James "JC" Cavitt: Murder Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 1)

What happens when Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister sits down with a young man sent to San Quentin Prison for murder? In an unprecedented interview, Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown sit down with James "JC" Cavitt. Together, they reveal the details of life before “that day.” Each was facing a future that included violent crime and the “dive stage” of trauma. Tanya with the murder of her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, and the ensuing trial of the century. JC with a murder conviction that would change his life forever.

James "JC" Cavitt: Murder Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 2)

What happens when one accused murderer goes free, and a 17-year-old boy is arrested and faces the death penalty? In a stunning interview, JC Cavitt joins hosts Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown to explore the topic of raw trauma from opposite perspectives. Tanya speaks up about the violent death of her sister Nicole Brown Simpson. JC talks about his new life in prison. They both discuss the “survive” stage of trauma.

James "JC" Cavitt: Murder Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 3)

Can the sister of Nicole Brown Simpson and a San Quintin prisoner really thrive after a violent crime crushes their lives? Join Dr. Randall Bell and co-host Tanya Brown as they explore that question with their remarkable guest, James “JC” Cavitt. They talk openly about what it takes to not just survive after the trauma but to convert the energy into the fuel to thrive. Tanya shares how her family has inspired new conversations on mental health and domestic violence. JC talks about making history as the world’s first person to give a TED Talk from inside a prison. Both have inspired millions. Both share their powerful insights on post-traumatic thriving.

Rhonda Britten: mother’s murder Trauma Recovery & Life Before Trauma (Ep. 4)

Rhonda Britten reveals details of her troubled childhood before a horrific trauma. Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown discuss Rhonda’s parents going through two divorces, the cultural pressures that forced her parents to stay together, being the black sheep in her family, and constantly looking for affection anywhere she could find it. In a gripping interview, Rhonda discusses her father, who would keep her and her family in a state of constant fear.

Rhonda Britten: mother’s murder Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 5)

As a 14-year-old girl, Rhonda spent the morning getting ready for Sunday brunch and having her first heart-to-heart conversation with her mother. She put on her new dress her mother had made for Father’s Day. Rhonda then recounts how she was the only eyewitness to her father murdering her mother, and then turning the gun on himself. This shocking tragedy left Rhonda unable to sleep for years, alcohol abuse, swinging between support groups, and multiple suicide attempts. Join us as Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown discuss the “dive stage” of Rhonda Britten’s trauma.

Rhonda Britten: mother’s murder Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 6)

When your whole world has been turned upside down, how do you simply survive? Join Dr. Randall Bell, Tanya Brown, and their epic guest Rhonda Britten, as she describes the methods she put into action. After years of bouncing between support groups, alcohol abuse, a busy work life, and suicide attempts; Rhonda made the choice to stop drinking and start going to AA meetings. In that same month, she also endured a car crash and a breakup. Rhonda reclaims her self-worth and reveals a night confronting the memories of her father.

Rhonda Britten: mother’s murder Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 7)

Once someone has made the choice to use their trauma as fuel to thrive, the results are amazing. Rhonda Britten opens up to Dr. Randall Bell and Tanya Brown about how she successfully brought the conversation of mental health into the homes of millions around the world. She also talks about her four best-selling books, starring on three television shows, and her multiple appearances on Oprah!

Jessie Buttafuoco: crime Trauma Recovery & Life Before Trauma (Ep. 8)

Jessie Buttafuoco grew up in Long Island, New York, experiencing what she thought was an idyllic childhood. Her father Joey Buttafuoco spoiled her with toys and gifts he claimed had “fallen off a truck.” Her dad also did trips to “Disneyworld,” when he was really doing drug rehab. Even as a young girl, Jessie sensed the mental stress her mother was under. Jessie tried to cheer up her mother, well before she learned about the insanity all around her.

Jessie Buttafuoco: crime Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 9)

Jessie, the daughter of Joey and Mary Jo Buttafuoco, is excited to ride her bike to school for the first time. But her plans for the ride home were wrecked when her aunt picks her up and whisks her to the family’s auto shop where she is told that her mom was “injured” when she “fell on a nail.” She had never of Amy Fisher, a high-school call-girl who showed up on her doorstep and shot her mother in the face. Her dad, Joey Buttafuoco, and Amy had been involved in a long-running affair. A media circus erupted, and Jessie would lie about her name in hopes of a normal life. However, the criticisms of her family were a constant nightmare, especially when she sat in the audience of Saturday Night Live and Madonna took the stage.

