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Shawn Robert Johnson grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where much of his childhood was shaped by poverty, instability, and his parents’ struggles with drug addiction. Basketball became his escape, but when his family could no longer afford the costs of playing, Shawn was pulled into the streets—eventually becoming involved in drug dealing and gang life. In 2006, a violent altercation led to two incidents where Shawn says he acted in self-defense. He was arrested in Pittsburgh, extradited to New Jersey, and after losing at trial was sentenced to 60 years in prison. While incarcerated at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, Shawn transformed his life. He deepened his faith, focused on rehabilitation, and wrote books on youth mentorship, financial literacy, motivation, spirituality, and men’s mental health, while also sharing motivational messages on social media. After years of denied appeals, Shawn’s case was reviewed under New Jersey’s clemency initiative. Represented by Joseph Krakora, 41 years were commuted from his sentence, recognizing both his rehabilitation and evidence supporting his self-defense claim. On December 4, 2025, Shawn was released—granted a second chance at life. Today he uses his story to mentor, motivate, and help others avoid the path he once walked. Follow Shawn: TikTok & Instagram: @shawjohn1222 YouTube Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Michael Zhang is a psychologist and founder of Incumental, a digital platform supporting individuals working to overcome gambling addiction in an era of constant access and widespread normalization. Over years working as a psychologist with individuals and families affected by gambling, he witnessed mounting financial strain, fractured relationships, private battles with shame, and the tension of living a double life. Modern gambling, now embedded in phones, sports media, and everyday life, has only intensified the struggle. Michael recognized that recovery is shaped by what happens between sessions. It unfolds in ordinary, often unseen moments when difficult choices must be made, especially when access is immediate and the urge is only a tap away. Grounded in years of clinical practice, he created Incumental to provide structured, real-time guidance that complements therapy and peer recovery. Michael emphasizes personal responsibility, psychological flexibility, and the steady rebuilding of self-trust, shaped through repeated decisions that move a person closer to who they intend to become. Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin Julio Broughton discovered his gift for public speaking at just eight years old, when he was selected to memorize and deliver a portion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. What began as a childhood imitation quickly became a lifelong calling. From that first performance to the present day, he has continued delivering Dr. King’s words, developing a voice rooted in conviction, cadence, and moral clarity. Over the years, Austin has spoken at significant venues and alongside prominent leaders. He has addressed audiences at the Georgia National Cemetery alongside Governor Nathan Deal, worked for U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, and shared stages with figures such as Andrew Young and John Lewis. He has spoken multiple times at The King Center and alongside members of Dr. King’s family, building a reputation for principled rhetoric grounded in history, faith, and civic responsibility. Today, Austin is widely known for his appearances on Jubilee’s Surrounded and Roundtable series, where he has debated high-profile public figures including Amanda Seales and Cenk Uygur. His work centers on speaking truth to power within politics and public discourse. Identifying as a Christian populist, he challenges both Republican and Democratic establishments alike, arguing that truth—though often inconvenient—is more necessary than the preservation of any political party. Find Austin Broughton Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail On November 28th, 2006, my father took his own life in front of me by a self-inflicted knife wound. I was 15. He was a passionate outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and trap since he was a little kid growing up in East Rutherford. In 2017, my father’s youngest brother, John Miragliotta, attended a suicide prevention walk wearing a name tag that read “Team Buffalo.” He told me about it on my birthday that year while we were sitting by his pool and said he wanted to do something meaningful in my dad’s memory. Together we decided to create an outdoor brand — Team Buffalo Outdoors — to carry my father’s passion forward and share it with the outdoor community. When I lost my father, all the outdoor fun and the connection with his family and friends seemed to disappear. At first, I saw TBO as a way to find my way back and reconnect with those relationships. What I didn’t expect was how many incredible people we would meet and how many new memories we would create through this community — memories that would never have existed if we hadn’t started. Through this journey, I’ve learned that getting through suffering requires releasing that energy in a positive direction, through the things you’re most passionate about. Our extended family embodies that same resilience. Our cousin Peter Miragliotta and his wife Jackie endured the devastating murder-suicide of their daughter, Michelle Sabia, in a domestic violence incident in 2016. Afterward, they adopted her three children, and Peter now serves on the board of the Center of Hope and Safety, dedicating his life to education and prevention so other families don’t have to experience that kind of loss. Appearing on the Suffering Podcast on what would have been my father’s 67th birthday is a meaningful full-circle moment. Team Buffalo Outdoors stands as a living