My blurred opinion

The bear whisperer I'm all right how are you?

Our next guest is John Holland. He's like my little brother, I met him at a job we used to work at, and we instantly became friends. We bonded over sports, movies, and TV shows; of course, we both had visual impairments. When we were paired together, I got to see how he works, with all his ailments on display, and I was very impressed.  Because of a birth defect, he was born with missing bones in his left arm, and wrist, which affects the mobility of his arm tremendously. But where most people would allow that to get them down, John keeps it moving, and will still try to lift whatever he has asked to lift. If there's one thing you can take from John story is that he is not a quitter, he has many health issues that are affecting him currently, but he still gets up every day and puts in a quality effort

Don't feel bad for us, just accept us

Our next episode features Chris Westbrook. Chris has the trifecta of disabilities: He's totally blind, partially deaf, and has mobility issues. Though Chris may have his troubles, he's very independent, outspoken, and a good representative of those with disabilities. In the episode, we discussed accessible technology, Chris's upbringing, mental health, and a lot more.

Survivors of hopelessness

Our next episode is with Deborah and Brian. They are partners, and they are here to share their own individual stories and experiences with hopelessness and the eventual attempt at suicide. Though they have two different stories, two different backgrounds, they have the same common goal, and that is to let you know that Suicide is NEVER an act of selfishness or a cry for help. Rather it is an act of pure desperation. They didn't mean to leave all that hurt behind for their family and friends. They just became overwhelmed. And we don't refer to a death from suicide as a "successful attempt" Rather we refer to it as having been "completely overcome." They were completely overcome by hopelessness. And hopelessness will keep coming back until it wins.

Doing it the Erin way

This next episode is with Erin Miller. She is a strong woman who faces many challenges but thrives while doing so. Erinb has the condition Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC). AMC is a term used to describe a group of congenital (present at birth) conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more joints of the body. Therefore, AMC is a descriptive term for over 400 conditions rather than a single diagnosis. In the episode, we discuss health, family loss, and so much more. I've actually had the personal pleasure of watching her navigate life with this condition, and though she makes it look easy, it is not. 
https://amcsupport.org
 

Thriving while struggling

 
This episode is with Rebecca Sparks. I first noticed her on TikTok. I was impressed by her openness to talking about her struggles. She embodies what a mental health warrior is. We talk about her past, depression, suicide, anxiety, and so much more.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
Her Instagram @conspiracytheoriesofabeautiful mind

Shake the dust off your feet and walk

Gina's life story makes her a captivating and inspiring speaker for all audiences. Through raw vulnerability, she shares how she overcame immense adversity—enduring multiple surgeries from childhood, devastating loss, a crisis of faith leading her to join and later leave the convent, the grips of alcoholism, and the struggles of tumultuous relationships. Yet, Gina's unwavering resilience, strengthened by her profound spirituality, enabled her to reclaim her life's purpose. Gina's very presence is a testament to the power of the human spirit to persevere. Her story reminds us that hope can be discovered even in our darkest moments and will leave an audience inspired.
Her website https://www.ginaecon.com

Love is all you need

Our next guest is Andrea she is a woman who I met on TikTok, who is making very powerful , informational, and honest videos about her life, and her health. She has rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. She is a teacher, a hippie, a mother, and a lover of animals.  She is a woman who struggles, but also thrives at the same time.  
You can follow her on TikTok at scentsiblehippie

The Swiss Army knife of disability advocacy

John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty

Discovering the happiness, you didn't know what is possible?

As a divorcee and single mom with two children, Yvonne has faced the uncertainty of walking away from both a marriage and a successful career that no longer fulfilled her. She understands the courage it takes to make those tough decisions and the transformation that follows. Yvonne’s life is proof that lasting change is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Now, as the co-founder and Happiness Coach at LimitlessYou, Yvonne empowers others to break free from their conscious and subconscious limiting beliefs and embrace their true calling. She blends ancient wisdom—like Ayurveda and Yoga—with modern science, including neuroscience, quantum physics, and hypnotherapy, to guide people toward lives filled with fulfillment, joy, and purpose. Her belief that self-discovery isn’t just for the privileged few but for everyone, no matter their circumstances, sets her apart.
Her website https://unlocklimitlessyou.com

Radiating faith

When I met Mr. Whiskey, I was very impressed with his ability to overcome so much, and how he took his pain and turned into something positive. He came from a traumatic childhood of many types of abuse- emotional, verbal, domestic, and religious- before being forced into one of the military's most difficult and highest suicide-rate positions, and then separated due to medical issues. After that, he struggled with the transition, an identity crisis of living two lives, and plenty of past and ongoing trauma. 
His website https://couple-o-nukes-website.webnode.page
And please check out his podcast called couple o' nukes