Jessie Buttafuoco: crime Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 10)

Guilty by association, Jessie got harsh public judgments due to her father being Joey Buttafuoco. Jessie recalls a softball coach instructing his pitcher to deliberately hit Jessie with the ball, just because of her family name. Looking for some peace, Jessie began to wonder if changing her name would give her solace and began to explore new religions. Jessie describes how this search leads her on a mission to take on the media.

Jessie Buttafuoco: crime Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 11)

Jessie decides to let go of the past and tells her father she does not want him, his sex tapes, celebrity wrestling, and constant insanity in her life. She is now driving towards a doctorate in media psychology and starting a support group for those who have been exploited by the media. Starting at the age of nine, Jessie’s experiences gave her profound insights into the trauma caused by being infamous by association.

Jodi Barber: overdose Trauma Recovery & Life Before Trauma (Ep. 12)

The Barber family appeared to be living the Southern California dream. Jodi, her husband Bill, and her two sons Jarrod and Blake. Blake was calm and a parent’s dream. On the other hand, Jarrod started to suffer in school and developed attention problems and emotional issues. This escalated to drug use and ill-tempered tantrums. Jodi turned to the medical field for help and used a doctor not knowing that he was on 5-year probation due to malpractice.

Jodi Barber: overdose Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 13)

Jarrod broke his collar bone while riding dirt bikes, which led to using prescribed opioids for pain management. The opioids then led to addiction and a “dirty doctor” Hsiu-Ying “Lisa” Tseng, MD, who kept the prescriptions flowing without Jarrod’s parent’s knowledge. Desperate for help, Jodi sent Jarrod to the “best doctor in Orange County” who prescribed Seroquel and promised her son’s addictions would be gone in a week. The “best doctor in Orange County” had been placed on five-year medical probation and was addicted to Seroquel himself. Jarrod relapsed during Thanksgiving and Christmas. On January 7th, 2010, Jarrod slipped into a drug-induced coma. He was pronounced dead at the same hospital where he had been born. 

Jodi Barber: overdose Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 14)

Jodi Barber was devastated when her son Jarrod overdosed and lost his battle with drug addiction. Looking back, she believes that the best help for an addict is to get them into a treatment facility. While she did everything she could, dirty doctors and negative connotations about rehab got in the way of real solutions. To survive her grief, Jodi put her energy into research and directly confronted the dirty doctors who contributed to the death of her son.

Jodi Barber: overdose Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 15)

Jodi became an advocate after losing her son to a drug overdose. She connected to a network of Jarrod’s classmates and parents who were facing similar problems. By building a community and bringing awareness, they fought back against the epidemic of illegal drugs and dirty doctors who over-prescribed to make a profit. She also set out to inspire new legislation. Jarrod’s life would not be lost in vain.

Anthony Brown: homelessness Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 16)

Born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, Anthony Brown’s life began with trauma. He grew up in poverty with his mother and two sisters above a Cleveland bar. At age nine, Anthony found his mother on the floor, shot in the head by a boyfriend. By 14, Anthony had experimented with hard drugs and was injecting regularly. At 15, his mom lied about Anthony’s age and enlisted him in the Navy, but they found out and kicked him out. Anthony joined a traveling carnival in the summer and lived in deserted homes in the winter. With layers of childhood trauma, you will wonder how he made it out alive.

Anthony Brown: homelessness Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 17)

Anthony travels to Michigan to say his last goodbyes to his dying mother. During his visit, Anthony realizes he is actually more interested in his mother's medications. When in his 30's, Anthony would finally find himself incarcerated for the first time. While in prison, he took to reading. Eventually, he would enter a treatment center, group therapy sessions, and obtain his first sponsor. Anthony was transitioning into a normal lifestyle, but then he relapsed.

Anthony Brown: homelessness Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 18)

Although Anthony wanted God to prove himself, he began to change his perceptions when he heard God share three rules to live by. These valuable rules paid off. Wanting to help others and to share his story to inspire others, Anthony wrote the book, “From Park Bench to Park Avenue.” He talks about his struggles from being a homeless drug addict to becoming a successful member of society. A prominent community member, Anthony has taken on an ambitious project to house the homeless.     

Geri Jewell: disability Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 19)

Being the world’s smallest premature baby at that time, Geri Jewell began her life with trauma. She started life at three pounds and then dropped to two. She was isolated and no one was allowed to touch her, so she had no physical attention for the first 3 months of life. Geri was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Her first stage appearance was as a baby where she was used at a medical convention for doctors to observe. Geri is upset that she cannot attend a “normal” school and is continuously bullied and abused by school children and kids and parents in the neighborhood. Her younger sister Gloria is her saving grace, and when they play together Gloria puts popsicle sticks on Barbie Dolls so that Geri feels normal with her leg braces.

