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Send us Fan Mail A “full panel” STI test sounds like peace of mind until you learn what it often leaves out. We sit down with Robert Johnson, founder of Shameless Care, to unpack the testing blind spots that can quietly miss infections, especially when oral exposure is part of your sex life. His turning point is painfully relatable: a partner flags possible gonorrhea, he feels totally fine, and he is staring at a negative result from the week before. The catch? No throat swab, no real clarity. We get specific about how STI testing actually works in the real world: why blood and urine alone may not be enough, why most STIs are asymptomatic, and why “full panel” is not a standardized button your doctor can click. Robert also explains how shame changes what people say in the exam room and how that can snowball into incomplete care. If you have ever walked out of a clinic thinking you were tested for “everything,” this conversation gives you better questions to ask and a clearer way to read your results. Then we zoom out into prevention and modern sexual health tools. We talk PrEP as an HIV prevention breakthrough, U equals U and what it means for transmission, and DoxyPEP as a promising option that also raises real concerns about antibiotic resistance. We also highlight vaccines like HPV and hepatitis B as practical, cancer-preventing steps that too many adults still miss. If you want smarter, shame-free sexual health information that you can actually use, listen now, share this with someone who dates, and leave a review so more people find it. What did your last STI test truly include? https://shamelesscare.com/ https://youtu.be/e36gU87R-sU?si=dVsNUK8G9HcQSf7Q Podcast: Sex Is Good https://www.buzzsprout.com/2505799 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A phone notification at a red light told Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds something he never expected to read: “clinically significant prostate cancer likely.” He’d just completed an Ironman and felt in the best shape of his life, which makes his story a gut-punch reminder that fitness and health are not the same thing. We talk through what happens after the shock, including the anxious “valley” between diagnosis and a real treatment plan, and why routine screening and preventive care matter even when you feel fine.  Jeffrey is also a longtime leader in addiction recovery, mental health services, and community support, and that perspective changes the way he talks about suffering and healing. We get into growing up around alcoholism, how risk can be both genetic and social, and why parents have to push through the discomfort and tell the truth to their kids. He explains how endurance training teaches you to get comfortable being uncomfortable, then connects that lesson directly to cancer survivorship, resilience, and the quiet strength of vulnerability when you’re forced to become the person asking for help.  The conversation also covers his second diagnosis: stage 3B colorectal cancer, plus chemo, radiation, and a clinical trial. Jeffrey shares what “no evidence of disease” really means, how he used movement and humor to protect his mental health during treatment, and how his relationship with his wife and children deepened through honest communication. If you care about resilience, prostate cancer screening, colorectal cancer awareness, caregiving, and building grit without losing your humanity, this one stays with you. ( JeffreyReynolds.com and EveryMileMatters.com. Also, he is on all socials. ) If it resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review so more people can find Glass Half Full. What’s one “hard thing” you’re ready to face on purpose this week? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Some people hear “unthinkable” once in a lifetime. Julie Barth heard it again and again, and still found a way to keep her family standing. Julie is an author and the founder of Colin James Barth Outreach, and she joins us to share a life shaped by rare disease, caregiving, grief, and the slow work of rebuilding. From the Chicago suburbs to raising a big family, she walks us through the moments that changed everything and the mindset shifts that helped her survive them. We talk about her daughter Tatum’s early medical crisis, the frustrating “failure to thrive” label, and the eventual discovery of primordial dwarfism, a rare form of dwarfism that finally explained what doctors could not name. Julie shares what it’s like to live inside constant monitoring and uncertainty, and why she chose quality of life over a life consumed by appointments, fear, and other people’s comfort. If you’re a special needs parent, caregiver, or someone trying to support one, her words on isolation and invisibility will feel painfully familiar and deeply validating. Julie also opens up about losing her first husband Colin to pancreatic cancer, becoming a widowed stay at home mom, and turning to writing to preserve a story her children could hold on to. Then we go to the harder chapter: a second marriage marked by emotional abuse, the cycle that kept pulling her back, and the moment she realized her kids were carrying the cost. She leaves us with practical steps for healing, including a simple way to regain control when life feels overwhelming, plus how her charity helps women-led households in crisis create a plan forward. If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more listeners can find it. What part of Julie’s story stayed with you? Juliebarthauthor.com,  my charity at cjboutreach.org.