Advertise on podcast: How To Survive Survival

Jess Patz is a speaker, nervous system educator, and domestic violence advocate whose work centers on the connection between trauma, health, and body centered healing. As a TEDx presenter, Jess brings a powerful blend of lived experience and trauma-informed education to stages across the country. She helps audiences understand how survival shapes the nervous system and why healing requires more than simply willpower or resilience.  Having survived domestic abuse and years of post-separation trauma, Jess rebuilt her life from the ground up. After finally finding safety and stability, her body began to unravel leading to a lupus diagnosis and later, a stroke that required her to relearn how to walk. These experiences reshaped her understanding of healing and inspired her work at the intersection of embodiment, nervous system regulation, and leadership. Jess challenges conventual ideas of resilience, pushing back on the belief that endurance is proof of strength. She teaches that regulation, not just pushing through, is the foundation of lasting health, leadership, and healing. Her work equips audiences to move beyond survival mode and into clarity, capacity, and restored life. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Gabriela Bell is the founder of Organized Q.  A highly educated and experienced military spouse, Gabriela found an opportunity to help others organize and manage their business tasks. Valuing work-life balance and the demands of frequently moving due to military orders, Gabriela created a portable career in providing quality professional services for high-end clients. Over time, Gabriela realized that other military spouses – who were frequently moving and had often given up their own careers to support their service member or help raise children – were also eager to use their professional talents, but needed flexibility.  Gabriela began to vet and train other military spouses to become top-level virtual executive assistants. Organized Q now consists of a highly-valuable talent pool of military spouses and allies who want quality, flexible, and virtual professional opportunities. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Colleen Ishwar is a wife, mother, coach, and author who learned firsthand that life’s most difficult seasons often become the turning points that shape who we are meant to become. Her personal experiences challenged her understanding of strength, identity, and success, ultimately leading her to rediscover her voice and live with greater intention and purpose. Through her writing and work with others, Colleen shares the honest, often messy process of growth, reflection, and learning to trust the quiet inner guidance that leads us forward. She believes that fulfillment is found not in doing more, but in becoming who you truly are. www.colleenishwar.com This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Ally Morgan, MSW,  is a writer and Trauma-informed Women's Embodiment Coach who guides women back into a felt sense of safety, aliveness and trust within their own bodies. Her work lives at the intersection of grief, healing and the both/and reality of life- where she believes deep loss and deep beauty can co-exist. After the loss of her two daughters (Bailey Grace, 6 and Ally, 7) Morgan's understanding of healing shifted from something to think through into something that begged to be lived and embodied. Her writing- shared across books, social platforms and her newsletter- has resonated with thousands of women navigating grief, faith, identity, and the process of coming back to life in an honest way.  Through her coaching, Morgan supports women who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck to gently rebuild a relationship with their bodies, their emotions, and themselves. Her approach integrates nervous system work, emotional processing, and a deeply human, non-performative lens of healing. Morgan lives in Georgia with her incredible partner, Rob and is also a mother to her son, James (as well as their dog, Fenway, and cat, Tily, who most definitely believe they are humans at times). Her life and work are rooted in the belief that healing is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to who you were always meant to be- holding both the grief you carry and the life still in front of you. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Darlene Lekowski is an Amazon #1 best-selling author, speaker, and business leader who transformed decades of silence into a powerful platform for truth, healing, and advocacy. After fifty years of silence surrounding the Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA) she endured as a child, Darlene found her voice and chose to stand in her truth—ultimately prevailing in a civil lawsuit brought against her by her own brother. Her Amazon #1 best-selling memoir, Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice and the Power of Telling the Truth, is available in all formats, including audiobook in her own voice. Today, Darlene delivers powerful keynotes to corporate, leadership, and survivor audiences, inspiring individuals to reclaim their voice, let go, and live forward with courage, resilience, and agency. Lekowski lives in the Charlotte, North Carolina area with her husband, Tom, and is the proud mother of three adult children. ---------------------------------------------------- Website: darlene-lekowski.com Instagram: @darlenelekowski Facebook: Darlene Lekowski  LinkedIn, Darlene Lekowski – Speaker-Author: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-lekowski-0ba1962/ “Shattering Silence” Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acMzTHqwUyc This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Stephen Buchanan is a CPA, Green Beret, and Harvard MBA. After letting go of his dream to become a professional basketball player, Stephen began his career as a CPA in Chattanooga, TN. Seeking a greater sense of mission, he  joined the U.S. Army. Stephen spent two years as a paratrooper stationed in Italy before earning a place among the U.S. Army Special Forces. As a Green Beret, he spent time throughout the Middle East, working closely and developing relationships with partner nation special operations forces. Following his military service, Stephen began his MBA at Harvard Business School and will graduate in May 2026. Building on a family legacy of entrepreneurship, Stephen is the founder and the CEO of Bandelier Technologies.  Stephen currently lives in Boston with his wife and their two daughters, and they are making plans to move to northern New Mexico in the near future. Together, they share a love for the outdoors and active adventures. