From the Ashes
Are you ready to rise from the ashes and create a life you're inspired by? Join your host Valerie Beck on From the Ashes, where we share powerful stories of resilience, rebirth, and overcoming personal struggle. Each episode features interviews with individuals who have transformed their lives through mindset and holistic wellness. Get ready to discover the tools and techniques to break free from the shackles of mental health issues and heal your mind, body, and spirit. Let's rise together!
Together from the Void: Heavy Metal, Community and Catharsis with Kyle Hebner

Rise. Renew. Reconnect. Welcome back to From the Ashes!
This week, I’m absolutely stoked to introduce you to my friend Kyle Hebner—drummer of the metal band Mourn the Light and an all-around delightfully honest human being. Just like Dylan Gowan from a few episodes back, Kyle and I met during our heavy metal travels through Japan last December, and I knew immediately that he’d be an incredible guest for this show.
We dive deep into the ethos of metal—why it resonates with outcasts, the unspoken rules of mosh pits, and how the genr...
Small Changes, Big Impact: A Journey to Sustainable Health and Healing with Erin Resch

In this episode, I’m talking with Erin Resch, a conservation manager and sustainability advocate whose initiatives started with powerful personal journey. Erin’s story begins with her struggle with infertility—a challenge that led her to completely rethink her diet, environment, and lifestyle. By cutting out toxins, processed foods, and microplastics, she didn’t just improve her physical health but found a deeper connection to sustainable, intentional living. In our conversation, we dig into the environmental impact of the food industry, her experiences working in conservation, and how small changes, like swapping out plastic water bottles or joining communit...
Hope & Redemption: Finding Faith in the Prison Yard with Rich Santana

This week on From the Ashes, I sit down with Rich Santana, founder of Debt Behind Me, Wealth Before Me, to discuss his personal transformation and how it led him to a life of leadership, service, and faith. Rich opens up about his early life growing up in a broken home, where sports became his identity and party culture led him down a path of self-destruction. After hitting rock bottom and finding himself in prison, Rich experienced a major shift when three fellow inmates invited him to pray with them in the prison yard. Although he was raised Catholic...
Leaving God, Finding Self: A Raw Path to Purpose with Joseph San Nicolas

When I met Joseph San Nicolas a few weeks ago, I was immediately struck by the depth of his presence. Joseph has a remarkable story of self-discovery—one that invites us to reflect deeply on the narratives we create about ourselves and the courage it takes to rewrite them.
From his humble beginnings in Guam, Joseph overcame great odds, navigating a difficult childhood and a pervasive sense of purposelessness. Through perseverance, he managed to retire in his 30s and now lives in Southern California with his beautiful family.
But what truly stands out about Joseph is...
Heavy Sounds, Deep Connections: A Conversation with Seven Spires Drummer Dylan Gowan

Last month, I had a unique opportunity to do something different: serve as an assistant tour guide for two heavy metal bands and their fan club! For two weeks, I helped guide the Lords of the Trident and Seven Spires on an adventure through Japan. As someone who knew very little about metal going into this experience, I was surprised and delighted by what I discovered—not just by the music but by the community and the moments of connection I witnessed along the way.
Joining me to share his perspective is Dylan Gowan, drummer for Seven Sp...
Solocast: Choose Yourself Before You Lose Yourself

Welcome back to From the Ashes! In today’s short and sweet solocast, I reflect on the impact of shame and self-esteem on how we show up in the world. I share my personal journey of navigating these challenges and the life-changing lessons I’ve learned about reclaiming your worth. This episode concludes with a recording of my recent speech, “Choose Yourself Before You Lose Yourself,” where I discuss the importance of stepping into your power and embracing your true potential.
About Valerie:
Valerie Hwang Beck is a holistic wellness coach and personal growth mentor with a p...
How to Strategize a Life of Ease with Lynn Beck

Happy New Year, and welcome back to From the Ashes! We’re kicking off 2025 with a conversation with my friend, Lynn Beck. Lynn and I met in Cate Stillman’s growth group where she has been a mentor, coach, and my personal senpai—someone I look to for inspiration and strategy. Lynn’s journey from climbing the corporate ladder to rediscovering herself through wellness, introspection, and connection is one I think many of us can relate to.
We talk about personal growth, the power of strategy, and what it means to live with more ease. Along the way, we...
Celebrating Neurodiversity: Shifting Perspectives with Dr. LouAnne Boyd

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I am joined by Dr. LouAnne Boyd—Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Chapman University and a pioneer in designing technologies that support and celebrate neurodiverse populations.
LouAnne’s work is driven from the heart. From her beginnings as a therapist working with neurodivergent individuals to stepping boldly into the world of computer science, she shares how a pivotal moment—her “flaming out” and starting over—led her to merge technology and compassion for transformative solutions.
We discuss the ways neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently, why societal ex...
Asian American Identity & Self-Love in the System of White Supremacy with Ellie Yang Camp

In this week’s episode of From the Ashes, I am joined by Ellie Yang Camp—artist, educator, and author of Louder Than the Lies: Asian American Identity, Solidarity, and Self-Love.
As a daughter of Asian immigrants myself, Ellie’s story struck a deep chord with me. Together, we dive into the challenges of navigating racial identity, unpacking white supremacy, and learning what it really means to embrace self-love as Asian Americans. Ellie shares her journey of discovering her voice and claiming her space in a system that often tries to box us in.
I also r...
From Debauchery to Awakening: Sobriety and Spiritual Growth with Linda Saslow

Welcome back to From the Ashes! This week, I’m joined by writer, meditation teacher, and yoga practitioner, Linda Saslow. Linda’s journey of resilience, self-discovery, and sobriety is a remarkable testament to the human spirit’s capacity to rise stronger from life’s challenges.
In this episode, Linda shares the personal experiences and transformative events that shaped her book See You Zen, a fictionalized account inspired by her sober journey and spiritual awakening. We dive deep into her decision to embrace sobriety, the profound impact of meditation and community, and how these practices helped her navigate loss and...