Unmasking the Pain: A Journey of Trauma and Healing with Barbara Hayward

In this powerful episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine Lindsay welcomes Barbara Hayward, a medium clairvoyant and spiritual advisor, to share her deeply personal journey of trauma, loss, and healing. From enduring childhood molestation and a traumatic teen pregnancy involving forced adoption, to battling addiction and mental health issues, Barbara recounts how she navigated profound pain and emerged as a remarkable figure in spiritual coaching. Despite facing immense hardships, including severe psychiatric struggles and suicide attempts, Barbara has transformed her experiences into a source of empathy and compassion in her work. The conversation highlights the generational impact of trauma and the healing process, her rediscovery and reunion with her biological son after decades, and the enduring strength that comes from sharing one's story. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and connection.

00:00 Mission to End the Silence

00:50 Meet the Guest: Barbara Hayward

01:51 Barbara's Journey Begins

04:18 A Troubled Childhood

07:44 Teenage Struggles and Early Pregnancy

10:52 Facing Family and Societal Pressures

13:44 The Aftermath and Moving Forward

22:54 A Mother's Struggle and Words of Advice

23:34 The Breakdown of a Marriage

23:51 Turning to Alcohol and Meeting Dennis

24:07 Revealing the Truth to the Children

26:07 The Psychiatric Journey

27:32 A New Life in New Zealand

27:54 The Search for Brett Charles

33:47 Reconnecting with a Lost Son

36:20 The Impact of Forced Adoptions

37:50 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

43:59 Outro and Acknowledgements

At around the age of 30 years old, Barbara found herself a single mother with 2 young boys after her marriage had disintegrated. A marriage that right from the beginning was never destined to succeed.

Barbara’s early life was one of polar opposites. There was laughter, fun and a great love of school, years of enjoying been a Marching girl winning lots of medals. Sexual molestation at a very early age, rape at 12 and having a baby taken away from her at birth due to forced adoption at 16. This event broke Barbara from which she has never fully recovered.

Eventually marrying the father of her baby at 20 years old, they had 2 more sons. When her marriage failed when she as 30, she was left to raise 2 quite young sons on her own.

Around this time she met a lady Crystal, who was instrumental in helping Barbara enter a world that she did not even know existed,… The Spiritual world. After 8 years of training with Crystal, her Spiritual journey began. Barbara had by now met a man who was to be her life partner.

Barbara, Denis and her 2 sons found themselves living in New Zealand, far away from Melbourne, Australia.

Barbara’s Spiritual journey embraces her own radio program for 3 years as a clairvoyant, workshops, Seminars, Psychic Fairs, quest speaking at Churches and much, much more.

Barbara and Denis have moved between Australia and New Zealand many times until one day while celebrating her 60th birthday, she received news that her son who was taken was trying to locate her after 43 years

Barbara, now at 71 years old, has begun a new career. Having a very successful Facebook page as well as an up and coming YouTube channel. The Old Girls Spiritual Stuff.

FB facebook.com/theoldgirlsspiritualstuff

YT https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraHayward-1953

Healing Through Pain: Tony Lynch's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph

In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine Lindsay chats with Tony Lynch, a men's grief coach, author, and podcaster. Tony shares his powerful life story of overcoming immense pain, including childhood trauma, gang involvement, incarceration, and heartbreaking family losses. Despite experiencing homelessness and planning his own suicide, Tony found his purpose in helping others through their grief and loss. They discuss the importance of empathy, the challenges men face in grieving openly, and the creation of Tony's nonprofit 'Memories of Us'. This episode is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the human spirit's capacity for healing.

