Suicide Zen Forgiveness
Lost my dear friend, when I was 16. Andrea, took her own life which became the best/worst Gift that has kept me breathing... through some pretty dark stuff. Suicide Zen Forgiveness is a podcast sharing stories of suicide loss, ideation, mental health and ultimately hope... each story we share has the capability to resonate with someone out there who needs to hear a helping of hope. I’m hoping you will add your story to our well of hope. #ChooseLife #KeepBreathing Talk about becoming a guest? https://bit.ly/1SZFchat
Episodes
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Comedy as Medicine: Tackling Mental Health One Laugh at a Time
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
For the past 15 years, Susan Stewart has been entertaining and inspiring audiences across North America. Susan is best known for her ability to make people laugh while helping them to meet their challenges with a sense of humour. Susan is the author of 3 books including her latest title, You Gotta Laugh: Wit And Wisdom About Not Taking Life (Or Yourself) Too Seriously. Susan's podcast, Still A Hot Mess, and her comedy album, Relentless, are available on iTunes and Spotify. You can learn more about Susan at susanstewart.ca
Links:
www.susanstewart.ca
Instagram: @susanistewart
Facebook: ComedianSusanStewart
X: SusanIStewart
LinkedIn: susanstewartcomedian
YouTube: @SusanStewartToronto
Show Notes
Humor, Healing, and Hope: A Comedian's Battle with Mental Health
In this episode of 'Suicide Zen Forgiveness,' host Elaine Lindsay talks to Susan Stewart, a Canadian comedian and author, best known for her humorous approach to overcoming life's challenges. Susan discusses her personal journey with mental health issues, including clinical depression that led her to quit comedy 20 years ago. She talks about the importance of not taking life too seriously, the healing power of laughter, and how she uses comedy to deal with and educate others about mental health. Susan shares her story of recovery from a recent mental health crisis, emphasizing the role of medication, therapy, and the support of loved ones. The conversation highlights how comedy can be a therapeutic tool, bringing light to the struggles many face with mental health, and aiming to destigmatize mental illness through laughter and open discussion. Finally, Susan talks about her new comedy show, 'A bit more than a rough patch,' focused on mental health, and her plans to raise awareness and funds by touring. The episode is sponsored by several organizations and individuals supporting mental health initiatives and suicide awareness.
00:00 Introducing the Guest: A Comedian with a Message
00:50 The Mission of Suicide Zen Forgiveness Podcast
01:23 Meet Susan Stewart: Comedian, Author, and Speaker
03:24 Susan's Journey Through Comedy and Mental Health
05:28 The Healing Power of Comedy and Self-Deprecation
11:08 Susan's Recent Mental Health Crisis and Recovery
14:01 The Importance of Managing Our Inner Critic
21:41 Susan's New Show: A Comedy Take on Mental Health
26:09 Taking the Show on the Road: A Journey Through Mental Health Awareness
28:57 The Power of Comedy in Conveying Hard Truths
31:55 Navigating the New Normal: Comedy, Mental Health, and the Pandemic
32:50 The Global Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Society
40:26 Adapting to Change: The Shift to Virtual Platforms and the Importance of Laughter
43:42 Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
45:51 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
A Beacon in the Night Willie Nealy’s Journey to Self-Discovery and Service
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Unlocking Love's Language: Willie Nealy's Quest for Connection
From Darkness to Light: Willie Nealy's Journey of Transformation
This script features a captivating conversation between the host and Willie Nealy, a relationship and life coach with a profound story of personal growth and redemption. Willie shares his challenging journey, starting from his upbringing by a single mother, joining the military for guidance, facing a failed marriage, and struggling with suicidal thoughts after a toxic relationship. He reveals how he found hope and purpose in his darkest moments, leading him to restructure his life through self-improvement and a deepened relationship with God. Willie highlights the importance of understanding love languages, setting clear expectations in relationships, and the transformative power of practicing gratitude and positive energy. His story is a testament to overcoming adversity through resilience, faith, and the support of loved ones, inspiring others to find their purpose and build fulfilling relationships.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Willie Nealy
01:46 Willie's Journey: From Military to Relationship Coach
04:08 A Dark Chapter: Struggles and Realizations
09:36 Finding Light in Darkness: The Turnaround
11:42 The Philosophy of GLUE: God, Life, Universe, and Energy
12:35 Becoming a Beacon for Others: Willie's Mission
13:59 Personal Faith and Comparative Human Nature
16:18 Empathy Through Experience: Willie's Approach to Coaching
23:36 Marriage Insights: Expectations and Agreements
25:15 The Impact of Parental Relationships on Children
26:50 Learning from Past Relationships
27:45 The Power of Understanding and Compassion
28:52 The Importance of High Expectations and Gratitude
32:07 Navigating the Darkness of Suicide Thoughts
38:58 Embracing Gratitude and Positive Change
47:46 The Value of Being Seen and Heard
48:42 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
About Willie
Willie was born and raised in Detroit Michigan to a single mom. He is a happily married man of over 15 years and a father of 5 as well as a grandfather of 6. Willie is a military veteran that served in the United States Navy for 4 and 1/2 years.
