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"What feels your heart up with joy???" words that Ryan lives by. He says that Humanity as been wounded. Look him up on National Geographic....the King of Weed. Ryan John Phillips is an author, producer and humanitarian. Phillips" journey to extraordinary change began after a series of serious challenges that derailed his hockey career that included extreme abuse, major injuries, and addiction. Ryan's been sober now for 7 years and takes pride in helping others overcome substance abuse and achieve sobriety. He was incarcerated in 2002 in a United States maximum federal prison for 18 months for the distribution of 100 pounds of marijuana that led to later diagnosis of complex post traumatic stress disorder in 2015, but that didn't hold him back.... Ryan was given a lifetime ban from entering the United States, separating him from the love of his life, his daughter Sadie. Trying to cope with his life, he embarked on an adventure throughout Southeast Asia helping to shed awareness towards human trafficking and child sex slavery resulting in the manifestation of spiritual growth as a Christian, and social activism. Ryan was given a pardon as a humanitarian in 2012 for his efforts by the Department of Homeland Security as a free man. Through the prisms of his life, Phillips has been featured on National Geographic's hit show "Locked up Abroad" as "The King of Weed", spoke on two TedX Talks on Mental Health and Sex Trafficking. Phillips speaks through the power of pure storytelling. Phillips' rode his bicycle across four countries in 2019 to raise awareness for mental Health, the highlight was Canada the second largest landmass in the world. Overcoming many of his own issues with mental health, primarily concussions from sports. Ryan continues to have a passion for helping people heal through lived experiences and are struggling and reaching out for help. You can follow Ryan on instagram: @theofficialryanphillips You can follow Christy on instagram: @lifestrugglespodcast and @thechristycollier Ryan also has a clothing line that helps to raise funds for his missions. Please visit :https://www.gangstersgonegod.com If you would like to help others that are experiencing any struggles that you have had and would like to be a guest on our show, please contact Christy @ [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Here is my short bio: My name is Gina Casazza. I lost all hearing in my left ear when I was 21, told I would never get it back and regained it 10 years later. I trained with a Navy SEAL, paid to get kidnapped and conquered my fear of snakes! I am a children’s author of the book: You Really, Truly Do Belong! I am the founder of Omnia, a self-care bracelet company. We elevate self care through innovative technology. I also work in the film business. I am a stand-up comic, I write TV shows. I have worked for Ralph Macchio and Penny Marshall. Now I am the director of development at Nico Nazar.  Gina's Instagram: @omnia_elevate Christy's Instagram: @thechristycollier and @lifestrugglespodcast If you would like to be on the show. please email Christy @[email protected] or dm her on instragram. https://amzn.to/3BiJ00a to purchase her book --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

I grew up with a tremendous amount of sexual abuse from a very early age.  I went through a lot of self-destructive behavior, hospitalizations, and an eating disorder early in life. I went into foster care as a teen where the sexual abuse continued.  I became an emancipated minor at the age of 16 and then lived on my own while working full time. I got married when I was 18 and had 3 children right away (3 under the age of 3).We started doing foster care when our youngest was about 4.  At one point we had 8 children 8 and under.  I started nursing school when we had nine children living in our home.  Over the course of the next 25 years we fostered well over 100 children and took permanent legal guardianship of 10 girls.   My husband got cancer and suffered with cancer for 12 years before passing away in 2006.I had 4 girls living at home at that time and took in another one a few months after my husband died.  I completed 3 legal guardianships that first year after he died. I was a single mom and working full time. I started my master’s degree 12 days after he passed away.  I remarried in 2010 and by that time was in a doctoral program getting my doctorate degree.I finished it and continued to do medical mission trips all over the world (I have done about 30).  I then went back to school and got my post doctorate degree and am now double boarded as an Advance Practice Nurse (FNP and CNS). My youngest son passed away in 2021 after an 8 year battle with cancer and his story continues to inspire all who knew him.  My biggest encouragement to people is to NEVER give up and never remain a victim.  Use what challenges life has given you and learn to develop a passion to help others overcome theirs.  I have seen in my own life how God turned my sexual abuse into a deep passion to help others who might have had similar experiences.   My second husband and I have recently started a medical clinic in northern India that cares for over 140 girls rescued from sex trafficking and other abuses.  Without having gone through my struggles, I would have never developed the passions I have had to help others. I coauthored a book about my life and how God has used my struggles to develop passion and purpose in my life.   I have a website that shares more about my book, my mission trips, and my life story.  https://phillisdewitt.com   In the past six months, I have been able to share some about my story in Israel, Mexico, India, England, Costa Rica, Romania, and Ukraine.  My husband and I just returned from doing war relief efforts in Romana and Ukraine working with women and children who have lost everything due to their homes being bombed.    