00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement

01:17 Meet Tony Lynch: A Journey of Resilience

02:48 The Taboo of Grief in Society

05:08 Personal Stories of Loss and Empathy

13:44 Tony's Early Life and Struggles

16:54 Turning Points and Life Lessons

25:41 Confronting Loss and Grief

26:53 A Journey of Healing Begins

28:11 Finding Support and Realizations

29:07 Creating a Safe Space for Men

29:40 Building a Nonprofit Amid Challenges

31:39 Embracing Social Media and Podcasting

33:07 Personal Healing and Transformation

38:51 Reflecting on the Journey

44:35 Connecting with the Audience

47:19 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

I’m Tony Lynch, host of the Grief…Let’s Talk About It podcast and founder of Memories of Us Ltd., which is a global grief network that offers grief support for men.

My journey started on Halloween of 2015 when my son overdosed due to some miscalculations by his pharmacist when she mixed his medication wrong. What should’ve been a normal Saturday turned out to be a nightmare.

small #personaltraining #buisinessowner recently started a #nonprofit...

#MEMORIES OF US we offer resources and support to #men who have lost loved ones we support each other as we navigate the world of #grief and the many stages...

#MEMORIES OF US have partnered with other great #nonprofitorganizatons that specialize in #mens/womensmentalhealth/#veteranspeersupport/ #recovery as well as #supportgroups for those that have been affected by #suicide

Website: Memories2.org Instagram: Memories4.us Linkedin: Tony lynch Facebook: Memories of us…grief support for men Youtube: Memories of us podcast Other: Memoriesofuspodcast.transistor.fm Which is our podcast where you can hear stories of men that have gone through their own trauma and found their strength

In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine welcomes David Woods Bartley, who shares his powerful and emotional story of surviving a suicide attempt and his journey towards mental wellness. David discusses his battle with depression, the profound impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and the importance of human connection in suicide prevention. He also reflects on the influence of supportive relationships and the significance of openly sharing struggles to encourage empathy and hope.

0:00 David-W-Bartley Audio

01:17 Welcome and Introduction

02:53 David's Struggle with Depression

04:54 The Turning Point: Forest Hill Bridge

08:23 The Power of Connection

10:24 Journey to Mental Wellness

16:20 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Experience

19:11 Reflecting on Trauma and Healing

29:59 Reflecting on Family and Relationships

31:31 Military Family and Personal Heroes

33:29 The Impact of ECT on Memory

36:19 Insights on Mental Health and Neuroplasticity

39:25 Sharing Personal Stories and Writing a Book

43:28 Customer Service Philosophy and Personal Anecdotes

45:53 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Bio

My name is David Woods Bartley. I am both a suicide attempt and childhood rape survivor turned two-time TED Talker and international mental health trainer.

David Woods Bartley has seen his fair share of successes and setbacks, from directing a nationally recognized nonprofit to battling the long-term effects of childhood sexual trauma and a life-threatening mental illness. The latter, a brutal knock-down, drag-out fight with clinical depression, led David to a suicide attempt.

Thanks to the support of many people and being shown the necessity of putting one’s self-care on a pedestal, David continues the essential yet challenging journey from the isolation of mental “hellness” to the inclusive space of mental wellness.

His life having been saved, David is committed to moving the conversation about suicide, male sexual trauma, and mental illness from the dark shadows where they now live to the forefront of public concern. In doing so, his mission is to shine a bright light on the crisis we now face and open doors to the possibility of mental health for everyone, everywhere.

Currently, David is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the International Association for Youth Mental Health, the National Storytelling Network’s Healing Story Alliance, and Active Minds. In addition, David holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth, SafeTALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone), and the suicide prevention technique known as QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer).

In addition to giving two TED talks and being named a 2021 Mental Health Champion by the prestigious Steinberg Institute, David has presented more than 600 times to audiences across the United States, Canada, Central America, and India, giving in-person and virtual presentations on the subjects of suicide, male sexual trauma, mental health, organizational culture, and servant leadership.

