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...

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.

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...

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

This episode: Warrior to Healer: Tom LaGrave’s Battle with Addiction and His Mission to Guide the Next Generation.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Initial Context (0:10)

• Host Drew Deraney discusses the linear path of life from childhood to adulthood and how internal circumstances can derail this path, leading to adversity.
• Drew introduces the concept of three types of men: one who doesn't see adversity, one who sees it as life happening to him, and one who sees it as an opportunity for growth.
• He asks Guest Thomas LaGrave to share a defining moment that transformed his life and how it impacted his professional and personal growth.

Tom's Early Life and Military Service (3:16)

• Tom recounts his early life, starting with his first drink and drug at age 14 and his subsequent struggles with addiction.
• At age 18, Tom was kicked out of his father's house and joined the military, where he excelled in special forces training.
• Despite his success in the military, Tom continued to struggle with addiction, leading to his discharge after nine and a half years for drug use.
• Tom describes his return home and his father's ultimatum, which led him to enter a 90-day recovery facility.

Transition to Recovery and Counseling (6:32)

• Tom explains the challenges of living life without drugs and alcohol, having been trained in the military to suppress emotions.
• At about a year into his recovery, Tom felt a fear of failure and the possibility of incarceration if he couldn't figure out how to live without substances.
• He decided to become an overnight counselor at a recovery facility for adolescents to learn how to live life and understand emotions.
• Over four years, Tom gained valuable insights and began a journey dedicated to helping adolescents transition to adulthood.

Professional Development and Education (9:53)

• Tom discusses his transition from the recovery facility to becoming the director of a Boys and Girls Club, where he worked with children aged six to 18.
• Despite initial feelings of disrespect, he committed to staying and helping the children, which led to a better understanding of their needs.
• Recognizing his lack of formal education, Tom returned to school to obtain a bachelor's, master's, and certification in his field.
• He emphasizes the importance of being able to answer the questions and needs of the children he worked with, leading to his dedication to lifelong learning.

Relapse and Personal Growth (11:53)

• Tom shares his experience of relap...

• (00:00:00) - PODCAST: Thomas Lagrave
• (00:03:15) - The Real Story of Adversity
• (00:05:07) - Reveal: The Moment That Changed My Life
• (00:10:35) - Tom Le Grave on Comedians
• (00:10:51) - Reveal: Tom's Story
• (00:16:08) - Getting back to school at 39
• (00:16:48) - Private Practice with a Virtual Client
• (00:19:09) - Honor Bound Academy: Adolescence to Adulthood
• (00:25:25) - Tom Lagrave's Advice To Himself
• (00:26:04) - Tom Legra's Advice For Business
• (00:28:28) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Breaking the Silence: Leo Marrs on Surviving Abuse, Reclaiming Identity, and Leading with Breath.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Meeting Introduction and Initial Connection (0:10)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks Guest Leo Marrs’ virtual assistant for introducing him and emphasizes the importance of meeting guests in person to build a connection.
• Drew discusses the concept of life's teachings and how external circumstances can derail plans, introducing the idea of three types of people: those who ignore adversity, those who blame others, and those who take action.
• He explains the concept of "Leo Marrs," a person who recognizes adversity and takes action to change their circumstances.
• Leo shares his background, mentioning his age (42) and two significant turning points in his life at 27 and 30.

First Turning Point: Spiritual Experience and Depression (2:27)

• Leo describes a profound spiritual experience at 27 while visiting his father in Alaska, where he lost his sense of self and had a shattering realization.
• This experience led to a decade of inquiry and a period of depression as he struggled to reconcile his identity.
• Drew acknowledges the difficulty of understanding how someone can control depression despite significant life changes.
• Leo explains that the experience was a turning point but also led to a period of self-loathing and confusion.

Second Turning Point: Discovering Trauma and Meeting a Partner (5:25)

• At 33, Leo discovered early childhood trauma that had influenced his life, leading to a realization that he had misinterpreted his world and self-worth.
• He met a partner who initially treated him well but later revealed a sociopathic personality, using his vulnerabilities against him.
• Leo describes the initial stages of the relationship, which felt like a level-up, but eventually led to a series of assaults and manipulation.
• The partner's manipulative behavior included calling the police on Leo, leading to a traumatic experience and a police report.