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Sally Tierney is a truth seeker and empowerment advocate for anyone who is having trouble navigating an unfair system. Her experience has taught her that there are times when a private investigator is necessary to bring truth to light. Sally uses the law to expose facts and force transparency when needed to support and strengthen her clients' cases. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Simon Lee Maryan is a former Royal Marines Commando who went on to serve as a specialist Human Intelligence Officer, operating globally in hostile and high-stress environments. Drawing on these experiences, alongside many years of formal training in psychology and psychotherapy, he now works internationally as a speaker, coach, trainer helping individuals and organisations prepare for, manage, and recover from stress, trauma, and extreme pressure. Simon is a survivor of three separate kidnappings. These experiences profoundly shaped his understanding of psychological resilience and informed the development of practical, evidence-informed approaches to self-regulation and recovery, which he now shares through training programmes and speaking engagements worldwide. He delivers keynote, motivational, and specialist talks internationally to a wide range of clients, including the UK Military, FBI New York Counter Terrorism Team, New York Police Department and NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team, energy sector organisations, global financial institutions, and UK Government departments. In 2017, Simon co-founded the mental health charity Icarus, providing voluntary support to serving military personnel, veterans, and uniformed services. He stepped away in 2021 to extend his work beyond the veteran sector. Between 2007 and 2010, Simon developed the Immediate Care Process, a practical therapeutic approach to managing stress and trauma. This later evolved into the Somato-Limbic Metacognitive (SLM) Process, designed to build emotional and psychological resilience and reprocess distressing memories. A 2019 clinical record review of 100 cases conducted by Emeritus Professor David Alexander indicated an 88% improvement rate. Over the past 15 years, Simon has trained more than 5,000 individuals, with his work estimated to have positively impacted over 10 million lives. He published his book on the Immediate Care Process in 2021. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Dr. Rob Newson, Ph.D., focuses on community and partnerships across fundraising, referrals, research, and operations. Previously he was a partner at BVVC and VP of Strategy and Vision at the Philadelphia 76ers. He served 30 years in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Captain. He is a “start-up” specialist, having led or been a part of six separate new military organizations over twelve years, including a first-of-its-kind organization designed to collect and integrate battlefield intelligence (Special Reconnaissance Team) to identify and disable terrorist networks. He also served as the Deputy Director and Acting Director of the White House Military Office, responsible for all military support to the President of the United States. In the Navy, he served fourteen years as a strategist – working with small, multi-disciplinary work groups, teaming across organizations and government agencies, analyzing and framing complex challenges, combining alternative solutions in creative ways, and writing about critical national security issues. Rob served as the Senior Executive Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. He holds a BS in computer science from the University of Kansas. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). Graduating with Distinction from NPS, he holds an MS in Defense Analysis (Special Operations / low-intensity conflict) and an MA in National Security Affairs (Strategic Studies). He also holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. Rob is a cancer survivor and catalyst for #SwarmCancer in the military, focusing on building an “assembly line” of support to the Special Operations Community, which is hard hit by cancer. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Kat is the founder of Untamed Hero, a survivor-led platform supporting people healing from narcissistic and emotional abuse. After escaping a dangerous relationship with her newborn, she rebuilt her life from the ground up. Alongside her advocacy work, Kat is a fitness coach who believes physical strength, structure, and consistency can support mental resilience and self-trust. Her work centers on helping people move from survival into a grounded, empowered life — on their own terms. www.untamedhero.com Instagram: @untamedheropodcast This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Alycia Anderson is a globally recognized keynote speaker, corporate accessibility consultant, host of the Pushing Forward with Alycia podcast and leadership expert who helps organizations transform culture, elevate performance, and lead at scale through the power of inclusion and human potential.  As a disability advocate and accessibility strategist, she brings a distinctive, disability-forward lens that challenges conventional thinking and unlocks innovation across today’s most competitive organizations. Alycia is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and global brands, delivering high-impact keynotes & workshops for corporate all-hands, executive leadership teams, and international conferences. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, women’s empowerment, and disability inclusion, equipping organizations to build future-ready cultures where people and performance thrive together. A wheelchair user since birth, Alycia combines lived experience with executive leadership expertise. She holds a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Physical Activity and serves on California’s Insurance Diversity Task Force as the inaugural Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (PDBE) Representative, helping shape inclusive policy and systems at scale. She has partnered with 200+ organizations including Microsoft, Netflix, Etsy, Uber, and the International Paralympic Committee. Her company has been named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and her programs consistently deliver an industry-leading 88 Net Promoter Score. Her story has been featured in TEDx, AT&T and Planet Fitness campaigns, and covered by the Los Angeles Times, CNBC, Chicago Tribune, and Authority Magazine’s “Female Disruptors” series Alycia’s authenticity and charisma help her connect deeply with audiences, breaking down barriers and reframing perceptions of disability in powerful, business-relevant ways. And that’s how she rolls! This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Brad Craven is the founder of Warriors for African Wildlife. Born in Denver in 1982, Brad grew up in a loving family whose life changed after his younger brother Sam was born with cerebral palsy and autism. Watching his parents sacrifice everything to give Sam a future shaped his resilience, sense of duty, and belief in service. