Never Ever Give Up Hope

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• Finding Hope in Dark Times: Hendrika de Vries' Journey of Courage and Healing 20.06.2026 35мин

  In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II, young Hendrika de Vries witnessed extraordinary courage. Her family hid a Jewish child in their home, and she watched her mother join the Dutch Resistance and withstand interrogation at gunpoint after the child was discovered and taken away. These experiences would shape a lifetime devoted to resilience, hope, and helping others find their strength.   Hendrika's remarkable journey spans continents and generations. From her childhood in wartime Holland to her teenage years as an immigrant and champion swimmer in 1950s Australia, and later as a young wife and mother in the turbulent United States of the 1960s, her life story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and purpose.       As a young swimming instructor in Australia, Hendrika experienced a defining moment when she helped a boy whose legs had been paralyzed by polio learn to trust his upper body and move through the water. Watching him discover his own strength revealed a calling that would eventually lead her to become a family therapist in the United States.   Today, Hendrika de Vries is a retired family therapist, teacher, and writer with a background in theology and depth psychology. She is the author of two memoirs, including one about a little Dutch girl who journeys from the shadows of war to a new life in Australia, confronting loss, shattered dreams, and inner struggles before discovering her unique path forward.   Through her writing and speaking, Hendrika inspires audiences with a powerful message: even in the darkest times, hope and possibility remain. She believes that by sharing our stories, we become witnesses to resilience and agents of change. Her life and work remind us that courage, compassion, and the human spirit can endure—and flourish—against all odds.                             GET YOUR COPY HERE   If you believe in the power of dreams and intentions, this inspirational coming-of-age memoir, set in 1950s Australia, where an immigrant girl swimmer turns challenges and disappointments into opportunities for success, is for you. Henny was just a little girl when she experienced brutal violence and hunger in WWII Amsterdam, but she is now a teenage immigrant swimmer in 1950s Australia, where she must learn to turn challenges into success. She is smart, she swims fast, and she has definite opinions about the kind of woman she intends to be. She hears the timeless Land speak and sees the Southern Cross as a beacon when she walks in the bush with her father. She enjoys swimming star fame and championship victories and turns to the pool in her search to belong, to face fears and dashed hopes, until at every turn she sees more clearly her unique path ahead.   GET YOUR COPY HERE When a Toy Dog Became a Wolf and the Moon Broke Curfew Born in the Netherlands at a time when girls are to be housewives and mothers and nothing else, Hendrika de Vries is a "daddy's girl" until her father is deported from Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to a POW camp in Germany and her mother joins the Resistance. In the aftermath of her father's departure, Hendrika watches as freedoms formerly taken for granted are eroded with escalating brutality by men with swastika armbands who aim to exterminate those they deem "inferior" and those who do not obey.   As time goes on, Hendrika absorbs her mother's strength and faith, and learns about moral choice and forced silence. She sees her hidden Jewish "stepsister" betrayed, and her mother interrogated at gunpoint. She and her mother suffer near starvation, and they narrowly escape death on the day of liberation. But they survive it all—and through these harrowing experiences, Hendrika discovers the woman she wants to become. Get in Touch with Hendrika Website Facebook
• How to Have Hope When There is No Hope 12.06.2026

  Dorsey Ross' birth was a surprise. Dorsey's parents were in their forties, had two grown daughters, and were considered past child-bearing age. When Dorsey was born, the doctors believed he wouldn't survive due to his life-threatening disability.    Dorsey was born on January 16th, 1977, with a congenital disability known as Apert's Syndrome. His forehead was pushed outward, his nose and mouth were pushed inward, and his fingers and toes were fused, meaning he had no individual movement of them. Doctors gave Dorsey's parents no hope for his survival and advised them to put him into an institution.  His parents both knew and trusted in God, and they believed that God would do great things in Dorsey's life. Throughout his life, Dorsey has had to overcome a lot of obstacles, including being bullied, called names like monster and freak, and undergoing multiple operations.   68 Operations Later......   Teachers told Dorsey he would not make it in college, and with all odds against him, he entered Queensborough Community College. After four years there and after attaining an associate degree, he entered the University of Valley Forge. After years of hard work and perseverance, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry.  His life saying is, "can't is a word not in his vocabulary" because, for most of his life, he has never used the word can't. He believes that with God, all things are possible and that he can do all things through Christ, who gives him strength. It's with God's help that he is overcoming life's obstacles.   GRAB YOUR COPY HERE Dorsey has undergone multiple operations over his lifetime. However, regardless of what he has had to face, Dorsey has not given up. He does everything he can to accomplish the goals and dreams God gave to him.
• How to Have Hope When There is No Hope 12.06.2026 32мин