Geri Jewell: disability Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 20)

Unhappy with school, Geri tries to join the military but they don’t want her. Geri tries everything, and even writes letters to TV star Carol Burnett and tells her that she is interested in a stand-up comedy career. Unbelievably, Carol writes back and encourages Geri to go for it. Right after high school, Geri auditions for a comedy club on Hollywood Boulevard. In her first attempt at stand-up comedy, Geri received a standing ovation. The audience loves her and she is an instant hit in the Hollywood comedy scene. After performing on stage for a couple of years in Hollywood and around Los Angeles, Geri lied her way into landing a spot on national television!

Geri Jewell: disability Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 21)

Geri shares her stories of working with Cheech and Chong, auditioning for Burt Reynolds, decapitating Big Bird, and how she landed her starring role on ABC’s "Facts of Life". But success had its ups and downs. Cerebral palsy causes a lot of pain. Geri would later find herself at death’s door, addicted to painkillers, too sick to work, and in a failing marriage. She would get a second shot at success when a famous producer recognized Geri at a pharmacy and offered her a role on HBO’s Deadwood.

Geri Jewell: disability Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage – Part Two (Ep. 22)

Geri shares her ups and downs. She gets asked to speak at the White House, not just once but three times. Once with Ronald Reagan and twice with Barack Obama. But she is also sexually assaulted by creeps that prey on disabled people. A frequent guest on Hollywood’s red-carpet events, her life has thrilling highs and indescribable lows. Through it all, Geri does one thing well, she keeps going and never loses her ability to make people laugh. In the process, Geri continues to inspire millions.  

Ken Druck: daughter’s death Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 23)

As a two-year-old, Ken Druck could already sense the tension within his holocaust survivor family. Although he struggled with a learning disability, Ken battled through earning his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. While a practicing therapist, Ken and his wife welcomed two daughters into their home, Jenna and Stephanie. At 10 pm one night, Ken got the call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. His daughter, Jenna, had been killed in a bus accident while studying abroad. Ken said, “I unplugged from the life I had.”

Ken Druck: daughter’s death Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 24)

Feeling as if life had lost its meaning, Ken Druck decided to move forward by walking a path of honoring his daughter, Jenna. Ken reveals his 6 Rules for honoring a loved one. He shares that no one goes through life without a broken heart. We have to decide whether we are going to allow our hearts to break and close, or break and open. Ken also explains how we treat ourselves will be reflected in how we treat the others around us. Ken also explains the importance of self-love and self-care.

Ken Druck: daughter’s death Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 25)

Knowing the pain of losing a child, Ken Druck is called in to counsel the families after 9-11, Sandy Hook, Hurricane Katrina, OJ, and other horrible events. His insights are so profound, that he appears on Oprah. In honor of his late daughter, Ken starts the Jenna Druck Foundation. His three books inspire millions. Ken shares that love will always prevail over trauma, and how it’s a blessing for every moment to be filled with both negative and positive emotions.

Kathy Buckley: disability Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 26)

Kathy Buckley’s family thought she was “slow” and her hearing impairment was not discovered until she was eight. She struggled to connect with others. Lacking family support, she was sexually molested as a child and raped at 16. Feeling profoundly alone, Kathy attempted suicide five times in high school. Then in her early 20’s, Kathy was at the beach when a 3,500-pound lifeguard jeep ran over. The paramedics pronounced her dead on arrival, but Kathy miraculously came back to life. Kathy overcame it all to do remarkable things as a standup comic and more.

Kathy Buckley: disability Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 27)

After the jeep accident, Kathy had to learn how to walk again. Stuck in this mindset to survive, she left Ohio for California, lived in her car for 3 months, and got cancer 2 years later. Pissed off with life, she decided to confront her dad about their past on multiple occasions. After attending group therapy, she learned to not live in the past and over time, she was able to forgive her dad and change her perspective towards life.

Kathy Buckley: disability Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 28)

Kathy believed that her disability did not make her less than anyone else. While questioning herself, she aimed high. Yet her headshot was thrown into the trash by a comedy club owner. As a stroke of luck, famous comedian Geri Jewell saw it in the trash and pulled it out. This led to Kathy’s first comedy gig, where she was an instant hit. She ran into Tony Robbins in the parking lot, where Kathy was invited to share the stage with him for years to come, and she performed all over the country. Kathy did the impossible and became the world’s first hearing-impaired comedian.

