This episode: From Tragedy to Triumph: Candice Snyder on Resilience, Gratitude, and Mental Health Advocacy.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Guest Candice Snyder on the podcast, expressing gratitude for the introduction by Rob Wentz.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear and how external circumstances can change our paths.
• He categorizes women into three types: those who ignore adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who take action to overcome it.
• Drew highlights Candice as an example of Woman number three, who takes proactive steps to overcome adversity.

Candice's Journey from Dental Hygienist to Direct Sales (2:31)

• Candice shares her background, including her father's influence in choosing a career in dental hygiene.
• She describes her initial interest in liberal arts and law but ultimately pursuing dental hygiene due to her father's guidance.
• Candice recounts a life-changing injury that forced her to leave her career as a dental hygienist.
• She discovered direct sales through making her own jewelry and connecting with a representative who inspired her.

Transition to Direct Sales and Personal Growth (4:01)

• Candice explains her involvement in direct sales for almost 10 years and the personal growth she experienced.
• She describes the impact of the company's decision to sell and her subsequent involvement with another company aligned with her science background.
• Candice shares her experience as a gratitude ambassador and the personal significance of being chosen for the program.
• She discusses the emotional impact of the virtual conference where she was recognized as a gratitude ambassador.

Starting the Podcast and Focusing on Mental Health (7:23)

• Candice's life coach suggested starting a podcast, despite her initial reluctance due to technology.
• She describes the podcast's focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and stories of transformation and resilience.
• Candice shares her personal experience of losing her brother to suicide and her efforts to advocate for mental health causes.
• She highlights the importance of the podcast in providing a platform for highlighting lesser-known organizations and causes.

Impact of Brother's Death and Advocacy Efforts (11:11)

• Candice discusses the impact of her brother's death on her family and her own persona...

• (00:00:00) - Candace Snyder
• (00:01:46) - 3 Types of Women Who Face Adversity
• (00:08:09) - How a dental hygienist became a gratitude ambassador
• (00:11:47) - Mental Health on the Podcast
• (00:13:34) - How Did You Get Through The Suicide Crisis?
• (00:15:28) - Passion & Purpose: From the Podcast to Book
• (00:16:37) - Raiders Go To The Box
• (00:16:49) - How to Get In Touch With Candace Snyder
• (00:17:16) - How to Talk to Yourself When You're Younger
• (00:17:46) - Candace on Talking to Business
• (00:18:47) - Living the Life You Deserve

This episode: Redefining Ability: Brilly Semenov on Self-Advocacy, Resilience, and Empowering Families.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Seminar (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces the podcast, mentioning it is the first live in-person event for “From Caving in to Crushing It" podcast.
• The interview is held at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Saddle River, New Jersey.
• Drew thanks Priscilla Leto, the founder and owner of the nonprofit Mission: Kid Success, for introducing the guest speaker, Brilly Semenov.
• The interview aims to discuss overcoming adversity and the different types of women who face it.

Types of Women Facing Adversity (1:08)

• Drew explains the three types of women who face adversity: Woman number one who is unaware of adversity, Woman number two who sees it as a barrier, and Woman number three who sees it as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.
• He emphasizes the importance of taking massive action to become a stronger woman.
• Drew invites Brilly to share a defining moment in her life that transformed her from her past self to her present self.

Brilly's Journey and Self-Advocacy (2:43)

• Brilly shares her experience of growing up with cerebral palsy and the challenges she faced in middle and elementary school.
• She explains how she learned to advocate for herself and prove that people with different abilities can achieve their goals.
• Brilly discusses the importance of self-advocacy and how it helped her overcome obstacles and prove her capabilities to others.
• She emphasizes the need for inclusion and diversity in society.

Challenges and Rewards of Overcoming Adversity (7:49)

• Drew and Brilly discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with unsolicited advice and judgments from others.
• Brilly shares how she handled these challenges by asking for permission to try new things and proving her capabilities.
• They talk about the importance of self-awareness and how it helps in advocating for oneself.
• Brilly highlights the rewards of accomplishing goals and sharing her success with others.