  Dorsey Ross' birth was a surprise. Dorsey's parents were in their forties, had two grown daughters, and were considered past child-bearing age. When Dorsey was born, the doctors believed he wouldn't survive due to his life-threatening disability.    Dorsey was born on January 16th, 1977, with a congenital disability known as Apert's Syndrome. His forehead was pushed outward, his nose and mouth were pushed inward, and his fingers and toes were fused, meaning he had no individual movement of them. Doctors gave Dorsey's parents no hope for his survival and advised them to put him into an institution.  His parents both knew and trusted in God, and they believed that God would do great things in Dorsey's life. Throughout his life, Dorsey has had to overcome a lot of obstacles, including being bullied, called names like monster and freak, and undergoing multiple operations.   68 Operations Later...... Teachers told Dorsey he would not make it in college, and with all odds against him, he entered Queensborough Community College. After four years there and after attaining an associate degree, he entered the University of Valley Forge. After years of hard work and perseverance, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry.  His life saying is, "can't is a word not in his vocabulary" because, for most of his life, he has never used the word can't. He believes that with God, all things are possible and that he can do all things through Christ, who gives him strength. It's with God's help that he is overcoming life's obstacles. GRAB YOUR COPY HERE Dorsey has undergone multiple operations over his lifetime. However, regardless of what he has had to face, Dorsey has not given up. He does everything he can to accomplish the goals and dreams God gave to him.
• From Behind the Iron Curtain to a Career with the United Nations 06.06.2026 38мин

  At 16, after seven years of isolation, pain and physical and emotional abuse Christine Sadry reached a breaking point. She was battered, bruised, and could no longer see a way forward. In that moment of deep despair, she attempted to take her life. As she was slipping into unconsciousness, something deep within her stirred — a spark of life that refused to go out. She called a friend just to thank her for her friendship. Her friend heard something in Christine's voice and sensed something was wrong. That phone call saved her life. And it also became a turning point. That moment of hopelessness became the beginning of her strength.   Christine Sadry was born in Poland, behind the Iron Curtain, and was adopted in 1964 by a Polish American couple living in the United States. After graduating from West Catholic Girls High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she worked at the United States Social Security Administration from 1973 to 1979. She started her 31-year career with the United Nations in 1979, working on international conferences. Later, she began working with the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Angola, Mozambique, former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.    13 Years Lost was selected as a finalist for the Independent Book Publishers Award! The ceremony in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a beautiful celebration of literary voices and creative spirits.                                       Grab your copy NOW Christine had a deep need to give voice to her story that was buried for so long to help others who have endured pain in silence. She wanted to show that even in the face of abandonment, trauma, and isolation, it is possible to heal, to rise and to live a life with hope and meaning. Standing alone in the baggage claim of JFK International Airport, nine-year-old Christine Sario anxiously awaited the arrival of her new parents. After the untimely death of her beloved mother and the abandonment by her father, Christine was sent by her grandmother to the United States and the hope of a better future. Her resilience led her to New York City, where she started over with her daughter, Dana. There, she will begin a remarkable, exciting career at the United Nations. This is the extraordinary story of a Polish immigrant who overcame unthinkable challenges and embraced the American dream. Follow Christine as she defies the odds, travels the world, is blessed by the Pope, and finds true love. C
• How to Cope Through Pain: Shigeko Ito on Complex PTSD and Family Healing 15.05.2026 39мин

