The Teaching Journeys Podcast

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Diane Kahn, an educator with over 20 years of experience, including work at San Quentin State Prison. Diane discusses her involvement with the Academic Peer Education Project, which focuses on using education as a tool for personal transformation for incarcerated learners. She co-founded Humans of San Quentin, a storytelling platform featuring over 3000 stories of incarcerated individuals from all 50 states and globally. Diane shares insights into the struggles and traumas faced by incarcerated individuals and emphasizes the importance of compassion, rehabilitation, and breaking stereotypes. The episode also explores the...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Dr. Robb Kelly, an expert in addiction recovery who focuses on treating the root causes rather than the symptoms. Dr. Kelly shares his personal experiences with addiction, homelessness, and recovery, highlighting the influence of childhood trauma and family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the importance of nutrition, the limitations of traditional medication, and the role of neuroplasticity and innovative techniques like neurolinguistic programming in recovery. Dr. Kelly emphasizes the significance of family involvement in treatment and the impact of environmental factors on addiction. Listeners are encouraged...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Lily Robinson, an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. Lily shares her journey of healing from personal trauma, including the loss of her father at a young age, and how these experiences shape her work in helping others overcome adversity. The podcast discusses themes of resilience, self-reflection, emotional restoration, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing. Lily also talks about her book, 'Rise Up and Heal,' which guides readers through confronting their traumas and embracing authenticity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of compassion...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Gayle Petrillo, a coach, author, and speaker with over 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles. Born in Albany, New York, and a Tucson, Arizona resident for 27 years, Gayle shares her journey of overcoming major trauma after being severely burned as a young girl. She discusses her advocacy work for burn survivors and the establishment of her image consulting and career coaching firm, First Impressions. The conversation touches on various related subjects, including her memoirs, the importance of first impressions, and how she assists clients in presenting...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, guest Teresa Syms shares her profound personal journey of overcoming significant childhood trauma and generational abuse. Born with club feet and raised in a dysfunctional home with an alcoholic father and a neglectful, agoraphobic, deaf mother, Teresa faced severe emotional and physical abuse. She recounts pivotal moments, such as an instance of severe punishment and her near-suicidal experience at age 18, where an inner voice convinced her she wasn't done with life yet. Teresa's story includes dealing with multiple miscarriages, a toxic marriage, and continuous feelings of worthlessness...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts talks with Vishrant, a contemporary mystic and enlightened spiritual teacher from Perth, Australia. Vishrant shares his remarkable journey from being a gang leader to finding unconditional love and becoming a spiritual guide. He discusses the dramatic events that led to his transformation, including his near-death experience and involvement with Osho's teachings. The conversation delves into themes of love, truth, and the importance of living a heart-centered life. Vishrant emphasizes the need to challenge beliefs, embrace reality, and serve others selflessly. Both Dave and Vishrant explore how love and...

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Sheila B Tillich, a reverend, metaphysical healer, and spiritual guide, to discuss her incredible life and work. Sheila shares her journey, starting from a challenging childhood in a family marred by alcoholism, which shaped her path to becoming a healer and spiritual mentor. She describes her awakening to her spiritual abilities, emphasizing the importance of love, inner healing, and connecting with higher consciousness. Sheila explains her work with the HeartMath Institute, integrating energy therapy, and her role as a galactic grandmother providing guidance imbued with divine love...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, the guest is Vanessa Cardenas, a relationship reset expert and betrayal recovery specialist. Vanessa shares her journey and insights into helping individuals and couples rebuild trust and emotional connections after betrayal. She discusses the concept of 'micro betrayals,' the importance of language in healing, and the necessity of addressing emotional disconnections. Vanessa emphasizes the need for emotional safety, intentional communication, and self-trust. The discussion also covers the value of active listening, the continuous nature of relationship work, and the significance of movement in releasing stress and...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts talks with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, a trauma psychologist and founder of Soul Wise Solutions. They discuss Harrison's journey of working with individuals undergoing deep psychological and spiritual transformations, including her experiences with dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. A significant part of the conversation centers on Harrison's relationship with Shauna, an intersex woman with schizophrenia. They discuss Shauna's resilience, her experience of homelessness, and her advocacy for dignity and inclusion through her life story co-authored in the book 'I, Shauna.' The episode emphasizes the importance...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, Dr. Karen Kramer, an intuitive healer, recovery and resilience navigator, and wellness retreat center CEO, shares insights into her work. They discuss the profound understanding of the human mind and how Dr. Kramer has helped individuals navigate grief, loss, and trauma. Dr. Kramer talks about her bestselling book, 'Healthy Grief,' which includes various case studies of grief survivors and presents her holistic healing methods. They delve into the connection between unprocessed grief and physical ailments, the potential of integrative health, and the importance of spiritual practices...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes guest Dr. Winifred Bragg, a double board-certified physician, CEO, and five-time bestselling author, who discusses her unique Bragg Factor framework. Dr. Bragg elaborates on how she helps high achievers and emerging leaders transform professional pain into clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact using principles derived from her experience as an interventional pain specialist. She highlights her strategies for managing stress and pain, the importance of gratitude, and the critical role sleep plays in overall well-being. Dr. Bragg also talks about her book 'Dreams Without Goals Are Nightmares' and...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, the guest is Marcia Earhart, a heartsync facilitator, life coach, grief and trauma specialist, mental health first responder, mediator, speaker, and co-founder of the Sterling Rose Sanctuary. Marcia discusses her personal journey through loss, losing 17 loved ones by the age of 18, and the significant impact it had on her life. She elaborates on how she and her husband Scott have navigated unimaginable sorrow, including the loss of their children Sterling and Mark. Marcia shares poignant stories about her sons, their unique qualities, and how they left a...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts converses with Arik Housley, an author, speaker, and entrepreneur who shares his profound journey through grief and resilience following the tragic loss of his 18-year-old daughter Alaina in a mass shooting. Arik discusses the impact of Alaina's death on his family, the support from various communities, and the formation of Alaina's Voice Foundation which promotes kindness, empathy, and mental well-being. The conversation delves into how Arik's book, 'Always November,' and his podcast, 'Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience,' are extensions of his mission to help others...

