• Lisa's Journey: Part Two
    Dec 23 2023

    In "Lisa Kesler-Peters Journey of Hope: Part Two," Lisa delves deeper into her inspiring story of overcoming adversity. This episode focuses not just on her struggles with mental health and incarceration, but also on her remarkable journey towards healing and hope. She shares insights from her books "Why I Tried to Die" and "How I Learned to Hide," emphasizing the themes of resilience and forgiveness. Her narrative is interwoven with uplifting messages about the power of self-awareness and the transformative impact of life's challenges. Lisa's story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how one can emerge stronger and more hopeful from even the darkest of times.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Lisa's Journey: Part One
    Dec 21 2023

    In this week's moving episode of "Surviving Loss, our Journey of Hope," host Milton Dennis welcomes Lisa Kessler-Peters, a two-time published author and a beacon of resilience. The episode honors Lisa's late brother, Ian Christopher Radford, a gentle soul lost too soon at 19 due to unresolved mental health issues and trauma.

    Lisa opens up about her harrowing childhood, marked by her first suicide attempt at age nine amidst a backdrop of familial neglect and abuse. Despite excelling academically, she grapples with mental health challenges, self-harm, and substance abuse, reflecting a stark contrast between her public achievements and private struggles.

    As Lisa transitions into adulthood, her life initially stabilizes with a family and career. However, an abusive relationship and a traumatic brain injury plunge her back into financial hardships, homelessness, and a descent into substance abuse and criminal activities in a desperate bid for survival.

    The episode takes a poignant turn as Lisa recounts her time in solitary confinement during her incarceration in 2014. In these moments of deep despair, she experiences a profound, life-altering realization that sets her on a path towards healing and transformation.

    Milton Dennis lauds Lisa for her courage in sharing her story, emphasizing its power to resonate with and inspire listeners. The narrative culminates with an invitation to the next episode, where Lisa will delve into her journey of hope and the lessons learned from her extraordinary life.

    Listeners are encouraged to discover more about Lisa's experiences in her books, "Why I Tried to Die" and "How I Learned to Hide," offering further insight into her journey from darkness to light.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Matt's Journey: Part Two
    Dec 7 2023

    **Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

    Join us in Part Two of Matt's compelling 20-year journey through adversity, addiction, and ultimately, recovery. Host Milton Dennis, a renowned mental health speaker and author, delves into Matt's transformative experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous, his battles with depression and bipolar disorder, and his inspiring path to finding peace and purpose in helping others. This episode is a beacon of hope, illustrating the power of resilience and the importance of mental health treatment in overcoming life's toughest challenges. Whether you're someone facing similar struggles, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking insight into the journey of recovery, this episode offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt encouragement.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    39 mins
  • Matt's Journey: Part One
    Nov 29 2023

    **Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation, and some people might find it disturbing. If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

    This podcast is lovingly dedicated to individuals grappling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and thoughts of suicide. Through this series, Matt candidly recounts his own struggles with addiction and how it steered him towards a harrowing brush with suicide. But more than a tale of hardship, this is a story of resilience and hope.

    Join us in our upcoming Part 2, where Matt celebrates two decades of sobriety and shares his transformative journey towards mental well-being and a renewed zest for life.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    48 mins
  • Kay's Journey: Part Two
    Jun 26 2023

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Kay's Journey: Part One
    Jun 9 2023

    In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Loss: Our Journey of Hope podcast, host Milton Dennis pays tribute to Megan Morgan and dedicates the discussion to her memory. The episode begins with a touching excerpt from Megan's obituary, highlighting her radiant smile and infectious love for life. Milton is then joined by Kay Bela, an attempt survivor, who shares her inspiring story of overcoming anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

    Kay takes us back to her life before October 2014, describing her lifelong struggle with mental health challenges. Through her emotional journey, she emphasizes the importance of not giving up, expressing hope for healing, and finding the beauty within ourselves. Kay's words of encouragement and wisdom provide a powerful message for anyone facing similar struggles.

    The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude to Kay for her openness and strength in sharing her story. Listeners are invited to join the next episode, where Kay will share her journey of hope, discussing her current endeavors and successful navigation through adversity. Additionally, the episode acknowledges the support of Four Corner Strategies in editing and posting the podcast, and highlights Cal's Hope, a nonprofit organization providing scholarships through donations.

    Tune in to this touching episode of Surviving Loss: A Journey of Hope to gain insight, inspiration, and a renewed sense of hope for the future. Stay connected by visiting calshope.com and miltondennis.org for more information and to access previous and upcoming episodes.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Robin's Journey: Part Two
    Apr 20 2023

    Milton sits down with Robin Goudy in part two of two parts. Robin survived the loss of her son, Evan, who passed away at the age of 22 to suicide. In Part Two, she discusses her journey of hope and what life looks like since losing him.

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be triggering or upsetting for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional if you need support. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.

    This podcast is dedicated to Evan Andrew Ritter.

    Entrance: December 27,1991 - Exit: October 20, 2014, at the young age of 22, forever playing his beautiful music in Heaven.

    Evan was a young inspiring talented musician. In addition to his passion for making beautiful music, Evan had a profound love and talent as a sketch artist. Evan also had a passionate heart for animals, plants and nature.

    Evan was a loved Son, Brother, Grandson and friend. Evan spent many of his young years enjoying the company of his two cousins who were very close in age. Evan shared his life with three siblings: a younger brother, a younger sister and an older brother who treasure their memories with Evan.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    47 mins
  • Robin's Journey: Part One
    Apr 14 2023

    Milton sits down with Robin Goudy in part one of two parts to Episode 3. Robin survived the loss of her son, Evan, who passed away at the age of 22 to suicide. In Part One, she discusses her journey since losing him.

    Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, which may be triggering or upsetting for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional if you need support. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help available.

    This podcast is dedicated to Evan Andrew Ritter.

    Entrance: December 27,1991 - Exit: October 20, 2014, at the young age of 22, forever playing his beautiful music in Heaven.

    Evan was a young inspiring talented musician. In addition to his passion for making beautiful music, Evan had a profound love and talent as a sketch artist. Evan also had a passionate heart for animals, plants and nature.

    Evan was a loved Son, Brother, Grandson and friend. Evan spent many of his young years enjoying the company of his two cousins who were very close in age. Evan shared his life with three siblings: a younger brother, a younger sister and an older brother who treasure their memories with Evan.

    Visit CalsHope.com | Call or Text 988 for confidential mental health and suicidal ideation support

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    58 mins