  Shigeko Ito is an author, educator, and mental health advocate with a PhD in Education from Stanford University. Drawing on her cross-cultural experience and academic insight, she writes about intergenerational trauma, the lasting effects of childhood emotional neglect, and the healing process. Her memoir, The Pond Beyond the Forest: Reflections on Childhood Trauma and Motherhood, tells the story of a middle-aged Japanese immigrant mother struggling to raise her teenage son and save her marriage while confronting memories of her own childhood trauma as her son enters adolescence. Throughout the journey, Shigeko remains committed to healing herself and improving her relationships with her husband and son.       Her story resonates with many readers, especially those who feel burdened by unresolved trauma. In her interview, Shigeko spoke about the challenges of parenting as a survivor of childhood trauma, healing from complex PTSD, and how writing her memoir deepened her self-understanding, self-compassion, and acceptance. She is passionate about raising awareness of complex PTSD, a still-emerging diagnosis that many people overlook because of its subtle and elusive nature. INTERVIEW READ HER MEMOIR HERE     For fans of Stephanie Foo's What My Bones Know, a memoir of a middle-aged Japanese immigrant mother's struggle to raise her teenage son and save her marriage when she finds herself triggered by memories of her own childhood trauma as he enters adolescence. At age twenty-two, Shigeko Ito immigrated to America to escape Japan's rigid society and a neglectful childhood home that landed her in a mental hospital at seventeen. She thrived in her new, healthier environment and thought her traumatic past was all behind her. Until it wasn't. Motherhood, she realized, was far more challenging than she could have ever imagined. But it was her son's high school years that proved to be particularly daunting, and that was when her past reemerged—in the form of intense flashbacks to her childhood trauma and tumultuous teenage years. With the stream of daily stresses compounded by menopausal irritability, Shigeko often found herself regressing into a bunker-like mentality with childish coping mechanisms, a pattern that threatened to undo her most prized achievement: her happy family. In The Pond Beyond the Forest, Shigeko faces her past head-on, taking the reader along on her quest to uncover the root causes of her lifelong struggles—a journey that leads to deeper self-awareness, understanding, and acceptance, and ultimately saves her family and marriage.
• Strong Leadership Demands that You Never Start with WHY - Start with WHO 08.05.2026 35мин

  David Ask states boldly that everything rises and falls on men leading well. When men fail to lead—or to love well—everyone loses. But when men lead with courage, nobility, and kindness, everyone wins.  David Ask is an entrepreneur with products in over 3700 retail stores, including giants like The Home Depot and Lowe's. David collaborates closely with Dr. Andy Garrett as the Lead Coach for the transformative True North Resiliency program. David believes that understanding who you are on a very granular level is the key to understanding why you do what you do.   "Never start with WHY; start with WHO." Today, David is going to share his story: a 15-year struggle of spinning his wheels and feeling disillusioned about purpose and joy. Many of you will relate to and appreciate his story of success.   Tune in to The Ask Experience   The Ask Experience is a bold, honest, and deeply personal podcast for people who refuse to live small, distracted, or disconnected.   Hosted by David Ask - entrepreneur, vocalist, and author of the upcoming book "The Guardians of Grit" - this show goes straight to the heart of what it means to truly know WHO'S you are and who you are and then have the courage to live from that place every single day.  
• How Do You Recreate Your Life After Setbacks and Become More Successful? 07.04.2026 28мин

  Before the COVID‑19 pandemic, Julie Marty‑Pearson spent nearly 20 years working in higher education. While she built a successful career, the demands of her work began to take a toll on her health. After being diagnosed with kidney disease, she lost her father six months later. In 2019, she stepped away from her role to undergo surgery. When the pandemic began shortly thereafter, higher education institutions shut down—leaving her unexpectedly unemployed. That pause created space for reflection and ultimately led her to pursue a new professional path grounded in purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment.       Julie Marty‑Pearson, PsyD, is a podcaster, speaker, coach, advocate, and storyteller who empowers women to share their stories through podcasting. She hosts two shows: The Story of My Pet, which features inspiring pet stories while advocating for animal rescue, fostering, and adoption; and Podcast Your Story Now, which spotlights women podcasters and guests as they amplify their voices and grow their businesses through podcasting. Julie is also the founder of the Women's Podcaster Party Networking Community, created to support and connect women, podcasters, guests, and speakers.       Julie's story will inspire you to consider your options if you have had a setback. INTERVIEW Own Your Voice. Share Your Story. Amplify Your Confidence.   Julie helps women use podcasting and storytelling to build confidence and visibility with clarity and purpose—through supportive programs and community. CONNECT WITH JULIE HERE  Julie's Website The Story of My Pet Podcast & Blog Website Podcast Your StoryNow Julie's Social links     YouTube     Linkedin     Facebook     Instagram
• How Do You Recreate Your Life After Setbacks and Become More Successful? 07.04.2026 28мин