David has been invited to present to organizations such as the United States Army, the United States Coast Guard, the Food and Drug Administration, OSH India, Sutter Health, AbleTo, the California Highway Patrol, the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership, the University of Connecticut, Boston College, the California Northstate School of Medicine, and a wide range of elementary, middle and high schools, community organizations, and diverse faith denominations

2-TimeTEDx Speaker | International Mental Health Presenter | SME on Suicide

2021 Steinberg Institute Mental Health Champion

Links and Socials

www.davidwoodsbartley.com

X: david@davidwoodsbartley.com FACEBOOK: @davidwoodsbartley

Life after Darkness: Andy Grant's Journey through Depression and Recovery

In this episode, Andy Grant returns to discuss his recent battle with a prolonged period of depression and suicidal ideation. He candidly shares his struggles, the importance of seeking help, and the various tools and steps he utilized to climb out of the dark place. The conversation emphasizes that mental health is not linear and provides hope and actionable advice for anyone facing similar challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:03 Andy's Struggle with Depression

03:16 The Turning Point

03:52 Reconnecting with Life

12:26 The Power of Gratitude and Tools for Recovery

18:54 Rediscovering Joy in Downsizing

19:46 Unexpected Fun in Letting Go

21:49 Adjusting to a New Home

23:42 Community and New Beginnings

27:05 The Power of Asking for Help

30:04 Gratitude and Moving Forward

31:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

ANDY GRANT

(noun)

transformational energy coach.

founder of Real Men Feel.

healer.

author and teacher.

See also: husband, world traveler, actor, speaker, teacher, lifelong learner and suicide prevention activist. Andy believes in living a life you love and creates books, workshops, and programs supporting that.

Healer & Life Activation Practitioner certified by The Modern Mystery School™

Transformational Life Coach

Author

Contact Andy at andy@TheAndyGrant.com

https://www.facebook.com/AndyGrantLoveYourLife/

https://twitter.com/navitascoaching

https://www.instagram.com/theandygrant/

https://www.youtube.com/@AndyGrant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfgrant

Breaking the Silence: Sonya Shorey on Mental Health, Suicide, and Empathy

In this episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host Elaine Lindsay interviews Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards, and Area XO. Shorey shares her deeply personal journey with mental health, suicide, and the importance of open, empathetic conversations. They discuss the critical roles of psychiatric care, the impact of hidden family struggles, and the need for greater societal support and research in mental health. Shorey also emphasizes the power of individual actions and the importance of fostering a culture of empathy and openness.

00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement

00:43 Guest Introduction: Sonya Shorey

02:25 Sonya's Professional Background

04:03 Personal Connection to Mental Health

05:37 Family History and Mental Health

09:14 Generational Impact and Stigma

10:34 The Importance of Open Conversations

16:06 Honoring Loved Ones and Breaking Patterns

28:03 Memory Wall Initiative

29:48 Supporting Entrepreneurs and Founders

30:40 Inclusivity and Community Efforts

32:46 Mental Health in Entrepreneurship

33:57 Empathy Training for First Responders

37:09 The Importance of Emotional Education

38:21 Personal Stories and Impact

46:07 The Power of Small Actions

49:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

51:31 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

52:25 Sponsor Messages and Farewell

Sonya Shorey, President and CEO, for Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards, and Area X.O, is a strategy executive and management consultant with more than 22 years of leadership experience with private and public organizations. With expertise in regional, national, and global technology, entrepreneurial, economic development, and innovation-based organizations, she specializes in corporate and communications strategy development and execution. This includes investment strategies that secure new cash and in-kind contributions from public and private sources. Since 2005, Sonya has led, strategized, authored and/or made a significant contribution to successful multi-year funding proposals and initiatives valued at more than $203 million from municipal, provincial, federal, and international governments.

Within her executive leadership role with Invest Ottawa, Bayview Yards and Area X.O, Sonya plays a pivotal role in developing, leading, and executing strategy for all three organizations. This includes:

• Area X.O, the futureplex of innovation and collaboration for next-generation smart mobility, connectivity and autonomy technologies;
• The Women Founders and Owners Strategy and Action Plan. This includes co-founding SheBoot, the investment-ready bootcamp for women tech founders designed and delivered by women entrepreneurs and investors, and founding International Women’s Week in Canada’s Capital; and International Women’s Week.