He is a marriage and relationship coach that has helped couples overcome challenges such as infidelity, trust, communications and fear, while gaining a renewed passion for each other without having to endure years of therapy or counseling.
Willie has blessed several stages such as the: The 2023 Ultimate Speaker Competition Military Veterans Edition, where he won 1st place, The Heart-Centered-Summit and The 2024 Ultimate Speaker Intensive where he again took home 1st place. Willie has also been featured on several Podcasts such as: The Coaches Journey, Life’s Checkmark, Grow-n-sexy and more…
Willie continues to be the “LIGHT” needed in the darkness! Standing upon his 4 principles: Faith, Honesty, Compassion, and Respect. Willie's goal is to impact and inspire the world utilizing his gifts and experiences!
Socials and Links
Website: https://www.devineu.com
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/coachnealy
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/coachnealy/
Amazon
Amazon.com : g.l.u.e by willie nealy
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Jon Emery: From Job Loss and Divorce to Personal Growth and Podcasting
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Overcoming Life's Checkmarks: Jon Emery's Journey from Personal Loss to Empowerment
In this podcast episode, the host welcomes guest Jon Emery to share his personal journey and experiences with mental health, suicide loss, ideation, and the transformative power of overcoming life's challenges. Jon discusses his childhood, the impact of his sister joining the Navy, his parents' secret divorce, and his own job loss after 20 years with the same company, followed by a divorce. He reflects on the trauma these experiences brought, his ventures into life insurance, and the hardships of starting over professionally and personally. Jon candidly talks about joining men's groups for support, engaging in fitness and church activities, and the importance of communication in relationships. He emphasizes personal growth, the significance of community and finding one's tribe, and the lessons learned through podcasting. The podcast highlights how turning points in Jon's life led to self-improvement, a deeper understanding of masculinity and femininity, and the importance of taking action despite fear.
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: A Conversation with Jon Emery
01:36 Jon's Personal Journey: Family, Work, and Major Life Changes
04:31 The Impact of Job Loss and Venturing into New Beginnings
10:00 Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth
16:41 Embracing Fitness, Faith, and New Opportunities
20:24 Jon's Reflections: Learning, Growing, and Moving Forward
22:02 The Journey of Self-Improvement and Sobriety
22:36 Understanding Coping vs. Avoidance Mechanisms
23:27 The Power of Positive Choices in Personal Growth
24:15 Navigating Divorce with Grace and Positivity
25:52 The Importance of Community and Support Networks
27:02 Embracing Change and Personal Development
27:22 The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health and Recovery
30:01 The Role of Communication in Relationships and Healing
33:48 Finding Your Tribe and the Value of Men's Groups
34:19 Launching a Podcast: Overcoming Fear and Finding Your Voice
38:29 The Significance of Taking Action Against Fear
46:59 Gratitude and Persistence in the Journey of Growth
BIO
Jon Emery’s journey is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. After losing a 20-year job and navigating a divorce, he embarked on a transformative path. This journey led him to authenticity and a deep desire to connect with others, creating his podcast, "Life's Checkmark." Through this platform, Jon offers comfort and understanding to those feeling alone on their journeys.
This quest for authenticity extended to his role as a father, allowing Jon to forge deeper connections with his children. Alongside family, he enjoys the companionship of an amazing dog and finding peace in nature through hikes and outdoor adventures. Beyond personal pursuits, Jon's passion lies in aiding others, particularly in helping them find their voice through podcasting, fostering empathy and connection among individuals.
In essence, Jon Emery's life narrative embodies resilience, empathy, and the power of forging genuine connections. His journey from adversity to self-discovery reflects the beauty of understanding and empathizing with others, both in personal relationships and within the wider human experience.