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he experienced the intensity of war, loss, and the struggle of coming home. Healing came through service. He helped train Sam to become an internationally decorated Paralympic athlete and later found renewed purpose in Africa, working alongside conservationists and anti-poaching units. In 2015, Brad travelled to Africa to volunteer at a lion sanctuary. These lions were rescued from the canned hunting industry. After his first trip he wanted more!  He kept going back once or twice a year. Listening learning from Africas Wildlife Conservation and Antipoaching experts how he could get further involved with respect and understanding. On Brad's third trip he trained with an anti-poaching unit. The mission in Africa had brought him back to himself. Brad thought to himself if this can do this for him it can do it for other Veterans. Brad founded Warriors for African Wildlife, a nonprofit that brings U.S. combat veterans to Africa to train with local rangers—helping veterans rediscover purpose while supporting wildlife conservation and local communities.  Last year on Brad's last tour to Africa to train Africa's Antipoaching Rangers in South Africa his father, mother, and brother came to South Africa to see his mission first hand. Brad's father served as an US Army Lt. and has been a big motivator of Brad's mission. Sadly, Brad's Father passed in Africa after seeing the mission Brad has created. Brad's Father was 82 with congenital heart failure, but was not going to miss this trip.  His work is dedicated to honoring his family, fallen friends, and the belief that trauma can be transformed into service and hope. This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Martin Lockett is the Director of Cultural Engagement at Lines for Life, a substance abuse counselor, author, public speaker, and advocate for reducing DUI fatalities. He spent 17.5 years in prison for a DUI fatality that claimed two lives and severely injured another. In an impassioned vow to his victims’ families and friends at his sentencing, Lockett devoted the rest of his life to honoring his victims’ legacies by helping others who struggle with substance abuse issues and warning of the dangers of drinking and driving.  While incarcerated, Martin earned a BS in sociology, MS in psychology, and served as a mentor and role model to other inmates. He acquired state certification as a substance abuse counselor, published two books (Prison to Purpose Pipeline and My Prison Life), and began sharing his story at DUI victim impact panels all within the prison setting. Now released, Lockett continues his mission and message by helping those in need of counseling services for mental health and substance abuse issues, while providing hope by sharing his powerful story of redemption at DUI victim impact panels, alcohol highway safety classes, high schools, colleges and conferences across the country.  This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Marcus Aurelius Anderson is a Bestselling Author, TEDx Speaker and International Keynote Speaker, and Leadership Coach to Founders, CEO’s, and entrepreneurs. He’s also the host of the top rated Acta Non Verba Podcast.  While preparing to deploy with the U.S. Army, Marcus suffered a severe spinal injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.  After dying on the operating table twice, the surgeons saved his life, but told him he'd never walk again.  Having no other option, Marcus started doing some brutally honest soul searching, looking for the lesson to be learned from his injury. Once he started seeing his Adversity as a gift instead of a curse, something miraculous began to happen... Marcus now speaks, writes, inspires and coaches others to overcome their own Adversities to actualize their personal definition of success in business and every aspect of life.  His message teaches us how we can leverage Adversity to make us into better leaders, parents, spouses, and human beings to create a better world.  www.marcusaureliusanderson.com www.actanonverbapodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-aurelius-anderson?trk=author_mini-profile_title Instagram: marcusaureliusanderson This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

Katie and Dawn Simmons are a mother and daughter from South Louisiana who turned unimaginable loss into a mission to save lives. After losing three members of their family, Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn Simmons, to an impaired driver in 2021, they founded Simmons 3, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing impaired driving and encouraging young people to make life-giving decisions. Together, Katie and Dawn travel across Louisiana and throughout the country sharing their family’s story with students, athletes, medical professionals, and communities. Their presentations focus not only on the dangers of impaired driving but also on personal responsibility, character, and the power each person has to shape their own future. What began as a grieving family searching for purpose has grown into a mission that has reached tens of thousands of students and community members. Through school presentations, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts, Simmons 3 continues working to ensure that Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn’s legacy lives on by helping others choose a different path. Katie and Dawn believe that even in the darkest circumstances, purpose can rise from pain. Their work today is rooted in one simple hope: that by sharing their story, another family might be spared the heartbreak they carry. www.simmons3.com Facebook: Katie Joy DeRouen, Dawn Hebert Simmons, Simmons 3 Instagram: katiederouen This podcast is hosted by Jessica Buchanan, a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, survivor and founder. Her latest book, How to Survive Survival: A Guide for Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Meaningful Contribution for the World was released in 2025.  Jessica is also the author of Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six, published in 2014, which became a New York Times Bestseller.  Jessica is the founder of Soul Speak Press, a boutique non-traditional publishing company focused on stories from women who have been through something, now they know something and can teach us something. When she’s not writing or speaking, Jessica is traveling the world with her Swedish husband and two “half Vikings.” She aims to lead a life shaped by curiosity, culture, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.