The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts features an engaging conversation with Terry Healey, a survivor of a rare form of cancer called fibrosarcoma, which led to a permanent facial difference. Terry Healey, an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist, reflects on his experiences, the importance of gratitude, and the development of resilience through adversity. He introduces his 'rebar' resilience framework consisting of Reflect, Build, Act, and Renew and emphasizes the role of hope and a positive mindset in overcoming life challenges. The episode also touches on the impact of group therapy, the value of openness, and finding...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Kris Munsch. Kris shares insights from his experiences as a teacher, builder, and author, discussing his new book "Living on the Razor’s Edge" and the origins of the Birdhouse Project—a hands-on, project-based approach to healing and self-discovery. Together, Dave and Kris reflect on the importance of embracing change, finding purpose, being comfortable in your own skin, and the value of learning from others. The episode emphasizes the power of community, self-reflection, and the ongoing journey of becoming one’s authentic self.

Kris’s Brief...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features an in-depth conversation with Jaime Townzen, a Southern California-based writer and internationally recognized watercolor artist. Jamie shares her personal journey, including stepping away from her career to focus on family, coping with significant personal losses, and discovering the healing power of creative expression during the pandemic. She discusses how watercolor painting and writing became essential outlets for processing grief and stress, ultimately leading to her debut novel, "Absorbed." The conversation explores themes of creativity, the importance of embracing both light and shadow in life, the role of...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast features grief coach and entrepreneur Mehr Syed, who shares her personal journey of loss, transformation, and healing after the sudden passing of her husband. Mehr discusses how grief completely changed her life, leading her to support others navigating loss with compassion and honesty. The conversation explores the misunderstood nature of grief, the importance of honoring individual grief journeys, and the ongoing connection with loved ones after death. Mehr and host Dave Roberts discuss cultural perspectives on grief, especially within Pakistani and Islamic traditions, and emphasize the value of community, safe spaces, and...

This episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast features Carl Walsh, an accomplished actor, director, and business coach. Carl shares his journey from discovering his passion for theater as a child, through his training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, to his experiences in both the performing arts and corporate leadership. He discusses the lessons he learned in theater—such as professionalism, teamwork, and the importance of showing up—and how these principles translate to business success. Carl also highlights the value of diverse perspectives, creative problem-solving, and fostering a supportive company culture, drawing on his time at the Disn...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Albert Bramante, a seasoned talent agent, psychology professor, and author of "Rise Above the Script." The conversation explores Albert’s unique journey from a non-athletic, book-loving child in a sports-focused family to a passionate academic and advocate for performers and students. Albert shares insights on overcoming self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional growth. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by artists, educators, and students, highlighting the importance of reframing limiting beliefs, leveraging hypnosis and visualization techniques, and embracing one’s au...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features a conversation with Heather Eck—an intuitive artist, spiritual teacher, and host of the "Your Radiant Spirit" podcast. Heather shares her journey from a spiritually curious and creative child, through a career in human resources, to embracing her calling in the healing arts. The discussion explores topics such as the intersection of art and spirituality, the concept of past lives, the healing power of creative expression, and the importance of processing emotions through art. Heather explains her unique approach to creating "spirit portraits" using intuition and synesthesia, an...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Jessica Moyer, a transformative wellness and leadership coach, TEDx Speaker, podcast host, and author. Jessica shares her impactful personal journey, marked by significant losses, including her son Steven who had Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and her father Michael who battled lung cancer. These experiences have deeply influenced her work in empowering women and leaders to reclaim their energy and purpose. Jessica discusses her REAL framework for health, focused on mindset, meals, and movement. She offers insights on overcoming grief, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the importance of self-care, and...