I currently teach at 4 colleges in their graduate nursing programs and continue to see patients once a week when I am in Florida (we live there 6 months out of the year) at a free clinic that serves those who are living within 200 % of the Federal Poverty Level. My second husband and I have started 4 endowment scholarships to other students have access to an education that might not otherwise be able to.  I have received many local, state and national awards for my work with families and victims of trauma. Please go to Phillis's website to either seek help or help other people. If you have a life struggle to share, please contact me @ [email protected] You may follow me on. Instagram: @lifestrugglespodcast and main page @thechristycollier to purchase Athletic Greens: https://fbuy.io/ag/christycollier --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Russell is a TikTok influencer who has gained a large following by dancing to bring joy and happiness to his fans' lives. With his infectious energy and positive attitude, he has become known for spreading good vibes and brightening up people's days. Beyond just being an entertainer, Russell is also a strong advocate for mental health. He recognizes the importance of addressing mental health issues and supporting those who are struggling, and he actively works to raise awareness and funds for mental health research. A portion of all sales through his platform goes to support the HOPE for Depression Research Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing scientific research into the causes and treatments of depression and related mood disorders. Russell deeply appreciates the support he has received from his fans and recognizes the power of their collective efforts to make a positive impact in the world. Through his platform, he hopes to continue spreading joy and positivity while also promoting important causes and inspiring others to get involved and make a difference. You can watch him dance with his heart and soul on Ticktok |@russellbutler2 or on Instagram| @russelldancingupsman | Russell also has a clothing line on his linktree in his bio of Instagram and TikTok You can follow Christy on Instagram| @thechristycollier and get notified of her podcast on Instagram| @lifestrugglespodcast Don't forget your Athletic Greens and use code: https://fbuy.io/ag/christycollier To get more health products and skincare products visit Christy's Nu Skin page @ http://christysbeautypage.mynuskin.com If you have a life struggle that you have conquered and would like to share your story, please send a recorded short version or a short bio of your struggle to [email protected] and submit it to Christy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Frank Rich is a former bodybuilder, entrepreneur, men's health coach, and host of The Super Human Life podcast. After living with and battling addiction, depression, and anxiety for almost 20 years, he is now on a mission to help men who are suffering with many of the same issues take back control of their lives through the power of faith and fitness. Frank has helped thousands of men transform their physiques through his online coaching platform, where he provides content, programs, and services to men looking to build more muscle, drop body fat, and build their greatest bodies. He is also the founder and CEO of Rebuilt Recovery, a company based on a growth centric holistic approach to addiction recovery. Rebuilt Recovery provides fitness training for men going through recovery as well as one-to-one coaching for men aiming to break free from porn addiction. His goal is that by being open and transparent with his struggles, and having real and raw conversations with others who have overcome adversities, that he can empower you to face your darkness, take control, and ultimately create the life you've always dreamed of, your own, Super Human Life! Instagram: coachfrankrich https://podcastconnection.org/frank%20rich/ Please follow me on Instagram: thechristycollier Also if you would like to share a life struggle that you have conquered and help other people, you may dm me @lifestrugglespodcast on Instagram or email me @ [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Skye Nicholson is a certified 'This Naked Mind' Empowerment Coach, and founded Soul’s Truth Coaching in 2021. After making the decision in January 2018 to put an end to 25 years of alcohol abuse, Skye began her ongoing journey of healing and self-acceptance. She coaches women to their self-created goals around personal empowerment, alcohol use or anxiety reduction, by providing tactics and tools to take charge of their thoughts. Skye's two published books, Unexpected Alchemy: Poems of Addiction and Awakening, and Elemental Alchemy: A Guided Journal for Transformation are available on Amazon. She lives in Columbus, Indiana, with her husband and two children. First Book|: Unexpected Alchemy, poet Skye Nicholson shares her journey of recovery—and empowerment—after ending 25 years of alcohol abuse. Her poems are filled with soaring language, fraught memories, and poignant images of motherhood and self-acceptance. Readers will discover a remarkable empathy from poems that effortlessly invite nature, relationships, and presence. Paired with artful designs by Indie illustrator Cheryl Liz Byers, Skye's words evoke a courageous and raw honesty that illuminates how decades of addiction and shame can dissolve through vulnerability, compassion and self-love. Journal: Elemental Alchemy: A Journal For Transformation-This is a place for you to tell your story. Wherever it began, and wherever it may take you, your story is both your legacy and your future. Writing down the words that weave these threads of your own personal journey is, like the ancient process of alchemy, a special kind of magic. The journal is divided into four parts, each guided by one of ancient elements and the alchemical wisdom associated with it. Following the prompts in order will guide you through the universal process of transformation, so that you may discover your truth and live unfolded and empowered like the butterfly. https://www.amazon.com/Skye-Nicholson/e/B09P5GGFX3?