The first Pan-Ontario Scale-Up Platform of its kind aimed at enabling and accelerating the growth, scaleup and commercial success of more $100 million revenue-generating tech companies in Canada.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyashorey/

Elaine Lindsay host, welcomes Jennifer Henczel, founder of Women in Podcasting, to share her inspiring journey of resilience and entrepreneurship. Jennifer discusses her transition from a grueling full-time job to becoming a successful entrepreneur, catalyzed by a life-altering tragedy involving her husband.

Through building supportive communities, she found strength and a path to thriving. Jennifer offers valuable insights into the importance of community, overcoming isolation, and tips for those looking to transition to self-employment. This moving narrative underscores the power of connection and shared human experience.

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Henczel

01:26 Jennifer's Journey to Resilience

02:57 The Life-Changing Accident

06:38 Building a Thriving Community

10:48 The Power of Connection

13:24 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Community

20:05 Conclusion and Future Plans

BIO

Jennifer Henczel is a Podcaster, Author, and Founder of the Women in Podcasting Network and Inspiring Innovators Club. Jennifer’s mission is to lift women’s voices and stories globally.

Jennifer Henczel is known for her ability to build thriving, supportive and collaborative communities, and she teaches others how to do the same. She loves creating opportunities for women to connect and collaborate in meaningful ways. Using her “Rise. Reach. Results! Roadmap,” Jennifer provides tools, templates and trainings to help her members generate more impact and influence. Jennifer speaks about her mindset, messaging and monetization strategies for building communities, leveraging content and turning expertise into multiple streams of income.

Jennifer is an award winning leader and has won or been nominated for a number of awards. Most recently, she is the winner of the Innovator of the Year Award at the Quill Podcast Awards.

Socials and Links

• Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.henczel/
• Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/womeninpodcasting
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenpodcastersclub
• Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13907777/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennifer.henczel
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/womeninpodcasting
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/jhenczel
• Linkedin: ca.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhenczel
• Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jenniferhenczel
• Clubhouse: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/@jenniferhenczel

Jennifer Henczel:

• Jennifer Henczel’s Bio: https://www.womeninpodcasting.net/bios
• Women in Podcasting Network www.womeninpodcasting.net/join/club
• Women Podcasters Club https://www.womenpodcasters.com
• Rise Reach Results Roadmap https://www.risereachresults.com
• Inspiring Innovators Club https://www.inspiringinnovatorsclub.com

In this heartfelt episode of Suicide Zen Forgiveness, host and guest Tywanah Yvette, also known as Black Butterfly Goddess, share her powerful story of overcoming unimaginable abuse and trauma. Tawana discusses her spiritual awakening and how she now uses her experiences and newfound strength to guide others out of their own darkness. From surviving domestic abuse to attempting suicide, Tawana's journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. Tune in to learn how she connects with her ancestors, helps others through her mentorship program, and is set to become a published author. Also featured are reflections on the importance of supporting veterans and a shoutout to the invaluable roles of first responders.

00:00 Mission to End Silence and Stigma

01:17 Introducing Tywanah Yvette

03:39 Tywanah's Early Trauma and Struggles

07:43 A Turning Point: Near-Death Experience

11:19 Healing and Spiritual Awakening

12:57 Empowering Others Through Personal Journey

20:13 Breaking the Cycle and Moving Forward

23:28 Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma

24:56 Understanding Victimization and Empathy

28:29 The Plight of Homeless Veterans

32:18 Honoring Military Service

35:56 Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth

39:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

My name is Tywanah, and my journey has been one of profound resilience and self-discovery. From the moment I entered this world, I've been fighting against the odds.