Sites & Socials
Life's Checkmark Podcast
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/O6AT2dDyHzb
Watch the Episodes on Youtube
Course - Prevent Podcrastination https://www.lifescheckmark.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.emery.167
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Navigating Life’s Challenges: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
This episode features an intimate conversation with guest Danielle Cobo, a mother of twins, NLP practitioner, and team leader, who shares her inspiring life journey. The discussion covers her upbringing by a single mother who rose from adversity to success, Danielle's personal and professional challenges, including dealing with grief, her husband's deployment, and her battle with postpartum depression. The conversation also touches on the importance of supportive language in coping with challenges, the impact of mental health issues, and the significance of gratitude towards military and service families. Danielle introduces her book 'Unstoppable Grit,' which offers insights into overcoming life's hurdles and achieving one's goals. The episode emphasizes resilience, the power of positive framing, and the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices of service members and their families.
00:00 Meet Danielle Cobo: A Dynamic Leader and Mother
01:35 The Power of Drive: Danielle's Inspirational Background
04:17 Embracing Parenthood with Energy and Grit
06:01 Navigating Life as a Military Spouse with Young Twins
08:23 Facing Personal and Professional Challenges in 2020
09:34 The Journey Through Grief and Finding Acceptance
18:17 Introducing 'Unstoppable Grit': A Guide to Overcoming Life's Obstacles
28:10 The Importance of Language and Mindset in Daily Life
32:28 Conclusion and Gratitude
BIO
Danielle was raised to be resilient, fueled by Grit and Courageous to the core. After 8 months of marriage her husband joined the military. Danielle became a mom to 6-week premature twin boys and survived Category 5 hurricane just weeks after returning from the NICU -
Husband deployed and became the sole caregiver to toddler twins while leading a team with 60% overnight travel.
In 2020 she lost mother to suicide, faced a global pandemic, and left a toxic work environment- all within 6 months…
Wrote the book "Unstoppable Grit: Break Through The 7 Roadblocks Standing Between You and Achieving Your Goals", recently released February 2024
Sites & Socials
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecobo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedaniellecobo/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDanielleCobo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielleCobo
Website: www.DanielleCobo.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellecobo
Unstoppable Grit YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UnstoppableGritPodcast?si=EeZHgq4cyZ3PbT9Q
Unstoppable Grit Podcast with Danielle Cobo on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ROM7ru95TF06XzKhTcO5V?si=M1eyb3ZvS8C_sjlz2EGbGg
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
The Silver Cop Chronicles: A Story of Hope, Growth and Transformation
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
A Journey Through Recovery and Embracing Life with Robin Ferrie
Season 7 Episode 10
Elaine reconnects with Robin Ferrie, a police officer known as @TheSilverCop, to discuss significant changes in his life, including a recent remarriage.
Ferrie shares insights into the importance of support in life's journeys, whether in happiness or in struggles, emphasizing how mutual support with his partner has been pivotal for him, especially during times of personal challenges.
The conversation explores Ferries' coping mechanisms, including therapy, inner child work, and mirror work, shedding light on his path to overcoming trauma and guilt. The discussion further explores generational differences in emotional expression, societal pressures on men to conceal vulnerability, and the transformative power of self-reflection and emotional intelligence.
Ferrie's engagement with coaching and his passion for helping others navigate mental health struggles and the relief found in expressing and sharing one's vulnerabilities are highlighted. The episode touches upon the importance of decluttering one’s mind, akin to tidying one’s home, and seeking growth by focusing inward and asking oneself the hard questions.
00:00 Welcome Back, Robin Ferrie: A Journey of Resilience and Support
01:36 The Power of Support in Overcoming Life's Challenges
03:53 Reflecting on Progress and the Importance of Inner Work
08:44 The Impact of Sharing and Connecting on Mental Health
12:14 Navigating Identity and the Journey to Self-Acceptance
19:36 Embracing Vulnerability and the Path to Healing
25:40 The Influence of Family and Society on Personal Growth
31:29 Finding Strength in Vulnerability and Authentic Connections
32:58 Embracing Emotions: A New Perspective
33:52 The Power of Letting Emotions Flow
34:52 Learning from Nature: Emotional Release in Animals
36:20 The Importance of Emotional Expression in High-Stress Jobs
37:49 The Healing Power of Vulnerability and Community Support
46:44 The Journey of Self-Reflection and Emotional Intelligence
47:22 Confronting and Overcoming Personal Traumas
52:22 Embracing Self-Talk and Mirror Work for Personal Growth
55:50 The Path to Emotional Well-being: Practical Steps and Advice
59:18 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments
BIO
Robin Ferrie always wanted to be a police officer... never did he think his first training shift would be the brutal start to his terrifying story. Self-healing and his desire to serve other first responders make this a success story.