tribute to him and to the belief that suffering, while it leaves a permanent imprint, does not have to be the end of the story. By sharing openly, building community, and honoring those we’ve lost through action, our family continues to find purpose on the other side of pain. Our story is about transformation — choosing connection, meaning, and hope where there was once only grief, and making memories one outdoor adventure at a time. Youtube: https://YouTube.com/c/teambuffalooutdoors  Website: www.teambuffalooutdoors.com Shop: https://team-buffalo-outdoors.square.site Instagram: @teambuffalooutdoors Facebook: Team Buffalo Outdoors Center of Hope and Safety: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Dan Cohen is a storyteller, podcaster, speaker, and entrepreneur who found unexpected meaning in his father’s journey with dementia. His writing began with the story of his dad’s awakening from his dementia, and the message dad sent that he still appreciated and wanted to live life, an experience that reshaped his perceptions of family, memory, and resilience. In these pages, Cohen draws on a lifetime of lessons from his father’s humor, toughness, and compassion, sharing family stories of love, inspiration, and hope. In 2026, following a successful business career, Cohen launched the Awakenings in Real Life podcast in January 2026, a vehicle for others to share their own awakening stories. The series—and this book—stand as testaments to the idea that awakenings can change the way we live and love. Find Danny Website Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail This episode features two long-time Jefferson Township leaders whose careers reflect a shared commitment to student growth, community, and leadership. Jeanne Howe brings more than 31 years of experience in education, beginning as a science teacher and rising through roles including Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from New Jersey City University. Throughout her career, Jeanne has focused on building environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally, while supporting educators and staff who serve the Jefferson Township community every day. Joining her is Bill Koch, the Athletic Director at Jefferson Township High School since 2018. Bill spent a decade teaching Physical Education and Health at Jefferson Township Middle School before moving into athletic administration, including a year as Athletic Director in Montville Township. He earned his undergraduate degree from Springfield College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Education from Centenary University. A lifelong coach, Bill has led cross country, wrestling, and boys lacrosse programs and remains active in youth sports. Beyond school, he is a husband to his wife Nicole and a proud father of three—Olivia, William, and Amelia. Together, Jeanne and Bill offer a unique perspective on education, leadership, athletics, and the impact schools have on the lives of students and families. Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Friendship isn’t built in comfort—it’s forged in pressure, tested in silence, and proven when things get ugly. In this episode of The Suffering Podcast, Kevin Donaldson sits down with Bobby Crudele to break down The 10 Commandments of Friendship—not the Hallmark version, but the real, unspoken rules learned through betrayal, loyalty, growth, and hard-earned respect. This conversation cuts deep into: What true loyalty actually looks like when life falls apartThe difference between proximity friends and battle-tested friendsWhen to fight for a friendship—and when to let it goWhy honesty can cost you people, and why that cost is worth payingHow suffering reveals who’s really standing next to youThese commandments weren’t written in peace. They were carved out of conflict, mistakes, silence, and survival. Kevin and Bobby speak candidly about the friendships that saved them, the ones that failed them, and the ones that demanded uncomfortable truth instead of easy validation. If you’ve ever questioned who’s really in your corner… If you’ve ever outgrown people you once needed… If you’ve ever been the friend who stayed when it would’ve been easier to walk away… This episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen. Reflect. Share with someone who’s earned their place in your life. 💬 Comment with the commandment that hit you hardest. 🔔 Subscribe to The Suffering Podcast for raw conversations about pain, loyalty, growth, and the human cost of becoming who you’re meant to be. Find Bobby Crudele Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bobbycrudele/ Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Mike Morgan is a 30 yr medically retired police officer veteran who worked for both the Atlanta & Suffolk County, NY PD's. Approximately 1 yr after retirement, Mike was watching a Shawn Ryan podcast episode featuring guest Eddie Penney, a former Navy SEAL when he realized that the feelings (Anger, rage, depression general unhappiness) he had been experiencing post retirement were some sort of PTSD that he had suffered during the course of his career.  Mike knew he needed help but was unsure of what modality to utilize, but eventually settled on psychedelics.  After journeying with Ayahuasca in early March 2024, he transformed his life during the course of a weekend. He realized that his life's purpose was to go forth and help other first responder's/military veterans heal their PTSD and trauma issues.  He started a podcast, The Resilient Warrior Nation to do just that, and has just completed a book, The Resilient Warrior, which is also heavily focused on childhood trauma that he believes, originally propelled him into policing as a career.  