  Before the COVID‑19 pandemic, Julie Marty‑Pearson spent nearly 20 years working in higher education. While she built a successful career, the demands of her work began to take a toll on her health. After being diagnosed with kidney disease, she lost her father six months later. In 2019, she stepped away from her role to undergo surgery. When the pandemic began shortly thereafter, higher education institutions shut down—leaving her unexpectedly unemployed. That pause created space for reflection and ultimately led her to pursue a new professional path grounded in purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment.       Julie Marty‑Pearson, PsyD, is a podcaster, speaker, coach, advocate, and storyteller who empowers women to share their stories through podcasting. She hosts two shows: The Story of My Pet, which features inspiring pet stories while advocating for animal rescue, fostering, and adoption; and Podcast Your Story Now, which spotlights women podcasters and guests as they amplify their voices and grow their businesses through podcasting. Julie is also the founder of the Women's Podcaster Party Networking Community, created to support and connect women, podcasters, guests, and speakers.       Julie's story will inspire you to consider your options if you have had a setback. INTERVIEW Own Your Voice. Share Your Story. Amplify Your Confidence.   Julie helps women use podcasting and storytelling to build confidence and visibility with clarity and purpose—through supportive programs and community. CONNECT WITH JULIE HERE  Julie's Website The Story of My Pet Podcast & Blog Website Podcast Your StoryNow Julie's Social links     YouTube     Linkedin     Facebook     Instagram
• How Would You Handle 5 Years in Prison Knowing You Are Innocent 03.04.2026 40мин

  Ronald 'Zion' Roseboro's life was upended when he was falsely accused of assault, resulting in five years of incarceration despite his efforts to prove his innocence. At the time, he was the primary caregiver for his grandmother, who had Alzheimer's disease, and was a single father raising his daughter. The experience left him facing profound personal loss and emotional hardship.  Released from the U.S. prison system in 2004, Ronald "Zion" Roseboro went on to transform his experiences into a purpose-driven career. More than twenty years later, he is the Founder and CEO of Shame Free Life Coaching and Consulting, a certified trauma-informed and professional life coach, and the creator of the Brick Methodology—a framework for rebuilding after adversity.      Holding a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Crisis Response and Trauma, Coach Roseboro is dedicated to helping men restore resilience and spiritual strength in the face of life's challenges. His story offers a compelling message of perseverance and renewal for anyone seeking to move forward after hardship. Ron's story is compelling and inspiring, offering encouragement to anyone facing personal challenges. Listen to his story here:    INTERVIEW Samson was well known and hailed for his superhuman strength. However, like many men today, Samson was a He-Man with a She-weakness. Oftentimes, men suffer in the silence of their own personal midnight struggles while medicating the pain and shame within their fragmented souls. This book takes an honest look at the lives of men who have been trapped by their own desires or by some great injustice. The author descriptively takes the reader on a journey into the minds and hearts of men, while also administering the healing words from God's pre-emptive power to lead them back to restoration.       ORDER YOUR COPY HERE Still carrying emotional weight from your past? It is time to let it go and rebuild something better. If you have ever said, "I should be over this by now..." or "I just feel stuck, and don't know why," this book is for you. Maybe life looks fine on the outside, but deep down, you know something's off. You are tired. You are emotionally drained. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot seem to move forward. That is where The Brick Method comes in. It is a book about rebuilding your life- one small, honest step at a time. Let go of guilt and shame Feel clear-minded Stop pretending you are okay Replace self-doubt with confidence Reconnect with your purpose, your power, and your future. Breakthrough Resilience Identity Clarity Kickstart   ORDER YOUR COPY HERE
• How Would You Handle 5 Years in Prison Knowing You Are Innocent 03.04.2026 40мин

  Ronald 'Zion' Roseboro's life was upended when he was falsely accused of assault, resulting in five years of incarceration despite his efforts to prove his innocence. At the time, he was the primary caregiver for his grandmother, who had Alzheimer's disease, and was a single father raising his daughter. The experience left him facing profound personal loss and emotional hardship.  Released from the U.S. prison system in 2004, Ronald "Zion" Roseboro went on to transform his experiences into a purpose-driven career. More than twenty years later, he is the Founder and CEO of Shame Free Life Coaching and Consulting, a certified trauma-informed and professional life coach, and the creator of the Brick Methodology—a framework for rebuilding after adversity.      Holding a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a focus on Crisis Response and Trauma, Coach Roseboro is dedicated to helping men restore resilience and spiritual strength in the face of life's challenges. His story offers a compelling message of perseverance and renewal for anyone seeking to move forward after hardship. Ron's story is compelling and inspiring, offering encouragement to anyone facing personal challenges. Listen to his story here: Samson was well known and hailed for his superhuman strength. However, like many men today, Samson was a He-Man with a She-weakness. Oftentimes, men suffer in the silence of their own personal midnight struggles while medicating the pain and shame within their fragmented souls. This book takes an honest look at the lives of men who have been trapped by their own desires or by some great injustice. The author descriptively takes the reader on a journey into the minds and hearts of men, while also administering the healing words from God's pre-emptive power to lead them back to restoration.       ORDER YOUR COPY HERE Still carrying emotional weight from your past? It is time to let it go and rebuild something better. If you have ever said, "I should be over this by now..." or "I just feel stuck, and don't know why," this book is for you. Maybe life looks fine on the outside, but deep down, you know something's off. You are tired. You are emotionally drained. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot seem to move forward. That is where The Brick Method comes in. It is a book about rebuilding your life- one small, honest step at a time. Let go of guilt and shame Feel clear-minded Stop pretending you are okay Replace self-doubt with confidence Reconnect with your purpose, your power, and your future. Breakthrough Resilience Identity Clarity Kickstart   ORDER YOUR COPY HERE
• From Doubt to Drive: How to Fight Fear and Spark Your Creative Fire 06.02.2026 32мин