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Most of what we’ve been taught about aging is wrong—and it’s quietly shaping how we live, work, and show up for each other. With gerontologist  Dr. Corinne Auman, we swap the “over the hill” narrative for something more honest and far more hopeful: Keenagers—older adults who stay keen, engaged, and purposeful. We trace Corinne’s path from rural North Carolina to the classroom and into real-world care management, where she sees 70-year-olds advocating for their 90-year-old parents and launching new ventures. We unpack why language matters—how a single word can open space for dignity—and we get practical about what truly drives a great later life. Lifestyle accounts for the majority of our aging experience, which means movement, social ties, learning, and purpose are non-negotiable. We connect the dots to Blue Zones and to cultures like Japan, where elders remain woven into daily life, and we talk candidly about the mental toll of retirement when purpose disappears. This conversation is equal parts mindset shift and field guide. You’ll learn how to spot ageism in everyday moments, replace limiting scripts with stronger ones, and design a plan that goes beyond money: legal basics, weekly routines, intellectual spark, and community anchors. Corinne shares simple practices for mental health and why even with illness, adaptive joy—like Parkinson’s dance classes—keeps agency alive. If you’ve ever said “I’m too old for that,” consider this your invitation to rewrite the line. Listen now, share this with someone who needs a brighter map for their next chapter, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Want more conversations like this? Subscribe and tell us the one aging myth you’re ready to retire. http://www.corinneauman.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinneauman/ https://www.instagram.com/keenagersbook/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558512157337 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a single crash erases days of memory and rewrites the rules of your life? We sit down with Nicholas Ruchlewicz to trace his arc from a storage-lot motorcycle crash to surgeries, rehab, and the gritty work of reclaiming identity after a traumatic brain injury. He opens up about the 12-day void he can’t remember, the moment he realized he had to relearn how to walk, and the unexpected tools that pulled him out of isolation. Nicholas walks us through the realities of right-side brain injury—executive function, attention, vision—and the emotional whiplash of anxiety and depression that followed. He shares how continuity of care became a battle with the health system and why protecting a trusted therapist can be the difference between treading water and moving forward. Along the way, he uncovers practices that actually help: naming the feeling under anger, pausing before you react, and choosing an opposite action to shift momentum. Then the story turns to music and games. Heavy music lowered his pain spikes in the ICU and later became a bridge to community and purpose. Following Lacuna Coil across cities, he transformed gratitude into connection and advocacy. At the tabletop, role-playing games rebuilt fine motor skills, memory, and focus while offering a safe, inclusive space for players to belong. Painting miniatures during the pandemic anchored his nerves and gave him a daily ritual of calm. We wrap with clear takeaways for anyone facing trauma or supporting someone who is: you are not alone, healing is not a zero-sum game, and hope is free medicine. If you’re looking for real talk about recovery—and practical ways to find your footing again—this conversation will meet you where you are and hand you a next step. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a rating or review so others can find these stories. LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/giftofperspective YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NPR_Nerd Spotify (link in my LinkTree)- https://open.spotify.com/user/31vgmhbu654nulf6pcfso4khw6i4 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A metal building. A humid morning. A partner workout with his teenage son. Then silence. Jeff Luther’s heart flatlined, the AED fired three times, and eight minutes later he came back with a vow: die living instead of live dying. What follows isn’t a hero montage. It’s a human one—fear, bitterness, an ARVC diagnosis that punishes exertion, and a divorce that lands just as he’s relearning how to trust his body. We walk through the messy middle: the taste of near-death that lingers, the implanted defibrillator that both protects and unnerves, and the hard truth Jeff discovered when time was measured in heartbeats. He didn’t want more money or medals. He wanted a hand on his arm and his son within reach. That clarity