Advertise on podcast: Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!

Jennifer Loehding built a successful career in leadership before a rare nerve condition disrupted everything, forcing her into a prolonged state of pain and survival. What followed was a deeper process of unpacking the patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that had been driving her long before her diagnosis. In this episode, Jennifer shares how cycles of overachievement and “crash and burn” began showing up across her health, relationships, and overall well-being. Through her healing journey, she developed a framework for understanding success across four key areas—relationships, career, health, and finances—and how imbalance in one affects them all. This conversation offers a grounded look at why so many people feel stuck or overwhelmed, and what it actually takes to create lasting, sustainable change—for both young adults and the parents supporting them. Jennifer's Resources:  Website: Jennifer Loehding Podcast: Starter Girlz Instagram: @jenniferloehding Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PersonalDevelopment #LifeCoaching #EmotionalWellness #SelfImprovement #JenniferLoehding

Dr. Eric Beaudoin’s story challenges everything we assume about motivation, intelligence, and what it really means to “apply yourself.” Growing up labeled as lazy and underperforming, Eric internalized the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him—despite clear signs of potential. What no one recognized at the time was the deeper issue driving it all: disconnection, loneliness, and a lack of meaningful support. In this episode, Eric shares the unfiltered reality of his nonlinear path—from failing classes, self-sabotage, and repeated second chances, to eventually confronting the patterns that were holding him back. Through pivotal moments, honest feedback, and finally being forced to take ownership, he began to rebuild both his academic life and his sense of self. Now a licensed psychologist and executive director of two young adult transitional programs, Eric uses his lived experience to support others navigating delayed independence and “failure to launch.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that what looks like laziness is often something much deeper—and that real change begins when someone is willing to look beyond the surface. Dr. Eric’s Resources:  Website: Cornerstones of Maine Instagram: @cornerstonesofmaine Facebook: Cornerstones of Maine Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #CornerstonesOfMaine #TransitionalLiving #ResidentialTreatment #Neurodiverse #Neurodivergent #FailureToLaunch

In this episode, Joanna sits down with Neill Timmons, CEO and founder of Arch to Freedom, an extended care recovery program supporting individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. But Neill’s path to leading a program that helps others rebuild their lives was anything but straightforward. After being asked to leave multiple schools, struggling with addiction during college, and eventually facing felony drug charges, Neill found himself at a turning point that would ultimately lead him toward recovery. One of the most pivotal moments came when his father set a firm boundary that forced Neill to confront the consequences of his choices. That experience became a powerful lesson about the role of accountability, support, and tough love in recovery. Today, Neill uses his lived experience to guide the work he does with young adults and families navigating similar challenges. In this conversation, he shares how boundaries can change the trajectory of a life, why enabling often keeps people stuck, and how recovery can become the foundation for building a life of purpose and impact. Neill’s Resources: Website: Arch to Freedom Instagram: @archtofreedom Facebook: Arch to Freedom LinkedIn: Arch to Freedom LinkedIn: Neill Timmons Website: PIVOTPoint Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #RecoveryCommunity #RecoverySupport #ArchToFreedom #BehavioralHealthCommunity 

Brian McDonald grew up in Southern California as a self-described “beach bum at heart,” with sports—especially football—shaping much of his identity. After earning the opportunity to play running back at BYU, a season-ending injury forced him to confront who he was beyond the game and reconsider the path he thought his life would take. What followed was a journey through faith, service, and unexpected career pivots that ultimately led him to working with adolescents and families navigating mental health challenges. In this episode, Brian shares how adversity, spiritual growth, and mentorship helped him redefine success—not as a destination, but as a lifelong process of becoming better each day.  Brian’s Resources:  Website: Oasis Ascent Instagram: @oasisascentrtc Facebook: Oasis Ascent Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #OasisAscentRtc #OasisAscent #TeenHelp #FamilyCrisis #ASDTeen 

What happens when a student in recovery returns to a campus built around drinking culture? In this episode, Tom Bannard shares his own path from addiction, legal consequences, and a felony conviction to leading one of the largest collegiate recovery programs in Virginia. Now the Assistant Director for Substance Use and Recovery Support at VCU, Tom explains why most college campuses are not designed for students navigating addiction — and what it actually takes to change that. Joanna and Tom discuss readiness after treatment, the real risks of rushing back to school, and what families should look for when considering a collegiate recovery program. If your student is in recovery and thinking about returning to campus, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer clarity about what support truly means. Tom’s Resources:  Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams in Recovery LinkedIn: Tom Bannard Instagram: @ramsinrecovery Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #CollegiateRecovery #RamsInRecovery #TomBannard #VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity #VCU