  After several years spent working for the federal government, Amy L. Bernstein's soul was completely crushed by the lack of creativity in the work. She was working incredibly hard—and feeling numb and demoralized. She realized she needed to make significant changes to her life or fall into a serious depression. Amy had to identify her wounds and learn to heal them, to be honest with herself and others. Amy L. Bernstein is a multi-genre author, book coach, and former award-winning journalist.     Amy's latest book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, is the little book of encouragement that every self-doubting creative person needs to help them pursue artistic dreams and a more creative life. Her book won her first place in the self-help category at BookFest 2025. In Amy's interview, she answers the following questions:   1.   What is the relationship between creativity and self-doubt? 2.   How does self-doubt hold you back from your full potential? 3.   Strategies we can adopt to learn to manage our doubts and boost self-confidence What about making career pivots in mid-life What are some of the ups and downs of being a writer?       As a writer and as a professional book coach, Amy is determined to help other writers and artists come to grips with self-confidence issues and learn to embrace their creative identity.     Get Your Copy Here "Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration" by Amy L. Bernstein is a profound exploration into the pervasive presence of self-doubt within the creative process. Bernstein, a multi-genre author and seasoned writing instructor, delves into the psychological underpinnings of doubt, illustrating how it can simultaneously hinder and fuel artistic endeavors. Through a compassionate lens, she encourages artists to embrace doubt as a natural and potentially beneficial aspect of their creative journey. The book is structured to provide both theoretical insights and practical strategies. Bernstein weaves engaging anecdotes with psychological research, presenting a nuanced approach that treats doubt not as an adversary to be vanquished, but as a companion to be managed. This perspective is vividly brought to life through whimsical illustrations by Mary Grace Corpus, adding a visual element that enhances the reader's experience of introspection and understanding. Bernstein's writing is both accessible and relatable, making complex psychological concepts easy to grasp. She emphasizes the importance of cognitive disinhibition, a state where unrelated ideas merge to foster innovation, and explores how cultural environments influence the prevalence and intensity of doubt among artists. The book's free-flowing format allows readers to dip in at any point for immediate comfort or inspiration, making it a versatile tool for creative individuals. "Wrangling the Doubt Monster" is not just a guide; it's a source of emotional support and a call to action. Bernstein provides actionable advice for harnessing doubt to enhance creative output, advocating for a productive coexistence with this emotional shadow. The book challenges conventional views by redefining doubt as a source of creative fuel, urging artists to see it as an integral part of their artistic process. Endorsed by notable figures like Jennie Nash, Dr. Eric Maisel, and Maggie Jackson, the book has received acclaim for its common-sense wisdom and empowering message.   It's positioned as an essential read for anyone involved in creative endeavors, offering a kind and gentle antidote to the often harsh self-criticism that plagues the artistic community. Ultimately, "Wrangling the Doubt Monster" stands as a testament to the resilience of the creative spirit, inspiring artists to navigate their doubts with courage and grace.           Does the end of prosperity start at home?   A striving family. A collapsing economy. A tragic death. In Tent City,  Everyone must confront their demons in the struggle to survive.     Tent City is a contemporary dystopian family saga that places ordinary citizens in extraordinary circumstances, precipitated by dire economic disruption. As the American town of Willing crumbles under a collapsing economy, hundreds seek refuge in the dense "city" of tents that spring up in the Kings' big backyard, setting the once-thriving King family on a collision course with disillusionment, disaster, and for some, a new and hopeful beginning. This family saga revolves around trust and betrayal, love and loyalty, and the will to survive the breakdown of the American Dream.
• There are Good Days and Bad Days and Many In Between When Fighting Cancer 12.01.2026 33мин