Professional Services and Support for Families (8:27)

• Drew introduces Brilly's professional services and how she helps families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
• Brilly explains her process of understanding the needs of families and developing growth maps for their children.

• (00:00:00) - Brilly Semenov
• (00:01:20) - The First Live in Person Interview
• (00:02:18) - There's Only One Kind of Woman
• (00:03:41) - The Moment That Changed My Life
• (00:04:46) - Different Abilities in the Workplace
• (00:07:00) - Senegal on Self-Advocacy
• (00:09:06) - Say Yes to Everything!
• (00:10:32) - What Do You Do For People With Disabilities?
• (00:11:44) - What to Do if Your Child Has a Special Needs?
• (00:14:10) - What should parents ask about accommodations for children with disabilities?
• (00:15:35) - What to Do About Autism Spectrum Disorder?
• (00:21:17) - What if We Had Known? Transition Programs
• (00:25:06) - Brilly Semenov on Special Needs
• (00:26:17) - Give Your Daughter Advice
• (00:27:11) - Priscilla Leto on Mission Kids Success
• (00:27:57) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From the Front Lines to Mental Health Advocacy: Troy Siewert’s Journey of Service, Crisis Intervention, and Growth.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:00)

• Guest Troy Siewert expresses gratitude for the invitation and thanks the host for the opportunity to speak.
• Host Drew Deraney introduces Troy Siewert and thanks Suzanne Taylor King for the introduction.
• Drew discusses the linear nature of life and how adversity can disrupt this linearity, introducing the concept of three types of men: those who are blind to adversity, those who blame others, and those who see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• He identifies Troy as a representative of the third type of man who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth and asks Troy to share his defining moment that transformed him.

Troy's Background and Early Career Challenges (2:56)

• Troy begins by thanking Drew for the compliment and explains that his transformation was not due to a single crisis but a series of events.
• He shares his background as a retired police lieutenant with 30 years of law enforcement experience, starting in 1992.
• Troy describes the lack of training in handling mental health crisis calls during his early years in policing, leading to frustration and ineffective responses.
• He recounts a pivotal moment when he was assigned to run a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program, which provided the training he needed to handle mental health crises effectively.

Turning Point 1: Introduction to Crisis Intervention Training (6:07)

• Troy explains the initial resistance he felt towards the CIT training but acknowledges its pivotal role in his career and personal growth.
• He describes the week-long, 40-hour training class as one of the best he received, leading to the development of the Crisis Intervention Team.
• Troy shares his experience of handling mental health calls more effectively after the training and the positive impact it had on his officers and the community.
• He emphasizes the importance of proper training for officers to handle mental health crises effectively and reduce potential liability.

Turning Point 2: Impactful Call with a Single Mother (6:54)

• Troy recounts a specific call involving a single mother with a son suffering from schizophrenia and the impact it had on him.
• He describes the challenging nature of the call, the use of cannabis counteracting the son's schizophrenia, and the successful resolution of the crisis.
• Troy shares the emotional moment when the mother hugged him, expressing gratitude for the care and s...

• (00:00:00) - Crisis Intervention Team
• (00:01:53) - Challenging the Truth in Life
• (00:03:36) - What Was The Contingent Moment That Changed Your Life?
• (00:10:14) - Crisis Training for Police Officers
• (00:15:06) - 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• (00:17:40) - What is a mental health professional in the crisis?
• (00:18:33) - How Communication Training Has Impacted My Marriage
• (00:22:18) - Police officer on suicide awareness
• (00:25:57) - Mental Health Crisis Calls 1
• (00:28:03) - Troy Seaward
• (00:29:11) - Old Business Man
• (00:31:24) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From Grief to Guidance: Jeannie Dougherty on Caregiving, Money, and Turning Adversity into Advocacy.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:02)

• Drew initiates the recording and introduces Jeannie Dougherty, expressing excitement about the discussion.
• Drew thanks Priscilla Leto for introducing Jeannie and sets the stage for the conversation.
• He discusses the linear view of life taught in childhood and how external circumstances can derail this path.
• Drew introduces the concept of three types of women: one with blind spots, one who sees adversity as a victim, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.