This episode of the Teaching Journeys podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Janice V. Johnson Dowd—an author, speaker, and retired social worker with over 20 years of experience in family therapy and addiction recovery. Janice shares her personal journey with substance use disorder, her path to long-term sobriety, and the impact of addiction on family relationships. She discusses the importance of ongoing healing, the challenges of breaking dysfunctional family patterns, and the need for education and boundaries in recovery. Janice introduces her book, "Rebuilding Relationships and Recovery," which offers practical tools for individuals and families navigating addiction. The co...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features a conversation with licensed marriage and family therapist Allison Lefkowitz. The discussion centers on the experiences of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), exploring Allison’s personal background, the impact of generational trauma, and the unique challenges HSPs face in processing emotions and navigating the world. Allison shares insights from her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person’s Toolkit," outlining core skills and competencies for HSPs, such as self-advocacy, managing overstimulation, setting boundaries, and embracing creativity and joy. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions in therapy about sensitivity, the importance of v...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features grief coach Erin Gaffney. Erin shares her personal journey through childhood challenges, the tragic loss of her identical twin sister Sara, and the subsequent impact on her family and personal growth. The conversation explores the unique aspects of twin loss, the complexities of disenfranchised grief, and the importance of open communication and support within families. Erin discusses her work as a grief coach, the founding of Miriari Grief Coaching, and the resources available through the Twinless Twins Support Group International. The episode emphasizes the value of honoring...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features guest Jillian Scott, a trauma-informed life and health coach. The conversation explores Jillian’s personal journey overcoming emotional eating and the impact of trauma on her relationship with food and self-image. Together, Dave and Jillian discuss the deep connections between childhood experiences, emotional abuse, and patterns of emotional eating, highlighting how trauma can shape self-worth and coping mechanisms.

They share personal stories about cultural influences, grief, and the challenges of breaking unhealthy habits. Jillian emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and changing one’s self-concept as t...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Shaleem Dzon, a registered nurse, certified grief counselor, and author. Shaleem shares her personal journey through profound loss, including the deaths of her husband, beloved pets, and close friends, and how these experiences shaped her path to becoming a grief counselor. She discusses her books, including the children’s book "Nigel and the Yellow Ribbon," which helps young readers understand and process grief, and her poetry collection "Illumination: A Griever’s Journey Through the Darkness." The conversation explores the healing power of nature, the importance of community and...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features Lisa Katona Smith, founder of Parallel Recovery and a leading advocate for family-centered addiction recovery. Lisa shares her personal journey navigating her son's substance use disorder, which inspired her to develop the Parallel Recovery framework—a structured, compassionate approach that empowers families to heal alongside their loved ones.

The conversation explores the limitations of traditional family support in addiction treatment, emphasizing the need for practical tools, healthy boundaries, and self-reflection for family members. Lisa and Dave discuss the importance of addressing stigma, building therapeutic relationships, an...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast features host Dave Roberts in conversation with guest Theresa Mark, a registered nurse and mother who shares the story of her son Josh’s battle with a rare autoimmune disease, his kidney transplant, and the mental health challenges he faced as a result. The discussion explores the trauma and grief experienced by families dealing with chronic illness and loss, the lack of mental health resources for transplant recipients, and the importance of community support. Theresa describes her mission to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health support for transplant patients and th...

This special 200th episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features a heartfelt conversation with Reverend Patty Furino and Noemi Beres. The trio reflects on the serendipitous events that brought them together, the power of spiritual connection, and the lessons learned from loss, synchronicity, and community. They discuss the significance of signs, the integration of science and spirituality, the healing power of art and nature, and the importance of walking with integrity. Through personal stories and shared wisdom, the episode celebrates the journey of teaching, learning, and supporting one another, emphasizing that everyone’s experience is va...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features Steve Ramona—a renowned "super connector" and partnership specialist. The conversation explores the power of servant leadership, the importance of meaningful connections, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. Steve shares his journey from working at a health club to building impactful partnerships and emphasizes the value of service, mentorship, and collaboration in both business and life. The discussion includes personal stories about giving, the significance of acknowledging others, and the transformative impact of helping people. Steve also talks about his podcast, "Doing Business with a...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews entrepreneur and HeartProfit founder Staci Wright. Staci shares her personal and professional journey, discussing how her experiences with business, loss, and mental health inspired her to create the HeartProfit movement—a new approach to business that prioritizes compassion, community, and employee well-being. The conversation explores the impact of workplace culture on mental health, the importance of servant leadership, and how heart-led organizations can drive positive change in both business and society.