  Cancer is a club you never want to belong to, but you find the most amazing people when you do. Erica Campbell has a group of women who bonded over their breast cancer journey. Together they know what it means to face illness head-on -- to confront mortality, search for strength, and build the resilience required to move forward. As a breast cancer survivor who also lost her mother to the disease, Erica speaks the 'vocabulary of cancer' from multiple perspectives. In her debut memoir, The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, she pairs honesty and vulnerability with practical, compassionate guidance for anyone navigating the mastectomy experience.   You Are Not Alone At first it may feel like you are walking this path by yourself, but in time you will attract the people meant to support you and walk beside you. It may take a while, but some people care and want to help. Be intentional and rigorous in seeking out those you need. Knowledge is power, and community is contagious. Small Steps Create Hope "Sometimes during my journey, I allowed myself 24 hours to fully feel sadness or grief. After that, I made myself do anything that felt like the next right thing. Even tiny actions—brushing my hair, taking a walk around the block—gave me a sense of accomplishment. When self‑pity crept in, I quieted my mind and listened for the small inner voice guiding my next step. I learned that even the smallest amount of patience and progress can create hope."   CLICK HERE TO BUY   An instant Amazon Best Seller in Breast Cancer, General Women's Health, and Genetic Health! In this breast cancer book for women, Erica Neubert Campbell shares an intimate and encouraging story of her double mastectomy journey. This is a powerful companion guide for women navigating the choice to have a mastectomy or a lumpectomy. Empower yourself with this supportive resource to build trust and resilience–from the day you are diagnosed to the moment you realize: "I got this." Choosing a mastectomy is more than losing your original breasts. It is about the power of self-discovery, personal choice, and mindset. In this book, you will learn that removing fear is just as important as removing cancer. Women and caregivers will understand that a double mastectomy is an outer journey of physical change and an inner journey of mental strength. "Are you okay with seeing my breasts?" Before her double mastectomy, a friend showed Erica her reconstructed breasts—and it changed everything. This rare moment of vulnerability allowed Erica to visualize the future and shift to a more hopeful perspective. Erica now pays this act forward with a candid and uplifting portrait of the mastectomy journey. Whether you are making your choice following a breast cancer diagnosis or a discovery of the BRCA gene, this mastectomy memoir will encourage you to trust yourself, accept your new body, and build resilience through tough times. Caregivers will gain a deeper understanding of the emotions of the diagnosis that are otherwise hard to describe. In this resource, discover:       Empowering mastectomy book for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer or carrying the BRCA gene       Over fifty candid photos of the mastectomy recovery experience       Honest and authentic emotions around the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis       Inspiration and tools for building strength in the double mastectomy journey       Insights for breast cancer caregivers, family, and friends—granting them the power to support their loved one with compassion and understanding Erica Neubert Campbell, breast cancer survivor and longtime cancer advocate, shares this mastectomy memoir to provide healing and hope. The Mastectomy I Always Wanted is a must-read for women who are determined to rebuild their lives stronger than ever. If you're seeking a source of breast cancer inspiration as you explore a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, read this book.   Connect with Erica Here   Website   Instagram   Linkedin   Facebook    
• How to Turn Your Disability to Ability and Soar Above Circumstances 02.01.2026 33мин

  When Jenna Udenberg was fifteen, she had a suicide plan due to tough medical issues and severe physical pain from her arthritis. She lived in bed. But she pulled herself from those very dark, tough times to become an inspiration to many who suffer from disabilities. Jenna Udenberg is a former music educator of 19 years. She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of eight due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader, a 2020 Bush Fellow, and a 2025 Shannon Leadership Institute Fellow. Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, "Local View from 4 foot 2, inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from a seated perspective.       In her interview, Jenna shared how she went from feeling hopeless to inspiring anyone who may be struggling with life-changing circumstances beyond their control.     Why is disability not a bad word? ● Going beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act code matters, as we are not a checklist. ● Why are accessibility and inclusion important? ● How did you overcome daily challenges? XXXXX BUY JENNA'S BOOK HERE     Life is always beautiful, no matter what it looks like, because of the tapestry of relationships and people. Make it colorful and unique. Within My Spokes is a collection of Jenna Udenberg's life stories and the relationships that create her tapestry. From her childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis at age seven, Jenna fought through long journeys of medical battles, broken systems, discrimination, and ignorance. Jenna is a 2020 Bush Fellow and a disability advocate, activist, and accessibility educator. Readers have laughed and cried as they dug deeper into her shared life stories. This is a coming-of-age book about finding oneself, one's purpose, and worth, sometimes through the most unlikely of relationships and circumstances. Within these stories, you will be taken on a journey of: Persevering and thriving through life's unexpected adventures Timely friendships create safe, inclusive, and healthy spaces Healing (physical, spiritual, emotional) through the hurt of one's past Faith Though our stories may be different, you may relate to experiences in this book of pain, growth and freedom that could help you on your journey. Jenna Udenberg grew up on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. She is a disability advocate and accessibility educator. Jenna's newspaper column, Local View from 4' 2", can be found in the Lake County Press. She loves working with others, including her non-profit, Above & Beyond With U.
• Are You Seeking Help After Being Abused by a Family Member? 19.12.2025 34мин