Jeannie's Journey to Becoming a Caregiver Advocate (1:53)

• Jeannie shares her background, mentioning that both her parents passed away from Alzheimer's with no previous family history.
• She describes the financial exploitation her mother faced from a family member, which was hidden until after her death.
• Jeannie recounts her defining moment at her mother's grave site, where she realized she would not let the situation kill her and decided to make changes.
• She explains the impact of her parents' deaths and the financial exploitation on her family, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention.

Impact of Parents' Illnesses and Financial Exploitation (3:55)

• Drew and Jeannie discuss the initial shock of Jeannie's father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the lack of clear information from doctors.
• Jeannie shares her experience of her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the control issues within her family.
• She describes the challenges of being the official caregiver and the emotional toll of dealing with financial exploitation.
• Jeannie reflects on the importance of addressing financial expectations and the need for open communication about final wishes.

Transition to Caregiver Advocacy and Emotional Money Coaching (6:00)

• Jeannie talks about her job working for a federal government contractor, where she built a retirement readiness and caregiver program.
• She shares her experience of taking dance classes and discovering emotional behavioral learning, which led her to become an emotional money coach.
• Jeannie explains the concept of emotional money coaching and the importance of addressing family rules and emotions related to money.
• She discusses the impact of the pandemic on caregivers and the need for better support and resources for caregivers.

Challenges and I...

• (00:00:00) - The Money Whisperer
• (00:00:50) - The Importance of Defining Moments in Life
• (00:06:27) - How to Deal with a Parent With Alzheimer's
• (00:09:11) - The Path to a Caregiving Happy Ending
• (00:13:55) - The Importance of Talking About Money in Relationships
• (00:18:23) - Discussing Money in a Relationship
• (00:20:54) - Tim Ferriss on The Caregiving of Anxas
• (00:22:25) - Wedding & Caregiving Event
• (00:24:35) - Caregiving in the Age of Aging
• (00:25:37) - "What Advice Would You Give Your 7-Year-Old Je
• (00:26:07) - For Jeannie the Young Businesswoman
• (00:26:58) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Rediscovering the Treasures of Life: Mike & Karen Burkhard on Adversity, Love, and Passing Wisdom Forward.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Meeting (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Mike and Karen Burkhard, thanking Frank Zaccari for the introduction.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear and how external circumstances can derail that path.
• He categorizes people into three types: those who don't see adversity, those who see it but blame others, and those who see it as an opportunity for growth.
• Drew sets the stage for Karen to share her defining moment that transformed her from Woman number one or two to the woman she is now.

Karen's Defining Moment (2:25)

• Karen shares her upbringing in a loving home with a disciplinarian father and a gentle mother.
• She recounts her struggle with math and failing the New York State Regents at 14.
• Her father tutored her in algebra over the summer, and she passed the Regents with a 92, thanks to his mentorship.
• Karen reflects on how her father's faith in her taught her that she could achieve anything.

Mike's Defining Moment (5:08)

• Mike shares his experience of his mother's battle with liver cancer and her eventual death at 58.
• He describes how his mother's illness made him realize the preciousness of life and the importance of total health.
• Mike explains how his mother's experience deepened his love for life and his children.
• He reflects on how his mother's death changed him from an internal to an external person, focusing on others' well-being.

Similarities in Defining Moments (7:35)

• Drew asks Mike and Karen to touch on the similarities in their defining moments.
• Karen notes that both her parents were strong personalities and wonderful mentors who shaped her to pass on mentorship to others.
• Mike agrees, adding that his parents' influence led to a change in his emotions, from arrogance to a deeper love for life.
• Drew comments on how time doesn’t necessarily heal wounds and good memories remain important.

Meeting and Early Careers (9:41)

• Drew transitions to discussing how Mike and Karen met and their early careers.
• Karen explains that their shared love of sports brought them together and that Mike made the first move at a dance.