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1670471397&sr=8-1 https://www.instagram.com/soultruthcoaching Website: www.soulstruthcoaching.com To follow Christy (your Host) https://www.instagram.com/thechristycollier To follow Life Struggles page: https://www.instagram.com/lifestruggles To be a guest on our show, please send an email and a short story about your life struggle and how you conquered it to: [email protected] Please remember that these are are real life struggles and to be respectful. Also these are their own testimonies and how they conquered them. They are not all professionals. The purpose of these testimonies is give others hope, that may or may not have gone through this particular "Life Struggle".     You may listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast, google Podcast, Amazon Music, Overcast and my own website. Please go to: https://www.overcomingstruggles.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

26 yr old pop country recording artist, producer, actress, and mental health advocate Arizona Lindsey has most recently released her highly anticipated new album "The Process". On September 27th of this past year, Arizona released "Worth the Fight"; An empowering pop rock song featuring legendary artist Darryl McDaniels of RunDMC. "Worth the Fight" was dedicated to National Suicide prevention efforts and served as the 12th track/bonus track to her concept album released earlier that year. Fearlessly open and raw, Arizona Lindsey exposes her own story of trauma and rebirth from the ashes through her music and mission. From homelessness to winning the Gold Coast Arts Center’s 'Your Big Break' Competition, Arizona represents resilience and tenacity as she uses her platform to de-stigmatize mental health. She shatters the expectations of the world with an unconventional approach to life as she survives on self-expression and encourages others to embrace their uniqueness. Empowering through a pop-country sound and vulnerable fraught lyrics, Arizona Lindsey leaves nothing unsaid in her new album The Process; now available on all music platforms. Follow Ari on Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, IMBD. Reverb Nation, Twitter, Tik Tok, Patreon Listen to the Music: Spotify, I-Tunes-Apple Music, Amazon Music and Pandora Outstanding Press: LI Harold, The Country Note-NYS Senator Thomas Recognizes Country Artist for Mental Health Activism, Authority Magazine-Rising Star Interview, Long Island News Patch-Press, Skope Magazine-Interview Videos: YouYube- I Didn't Fit in Anyway For Media Inquires, please contact: [email protected] Follow Christy on Social Media: Instagram ( thechristycollier, lifestrugglespodcast), Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok Listen to our podcast n Spotify, Applepodcast, Googlepodcast, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio, Castbox If you would like to be a guest on our podcast, please email Christy @ [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Passionate About Inspiring Others Known as Chef Recovery, Jay Barnard takes his real-life recovery from drugs and alcohol and turns them into real life recipes for success.  Along his journey of being clean and sober for the past 14+ years and as a mental health advocate, Jay realized early on that sharing his life story not only helps his own recovery but helps others who might be struggling too.  Jay travels across Canada sharing his story with hundreds of people inspiring them to make changes in their own lives to be the best version of themselves. Our organization is dedicated to creating powerful and meaningful conversation around solutions to this devastating crisis through our Empower 2 Recover events. To contact Jay: https://www.empower2recover.com https://www.hypercoverycoach.com email: [email protected] Do you have a life struggle that you have conquered and can help others? email Christy: [email protected] Please remember that we are not certified professionals and offer many options and opinions that are our own. If you have any questions, please email them to Christy or Jay. Please follow, support, rate and share our podcast from Spotify, Apple, Google or AmazonMusic. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

https://www.instagram.com/sky2fy My name is Schuyler. I was born and raised in Florida, graduating from FSU in late 2021. I grew up in a home with a single mother who did everything she could to raise me well. The two of us have faced plenty of trials and tribulations, but we are both still standing! I hope my story can help anyone who is facing similar challenges. Everything that this young man suggests for conquering different struggles, are in his own words. Everything that Christy suggests, again, are in her own words. We are not experts. These are things that worked for us. Sky, as his mom calls him, is around 23 and has gone through more trials than a child, an adolescent, or  young adult would want to go through. From divorced parents to a mother who had an alcohol addiction, to adjusting a big move when his mom remarried, losing his best friend while surfing on a family vacation, He and his mom tackled that together, (his mom has been sober I believe 14 years) I am hoping to interview her when she is ready. Where did Sky get his strength to endure all the things? His mother is amazing. She too has had all these struggles and more, and so far has never relapsed. She was brought up in a Christian environment just like she has brought up Sky. This all began with her mother and father, which they shared in bringing up Sky all of his life. Sky's grandmother passed away a year ago from Cancer, at the same time his grandfather ad to be put in a safe place for him as his dementia stopped him from being able to take himself and soon after his stepfather passed away from Parkinson's. All in a year's time. This of course was also during our pandemic, which as we all know has made things that more difficult. The rest of this story, well, you just need to hear. And pardon me jumping in there with my similar stories.  If you have a Life Struggle to share, please email: [email protected] my Instagram: https://www.instagram,com/thechristycollier (personal) my other Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestrugglespodcast (please follow that page to see some clips of some of our podcast, or to dm me. If you are having an immediate crisis, please call 1.800.273.8255 for support. This service is completely free.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