becomes a compass. Gratitude stops being a platitude and starts working like a switch—crowding out despair with small, specific thanks. From there, he designs a new way to move: low-adrenaline training, no music, no cheering, and a coach who agrees to watch the clock and call the ambulance if needed. The breakthrough is quiet and real. Mid-workout, Jeff quits—fully. His coach asks for 30 seconds just to end on a win. He tries. Nothing breaks. He tries again. He finishes the session in 30-second intervals, and a life philosophy takes shape: success isn’t a finish line, it’s the action you take today. Put on your shoes. Show up. Work for 30 seconds. Rest. Repeat. Along the way we talk about CrossFit community, cardiac arrest survival, ARVC-safe exercise, the psychology of fear, and why better questions—how is today treating you—build stronger connections than small talk ever could. If this story resonates, follow and share it with someone who needs a small win today. Subscribe for more conversations about resilience, purpose, and practical courage, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s the next 30 seconds you’re willing to take? Jeffluther.com IG – allcan_nocant Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if the fastest way to think sharper, feel steadier, and show up stronger is the one habit you keep postponing? Dr. Leah Kaylor—licensed clinical and prescribing psychologist and longtime sleep expert for the FBI—joins us to unpack sleep as the hidden engine of performance, health, and daily sanity. Her journey from a small Pennsylvania town through the VA sleep clinic to federal service reveals just how many struggles are actually sleep problems in disguise—and how fixable they can be with the right tools. We get practical fast. Leah demystifies insomnia by splitting it into primary, secondary, and paradoxical types, then walks through the proven CBT-I playbook: consistent wake times, smarter naps, reframing anxious sleep thoughts, and designing a wind-down routine that lowers light and dopamine. She breaks down circadian rhythm in plain English and shares a free, powerful reset: morning outdoor light within an hour of waking to cue the brain’s clock and get melatonin flowing on time at night. We also explore the link between short sleep, hunger hormones, and next-day cravings—why a single bad night can push you toward sugar, extra calories, and sluggish motivation. Leah doesn’t shy away from the tricky stuff. She outlines how to make bedrooms safer for sleepwalkers, why scheduled awakenings can interrupt predictable episodes in kids, and how alcohol quietly wrecks sleep quality even when it helps you doze off. And we talk about her new book, If Sleep Were a Drug—a practical, data-informed field guide written with first responders in mind but useful for anyone who wants steadier moods, clearer focus, and real recovery. If you’re ready to make tonight easier and tomorrow better, press play and try her simple steps: dim earlier, cut the late scroll, get morning light, and give yourself a landing strip before bed. If this conversation helps, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can sleep better and live better. drleahkaylor.com all socials I am Dr. Leah Kaylor  Book will be on my website, books.by, and amazon.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail How do you navigate life when the world around you literally begins to disappear? Laura Bratton takes us on a remarkable journey through her experience of losing her sight as a child and discovering a deeper kind of vision along the way. Diagnosed at age nine with a rare retinal condition, Laura gradually lost her sight throughout middle and high school—a particularly painful time as her peers were gaining independence through driver's licenses while she was losing hers. Yet through this profound challenge, Laura discovered a powerful framework for resilience that she now shares with others: the balance of grit and gratitude. The most touching moments in our conversation reveal how Laura's family refused to let blindness become her identity or excuse. When teenage Laura tried using her condition to get out of chores, her mother simply said, "Laura, unload the dishwasher" and walked away—a moment of "tough love" that Laura initially resented but now recognizes as one of her greatest gifts. These experiences taught her that limitations don't diminish worth, and that acknowledging difficulties while choosing to move forward anyway is the essence of true courage. Laura's definition of gratitude might surprise you. It's not about constant positivity or denying difficult emotions. Rather, it means being thankful for what helps us move through challenges—sometimes as simple as appreciating that a particularly tough day is finally over. This refreshing perspective liberates us from the pressure to "stay positive" and instead encourages authentic engagement with our full human experience. As founder of Ubi Global and author of "Harnessing Courage," Laura now guides individuals and organizations through significant life changes and what she calls "non-death losses"—the grieving process that accompanies major life transitions beyond literal death. Her story reminds us that