• (00:00:00) - Mike Burkhard and Karen Burkhart
• (00:02:14) - Couple Talk
• (00:04:00) - The Contingent Moment
• (00:07:07) - What's Your Contingent Moment?
• (00:11:53) - How My High School Sweetheart Got Engaged
• (00:13:46) - In the Elevator With An Artist
• (00:15:24) - Why I Write a Book About Human Development
• (00:17:23) - 52 Stories of Goodness
• (00:22:12) - 52 Stories: Rediscovering the Real Me
• (00:24:16) - Give Inspiring Advice to Kids
• (00:25:05) - Bookmark
• (00:26:34) - Give Advice to a Young Businesswoman
• (00:27:40) - The Road to Somewhere
• (00:29:38) - Bookmark
• (00:30:24) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Choosing Happiness Through Adversity: Christine Matus on Mindset, Motherhood, and Protecting Families with Special Needs.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Christine Matus' Introduction and Personal Background (0:04)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Christine Matus, highlighting her as the 150th episode guest and expresses excitement about her presence.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until external circumstances derail the path, introducing three types of women who face adversity differently.
• Christine Matus shares her journey from being unaware of adversity to recognizing it and taking action to become a stronger person.
• Christine recounts the birth of her daughter with Down syndrome and autism, describing the initial shock and the transformative dream she had.

Transformative Moments and Mindset Shifts (3:17)

• Christine explains how her father's perspective and her husband's happiness influenced her mindset, leading her to choose happiness as a conscious decision.
• She describes the effort required to change her mindset and the importance of surrounding herself with positive and uplifting people.
• Christine shares her experiences of attending support groups and learning from other families with similar challenges.
• She emphasizes the importance of mindset work and the ongoing effort to maintain a positive outlook.

Challenges and Adjustments During Pregnancy (6:33)

• Drew inquires about Christine's awareness during pregnancy, and Christine recounts the initial shock and the process of learning about her daughter's conditions.
• Christine discusses the decision to have an amniocentesis and her initial reluctance to face the reality of her daughter's conditions.
• She reflects on the emotional impact of the news and the support she received from her family and friends.
• Christine highlights the importance of being prepared and educated about special needs, especially for first-time parents.

Navigating Special Needs and Legal Advice (14:10)

• Christine shares her journey of learning about her daughter's autism and the impact it had on their family.
• She discusses the importance of legal advice and the role of special needs trusts in protecting and supporting her daughter.
• Christine explains the different types of trusts available and the benefits of having them in place.
• She emphasizes the need for proper legal guidance to ensure the best outcomes for families with special needs.

Professional Journey and...

• (00:00:00) - Interview
• (00:01:28) - Meet Christine Mattis
• (00:02:27) - Christine Mattis on the 3 Types of Women
• (00:07:45) - How to Stop Thinking About the Dark Side of Cancer
• (00:10:47) - Suspects With Down Syndrome Get the Diagnosis
• (00:15:31) - Chris on His Autism Diagnosis
• (00:19:03) - Disabled parent on Overstimulation
• (00:23:25) - Dreams of Becoming a Lawyer
• (00:27:29) - One lawyer's passion for special needs law
• (00:29:38) - Chris Has a Special Needs Trust for His Daughter
• (00:33:23) - What Makes Your Law Firm Different?
• (00:35:39) - Choosing the Right Plan for Your Life
• (00:36:44) - What are the Types of Trusts?
• (00:41:43) - Will and testamentary: Special Needs Trust and Third Party
• (00:45:54) - Give Inspiring Advice To Your Daughter
• (00:48:08) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Speak Your Mind: Mario Spano From Trauma to Truth and the Power of Men’s Mental Health.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Interview (0:07)

• Host Drew Deraney welcomes Guest Mario Spano and thanks him for joining the podcast.
• Drew explains the purpose of the interview, emphasizing the importance of guests being good human beings and contributing to the community.
• He mentions that Mario stands out from his competitors due to his unique approach and contributions.
• Drew introduces the concept of life's non-linear nature and the three types of men: those who are blind to adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who see it as an opportunity.

Mario's Defining Moment (3:05)

• Drew asks Mario about the defining moment that transformed him from his past self to his current self.
• Mario reflects on his childhood and the dissonance he felt, including family trauma and substance abuse.
• He shares his decision to move out of his father's house at 18 and his intense focus on achieving success through hard work and education.
• Mario discusses the impact of his first child's birth, which was traumatic and led to a deep realization of his disconnection from his true self.