First time Guesting April 2021
Honoured to share the podcast with such a caring, individual.
#ChooseLife #KeepBreathing #NotToday
#gratitudeattitude
Socials
Facebook
Instagram
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Resilience Amid Grief: Exploring Personal Loss and Healing Stacey Short s7 e9
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Tuesday Mar 05, 2024
Navigating Grief, Empathy, and Mental Health: One Family's Journey
This episode features an in-depth and personal conversation with Stacey Short, who shares her poignant journey through grief, mental health struggles within her family, and the transformative power of empathy and support. The discussion touches on the challenges of dealing with a family member's mental illness and addiction, the societal and systemic barriers to receiving appropriate care, and the profound impact of suicide. Stacey recounts her brother Nathan's life, his struggle with bipolar disorder and addiction, and the circumstances that led to his tragic passing. Through her narrative, Stacey emphasizes the importance of presence, understanding, and not shying away from the complexities of grief and mental health. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to end stigma, always include empathy, and support one another through life's most challenging moments.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection
01:27 Stacey's Empathy and Personal Loss
03:21 The Struggles of Grief and Loss
04:42 The Impact of Suppressing Grief
06:32 Nathan's Early Life and Struggles
07:24 The Downward Spiral: Drugs and Mental Health
10:36 The Tragic End: Nathan's Suicide
15:03 The Aftermath: Dealing with the Loss
25:47 The Legal Battle and Injustice
29:19 The State of Mental Health Facilities
29:50 The Impact of Grief on Family Dynamics
30:21 The Influence of Military Culture on Mental Health
30:59 The Struggles of Growing Up in a Military Family
32:03 The Stigma of Mental Health in the Military
32:55 The Impact of Mental Health on Parenting
33:32 The Struggles of Dealing with a Family Member's Mental Illness
36:26 The Impact of Mental Health on Family Relationships
37:09 The Struggles of Being the Oldest Child in a Family Dealing with Mental Health Issues
37:27 The Impact of Generational Attitudes Towards Mental Health
39:30 The Struggles of Dealing with a Family Member's Suicide
41:17 The Impact of Suicide on the Family
44:06 The Journey of Healing and Finding Purpose After a Family Member's Suicide
52:18 The Importance of Remembering Loved Ones Beyond Their Struggles
54:18 Conclusion: The Power of Sharing and Remembering
Bio:
Stacey Short, an Air Force BRAT, always aspired to improve lives. In 2002, she earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Her life took a turn when her newborn son was born without an immune system in 2005, prompting her to return to the service industry for his care. In 2016, tragedy struck when she lost her baby brother to suicide, leading her into a deep depression. With help from health professionals and medication, she gradually emerged stronger. In 2020, embracing her calling, she pursued certifications in health, life, mental fitness, and clarity, dedicated to helping women who feel lost in life's roles. Today, she lives purposefully, knowing growth is perpetual. A proud mom of two teens and cherished pups, Stacey also published her first collaborative book, "Self Love Project." Her story resonates with resilience and empowerment, inspiring positive transformations.
Links:
FB Business: https://www.facebook.com/AFewShortMinutes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/coachstaceyshort
IG: https://www.instagram.com/afewshortminutes_coaching_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afewshortminutes/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stacey_coaches
Site: afewshortminutescoaching.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@afewshortminutescoaching
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Navigating the Long Goodbye: A Journey through Dementia
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Living with Dementia: A Personal Journey
Host Elaine Lindsay shares her deeply personal experience with her aging father's dementia diagnosis. And decline.
Following the ‘SPECAL’ method recommended by the Contented Dementia Trust, she explores the loneliness and grief but also the unexpected gifts of the journey.
Elaine emphasizes the need for a balance between compassion and honesty, while advocating for open discussions on mental health. She encourages listeners to seek help and be grateful for life’s positives, no matter how small.
Note that the podcast deals with potentially triggering subject matter and should not be used as a substitute for professional help.