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 29)

Born in Fullerton, California, Fausto was scared of his father but still longed for his affection. As a child, he learned to live in his head and not complain about his father’s horrible treatment of his mother. Fausto believed his constant household dysfunction was normal. Ultimately, this led to Fausto’s social anxiety, sexual abuse, and longing for a new drug, love. Hiding behind different personas and women, Fausto tried unsuccessfully to run away from his past. He even faked his own death. Fausto lived through a drug overdose, being sexually molested at 14, alcohol abuse, broken relationships, the divorce of his parents, and his mother’s recurring cancer.

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 30)

Fausto got back on his feet by attending church for the first time. He attended primarily for the community and social aspects. One day he heard “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors.” This inspired Fausto, who realized he was strong enough to help others. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous and shared his raw story authentically. For the first time in his life, Fausto didn’t feel alone in his problems. He realized that for 25 years, he had lived in fear and pain. He decided to make recovery his first priority in life. Fausto’s Faith grew daily, he became more involved with his family and friends, but his mother’s recurring cancer hit him hard. Fausto kept setting his goals higher to move past his trauma, help others and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (Ep. 31)

Fausto got in touch with himself and found his passion, which was jump rope! His hero was Buddy Lee, a reigning champion. In an effort to inspire hope in others, Fausto used a Buddy Lee Brand jump rope to start a campaign, “My jump rope gives me hope.” This got the attention of Buddy Lee himself. With the help of a go-fund-me kick-starter, he was able to meet Buddy Lee. Fausto realized that healed trauma becomes his passion. He strengthened his belief in God. Through kindness and faith, Fausto was able to use his trauma to thrive and achieve his goal of helping others. Today, Fausto helps his mom, is sober and a popular public speaker.

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 32)

**TRIGGER WARNING**

5-time Emmy winning journalist, Brandon Lee enjoyed a privileged childhood, a beautiful home in Anaheim Hills, the best private schools, and both parents prospering in their careers.  What he didn’t have was parental supervision to protect him from predators and pedophiles. From the ages of 7-10, Brandon was molested by a trusted neighbor, his piano teacher, and his soccer coach. Each time he waved a “red flag” his mother ignored his desperate acts of self-defense. His teens years were spent trying to numb the pain of trauma with alcohol, drugs and becoming a sex worker in Laguna Beach at 16. Growing up gay wasn’t something that he could tell anyone about -- that trauma would follow him into his young adulthood. Brandon was an overachieving news journalist during the work week and a meth-fueled partier on the weekends eventually ending up overdosing and near death twice.

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 33)

Brandon wanted to rebuild his life. He was convinced to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting by the same nurse that attended to him after his overdose. He shared his story at his first AA meeting and found a new social circle. They helped Brandon realize that he could enjoy life as a sober, gay man. Brandon attended five AA meetings a week for the next ten years. He also realized that without a previous example of a healthy gay relationship, he would need to spend years “rewriting” what that would look like. Brandon was a news anchor during the 2020 election, and his social media and private accounts were hacked. The culprits attempted to blackmail him into reading their statements on the air. The shame of the situation resulted in a relapse and a suicide attempt. Brandon now views his relapse as a blessing which lead him to retire from broadcast news. Through the help of therapy and working with a Shaman, he was able to heal from his childhood trauma and pursue his true passion and purpose.  

Fausto Castellanos: sexual Abuse Trauma Recovery & THE THRIVE STAGE (ep. 34)

Driving through the town where he was a teenage sex worker, Brandon Lee is no longer triggered. The 5x Emmy Award-winning news anchor and recovered addict explains the benefits of creating new positive memories in the locations where trauma occurred. Trying a variety of recovery methods, Brandon began working with a shaman. Under his guidance, Brandon started psychedelic drug therapy to reprocess his childhood trauma and find his life’s purpose. He explored soul attachment, aura cleansing, and other healing techniques to use with psychedelic drug therapy. Brandon created the Art of Our Soul program (https://artofoursoul.com/) to help and heal trauma and addiction, along with a media company, The Center for Positive Media.