The Relationship's Deterioration and Its Impact (27:30)

• Leo shares how the relationship deteriorated, with the partner becoming increasingly controlling and violent.
• He describes the partner's attempts to manipulate and defame him after he left the relationship, leading to significant personal and professional losses.
• Leo emphasizes the importance of recognizing when someone shows their true nature and the dangers of giving second chances to the wrong people.
• The partner's defamation efforts included imp...

• (00:00:00) - Leo Mars
• (00:01:18) - How I Became The Man I Am Today
• (00:07:28) - How I Learned To Love myself in the Shower
• (00:11:41) - Narcissist Talking About His Own Worth
• (00:14:24) - What Made The Right Person For Me
• (00:16:53) - The Woman Who Was Arrested For Assault
• (00:21:05) - She Called The Cops On Me
• (00:24:46) - How To Get Out Of An Abuse Relationship
• (00:29:14) - In the Elevator With an Abusive Partner
• (00:30:50) - Leo Mars on Becoming a More Powerful Creator With His Breat
• (00:35:17) - Leo's Advice To His Younger Self
• (00:38:19) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From 9/11 Trauma to Dude Nation: Ben Curtis on Redefining Masculinity, Healing, and Turning Adversity Into Art.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

• Life's non-linear path and how we respond to adversity. (0:11)
  • Ben Curtis shares his story of overcoming life's adversities with resilience and gratitude.

• Personal growth and overcoming adversity through different perspectives. (2:20)
  • Host Drew Deraney: 3 types of men respond to adversity - victim, survivor, or warrior.
  • Ben Curtis: Adversity is opportunity for growth, not a barrier.
• Life changes after 9/11 and personal growth. (5:40)
  • Ben recounts life-changing events before and after 9/11, including PTSD and spiritual growth.

• Tisch School of the Arts, personal experiences, and family dynamics. (8:01)
  • Ben’s family dynamics and personal experiences influenced his decision to pursue acting and theater.
  • Drew’s son's life coach, Jim Stroker, shared a story about Ally Stroker, a wheelchair-bound actress who attended Tisch School of the Arts, inspiring the speaker to pursue their dreams.

• Healing, identity, and sexuality through adversity. (14:50)
  • Ben reflects on his upbringing, parents' divorce, and father's journey as an openly gay minister.
• Personal growth, trauma, and resilience after 9/11. (16:59)
  • Ben reflects on his experiences after 9/11, including their struggle with depression and anxiety, and how they found help through therapy and medication.
  • He has since become a mental health advocate and helps others with PTSD, veterans, and those struggling with depression and suicide.

• Reclaiming personal branding and creative expression. (20:39)
  • Ben reclaims "dude" as a source of empowerment through art and self-expression.
• Personal struggles with addiction and legal issues. (23:01)
  • Ben reflects on past experiences with addiction and legal issues, wondering how their life would be different without those events.

• PTSD, addiction, and healing through art and self-awareness. (25:39)
  • Ben shares his personal journey with PTSD and addiction, using art and film to cope and help others.
  • He emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes of suffering, rather than just symptoms, to achieve freedom and well-...

• (00:00:00) - Ben Curtis on Difficult People
• (00:03:45) - Ben Curtis on The 3 Types of Men
• (00:09:32) - In the Elevator With Amy Schumer
• (00:12:05) - Ali Stroker on The Tisch School
• (00:17:22) - How My Dad Helped Me Get Through My Depression
• (00:23:00) - Dude in Jail: My Riding Back
• (00:25:20) - In the Jail With Dell's Cops
• (00:26:12) - In the Elevator With Larry Nassar
• (00:27:07) - How Did I Get Over 9/11: Robin Williams
• (00:31:06) - Ben Curtis on Dude Nation and the AI Coach
• (00:36:35) - Ben Curtis on How to Get In Touch With Him
• (00:37:04) - Ben Curtis on 7 to 10 Year Old Ben
• (00:40:35) - What Advice Would You Have For Young Entrepreneurs?
• (00:42:55) - Living the Life You Want to Live