  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 of therapy, three marriages, and many mistakes to reach this point in her life. Babs' story will bring awareness and hope to many who are struggling with abuse and hopelessness.   XXXXX "Healing is not a destination - it's a journey  and it does not matter how long it takes" For fans of The Glass Castle and Educated, a child sex abuse survivor-turned-domestic violence advocate examines the full circle of generational trauma, resilience, and healing.   Babs Walters found that there are dark places that civilized people do not want to acknowledge. They would rather pretend it is a rare occurrence or that it does not happen in their family. Or they believe it is just too messy to get involved in. The child sexual assault statistics are high, although the majority of cases are not being reported.    Babs' father grew up doing what was done to him. We need to break the chain!   Connect with Babs Here Website Facebook
• How Could Anyone Survive a Brain Aneurysm and Hemorrhage and Succeed in Life? 16.12.2025 40мин

  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. But...that's not the end of the story.     Even though his ability to experience emotional connections was blunted, the thought of being in a romantic relationship and starting a family suddenly seemed impossible. But he persevered and became a success. His story will encourage and inspire you to succeed at every challenge. Remind yourself that even moving an inch a day is still progressing!   XXXX       Read His Book Series Here From Beyond: In the aftermath of the second opium war in Southeast Asia, Declan Malcolm, the newly elected captain, must navigate the treacherous high seas. Meanwhile, Civil War veterans Ridley and Dranoff are adjusting to post-reconstruction and become mercenaries for hire. Their paths cross by chance, but soon a celebration of good fortune turns into a fight against a supernatural foe. Further Beyond: Phineas O'Hanlon has spent the last few years of his life attempting to discover the cause of the reanimation. While reading over a journal from ancient Rome, O'Hanlon is visited by two law enforcement agents. As secrets are uncovered, can O'Hanlon discover the reason behind the resurrection of the deceased and move on with his life? Remote Beyond: On a small farm, four survivors of an apocalypse fend off the undead. As Tyler and his crew adjust to the new normal, the story covers ancient Rome, Norfolk, England, in the swinging '60s, Egypt in 524 B.C., and one of the original American colonies. But will the answer to the resurrection of the undead ever be discovered?   Connect with Andrew Here INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK X   YouTube    
• Do You Know How to Get Free from Narcissistic Abuse? 27.11.2025 36мин

  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 without realizing it. By the time they understand the truth, they're often so deeply invested in the relationship that leaving feels overwhelming and even dangerous.    This book chronicles one woman's journey from being groomed by a narcissist, through the gradual recognition of her toxic relationship, to ultimately escaping and reclaiming her self-worth. Through her story, readers will witness how narcissistic behavior erodes self-esteem, self-worth, and identity. This book aims to raise awareness and inspire others to recognize the signs.   CONNECT WITH MIA HERE   Website Instagram TikTok      
• Is the Lie You Are Telling Other People, the Lie You Believe? 02.11.2025 35мин

  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 all the quick fixes in standard self-help books but never got fixed, hereʼs a four-letter framework that brings you clarity, improves your mental health, and boosts your resilience. You may also lose fifty pounds. (I did.) What Youʼll Learn: Why the standard self-help doesnʼt work Science-backed insights linking food, mood, relationships, and energy. Proven strategies for Losing weight Reducing overthinking Maintaining sobriety Strengthening relationships Parenting a special needs child And more   Plus, stories about Betty White Maverick And more   Everyone thinks we should solve problems all the time, and I get it. Successful people make a lot of money running into problems, solving them, and then simplifying them for the masses. But in my experience, and according to my research, the biggest problems in our lives donʼt have solutions. A System You Wonʼt Forget Thatʼs why the HALT system works. It addresses the real problems in your life: H (Hungry): How it impacts your mood, health, and resilience. A (Angry): Learn practical ways to manage your emotions. All of them. L (Lonely): Strengthen your relationships. They are the most important thing you have. T (Tired): Figure out how to keep enough energy to make the most of your time.   Connect with Troy Here LinkedIn Substack Instagram X (Twitter)
• Could Your Struggles be Your Access to Wisdom and a Better Life? 29.10.2025 36мин