healing integrates mind, body, and spirit, and that our greatest challenges often become the foundation for our most meaningful contributions to others. What change are you facing that could benefit from both grit and gratitude? Join us for this transformative conversation about seeing beyond sight and finding strength in vulnerability. //www.laurabratton.com/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if the answers you seek have been with you all along, waiting for you to simply open the right channel of communication? Ros Place, a Guardian Angel communicator with over 20 years of experience, reveals the extraordinary reality that each of us has a personal guide assigned at the moment of conception—our very own guardian angel. From her earliest memories of angelic presences surrounding her bed as a toddler to reluctantly shutting down her connection as a pre-teen facing social pressure, Ros's journey with her guardian angel Trissan is both deeply personal and universally relevant. The dramatic reconnection came during the vulnerable, transformative experience of childbirth, creating a crack in her defenses that allowed this ancient bond to flourish once again. The most fascinating aspect of Ros's work is her Channel of Clarity Method—a structured 12-step process that enables anyone to establish direct verbal communication with their guardian angel within just 12 weeks. Unlike vague spiritual practices, this method consistently delivers results by teaching people to channel through their heart center rather than their mind. As Ros explains, "Channeling is an experience of being in a space of spa-like peace" where profound guidance flows through you without mental interference. Now traveling the world with her husband and teenage sons under Trissan's guidance, Ros demonstrates how angelic communication transforms everyday life into an adventure of purpose and alignment. Her guardian angel doesn't map out grand life plans but instead provides just the next step—creating a beautiful metaphor for spiritual growth itself. As she puts it, "All you need is the next step, because when you apply that, you're able to see the next thing." Ready to discover what your guardian angel has been trying to tell you? Start by noticing recurring numbers in your environment—a simple way these celestial guides attempt to catch our attention. Then consider taking that courageous step toward establishing your own direct line of communication with the highest personal guide who has been with you all along. [email protected] https://courses.rosplace.com/products/digital_downloads/angel-number-guide Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a football tackle changes everything? Ken Kunken's life pivoted dramatically in 1970 when he broke his neck during a Cornell University football game, leaving him almost completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors delivered a devastating prognosis—they didn't expect him to survive the week. If he did, they predicted a shortened life in a nursing home. Ken refused to accept these limitations. Just eleven days after hospital discharge, he returned to Cornell—navigating a campus with no wheelchair accessibility—and became the first quadriplegic to graduate from the university. This was merely the beginning of his boundary-breaking journey. Through raw, honest conversation, Ken shares how he earned two master's degrees and faced crushing employment discrimination despite his impressive credentials. When over 200 job applications went unanswered, he finally found opportunity at Abilities Inc., counseling others with disabilities. But Ken wasn't finished redefining possibility—he graduated from law school and spent over 40 years as an Assistant District Attorney, even though he couldn't initially fit through the courtroom doors in his wheelchair. Perhaps most powerfully, Ken opens up about finding love later in life and becoming a father to triplet sons through in vitro fertilization. Now in their twenties and attending prestigious universities, his sons represent the life Ken was told would be impossible. Throughout our conversation, Ken's philosophy shines through: "Just because something has not been done before doesn't mean you cannot do it now." His memoir, "I Dream of Things That Never Were," captures this spirit of relentless possibility. Whether you're facing challenges or simply need inspiration, Ken's story proves that with determination and support, extraordinary achievements are possible regardless of physical limitations. Subscribe to Glass Half Full for more conversations that challenge assumptions and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Please reach Ken: www.kenkunken.com,  [email protected]. Also, is via messenger connected to facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ken.kunken/) Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Ever felt stuck in your own head, trying to think your way out of difficult emotions? Susan Hensley discovered a powerful alternative when she picked up some crayons during the pandemic and let her "inner five-year-old get loose." This simple act of creative play opened a doorway to profound healing and self-discovery that changed the trajectory