LEIGH STEINBERG: ALCOHOLic trauma recovery & THE DIVE STAGE (EP. 35)

Leigh Steinberg, premier sports agent, entrepreneur, and best-selling author is the real-life inspiration for the Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire. He is best known for his work building athletes into stand-alone brands and securing over $4 billion for his 300+ pro athlete clients. Leigh’s drug was success. After a series of personal setbacks; both of his sons being diagnosed with eye problems leading to blindness, his father dying from cancer, and marital problems, Leigh turned to alcohol. He knew he had hit rock bottom when he gave up his sports agency and moved back into his parent’s home at 61 years old. “I was sitting on my deceased father’s bed wondering where I can get more vodka?”

LEIGH STEINBERG: ALCOHOLIC Trauma Recovery & The Survive Stage (Ep. 36)

At 61-years old, Leigh Steinberg is divorced, bankrupt and living with his parents. He knew that he had a drinking problem, and approached recovery as if he was going back to college. Leigh read everything about alcohol recovery, but nothing worked. Although he grew up Jewish, he had difficulties with the concept of God, but discovered a newfound spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous. This motivated him stick with the twelve-step program. Realizing he had gained a large following on social media, Leigh used the platform to share his story, and he shares valuable tips on his recovery. Leigh Steinberg’s last drink was on May 20, 2012.

Leigh Steinberg: Alcoholic Trauma Recovery & The Thrive Stage (EP. 37)

Leigh Steinberg committed the past 12 years to his sobriety and successfully rebuilt his sports agency. He describes the intense focus on the first few years of his recovery. Later, Leigh wrote The Agent and started speaking publicly. This gave Leigh a sense of responsibility to sustain his sobriety. He was shadowed by Cameron Crow as the inspiration for the movie Jeremy Maguire, where Tom Cruise his character, and the line “Show me the money!” was born. Today, Leigh’s life is full as he stays involved in mega sports deals, spreading awareness on football safety.  

PHIL AGUILAR: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, RECOVERY & THE DIVE STAGE (EP. 38)

Phil Aguilar grew up in Anaheim, aka “Clanaheim,” where he was the darkest kid in town. He asked his mom to buy better soap so that he could be white like his friends. His mom told him, “Don’t be speaking any Spanish in class,” and helped him learn to speak without an accent. His childhood was happy until the day he saw his father violently punch his mother, and “my mom took the blame from that day forward.” Watching the escalating violence took a toll on young Phil. He started the Ollie St. Crew and began causing trouble. “Hurt people, hurt people,” Phil says. He was at war with the whole world. Drugs, crime, and prison forced him to look deeper.

PHIL AGUILAR: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, RECOVERY & THE SURVIVE STAGE (EP. 39)

Phil Aguilar, aka Pastor Phil, was falling in love with Venice Beach, California, and was struggling to walk an honorable path. In moments of weakness, he considered returning to his gangster life. Gang wars in Venice were soul-crushing for Pastor Phil and he reached out to Pastor Tommy Barnett. Following Pastor Tommy’s guidance, he moved to Downtown, Los Angeles. Pastor Phil’s past would follow him with rumors of motorcycle gangs and cult activity. He spent 18 months in court fighting these claims. He later created the SetFree Soldier Elite Motorcycle Crew and purchased a club in Los Angeles, where he held church services. The Sons of Anarchy television producer visited Pastor Phil’s church for inspiration. Pastor Phil was getting high on Jesus until rumors of his motorcycle crew caused a bar fight in Newport Beach. He was thrown in jail with bail set at $1 million. He spent the next two years fighting this false charge.

PHIL AGUILAR: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA, RECOVERY & THE THRIVE STAGE (EP. 40)

Feeling as though he was in the “wrong place at the wrong time,” Pastor Phil looked at the lessons he learned from his court battles. Seeing his children’s lives motivated him to write a book, Forgive Me Father For I Have Sinned. He felt as if he needed help and turned his focus to God. He now believes that love is the gift that never fails, and continues a lifestyle of professional forgiving. Pastor Phil does not want to go back to Christianity in the same way. Today, he is focused on his purpose in life, including kids, and grandkids, and enjoying the ride.

REZA REZVI: HOMELESSNESS, TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE DIVE STAGE (EP. 41)

Reza Rezvi was born in London to a working-class family. He would have a typical childhood until, at the age of ten, his father lost his job. Reza did not feel smart in class and was the black sheep of his family. His father would lose his temper easily and yell at Reza daily. At 17, Reza felt like a degenerate and would stay out late at night to avoid his parents. Struggling to get into college, Reza did not know what he wanted to do with his life. Friends would tell him that he needs to sort himself out. Reza moved to America to peruse his dreams of being on a sitcom. He spent his remaining cash on an American visa. He was ripped off by his landlord and became homeless.