Staci’s Bio and Contact Information

Staci Wright stands at the forefront of i...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Jon Emery, creator of Life’s Check Mark podcast. Jon shares his story of overcoming job loss and divorce, and how these challenges led him to deeper self-discovery and a passion for helping others. The conversation explores the power of community, the importance of mental health—especially for men—and how podcasting can be a tool for healing and connection. Jon also discusses building the Podcasters Hub and his upcoming anthology book, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and never quit.

Jon's Bio and Contact Inform...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features clinical psychologist Michelle Sherman and her mother, mental health advocate DeAnne Sherman. The conversation centers on their book, "I'm Not Alone: A Teen's Guide to Living with a Parent Who Has a Mental Illness or History of Trauma." The guests discuss their personal and professional journeys into mental health advocacy, the lack of resources for children of parents with mental illness, and the importance of early intervention and community support. They highlight the need for resilience, accurate information, and supportive adults outside the family. The episode also...

Host Dave Roberts welcomes Elaine Lindsay, the “Dark Pollyanna,” to share her extraordinary journey of surviving trauma, loss, and medical adversity. Through candid conversation, Elaine discusses how humor, hope, and resilience have helped her navigate life’s darkest moments. The episode explores the importance of passing wisdom between generations, staying engaged at any age, and finding meaning and growth through adversity.

Elaine’s Bio and Contact Information

She walks the fault lines with ink-stained hands, sketching hope where the sky cracked.

Elaine Lindsay, Hope Cartographer & Shadow Alchemist known as TheDarkPollyanna, navigates the fault lines be...

This episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, features Vanessa Thompson—founder of the Sustainability Experts Group and a leader in sustainable business practices. Vanessa shares her journey from early mentorship and work in clean tech startups to consulting for major organizations. The conversation explores how lessons from nature and biomimicry can drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in business. Through real-world case studies, Vanessa and Dave discuss the importance of authentic mission, collaboration, systems thinking, and embracing failure as a learning tool. The episode offers practical advice for leaders and organizations seeking to create positive, lasting im...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Nina Maglic, founder of the Healing Millions Global Movement. Nina shares her journey from growing up amid the Bosnian war to establishing a movement dedicated to making healing accessible worldwide. She discusses her transition from marketing for Fortune 500 companies to her work in energy healing and business mentoring for healers. Nina emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs and empowering oneself through both spiritual and practical means. She also offers insights into her Healing Millions book and the various resources available through her movement, including a free...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Dr. Radha Measuria, a UK-trained doctor with over a decade of experience. The discussion revolves around Dr. Measuria's global healthcare experiences and her mission to empower patients by incorporating holistic approaches and traditional medicine. They explore the cultural practices from various countries that can enhance functional medicine and improve health outcomes. The conversation highlights the importance of blending Western and complementary medicine, ensuring patient participation in healthcare decisions, and focusing on quality of life throughout one’s life. Dr. Measuria shares insights from her volunteer efforts in Ke...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes returning guest Keri Cooper, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of Keri Cooper Holistic Therapy. Cooper discusses her practice, which focuses on teens and holistic therapy. The conversation delves into sleep disturbances among young adults, emphasizing the critical role of sleep in mental health. Issues like anxiety, stress, time management, and the impact of electronic devices on sleep are highlighted. Cooper also discusses the importance of parents modeling good behavior, and outlines practical steps for improving sleep hygiene. Additionally, details about her books, 'Mental Health Uncensored...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Nick Gaylord, a former pharmaceutical industry professional who found his calling in podcasting. Nick shares his profound journey from navigating a complicated relationship with his father to finding peace and purpose through his podcast, initially titled 'Our Dead Dads' and now rebranded as 'Grief Is Not a Dirty Word.' They discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for discussing grief and how Nick's podcast has touched lives worldwide, including stories from notable figures such as Gabby Petito’s parents and survivors of the Sandy Hook tr...

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, the guest is Ann Jonas, AKA The Love Messenger. Ann shares her transformative journey, which includes her parents’ tragic story and the loss of her wife Erica, which profoundly shaped her life and spiritual path. She discusses her holistic, intuitive approach to healing and how her work as a body worker, doula, and intuitive healer is grounded in deep spiritual and emotional awareness. Key topics include the significance of the lotus as a metaphor for her life's journey, the importance of authenticity in building supportive communities, and th...