctional family. But today, she has been sober for 34 years.      Katherine is a three-time award-winning best-selling author of twelve books, a dynamic speaker, trainer, and advisor. She is also recognized as one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. During her interview, Katherine shares her unique system of forgiving people and the profound art of forgiveness. It transcends words, healing not just relationships but your very soul.                                                  CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE BOOK Everyone says to just say "I forgive you." But sometimes that's just not enough. This book will help you discover the profound art of forgiveness. It transcends words, healing not just relationsh

Mark Connor began boxing at age 10 at the Mexican American Boxing Club, the area of the city from which he formed his understanding of the world, anchoring his perception of direction to the family house and the rising of the sun outside his bedroom window.     He had 102 amateur fights, made it to three national tournaments, and competed against some of the nation’s top world-class boxers. He became the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves lightweight champion at 17.      However, when America went through the trauma of an economic shutdown and his beloved Twin Cities blew up in fiery riots, Mark worked when he could (the Boxing gyms and churches were closed due to Governor’s orders), helped his mother who was diagnosed with a fatal heart disease, and daily mourned the death of his father.  Mark is a boxing trainer and a writer from St. Paul, Minnesota. His first book, It's About Time, has sold millions of copies. He weaves together a story of love, family, and life with twenty poems running through it.   

In 1996, Dave Mowry had a total breakdown. He was driving down the freeway. under a lot of stress, and his mind was racing. And then, his mind snapped. He heard it like a snapping twig and felt it like a small electric shock in his brain. He was broken. He lost everything and was homeless for 18 months. He was living in hell for 14 months.     Dave Mowry’s story is one that you will want to share with anyone who is struggling with or has a family member battling mental illness. His story is one of inspiration, healing, and hope. He has lived with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety his entire adult life. He was a successful businessman until he lost it all due to mental illness. After 14 lost years and being homeless with his family for 18 months, Dave took a stand-up comedy class for people with a mental illness. It changed everything. He went from his mental illness having control over him to finding the humor in his experiences and regaining control of his life. Dave teaches stand-up comedy to people wit

When Ray Hartjen was diagnosed with multiple myeloma - cancer, it was the first thing he thought about when he woke up, and pretty much the last thing he thought about before he nodded off to sleep. It occupied his thoughts most of the day. “I’ve got cancer!”     After his diagnosis in 2019, Ray became a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a 'y'. Along with the soundtrack of life continuously playing in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres. To snap out of the trauma, he asked himself what type of role model he wanted to be for his family, friends, and community. What would be his legacy? Ray Hartjen is a writer and musician whose professional career has spanned parts of five decades. Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to software. One constant throughout his career path has been storytelling with topics as far-ranging as sports to business.   Me, Myself & My Mul

Paralyzed from the neck down while playing college football in 1970, Ken Kunken was led to believe the best he could hope for was a career selling magazine subscriptions over the phone. But he battled back from the depths of depression and despair to become an award-winning assistant district attorney. Some men see things as they are and say, "Why?" Ken dreamed of things that never were and said, "Why not?" But the Ken Kunken story is more than overcoming adversity. There's more -- much more.     After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell, where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology.    Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. He worked for more than two years at Abilities, Inc., where he provided vocational and placement counseling to severely disabled individuals.  Was that enough?  Not for Ken! He enrolled in Hofstra Univ