  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 a long time.       Lori sold her company for millions of dollars at the height of the tech market and tried to retire at 49.  But the "American Dream life" bored her. At 57, Lori traded in her cushy life to start a non-profit to help Indigenous people gain a chance to live a healthy life. She moved to Ethiopia to build and implement initiatives for 100,000 extremely marginalized people in South Omo Valley (the corner of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya).   In her 60s, she met the love of her life online. She now has the time and mind-space to share the insights of her inner wise woman. You will love her story, and she will inspire you to live your life as you were destined to be.       CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE   When did you last choose yourself without feeling guilty? Can't remember? You're not alone. Most of us spend our lives helping others while our own dreams collect dust. I did it too—even after breaking out of a mental institution at seventeen, building a multi-million-dollar tech company, and transforming 100,000 lives in Africa. I was still helping others while ignoring my needs to feel loved, connected, and at peace. That's when I created the D.R.E.A.M. method to save myself—and wrote The Magic of Yes to share it. This isn't just another self-help book. It's your practical guide to breaking free from what you can't even see. Inside, you'll get concrete tools to: Set boundaries that actually stick—without the guilt Stop people-pleasing—and start trusting your own voice Forgive yourself and others—so you can finally move forward Navigate major life transitions—empty nest, career changes, relationship shifts Access your inner wisdom—through proven D.R.E.A.M. prompts at the end of every chapter Each chapter blends real stories (mine and other women's), research-backed insights, and customizable exercises you can adapt to YOUR specific challenges. Whether you're drowning in "supposed-tos," exhausted from putting everyone first, or simply ready to reclaim your voice—this book meets you exactly where you are.     Connect with Lori Here Website Newsletter Facebook Group LinkedIn Instagram  
• How Do You Produce on Purpose to Experience a Full Life? 05.10.2025 35мин

  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 experience a life full of joy, peace, fulfillment, and fruitfulness, to the glory of God.     Click here to buy the book   When you walk into a room.....you change the temperature Too many of us are living like actors. Actors work within someone else's purpose. A good actor follows the direction of the director, and the director works to bring the movie to reality for the producer. Becoming the best actor is good, but you are capable of so much more than that. You were born to be more than an actor: you were made to produce. Randy Adkins Jr. shares from his life experience of trusting and growing in God in Produce on Purpose. In this book, you'll learn: What does it mean to be a producer in your everyday life How to be connected in your body, soul, and spirit How to receive and obey God's vision for your life Why you need to think with your heart and not your head The value found in seasons of transition How to live a life of overflow that glorifies God   You'll also find helpful workbook sections after each chapter that provide questions and action steps to help you grow to the next level in your life with God. It's time for you to start producing on purpose and experience a life full of joy, peace, fulfillment, and fruitfulness, to the glory of God.   CONNECT WITH RANDY HERE: Website BOOK Facebook X You Tube
• Stranger than Truth Story You Will Never Forget or Believe 29.09.2025 46мин

  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—asking herself, "What can I learn from this?"   "Life has a way of continually testing me. When I overcome one challenge, a bigger one often appears. But I believe this is how our souls evolve—through adversity, we grow. My faith is my anchor, even as it is constantly tested, and it keeps me grounded through each trial."   In her interview, Sandra challenges the listener to do the same.  INTERVIEW WATCH BOOK TRAILER HERE       For fans of stranger-than-truth stories, Sandy Schnakenburg uncovers rattling and unprecedented revelations in The Housekeeper's Secret -- a powerful memoir of love, secrets, and survival. When Lee Metoyer is hired to be the new housekeeper, she has no idea that she's about to become the anchor to a family in an abusive patriarch's home, setting a mystery in motion that will take decades to uncover. At the age of seventy-two, Lee falls ill and, on her deathbed, asks Sandy to author her story. The only problem is, Sandy doesn't know the story.   What happened to Lee was unimaginably horrific – nearly impossible to survive. Yet, she found a way to reinvent herself, adopting a new name, birthdate, and even fabricating an entire past. Forbidden from asking questions and often reprimanded for prying, Sandy had little insight into Lee's true history. Embarking on a quest to honor Lee's final wishes, Sandy takes an emotional and thrilling journey, unveiling shocking truths not only about her beloved housekeeper but also her own upbringing. As she digs further, she learns that Lee came to her family's sprawling estate in Barrington, IL, harboring a secret past. For decades, she's been in hiding. But Lee is not the only one with secrets; Sandy's quest forces her to grapple with her own family history as well, and to finally confront the effects of the psychological abuse she suffered as a child. Both chilling and exciting, The Housekeeper's Secret is a gripping tale of love and survival that illuminates the resilience of the human spirit.