Dr. Jack Hinman didn’t graduate high school with a plan. In fact, he barely graduated at all. What he did have was a deep instinct for connection — and that instinct would quietly shape everything that followed. In this episode, Jack shares how friendships, attachment, and one professor who “saw something” in him changed the trajectory of his life. From wilderness therapy to launching his own young adult transition program, he reflects on what actually moves young adults forward — and why progress often starts with finding one meaningful anchor. If you’ve ever wondered what success looks like beyond grades, titles, or timelines, this conversation reframes it in two powerful words: connection and health. Jack’s Resources:  Website: Engage Transitions Instagram: @engage.transitions Facebook: Engage Young Adult Transitions YouTube: Engage Young Adult Transitions Website: Young Adult Transition Association  Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalProcessing #MentalHealthTips #YoungAdults #EngageTransitions

What happens when the traditional path never quite fits — and life forces you to grow up faster than your peers? In this episode of Success is Subjective, Allan Capp shares how struggling in school, losing his father as a teenager, and rejecting the “college equals success” narrative led him down a very different road. From working construction and managing restaurants to living out of a backpack in the wilderness and eventually co-owning a therapeutic gap program in Costa Rica, Allan’s journey is a powerful example of redefining success on your own terms. This conversation explores grief, identity, work ethic, and what it really means to build a meaningful life — even without a degree. Allan also speaks candidly about the transferable skills that matter more than a résumé and how stepping outside your comfort zone can become the catalyst for growth. If you’ve ever questioned whether there’s only one “right” way to move forward after high school, this episode offers both perspective and permission to define success for yourself. Allan’s Resources:  Website: Pure Life Facebook: Pure Life Instagram: @purelifeadventure YouTube: Pure Life Adventure Therapy Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PureLifeAdventure #GapYear #AdventureTherapy #CostaRica

Watching a young adult struggle can be confusing—especially when they’ve grown up surrounded by resources, knowledge, and support. In this episode, Joanna sits down with Samantha Meyer to unpack what happens when insight alone isn’t enough—and how recovery, maturity, and purpose often arrive on a nonlinear timeline. Samantha grew up immersed in the treatment world, yet still found herself battling substance use, anxiety, and depression from a young age. After years of navigating college, international moves, trauma, and escalating use, a pivotal moment during the early days of COVID led her to sobriety through AA. From there, Samantha rebuilt her life—returning home, working in treatment, and ultimately pursuing a clinical career of her own. Now the Admissions Director at Balance House and in her final semester of a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Samantha reflects on autonomy, uncertainty, and what real success looks like when it’s earned through lived experience. This episode is for parents, young adults, and professionals who want a realistic, compassionate look at recovery, treatment, and the long game of becoming yourself. Samantha’s Resources:  Website: Balance House Website: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Facebook: Balance House Instagram: @balancehouse Connect with Joanna Lilley   Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #BalanceHouse #Recovery #RecoveryIsPossible #RecoveryProgram #SobrietyRocks

In this episode, Daniel Barrasso shares how growing up with ADHD and never quite fitting into traditional academic boxes shaped his nonlinear path into mental health work. From redefining success beyond money and status to finding purpose through passion, structure, and relationships, Daniel reflects on what truly matters—both as a therapist working with young men and as a father of three. This conversation challenges conventional ideas of success and offers reassurance to young adults and parents navigating paths that don’t follow a straight line. Daniel’s Resources:  Website: Daniel Barrasso  Website: Attune Health and Wellness Website: Pivot Transitional Living Instagram: @pivotrecoveryaz Facebook: Pivot Transitional Living  Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PivotRecoveryAZ #Recovery #RecoveryIsPossible #Rehab #Sobriety #SobrietyJourney #TransitionalLiving

In this episode, Rick and Clancy Denton reflect on how their definition of success has evolved over time. Through career changes, shifting expectations, and long-term partnership, they explore how values and relationships often become more meaningful than titles or traditional milestones. Their conversation highlights how desires change across different seasons of life — and why redefining success is not a failure, but a natural part of growth. Drawing from both individual and shared experiences, Rick and Clancy discuss what it means to adapt without losing alignment, how non-linear paths shape perspective, and why success is often better measured by connection, resilience, and clarity of values than by professional achievement alone.  Rick & Clancy’s Resources:  The Loud Quiet Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #TheLoudQuietPodcast