of her life. Susan joins us to share how art journaling became her pathway from corporate executive to transformational coach and author. With warmth and wisdom, she explains why this practice works especially well for people who don't consider themselves creative or artistic. "I have yet to meet an adult who takes themselves seriously while holding a crayon," she laughs, revealing how this simple tool helps silence our inner critic and access deeper wisdom. What makes Susan's approach so refreshing is its accessibility. Her three-minute scribbling exercise requires nothing more than two colors and a small piece of paper. Yet this brief creative play can provide what she calls a "turbo boost" for emotional processing—helping us move through rage, fear, and uncertainty with greater ease. She shares fascinating examples of how the images and symbols that emerged in her journals revealed truths her conscious mind hadn't yet recognized, from winding paths that predicted her career transition to an open door with a yellow lab that appeared just as she was publishing her book. For anyone navigating life's "messy middle" between endings and new beginnings, Susan offers both practical tools and compassionate perspective. Whether you're facing career changes, relationship shifts, or simply seeking more joy in your daily life, her insights on creative resilience provide a refreshing alternative to traditional self-help approaches. Try her simple exercises, explore the patterns that emerge, and discover what your soul might be trying to tell you through color, shape, and symbol. Ready to scribble your way to greater clarity and peace? Visit susan-hensley.com for free resources to start your own art journaling practice today. https://susan-hensley.com/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when someone survives unthinkable childhood trauma and transforms that pain into purpose? In this powerful conversation, Denise G. Lee takes us through her extraordinary journey from severe childhood abuse to recovery from sex addiction and alcoholism to becoming a trauma-informed entrepreneur coach. With remarkable vulnerability, Denise shares how her life's theme evolved from feeling betrayed by others to recognizing how she betrayed herself, and finally to embracing complete responsibility for her healing. She recounts surviving her mother's physical, emotional, and sexual abuse until age 11, attempting suicide at just seven years old, and later developing addictions as coping mechanisms while trying to find connection and meaning. The turning point came when a therapist confronted Denise with the reality of her sex addiction, leading her to 12-step programs where she finally found people who could see her fully—broken parts and all—while offering practical tools for healing. This experience fundamentally transformed how she understands leadership, personal growth, and coaching. Today, Denise works with high-achieving entrepreneurs who appear successful on the outside but struggle internally. She helps them recognize how unhealed trauma manifests in their business practices and relationships, guiding them toward authentic leadership through vulnerability. "You can only lead people to the point of your own level of vulnerability," she explains, highlighting how our willingness to acknowledge our imperfections creates psychological safety for those around us. Whether you're facing your own healing journey or leading others through change, Denise's perspective offers profound wisdom: our failures and struggles aren't a summary of who we are—they're just data points that can refine rather than define us. Ready to transform your relationship with your past while creating a more authentic future? This episode is your roadmap.  https://info.deniseglee.com/learnwithdenise Today's Sponsor: Body N Voice Studios https://www.bodynvoicestudios.com/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Author and personal transformation advocate Daryl Dittmer joins me,  Chris Levens, to unravel his remarkable story of resilience and growth. From his early years in Michigan, facing the pressures of a strict Protestant work ethic, to the crossroads of addiction and a journey to sobriety at just 19, Daryl's path is nothing short of inspiring. Through nearly four decades of sobriety, he has turned his life around, using his experiences to guide others with wisdom and compassion.  We explore how Daryl transitioned from recovery to entrepreneurship, emphasizing principles like willingness, humility, and teachability that not only aid personal recovery but foster successful business leadership. Daryl opens up about how daily practices like breath work and meditation anchor him in the present, highlighting the importance of gratitude in personal and professional growth. His stories reveal the power of honesty, humility, and faith, shedding light on how these values have enriched both his sobriety and his entrepreneurial ventures. As the conversation unfolds, Daryl shares heartwarming anecdotes about family, the joy of writing, and his dedication to lifelong learning. With the influence of mentors and the wisdom passed down through generations, Daryl illustrates how embracing change and