REZA REZVI: HOMELESSNESS, TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE SURVIVE STAGE (EP. 42)

Back in London and living with his family, Reza felt his spirituality starting to slip away. In an effort to get back to the United States, Reza wants to attend business school and rotate through different campuses across the country. He struggled with his courses and ultimately failed. Reza switched majors, obtained a scholarship, and went for a master’s degree. With a scholarship and financial support from his grandfather, Reza was going to get another chance in the USA. He moved to New York City to start college and where he met his girlfriend. His grades began to slip, but Reza kept pushing on so he did not let his grandparents down.

REZA REZVI: HOMELESSNESS, TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE THRIVE STAGE (EP. 43)

Reza Rezvi finally got a job while attending school in New York City and began working in Times Square. He came up with the idea for a replaceable shoe heel and enrolled in shoemaker classes. He also learned how to patent his idea, but ultimately had to walk away when the startup ran out of money. He then started a successful marketing firm. Reza started mentoring children, as he realized his biggest failure turned into his greatest success. Reza also opened his own gym and created https://www.heymakermedia.com/ a media company focusing on growing businesses. Now, Reza spreads positivity and encouragement.  

Rhonda Hart: School Shooting, Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (Ep. 44)

Rhonda moved away from Wasilla, Alaska after high school to join the military. She hoped to use her military savings to attend college. Rhonda was on active duty during 9/11 and only three hours from Washington DC. She married 20 and had children shortly after. Her marriage did not last and she moved to Galveston, Texas for joint custody of her children. Rhonda became a bus driver for the Santa Fe, Texas School District. Her daughter Kimberly attended Santa Fe High School. On May 18, 2018, Rhonda was at work during the Santa Fe High School shooting and learned hours later that her own daughter had been killed.

Rhonda Hart: School Shooting, Trauma Recovery & The survive Stage (Ep. 45)

Feeling crushing grief from the loss of her daughter to a school shooting, Rhonda must face planning her own daughter’s funeral. The shooting became national news overnight. Rhonda’s first interview was with Anderson Cooper. She has no privacy to mourn. The stress of the media starts to create health issues. Rhonda gets support from her father and local churches but decides that a proper goodbye to her daughter would be with a Girl Scout campfire. With the support of Kimberly’s fellow Girl Scouts, Rhonda organized the campfire with songs, smores, and glowsticks. This gave some relief to Rhonda, but she struggled to find long-term trauma support. She began to advocate for herself as a survivor and get involved in state legislation.

RHONDA HART: SCHOOL SHOOTING, TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE THRIVE STAGE (EP. 46)

Rhonda began to thrive when she helped form the “March for Our Live” with the Santa Fe High School students. The march was held 30 days after the shooting and became a national movement. Rhonda realized that she had a built-in support system with the town of Santa Fe. She focused on gun violence protection and getting Kimberly’s Bill passed in the Senate. Rhonda began lobbying for gun owners to get background checks, education in gun safety, and practice safe gun storage. She was invited to give a speech to Congress to lobby for Kimberly’s Bill, which would be passed by Congress in 2022. Rhonda believes that her daughter’s life did not end with her death. She continues to advocate against gun violence and owns a gun violence prevention office staffed by survivors like herself.

Danny Ray: Childhood Trauma Recovery & The Dive Stage (ep. 47)

Danny’s childhood memories are clouded with his father’s gambling addiction, affairs, and prison conviction. He witnessed prostitutes in his house, pornography, and his biggest trauma was being abandoned by his father at the age of four. Danny was later told that his father was in prison for statutory rape. His home life left Danny with abandonment issues and depression. Danny turned to magic at 10 years old and give his life to Christ at 17. Magic became Danny’s escape from his childhood trauma and lead to an epic career.

DANNY RAY: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE SURVIVE STAGE (EP. 48)

Danny Ray was the first in his family to attend college. The University of Redlands is where he met his then wife-to-be, Kimberly. He and Kimberly began working in youth ministry together. When Danny asked Kimberly’s father for her hand in marriage, he said, “No. Do you realize you’re making below the poverty line?” Undeterred, Danny continued his youth ministry work feeling that God was leading him down that path, and ultimately, he and Kimberly married. Like any young married couple Danny and Kimberly experienced growing pains, and Danny admitted his long struggle with porn. Counseling, his ministry and becoming a dad all changed Danny for the better. His ministry and his world-renowned skills as a master illusionist have taken Danny around the world to share his mind-blowing magic with a life-changing message.