In this episode of Success Is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Martin Joseph Naffziger, an educator and college counselor who has spent decades helping young people step off default paths and define success on their own terms. Martin shares how early international experiences reshaped his understanding of education, why success should be viewed as a moving target, and what happens when young people are given space to reflect on their values instead of being rushed into traditional milestones. The conversation also explores the role parents play in providing safety without control, the importance of reflection in growth, and how stepping outside comfort zones is essential for meaningful development. Martin’s Resources:  LinkedIn: Martin Joseph Naffziger New Summit Academy Instagram: @newsummitacademy Facebook: New Summit Academy Costa Rica  The Bridge - Costa Rica Facebook: The Bridge Costa Rica  Peace Corps Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #BoardingSchool #StudyAbroud #CostaRica #NSACR #NewSummitAcademy #TheBridgeProgram

In this episode of Success Is Subjective, Joanna talks with Dave Herz, founder of Wonder, about why recovery doesn’t end when treatment does — and why in-home, real-world support often makes the biggest difference. Dave shares his path into community-based wraparound support and explains how coaching, mentorship, and family-systems work to help teens and young adults build confidence and stability outside of traditional programs. Together, they break down what wraparound support actually is, why it improves long-term outcomes, and how involving parents is critical to sustainable change. This episode is for parents and professionals who want a clearer understanding of what support looks like beyond treatment — and why showing up consistently, in real life, matters more than theory. Dave’s Resources: Website: Wonder Facebook: Wonder: A Confident Living Company  Instagram: @teamwondertherapy X: Dave Herz  Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #ParentSupport #LifeAfterTreatment #TherapeuticSupport #YoungAdultSupport #FamilySystems #WraparoundSupport #ParentingYoungAdults #InHomeSupport

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with psychologist and mental health leader Dr. Max Doshay to explore the identity shift that reshaped both his life and career. Max reflects on how losing a version of himself he once deeply identified with forced him to confront who he was beneath the roles, titles, and expectations he carried. What followed wasn’t a straight path, but a series of pivots that led him toward leadership, purpose, and deeper self-awareness. Together, they talk about humility, ambition, and the tension between striving and staying grounded. Max shares what it’s like to lead without ego, to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process, and to remain open when life unfolds differently than planned. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at what can emerge when identity falls away — and something more honest takes its place. Dr. Max’s Resources: Websites DrMaxDoshay.comMonima Wellness Center Element Q Healing Center Social Media LinkedIn: Dr. Max Doshay LinkedIn: Monima Wellness Center Instagram: @drmaxdoshay Instagram: @monimawellness Instagram: @elementqhealingcenter Facebook: Monima Wellness Center Facebook: Element Q Healing Center Books Second Firsts by Christina RasmussenThe Road Less Traveled — M. Scott Peck Simon & SchusterDaring Greatly — Brené Brown Brené BrownMan’s Search for Meaning — Viktor E. Frankl Beacon PressTransitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes — William BridgesPodcast / Talk Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time ReThinking — Adam Grant Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Arch Wright — former professional athlete, trauma therapist, and co-founder of One Elm at Horton Bay — for an honest and deeply human conversation about healing, identity, and what it truly means to live a successful life. Arch shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and emotional healing, reflecting on how success can mask unresolved trauma and how true fulfillment comes from learning to feel safe within ourselves and our relationships. Together, they discuss emotional sobriety, developmental trauma, and the courage it takes to do the deeper work. This conversation offers an honest look at growth, resilience, and redefining success from the inside out. Arch’s Resources:  One Elm at Horton Bay Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA) Al-Anon Family Groups Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #SobrietyIsBeautiful #SobrietyJourney

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for former participants to share their journey with others. Today’s former participant is Jaysa Brown. In this episode, Jaysa reflects on entering the mental health system at a young age, navigating multiple treatment settings that didn’t always help, and the deep resistance she felt toward trying yet another program. She shares how relocating to Colorado became a turning point, the role community and support played in her healing, and how redefining success has allowed her to build a life rooted in stability, purpose, and self-trust. Now working as a mentor within the same program that helped her turn her life around, Jaysa offers an honest perspective on recovery, family dynamics, and what sustainable progress can truly look like. NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent. **Listener discretion is advised**  Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email [email protected] #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #SobrietyIsBeautiful #SobrietyJourney