Website: The Resilient Warrior Nation Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Garry Pastore is a seasoned actor whose impressive career spans over four decades in film and television. Most recently, Garry guest starred as Arnold White in the highly anticipated Peacock original series Long Bright River (2025), starring Amanda Seyfried and Nicholas Pinnock. Currently, he captivates audiences in the trending Paramount+ series First Shift (2024), where he plays Valente, a maniacal mob boss. Filming for First Shift will continue in New Jersey through September 2025. Throughout his extensive career, Garry has been a prominent presence in numerous blockbuster TV series, including The Blacklist, The Deuce, The Sopranos, Blue Bloods, Billions, Boardwalk Empire, Power, Law & Order, Hit & Run, Seven Seconds, Gotham, and many more. On the big screen, Garry's filmography is equally remarkable, with standout roles in iconic movies such as The Irishman, Wolf of Wall Street, Rob the Mob, The Week Of, Last Call, The Yards, Who's Jenna, as well as fan favorites like Goodfellas, Carlito's Way, Donnie Brasco, A Bronx Tale, Cop Land, The Siege, Do the Right Thing, Cocktail, Prizzi's Honor, and many others. His film and television credits now exceed over one hundred, and his prolific career shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, Garry has ventured into new territory, moving away from his signature mobster and law enforcement roles. He has been cast as Father McCarthy, a beleaguered Irish priest, in the upcoming gothic horror film Hellbound Covenant (2025), where he faces a demonic force threatening his clergy. Beyond acting, Garry is also pursuing a passion for writing, directing, and producing. Having already found success with his personal projects Waiting for Budd and Destressed, he continues to create compelling screenplays for the big screen, with plans to bring some of his projects into production before the end of the year. Find Garry Pastore IMDb  Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Karl Ross and his sister, Cheryl, were born at the U.S. Navy Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. They spent their early years in Kentucky until their father was discharged from the Navy, after which the family moved to New Jersey to be closer to his mother’s side of the family. During Karl’s early years, his parents divorced and went their separate ways. Karl was raised on welfare and food stamps until his mother, through hard work and dedication while attending college, graduated from Bergen Community College and secured a position with the county elections office. In the early 1980s, Karl began coaching while also becoming involved in the fire department. During this time, he met his wife, Nancy, at their high school while she was still a junior. Karl and Nancy have been married for 41 years and have three children and six grandchildren. Karl went on to serve in the fire department, retiring in 2007 after many years of service. Throughout his fire service career, he held numerous officer positions and ultimately rose to the rank of Chief of the Department in 1997. Karl began coaching football at the local recreational level in 1983 and eventually served as both head coach and president of the program for several years. During that time, he coached in 14 Super Bowls, winning eight. He later advanced to the high school level, where he coached teams to six state sectional titles in football and baseball, winning five of them, in addition to capturing seven league championships. Karl retired from his professional career in 2020 after 34 years of service with the Carlstadt Department of Public Works. In his later years, he has faced significant personal challenges, including cancer affecting his immediate family beginning in 2014. He lost his younger sister, Cheryl, in 2019, followed three months later by his stepfather, Richard, in August 2019. In November 2019, his mother, Barbara, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2021. In December 2023, Karl himself was diagnosed with cancer and continues to battle the disease today. Find Karl Ross Instagram Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Salvatore Poccia just wanted a simple family life, but what he got instead is the stuff of nightmares. He experienced the subject that men just don’t talk about. Male domestic abuse is real. Male domestic violence is real. And far too often, it goes unheard. This video addresses the uncomfortable truth that many men experience abuse behind closed doors—emotional, psychological, physical, and financial—while being told to “man up,” stay quiet, or assume the blame. Shame, disbelief, and stigma keep countless men trapped in silence, convinced their pain doesn’t qualify as abuse. Abuse does not have a gender. Victims do not have a single face. In this conversation, we confront the myths surrounding male victims of domestic violence, explore how manipulation and control often replace visible bruises, and discuss why men struggle to seek help. If you’ve ever felt isolated, doubted, or dismissed while living in an abusive relationship, this video is for you—and for those who need to understand what male abuse truly looks like. This is not about blaming. This is about recognizing. This is about giving language to suffering that’s been ignored for too long. If this resonates with you or someone you care about, you are not weak—and you are not alone. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or a domestic violence hotline in your country. Help is available. Find Salvatore Facebook Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Jeremy Campbell, born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a dedicated father property manager, social media influencer, youth activist, coach, and mentor whose work centers around inspiring and empowering the next generation.  