From Wounds to Wisdom (Previously the Mental-Hell Podcast)

What happens when tactical empathy from high-stakes hostage crises becomes your secret weapon against terminal cancer? Former SWAT hostage negotiator Terry Tucker talks to Barbie Moreno and reveals how negotiation skills saved his life through rare melanoma diagnosis, amputation, and 13+ years as a cancer warrior. From de-escalating suicide standoffs at 3 AM to embracing his own "death sentence," Terry shares raw wisdom that will rewire how you face pain, purpose, and your breaking point. ​ ...

Writer and survivor Patty Cabot spent decades in a brutal binge–diet–regain cycle before one confronting therapy session connected her weight struggles to unresolved childhood sexual abuse. In this powerful conversation, we explore how trauma hides in eating disorders, why food becomes both comfort and punishment, and what it really takes to reclaim your body, your story, and your life. Suggested Keywords childhood sexual abuse, trauma and eating disorders, binge eating disorder, bulimia and...

On this episode of From Wounds to Wisdom, host Barbie Moreno sits down with holistic healer Eva Vennari, founder of The Elevate Institute, to explore what really causes burnout, why the body breaks down when you abandon your authentic self, and how the quantum field, energy, and mineral science all work together in healing. After healing her own chronic fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and burnout, Eva now helps high achievers restore their health, reconnect to their soul, and rememb...

In this Season 3 ender of the From Wounds to Wisdom Podcast, host Barbie Moreno sits down with Jalisa Hardy, “the golden child”, a licensed minister, author, mother, and advocate whose story shows what healing actually looks like behind the scenes — the messy moments, the breakthroughs, the grief, and the courage. Jalisa opens up to Barbie Moreno about emotional abandonment, childhood wounds, postpartum struggles, and the long journey toward rebuilding a life filled with intention and self-w...

In this episode of From Wounds to Wisdom, we explore the deep intersection of creativity, trauma, and spiritual rebirth with author, artist, and former entertainment executive Gina Cavalier. Gina shares her journey from a high-pressure career at Disney, Warner Bros., and Netflix to the moment her unhealed childhood wounds resurfaced and brought her to a breaking point. We talk about sacred exhaustion, nervous system overwhelm, and the healing that happens when you finally stop performing an...

What if the anxiety you feel is actually a side effect of your most human superpowers? In this episode of From Wounds to Wisdom, Barbie sits down with retired physician and author Dr. Gary Sprouse—aka The Less-Stressed Doc—to unpack why modern stress isn’t random... it’s neurological. Through powerful metaphors, science-backed insights, and practical tools, Dr. Sprouse reveals how our ability to plan, envision, and care deeply can also wire us for overwhelm—and how to reclaim joy without giv...

In this powerful episode of From Wounds to Wisdom, Barbie sits down with Mighty Brad — a self-development coach, content creator, and founder of The Mighty Tribe. Diagnosed with depression at 13, Brad’s healing journey didn’t begin in a therapist’s office—it started on YouTube. Now, he leads a growing movement of men reclaiming emotional maturity, spiritual depth, and conscious masculinity. Whether you’re a woman trying to understand the men in your life—or a man navigating your own awakenin...

Description: Amanda Lee’s story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. After enduring years of domestic abuse and a terrifying night that forced her to flee her home with her children, Amanda found the courage to rebuild her life. In this powerful conversation, she shares what it takes to break free, protect your kids, and find healing on the other side of trauma. If you or someone you love has ever felt trapped, this episode is proof that freedom and healing are possible. 💬 Wa...