Impact of Son’s Traumatic Childbirth (8:19)

• Mario describes the traumatic birth experience of his son Oliver, including a 36-hour labor and a C-section.
• He explains how the traumatic birth led to his first experience with depression and a realization of his disconnection from his heart and soul.
• Mario reflects on his previous life of overachieving and living for others, and how the birth of his child forced him to confront his true self.
• Drew and Mario discuss the concept of "gifts wrapped in sandpaper" and how difficult experiences can lead to personal growth.

Personal and Professional Changes (14:46)

• Mario talks about the end of his marriage and the challenges of co-parenting from a distance.
• He shares his journey of self-discovery, including yoga, meditation, and spiritual exploration.
• Mario explains his transition from a corporate job to pursuing his passion for starting businesses and solving problems.
• He discusses the creation of his nonprofit, Speak Your Mind, which focuses on mental health awareness for men.

Growth of Speak Your Mind (16:12)

• Mario provides an update on the growth of Speak Your Mind, including its social media presen...

• (00:00:00) - Meet Mario Spano
• (00:02:50) - Mario Spano on the Defining Moment That Led to His
• (00:09:14) - The Pain Of The Birth Of My First Child
• (00:12:54) - How My Marriage Stopped Falling Apart
• (00:15:54) - How I Learned to Love My Life
• (00:20:38) - Mario Spano on How To Get To 10
• (00:25:21) - "Self-Care Is Essential For Men"
• (00:29:34) - What Advice Would You Give to 7-Year-Old Mario?
• (00:30:29) - Listen to Your Own Advice

This episode: Perfectly Imperfect: Bill Walters Turning Adversity, Caregiving, and Special Needs into Strength.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:01)

• Host Drew Deraney initiates the recording and introduces Guest Bill Walters, expressing gratitude to Priscilla Leto for introducing them.
• Drew discusses the linear view of life taught in childhood and how external circumstances often derail this path.
• He introduces the three types of men: one who doesn't notice adversity, one who blames others, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Drew invites Bill Walters to share his defining moment that transformed him into the person he is today.

Bill Walters' Early Life and Adversity (1:41)

• Bill Walters shares his early life, including being born with hip dysplasia and having to learn to walk multiple times.
• He describes how he learned to read at a young age, using encyclopedias as entertainment.
• Bill recounts taking care of his mother for six years after his father's death, learning various caregiving skills.
• He shares the story of his daughter's educational journey and her success despite initial challenges.

Balancing Caregiving and Personal Growth (3:43)

• Bill discusses the importance of adjusting to adversity and not complaining or blaming others.
• Drew asks Bill about his understanding of his father's instruction to take care of his mother.
• Bill explains that his father wanted him to see the real challenges his mother faced as she aged.
• He reflects on the balance between his personal life and caregiving responsibilities, including the physical toll it took on him.

Professional Life and Business Ventures (11:03)

• Bill talks about his professional life as a financial advisor and his transition to Transamerica.
• He explains the name of his company, "Both Perfectly Imperfect Families," and its focus on helping families with atypical children.
• Bill describes his client base, which includes executives, small business owners, and families with special needs children.
• He emphasizes the importance of financial planning and the challenges families face in navigating government assistance for special needs children.

Advice for Families with Special Needs Children (14:06)

• Bill advises families to start planning for their child's future by age 14, including guardianship, medical, and financial decisions.

• (00:00:00) - From Caving In to Crushing It
• (00:01:59) - Bill Walters on Defending Your Life
• (00:08:40) - The Importance of Playing the Victim
• (00:11:28) - Taking Care of Mom While She's Retired
• (00:12:42) - How to Get Care for a Parent With Alzheimer's
• (00:15:19) - How old should you ask your mom for help?
• (00:15:43) - After a parent passes, how do you cope with the grief?
• (00:17:34) - Bill Walters on Transamerica Care
• (00:21:53) - Autism and Special Needs in the United States
• (00:23:41) - What to Tell a Special Needs Family About Their Child
• (00:27:32) - Bill Walters on His Life
• (00:28:56) - Bill Cosby
• (00:30:48) - Living the Life You Want to Live