Melinda and Christy continue to talk about the struggles of children returning to school after shut down from covid. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html https://www.unicef19-scale-education-loss-nearly-insurmountable-warns-unicef Christy and co-host finally get to sit down together again and discuss what is happening to school age children  returning to school after the pandemic.  Mellissa has 3 children of her own, so a lot of our story started because of what they were going through but now we look up statistics and see what is really going on out there. As you know, Mental Health Awareness is big! We have also found that some of the mental health disorders stem from childhood experiences or what was traumatic to them. Each person is obviously different, so what is traumatic to you may not be to somebody else and visa versa.  Please remember that we are only here with our own experiences but we will also provide references.  If you need to seek counselling is the Peoria, Il area: https://www.opencounseling.com/united-states/morton/counseling-agency/agape-counseling https://www.betterhelp.com If you want to share your story with us please send an email to [email protected] If you have an questions please message Christy at https://www.instagram.com/lifestrugglespodcast or https://www.instagram.com/thechristycollier https://www.instagram.com/mamaweigle --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/middle.html https://www.unicef19-scale-education-loss-nearly-insurmountable-warns-unicef Christy and co-host finally get to sit down together again and discuss what is happening to school age children  returning to school after the pandemic.  Mellissa has 3 children of her own, so a lot of our story started because of what they were going through but now we look up statistics and see what is really going on out there. As you know, Mental Health Awareness is big! We have also found that some of the mental health disorders stem from childhood experiences or what was traumatic to them. Each person is obviously different, so what is traumatic to you may not be to somebody else and visa versa.  Please remember that we are only here with our own experiences but we will also provide references.  If you need to seek counselling is the Peoria, Il area: https://www.opencounseling.com/united-states/morton/counseling-agency/agape-counseling https://www.betterhelp.com If you want to share your story with us please send an email to [email protected] If you have an questions please message Christy at https://www.instagram.com/lifestrugglespodcast or https://www.instagram.com/thechristycollier https://www.instagram.com/mamaweigle --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support

http://www.skillsforlifepeoria.com/ https://www.agapecounselors.net/ https://www.peoriacounty.gov/557/Victim-Services https://www.hud.gov/states/illinois/homeless http://www.skillsforlifepeoria.com/ Curley "Boo" Johnson moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 1970 at age 4. He led Sterling Grade School, coached by Robert Snowden, to a fourth-place finish in the city championships while setting scoring records, becoming the school's MVP. Johnson also excelled playing tailback in football for Sterling Lions JFL, leading them to an undefeated city championship.[1] He played football, basketball and baseball in high school at Peoria Richwoods for two years and then transferred to Peoria Central. In basketball, he helped lead Central to a 38–18 record and Regional and Sectional titles, and consecutive fourth-place finishes in the 1980 & 1981 Illinois State Classic Holiday Tournaments (now named the State Farm Holiday Classic).[1] Spoon River College 1982–83 Johnson scored 19 points in his first game against Richland College and led the state of Illinois and tied for seventh in the nation in field goal percentage shooting a torrid 65.7% record that still stands. SRC won the sectional title and set a school record for wins (26) and a 4th-place finish in the state. Johnson went 3 consecutive games without missing a field goal (21-21). He was named McDonald's Cage Classic All-tournament, All-Section, All-Region, and 4th team Sporting News NJCAA All-American. Johnson made the Dean's list and was elected to student senate and student representative to the college board of trustees as well as Homecoming King.[1] Muscatine Community College 1983-1984 Played one season for the MCC Indians Loras College 1984–87 Johnson debuted at Loras, hitting a 20-foot fall-away jumper as time expired against archrival University of Dubuque, sending the game into overtime, giving Coach Mike Jaskulski his first college win. The "lightning quick" was known for his slick passing, unparalleled ball handling, and dribbling ability. Mike Jaskulski was quoted as saying that "Boo" was the finest ball handler and dribbler he ever coached or saw play at Loras – "The ball was always safe in his hands." Johnson did not just dribble through Dubuque, he earned a degree in marketing at Loras. Loras retired Johnson's #14 jersey on December 10, 1999.[1]  Curley Boo played with the Harlem Globe Trotters for 18 years. (1988-2006) You may follow Curly @ https://www.instagram.com/curley.johnson You may follow Christy @ https://www.instagram.com/thechristycollier Also her new podcast page @ https://www.instagram.com/lifestrugglespodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifestruggles/support