0:00 Navigating the Long Goodbye: A Journey through Dementia
00:54 Introduction and Personal Story
01:13 The Diagnosis and Early Struggles
04:38 The SPECAL Method and Caregiving
05:56 The Power of Storytelling
08:18 The Heartbreaking Phone Call
09:53 Navigating Grief and Memory Loss
12:31 The Importance of Support and Love
14:08 Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts
15:45 The Power of Positivity and Gratitude
16:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Through the Fire: Stewart Thompson’s Journey of Survival and Advocacy
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Surviving Childhood Abuse and Suicidal Attempts - An Interview with Stuart Thompson
Welcoming Stuart Thompson, host of an abuse survivor based podcast in Toronto. Stuart recounts his experiences of childhood sexual abuse, moving from Ottawa to Richmond, breaking his silence and turning towards meaningful conversations around this trauma. He speaks about his involvement with the Gatehouse Centre in Toronto, a support centre for men, women, and children who've suffered child abuse. Stuart's story of recovery and ongoing efforts to help others through similar personal tragedies becomes a beacon of hope and resilience. However, Stuart emphasizes that there's no 'magic pill' to healing; patience, hard work, and self-discoveries are all vital parts of the healing journey. Now Stuart is committed to breaking silences, extending help, and becoming an active agent of positivity and change in the community.
Stewart has gone on to speak in front of the World health Organization.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
00:12 The Mission of the Podcast
00:35 Warning and Disclaimer
00:55 Introduction of the Guest
01:33 Personal Stories and Shared Experiences
05:04 The Impact of Childhood Abuse
07:07 The Struggle with Trust and Relationships
10:43 The Journey to Recovery
14:02 The Importance of Suicide Awareness
22:01 The Positive Side of the Journey
22:09 The Role of the Gatehouse in Recovery
25:56 The Importance of Understanding and Expressing Feelings
29:52 Embracing Emotional Healing
30:09 Journey into Volunteering and Facilitating
30:47 Finding My Voice Through Art Therapy
31:37 The Struggles of Working with Trauma
32:08 The Power of Finding My Voice
33:20 Creating the Survivors Council of Canada
35:02 The Lifelong Impact of Childhood Trauma
36:46 The Power of Belief and Self-Understanding
40:16 The Goal to Expand the Gatehouse Across Canada
44:52 The Importance of Self-Care and Gratitude
49:56 The Unforgiven Warrior: A Personal Reflection
54:57 The Rewarding Aspect of Mentoring
55:41 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
From Stewart:
My name is Stewart Thompson I am a survivor, probably more like a Warrior from my child hood sexual abuse, I guess my 1st statement brings you to where I am coming from a little better to what I am here to talk about today.
I started my healing journey 13 years ago, being a 60+ male I was taught never to talk about my feelings, definitely not about my child abuse as you can see that plan did not go well. After volunteering at the Gatehouse for 10 years, I never considered or thought possible that I would become an employee (Program Assistant Trauma Informed) my role is to support men coming into our programs and women too when needed.
My advocacy over the years has given me a podcast (Personal Transformation) starting in 2014 and 2018 podcasts later I am still here talking about a subject that many stay away from not stopping me, that has also has given me the gift of speaking Internationally for World Health Organization/ISPCAN International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect with a documentary and presentation 2020. Proud to announce that starting in Jun 2022 co-founding Survivors Council of Canada in conjunction with the Gatehouse.
Links:
https://my.blogtalkradio.com/tools/#/my-episodes
Stewart on YouTube
Survivors Council
The Gatehouse
Suicide Zen Forgiveness
On this podcast we talk real stuff – the stories of dealing with suicide loss, navigating tough times, and embracing mental health journeys. Elaine, your host, is on a mission to break the silence, kick stigma to the curb, and wave goodbye to the shame surrounding suicide loss and mental health struggles. You know, it’s true what they say – You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. So, let’s start the conversation, open up, and share our experiences. When I was 16, I lost a dear friend to suicide. Little did I know, that tough experience would turn into a valuable lesson. Now, in my late 60s, I’m still learning and appreciating the Best/Worst Gift from Andrea that keeps me going. Join me in choosing life, taking deep breaths, and embracing vulnerability.
#Chooselife #keepbreathing #vulnerability #suicideloss #Ideation #shareyourstory #youmatter #mentalhealth #stopthestigma #starttheconversation #Hope
Trigger Warning: Suicide Zen Forgiveness podcast is for education only. Some of the subject matter could be triggering for those newly grieving, or in a poor state of mental health. Please call you local suicide hotline, or mental health office if you need immediate