Dedicated to lifelong learning, Jeremy completed project management coursework at Villanova University in 2019 and holds certifications including Level 2 CNC Operator from Montgomery County Community College. His leadership also extends deeply into athletics. Since beginning his coaching journey in 2019, he has served as both a volunteer assistant and head coach, achieving a combined record of 47–14. As a head coach, he holds an impressive 21–4 record and has led his team to back-to-back undefeated seasons, including winning the first annual Rumble on the River Fall Invitational in 2024 and finishing as runner-up in this year’s tournament. In 2021, Jeremy founded Fast Feet, a youth sports organization that has helped hundreds of young athletes develop skill, confidence, and character across football, baseball, basketball, golf, and more. In 2024, he expanded his mission by launching Culture Collabs, a social media initiative dedicated to inspiring today’s youth through meaningful and relatable content. The platform has collaborated with professional athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, law enforcement professionals, mental health advocates, and many others. Jeremy’s personal passions—sports, coaching, cooking, art, and mentorship—reflect his belief in leading with heart. A devoted family man, outdoor enthusiast, and golfer, he finds joy in travel, nature, and quality time with loved ones. His faith is central to his purpose, and he openly shares his experiences with depression and living with CMT, a neurological disorder affecting his legs, to encourage others facing similar challenges. Jeremy’s empathy, emotional intelligence, and genuine care for people set him apart, and he continues to serve as a role model and guiding voice within his community. Find Jeremy Campbell Instagram Facebook YouTube Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Cesar Olavarria is a retired law enforcement sergeant with over twenty-six years of distinguished service in New Jersey, where he held leadership roles in tactical operations, emergency response, and specialized training. Throughout his career, Mr. Olavarria has demonstrated exceptional skill in Active Threat Response, Critical Infrastructure Protection, and Tactical Leadership, earning recognition for his professionalism, composure, and commitment to safeguarding lives under pressure. As a CoDe Member with Armatec Global, Mr. Olavarria contributes his extensive operational knowledge and instructional expertise to the company’s mission of protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing organizational readiness. His work supports Armatec’s focus on Active Shooter Preparedness, Facility Security Assessments, Threat Mitigation Planning, and Defensive Tactics Integration. Mr. Olavarria’s background uniquely bridges the gap between law enforcement operations, martial arts mastery, and modern threat management science, making him one of the foremost voices in integrated tactical readiness and civilian safety training today. In 2008, Mr. Olavarria founded the Institute of Defensive Methods, an educational and tactical training organization dedicated to advancing defensive readiness for law enforcement, military, and civilian professionals. Through this institute, he has delivered scenario-based training programs that integrate the discipline of martial arts with the realism and urgency of tactical decision-making. His programs have served police departments, private security teams, educators, and corporate organizations seeking practical solutions for threat mitigation and emergency response. The Institute remains a cornerstone in Mr. Olavarria’s mission to promote readiness, resilience, and responsible defense through ethical and effective training. Mr. Olavarria believes that true security begins with mental clarity, structured training, and disciplined awareness. His teaching philosophy rejects fear-based approaches, emphasizing instead a calm, focused, and informed mindset capable of functioning effectively under duress. Whether in the field, classroom, or training environment, Mr. Olavarria’s mission remains consistent: to equip individuals and organizations with the confidence, capability, and composure necessary to protect lives and maintain operational integrity in the face of modern threats. Find Cesar Olavarria Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail James Alexander Donaldson the 5th is a remarkable young man.  When someone comes to their faith, they often do so with trepidation.  Jimmy ran towards the word of God with a vigor and understanding very seldom seen in today’s world.  On his TikTok account, Jimmy takes the passages of the bible, digest them, then delivers the word in a comprehension that exceeds his years.   In this episode we take a walk down the road of faith through a youth’s eyes.  Trying to decipher how this transformation came about and where this young man hopes to go as he walks towards this path of enlightenment. Find Jimmy Donaldson TikTok Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan Mail Part 2 A special animated reboot all the way back from Episode 65 and 66 of The Suffering Podcast.  Bobby is back to talk about his impactful journey back from the depths of despair and alcoholism. On this powerful episode of The Suffering Podcast, Kevin P. Donaldson and Mike Failace sit down with Bobby Crudele, a man who has walked through the fire of addiction and fought his way back into the light. Bobby’s story is raw, honest, and unfiltered—an inside look at the devastating grip of alcoholism and the courageous climb toward recovery. From the first drink that started it all to the darkest moments that nearly cost him everything, Bobby opens up about the pain, the denial, the broken relationships, and the nightly battles that many people never see. But he also shares something even more important—the hope. The turning point. The moment he chose life over destruction. This episode is not just about addiction… it’s about redemption. It’s about choosing to rise. It's about proving that no matter how far you fall, you are never too far gone to turn your life around. Find Bobby Crudele Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Tom Flynn Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.