self-compassion can lead to a life full of abundance and gratitude. His reflections on staying humble and teachable offer valuable insights for anyone seeking personal transformation and growth. Join us for an episode brimming with lessons on authenticity, presence, and the beauty of life's unpredictable journey. Website: https://www.daryldittmer.com/ Books: When I Stop Fighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJWW8LDP When You Stop Fighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFW7PSQT SM Links: X Daryl Dittmer (@DarylEDittmer) / X FB Facebook IG Author Daryl Dittmer (@whenistopfighting) • Instagram photos and videos LinkedIn Daryl Dittmer | LinkedIn Podcast: Spotify When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast | Podcast on Spotify Apple When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast Podcast - Apple Podcasts Amazon When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast | Listen on Amazon Music YouTube When I Stop Fighting - The Podcast - YouTube Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this weeks epsiode, Chris talks with Lisa Sugarman. Lisa joins us for an episode that promises to touch your heart and mind. A celebrated author and mental health advocate, Lisa's personal journey from the tragic loss of her father to her advocacy at The Trevor Project is as inspiring as it is poignant. She opens up about how the discovery of her father's suicide reshaped her life, propelling her into a career devoted to changing the narrative around mental illness and supporting those in crisis. Lisa's story is a testament to resilience and the power of vulnerability, offering a beacon of hope for listeners grappling with their own struggles. Together, we navigate the complex terrain of grief and healing. Lisa and I discuss how grief, while universal, is intensely personal, shaping us in unique ways. Through heartfelt conversations, we explore how sharing our stories can foster connection and aid healing, not only for ourselves but for those around us. We dive into the necessity of self-care, particularly for those working in emotionally demanding roles, with Lisa sharing personal practices like meditation and setting daily intentions that help her stay grounded. The episode also challenges societal stigmas around mental health, with Lisa providing insights into post-traumatic growth and the transformative power of language. We discuss the importance of reframing our understanding of vulnerability and the impact of wording like "died by suicide" in fostering a compassionate perspective. Lisa's commitment to mental health advocacy shines through as she introduces her rebranded website, The Help Hub, a vital resource for support and connection. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of life, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. Author & Columnist | 3x Survivor of Suicide Loss | Crisis Counselor with The Trevor Project | Storyteller with NAMI | Grief Group Facilitator | Mental Health Advocate email: [email protected] website: lisasugarman.com linktree: linktr.ee/thelisasugarman youtube: youtube.com/@thelisasugarman tiktok: tiktok.com/@thelisasugarman facebook: facebook.com/thelisasugarman instagram: instagram.com/lisa_sugarman linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lisa-sugarman-16925b69 amazon author page: www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Sugarman/author/B00JY0DY28?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Laurie Parente, the visionary CEO and founder of Parente Inner Harmony Academy, joins us to uncover the secrets of spiritual connection and healing. Embark on a journey through her fascinating life story, from her Calgary upbringing to her early experiences with angelic presences during childhood hospitalizations. Laurie's path illuminates the powerful role of mediumship, angel connections, and meditative healing, revealing how she embraced her unique gifts in her mid-40s to guide others on their spiritual journeys. Listeners will gain insight into Laurie's personalized approach to spiritual guidance, focusing on connecting with spiritual guides and utilizing visualization techniques like the "soul sanctuary" to promote mental and physical well-being. We explore the mystical dimensions of the Akashic records and the profound wisdom they hold.Laurie emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and kindness as essential foundations for both personal and spiritual growth. Her teachings inspire individuals to tap into their inner resilience, gentleness, and power, fostering deeper connections with their spiritual support teams. The conversation culminates in a celebration of patience and divine timing, essential elements in personal development and spiritual growth. Laurie shares her ongoing journey of self-improvement, including her passion for stage performances and writing, and the tools she provides to empower others. Her perspective on life as "refillable" encourages us to embrace our potential for healing and intuitive connection. Tune in to be inspired by Laurie's wisdom and learn how to unlock your own spiritual connections. my website, laurieparente.com or on IG @laurieparente & youtube( Laurieparente) Support the show