DANNY RAY: CHILDHOOD TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE THRIVE STAGE (EP. 49)

After Danny’s biological father suffered two heart attacks, he put aside his indifferences and met him for the first time in 28 years, Danny was 32. He wanted questions answered, and for the next four months he got to know his dad and decided that letting him back in his life was a way to heal his childhood trauma. Danny was happy for the time he had invested in reconnecting with his dad. In 2005, Danny worked his first time at the famous Hollywood Magic Castle. When he learned of Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us” TV show, he quickly sent in an audition tape. When he got the email to appear on the show, Danny practiced for 10 hours a day for 6 months. He went on to fool Penn & Teller and win the infamous “F.U.” trophy. What he did with the “F.U.” trophy on national TV was the best trick of all.

WES GEER: DRUG ABUSE TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE DIVE STAGE (EP. 50)

Korn guitar hero Wes Geer founded “Rock to Recovery” as a way to harness the healing power of music.  He also created a unique type of musical expression for treatment centers.  As the youngest of seven children, he experienced his parents’ divorce at five and sexual abuse. Wes admits that his parents’ divorce “screwed me up on several layers.” He bounced between his mom and dad and discovered a love of music, drugs and alcohol. Getting kicked out of several high schools didn’t deter him. “I knew I had it in me. I was not going to relent,” Wes shared. Escalating drug use, coupled with rock ‘n roll became the fuel that kept Wes going, but it would also lead to an overdose and a spiral into rehab. “Your success in life will be determined by your willingness to have uncomfortable conversations.” Wes added, “Music is the ultimate drug.”

WES GEER: DRUG ABUSE TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE DIVE STAGE PART 2 (EP. 51)

Growing up Wes Geer moved schools a lot and always felt that he had to be “extra” to fit in. Self-medicating with marijuana was a way to avoid his real feelings. “I limped out of high school,” Wes recalled. He focused on playing music with his band and had the passion to keep trying. “It’s not about the talent, it’s about the hustle,” Wes believes. He and his band were doing massive amounts of drugs, playing gigs and rehearsing nonstop. Record labels were flying in to see them. “I was a tweaker about to sign a record deal,” Wes remembers. The lie he believed was, “How can I have a problem if I have a record deal?” The drug use escalated to meth and heroine. He couldn’t keep a job and couldn’t sleep, ever. He was mid-30’s and lost. His brother intervened and Wes ended up in a 30-day rehab. He ended up staying for 60 days, “I was into it,” he shared. It was during that 60-day recovery that Wes discovered AA and learned how to ask for help.

WES GEER: DRUG ABUSE TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE SURVIVE STAGE (EP. 52)

The clouds parted for Wes as he gave up his addiction. He got excited about recovery and contemplated what he would do differently at Alcoholics Anonymous. Although Wes wanted to quit several times, now he put complete faith into the process. He began meditating and had premonitions of getting back into a band. Soon, he received an invitation from Korn to go on tour. Wes jammed with the band for an hour before playing his first concert in front of 12,000 people. It went great, and they toured for years. When Korn rekindled their relationship with their original guitarist, Wes created Rock to Recovery and integrated his program into the curriculum of numerous recovery centers.

WES GEER: DRUG ABUSE TRAUMA RECOVERY & THE THRIVE STAGE (EP. 53)

Wes Geer, guitarist for Korn, would have advised his younger self to follow and trust his heart, remember that he is loved, and everything will be OK in time. He explains that trauma does not have to originate from a drastic situation. Trauma can happen to everyone and from any situation. The traumas people do not want to address are the traumas that need healing the most. Wes says that our experiences do not define if we are good or bad, and we should meet people where we in the recovery process. “Your success will be determined by the number of uncomfortable conversations you are willing to have.” Wes describes how helping others is a form of self-healing. He encourages others to become a seeker and that God is a unique experience for everyone.

DR. MARK GOULSTON: UCLA PSYCHIATRIST TACKLES TRAUMA EP. 54

Dr. Mark Goulston, an admitted dyslexic, dropped out of medical school twice. At one point, the Dean of Students told him, “You’ve been kicked out.” However, after being told his med school career was over, he was given a trifecta of hope. Mark was told he had a knack for connecting with patients, he was encouraged to keep trying, and he knew he could see something in a patient’s eyes, minds and souls that others missed. Dr. Goulston did become a practicing clinical psychiatrist, a UCLA professor of psychiatry for over 20 years and the author of 8 books. He is also considered a one of the foremost thought leaders and coaches in the area of empathic listening with his book, “Just Listen,” becoming the top book on listening in the world. Dr. Goulston discusses RTA (Re-traumatization avoidance), Surgical Empathy and what to do with a hijacked amygdala.

