The Be Brave Podcast

Episode 8: Interview with Sarah who Left the War-Torn Country of Iraq to Give her Children a Better Life

Sarah was born and raised in Iraq.  In the early 2000s, she and her husband saw their country change.  After multiple bombings in and around their home, they decided to flee the war-torn country to keep their family safe.  Unfortunately Sarah's husband was killed before they could leave.  In time, Sarah's persistence got her and her two children out of Iraq and eventually to the U.S.

Sarah considers herself not only a survivor, but a Warrior. Her determination, commitment, and drive has kept her family together and healthy. Having spent the last 12 years getting accustomed to and navigating living in a new country, she shares her story on the challenges and successes that have come with it. 

Episode 7: Interview with Kelly, Mother of 4, who Lost her 18 Year Old Son in a Motorcycle Accident

Kelly is a 46 year old mother of four.  In 2018, she lost her oldest, Cameron, to a motorcycle accident.  He was only 18.  Kelly talks about her heartbreak and grief, and her initial thought of "how much longer do I have to live until I can see him again?"  She also talks about her choice to move forward.  For her that means being present and loving for her other three children, finding happiness in a new relationship, making time for self-care, and being active with Life Link Foundation, an organ donation and tissue bank through which Cameron's organs were donated.

Episode 6: Interview with Christy whose Life-Long Hearing Loss wasn’t Detected until Age 11.

At the age of 11, Christy was told two incredible things:  1. she had hearing loss (probably since birth) and 2. she’d taught herself to read lips without even knowing it.  

Christy shares her story of embarrassment, in how she found out about her hearing loss;  strength, as she learned to manage that loss without any auditory assistance for another 11 years; excitement, when she could finally hear all of the sounds she'd been missing; and her drive and compassion to help others with hearing loss.

 

 

 

Episode 5: Interview with Vicky who talks about Addiction and Jail Time.

Vicky grew up in a household that was unpredictable.  She learned to cope with the instability by using drugs and alcohol.  And it worked... until the day she decided to drive to "one last bar" and ended up taking someone's life in the process.  Vicky is now 28 years sober and shares her experience of how she hit rock bottom, went to jail, and ultimately found her way up and out.  She is a spiritual teacher who uses her life experience along with her training in yoga, reiki and holistic health to help her clients achieve the greatest possible physical, mental and spiritual health.

Episode 4: Interview with Trish who talks about her Father’s Struggle with his Sexual Identity

Trish grew up in a home with a father who struggled with his sexual identity and later became transgender.  Her mother used alcohol as a coping mechanism.  This all took place in the 60s and 70s at a time when no one talked about either of these subjects.  Trish walks us through the good times and the turbulence, and shares with us the love and compassion she has for both of her parents.

Episode 3: Interview with Catherine who Left her Marriage after 17 Years when it Became Toxic

Catherine left her marriage of 17 years after it became toxic and unhealthy for her family.  She tells us about the moment she realized she wasn't happy and the denial that went along with that realization.  "Look at where I live and what I have.  How can I not be happy?"  And when life at home was becoming unsafe for her kids, she knew she needed to leave.  

Episode 2: Interview with Kim who Lost her Husband in the 9-11 Attacks while she was Pregnant with her Second Child

Kim lost her husband during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  At the time, she had a two year old son and was five months pregnant with her second child.  In this podcast, Kim bravely shares her story of loss and resilience.

Be Brave Podcast Episode 1: Introduction. Meet the Podcast Hosts, Cara and Patty

Meet the podcast co-hosts, Patty and Cara.  This podcast highlights brave women who share their stories of sadness, insecurity, fear, anger, uncertainty and feelings of not being good enough nor loved.  All stories end with a choice to be brave, move forward, and be positive, while working to create the best version of ourselves! Our guests talk about how they go from surviving to thriving. We hope their stories can provide a roadmap and inspiration for others to do the same.