Learn From People Who Lived it

The Evolution of Faith: Mathew Blades on Rediscovering Joy

In this episode, Mathew Blades shares his deeply personal journey with faith, from his church-filled childhood to a long period of disconnection, and ultimately, to a renewed sense of spirituality.

After witnessing inconsistencies in those around him, Mathew Blades drifted from organized religion, exploring Buddhism and other philosophies in search of meaning.

The loss of...

Can you handle the truth?

Using biblical references and personal insights, Mathew introduces the concept of the "narrow gate" as a metaphor for the challenging but rewarding path to personal growth and authenticity. He encourages listeners to "air check" their lives, a technique borrowed from his radio career, to evaluate what's working, what needs improvement, and what should be eliminated.

The Power of Forgiveness - Watch her new Documentary, Dawn Dusk

One of the most striking aspects of Chelli Look's story is her journey to forgiveness. She faced the unthinkable task of forgiving her brother-in-law for taking her sister's life. 

Chelli's experience teaches us that forgiveness isn't about excusing the act or forgetting what happened. Instead, it's about freeing yourself from the burden...

Grief, Art, and Forgiveness: Chelli's Journey of Healing

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Chelli Look, a leather artist and entrepreneur (CHC) from Chicago, to explore her transformative journey through grief, forgiveness, and healing. She shares her heart-wrenching experiences of losing both her sister to domestic violence and her best friend in a car accident, and ...

Holding on to Hope When Life Gets Turbulent

In this heartfelt solo episode, Mathew Blades shares a personal story about a simple sweatshirt with the message "There is hope" and how it sparked unexpected connections.

Reflecting on lessons from gospel music and scripture, Mathew Blades explores the resilience required to hold onto hope—especially in turbulent times, both literal and metaphorical.

Through stories, song lyrics, and h...

What is a  Moral Injury - and How does it take a toll?

One of the most striking aspects of Matthew's story is his emphasis on moral injury, a concept that's often overlooked in traditional PTSD treatment. As Dr. Dave, our resident psychiatrist, explained, moral injury occurs when someone witnesses or participates in actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs. This can leave lasting scars that are difficult...

Healing Through Golf

Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Matt McDonell, founder of Next 18, to explore the complex interplay of childhood trauma, military service, and mental health. 

Key highlights include:

• Matt's military experience and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life

• The creation of Next 18, a golf-based program supporting v...

If I only had you for five minutes, what would I want you to know?  That is the very premise behind our QUICK TIPS episodes. 

Chrissy's story starts with a familiar tune - the pressure to be the "good girl" in a strict religious household. Sound familiar? Many of us grow up thinking we need to fit into a specific mold to be worthy of love and acceptance. But here's the kicker:

I grew up with a specif...

This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance.

Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health.

You'll hear...

The Complexity of Anger and Forgiveness

In this week's quick tips, I want to isolate a part of our conversation around anger.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our powerful conversation with Patricia:

- Healing is possible, regardless of circumstances: Patricia's story proves that even in the darkest moments, there's always hope for recovery and growth.

- The importance of...

Patricia Journey of Healing and Hope

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Patricia Noelle, a survivor of childhood abuse and forced adoption who transformed her pain into purpose. 

You'll hear:

• How Patricia overcame a harrowing past of abuse within the Mormon community

• The unexpected role of psychedelics in unlocking re...

In this episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Debbie Zita, an entrepreneur and coach from Melbourne, Australia. 

Debbie Zita's journey from a troubled past to a six-figure coaching practice is both inspiring and instructive. She offers a unique perspective on integrating spiritual practices with business success, emphasizing the importance of self-aware...

In this episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Debbie Zita, an entrepreneur and coach from Melbourne, Australia.

Debbie shares her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, adult abuse, and personal loss to become a successful business owner and spiritual guide.

You'll hear:

• How Debbie's challenging childhood shaped...

"Depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, dyslexia. These are all things that I've been told that I have. And they're not things that I have. There are things that I've experienced." - Dr. Annamarie Frank

This conversation offers hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with mental health issues or negative self-talk. Dr. Frank's insights, combined with Dr. Dave's professional perspective, provide a r...

Breaking Free from Inner Bullying: A Journey to Mental Wellness

In this eye-opening episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave are joined by Dr. Anna Marie Frank, author of "Stop Bullying Yourself," to explore the transformative power of changing our thoughts and behaviors for better mental health.

Dr. Frank shares her journey of healing her brain, challenging the limitations of medication-...

A Sudden Turn of EventsLife can change in an instant. For Kijuan Amey, that instant came on May 5, 2017. A promising Air Force reservist and budding entrepreneur, Kijuan's world turned upside down when a car pulled out in front of his motorcycle. The collision left him with severe injuries, including the loss of his eyesight. But Kijuan's story isn't about what he lost. It's about what he gained – a new perspective on life and an u...

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Kijuan Amey, a motivational speaker and author who transformed a devastating motorcycle accident into a mission of inspiration. 

You'll hear:

• The harrowing details of Kijuan's life-altering accident and its immediate aftermath

• How he navigated the emotional and mental challenges of recovery

Mindfulness, Mental Health, and the Cannabis Conundrum

In this eye-opening episode, host Mathew Blades explores the complex interplay between mindfulness, mental health, and cannabis use with experts Julie and Dr. Dave. From the dangers of cannabis-induced psychosis in young people to the transformative power of mindfulness practices, this conversation offers a wealth of insights for anyone looking t...

Mindfulness, Mental Health, and the Cannabis Conundrum

In this eye-opening episode, host Mathew Blades explores the complex interplay between mindfulness, mental health, and cannabis use with experts Julie Potiker and Dr. Dave. From the dangers of cannabis-induced psychosis in young people to the transformative power of mindfulness practices, this conversation offers a wealth of insights for anyone l...