Born prematurely in 1975, both my mother and I faced a life-threatening situation. Her battle with pneumonia, coupled with a soaring fever, cast a shadow of uncertainty over our survival. Amidst this struggle, my biological father, a charismatic figure with a dark side, inflicted deep wounds upon me, leaving scars that would shape my life's path.

At the tender age of 15, I summoned the courage to confront the harrowing truth of my past, only to be met with abandonment by most of my family. Left to navigate the harsh reality of the NYC group home system, I found solace in becoming a mother at 18, albeit for reasons tainted by insecurity and societal pressures.

Despite enduring a tumultuous marriage and a debilitating car accident in 2004 that stripped away my ability to provide for my family, I persevered.

In 2020, I encountered yet another formidable adversary – a covert malevolent fourth-grade

teacher who relentlessly sought to undermine my spirit. His relentless attacks pushed me to despair, culminating in a desperate attempt to end my own life. However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged through the spiritual connection with my mother, who imparted her psychic gifts unto me.

Despite enduring profound loss and heartache, including the estrangement from my children, I've emerged with newfound strength and purpose. Empowered by the support of my ancestral lineage, spanning five generations, I've embarked on a mission to inspire others to shed the masks of societal expectations and embrace their true selves.

My story is one of resilience, bravery, and unwavering authenticity, and I am committed to sharing it boldly with the world.

Through this darkness, Black Butterfly Goddess was birthed, and is now a beacon of light for those who need unconditional love and support.

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackbutterflygoddess/#:~:text=www.linkedin.com/in/blackb

utterflygoddess

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556005901505

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/blackbutterflygoddess/?fbclid=IwAR0Q23fqeosAYJpvIgcRoE2

XJegBAGSx4t_7PYU6iW0WCPcd65m54XfT_uc

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBGoddess888

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCad60fQW8CD8ty8cfWS1qhg

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackbutterflygoddess

Website: www.blackbutterflygoddess.com

Email: tywanah@blackbutterflygoddess.com

Unveiling Stoicism: Jody Betty's Journey Through Trauma and Healing

In this episode, Elaine Lindsay welcomes back Jody Betty to discuss her new interest in Stoicism and its impact on her life and healing journey. Jody opens up about her childhood experiences with abuse and trauma, explaining how she felt stuck even after extensive therapy. Inspired by Stoic philosophy, she began exploring inner child work, learning to reparent herself and confront her past. Jody shares insights on the practical applications of Stoicism, such as taking pauses before reacting and focusing on what is within one's control. The episode also highlights Jody's work in creating supportive spaces for other trauma survivors, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the healing process and finding joy in daily life. Elaine and Jody reflect on the significance of perspective shifts, active listening, and self-validation in providing emotional well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Suicide Zen Forgiveness

00:50 Meet Jody Betty: A Journey of Resilience

01:27 Exploring Stoicism and Personal Growth

02:48 Inner Child Work and Healing

05:30 Jody's Story: Overcoming Childhood Trauma

09:38 The Power of Sharing and Empathy

12:45 Applying Stoicism in Daily Life

23:46 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear

26:57 The Art of Active Listening

28:38 Embracing the Present Moment

30:33 Finding Joy in Little Moments

33:46 The Beauty of Photography

43:03 The Journey to Stoicism

45:40 Conclusion and Gratitude

Jody Betty is an author, acclaimed blogger and photographer.

Jody is a three time suicide survivor, and endured multiple sexual traumas from infancy to age 14. She spent many years with unhealthy and destructive coping skills. Jody eventually chose the path of healing, and now shares her stories online to help others understand they are not alone in their thoughts and feelings.

Jody’s viral blog, “I Want You to Want to Live”, written in 2016, has reached over two million people worldwide, and is translated into a number of different languages. Jody left her email in the blog, and to date, has received over 4000 incoming messages. She has replied to every single one.

In her free time, Jody passionately advocates and helps people dealing with suicidal crisis’, and mental health issues. She loves to spend time in nature and by water, as that is where she finds her peace. Jody resides in Niagara Falls, Ontario.