DR. MARK GOULSTON: “PTSD FOR DUMMIES” AUTHOR SPEAKS UP EP. 55

Dr. Mark Goulston is the author of “PTSD For Dummies,” a former UCLA professor, and an FBI hostage negotiation trainer. In Episode 55, he discusses steps for preventing teenage suicide and a documentary that he executive produced, “What I Wish My Parents Knew.” He also explains the prompts for talking to teens and the importance of letting your child cry. He wrote “Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD” to address healthcare workers' trauma. This episode is packed with tips on the importance of faith, relieving stress, and facing life.

NADIA DAVIS: “LITTLE BROWN GIRL” DISCUSSES RACIAL BULLYING EP. 56

Nadia Davis is the author of “Home is Within You,” an attorney with a passion for juvenile justice and former wife of California’s State Attorney General. She is a survivor of trauma and abuse and is most well known as the attorney who fought tirelessly to free Arthur Carmona, an innocent victim wrongly accused and jailed for a crime he didn’t commit. In Episode 56, she discusses unaddressed childhood sexual traumas, why it’s important to break the stigma of shame and how her survivalist mind went into overdrive.

NADIA DAVIS: ATTORNEY & AUTHOR OF “HOME IS WITHIN YOU” SHARES ON SOBRIETY, SUICIDE & BRAVERY EP. 57

Nadia Davis is an attorney, juvenile justice advocate and author of “Home Is Within You.” She kicks off Episode 57, The Survive Stage, by describing waking up from a near-death experience and how this trauma held the answers to life. After her long recovery, she managed the physical pain with increased drinking, worked tirelessly for her clients and causes and met her ex-husband, California’s Attorney General. Their second date resulted in a pregnancy and a marriage proposal over the phone. “The best gift he gave me was our son,” Nadia stated. She felt abandoned, alone, and vulnerable. She met a man that manipulated and defrauded her needs ending in her most devastating trauma to date.

NADIA DAVIS: “HOME WITHIN YOU” AUTHOR BREAKS OUT OF THE TRAUMA BOX EP. 58

Nadia Davis is a mom, attorney, victims’ rights advocate, and author of “Home Is Within You.” In Episode 58, The Thrive Stage, she shares what helped her to survive her layered traumas and relapses. “It became about beating the shame of the past,” Nadia stated. 12-step work, kundalini yoga and EMDR are just a few techniques that helped her connect to her safe place. “A Home Within You is a place free from attack thoughts,” Nadia shared. She is a vocal advocate of keeping parents and children together during recovery, and she truly believes that asking for help is the most courageous thing anyone can do.

SUZANNE ANDERSON: “MYSTERIAL WOMAN” EP. 59

Suzanne Anderson, MA, is the founder of The Mysterial Woman, a psychologist and author of “You Make Your Path by Walking.” Born in Toronto, Canada, Suzanne was pressured to do well in school by her father. A consultant in Canada for 15 years she was hired by IBM to train their corporate teams. She moved to France for seven years and this is where she would meet her first husband. The couple moved to Seattle, Washington and they soon divorced. She met her second husband six months later. David struggled to find his quiet space. He was diagnosed with tinnitus and his business was beginning to collapse, unbeknownst to Suzanne. David confided in his friends that he was contemplating suicide, but they were sworn to secrecy. David sadly took his life, which opened Pandora’s box of a shocking discovery for Suzanne. She faced a choice. Would Suzanne be broken down and defeated, or broken open and transformed?

SUZANNE ANDERSON: “YOU MAKE YOUR PATH BY WALKING” EP. 60

In the days following her husband’s suicide, Suzanne felt like the ground beneath her had disappeared. A friend listened to Suzanne explain her feelings and helped her process the death of her husband. She understood that she would need to surrender herself to the journey of healing. At first, Suzanne slipped into a denial stage. Realizing that would not help her, she began to reach out for help. Suzanne began to work with developmental trauma and wrote, “You Make Your Path By Walking.” It took her four years to be able to revisit her trauma. Suzanne explains the importance of community. At this stage, she realized she was faced with another decision. Would she try to get back to where she was? Or be reborn?

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