Speaking Of Love Podcast

Hello Podcast Family!Dr. Jay Breneman is the Director of Firearm Suicide Prevention at the CeaseFirePA Education Fund and a Stoneleigh Fellow, where he works to change how Pennsylvania understands and talks about firearm suicide. His work focuses on breaking stigma, elevating the voices of people and communities affected by loss, and turning research into practical, community-driven prevention. He is a licensed social worker and former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, with over six years of service including two deployments to Iraq.

Hello my loves! Melissa Hughes, a gifted and anointed woman of God, returns as a guest for the second time on the Speaking of Love podcast. The past four years have brought many changes since her first appearance. This interview will be life changing and inspiring.

Today, I’m honored to welcome an extraordinary guest to the Speaking of Love Podcast. Amanda Sung is a Taiwanese-Canadian writer whose journey beautifully bridges cultures, resilience, and storytelling. She transformed her own ‘satellite child’ experience into her UBC Master of Journalism thesis—work that later became the foundation for her debut novel, How to Break a Girl.With over 15 years of expertise in marketing and storytelling, Amanda brings a unique perspective to her writing, crafting narratives where identity and resilience take center stage. Beyond her work as an author, she’s also passionate about living a full and balanced life—whether that means lifting weights at the gym or playing piano at home.Please join me in welcoming Amanda Sung.

Donna Higton is back!! a beloved guest from Episode 5, returns to my podcast with exciting news — the release of her brand-new book! Donna is an inspiring author and life coach from England whose words have touched hearts around the world. She’s here today to give us an inspiring update!

Today marks 5 years since I started this podcast. I am so happy to share this milestone with my 145 guest. Ayama Ashram, is a dedicated philanthropist, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate whose work blends holistic health, mental wellness, and creative expression to make a lasting impact on her community.Following the devastating loss of her oldest son, Ayama’s life took a profound turn. This heartbreaking event ignited her passion to advocate for mental health awareness and provide support to those facing emotional challenges. Please join me in welcoming Ayama.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode will be discussing the topic of Murder-Suicide. This special episode features Marie from the Philadelphia area. A childhood survivor of murder-suicide, she participates in the peer led Murder-Suicide Loss support group; her family loss occurred 38 years ago this year. Professionally, she is in graduate school for a Counseling Psychology degree, specializing in trauma studies. Marie is here to share her journey as a murder-suicide loss survivor. Thank you for being an audience member.

Speaking of Love Podcast - Episode 141 - Featuring Mitch MaryanovMitch Maryanov is a retired carpenter. Who has dedicated his efforts to helping survivors of murder suidcide loss. His story began on August 10, 1990. When he was called by a family friend to see why his parents had not been unreachable for 2 days Mitch soon would come to realize that his parents both died, in a murder suicide. From the moment on, His life was forever changed.Mitch is currently a founding member of the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the first of its kind in our country. Please join me in welcoming MITCH!

September is Suicide Prevention Month. This podcast interview will shed light on the subject matter of suicide. **Trigger Warning**Today I have a very special guest!Kelly O'Malley is an LA-based actress, writer, and producerShe’s originally from Frisco, Texas. After earning degrees in Film & Media Arts …and Religious Studies from Southern Methodist University, she moved to Los Angeles, to study at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting, where she remains an active alum. In 2016, Kelly founded A Light in Dark Places (ALIDP) in response to losing her father to suicide, and she now serves as the organization's Executive Director and Artistic Director of its Plays for Hope series.Please join us as we sit down for a candid interview with Kelly as we discuss her journey as a suicide loss survivor.

Welcome to Speaking Of Love Podcast. I am so excited to interview today's guest! Clay Boura is a loving husband and father of three residing in The Mitten State. At an early age, Clay developed a love for the arts. Whether he was creating new cartoon characters or writing wild, imaginative stories, he knew that some day art would become a part of his future. And over the years, his love and passion for the arts has continued to grow. Originally, Clay's dream was to become a cartoonist and have his very own cartoon strip in the newspaper alongside the famous Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Jim Davis (Garfield) and Bill Amend (Fox Trot) whom he idolized. However, after becoming a father and seeing how much enjoyment his children got when he read them bedtime stories, he decided he wanted to become a children's book author and illustrator. Becoming a published Author quickly became Clay's dream and he focused all of his attention on accomplishing that dream. And through the love and support of his family, Clay was able to achieve his dream and become a self-published Author!

Michelle Ciaramellano, LMSW Michelle received her Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Ferris State University and her Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. Michelle has been with Havenwyck Hospital in a variety of roles for over 17 years. Initially, Michelle worked as the lead social worker on the adult inpatient unit, then became the first Director of Partial Hospital Programs and eventually transitioned to the business development team. Michelle’s current title is Assistant Director of Business Development. With business development, Michelle spends much of her time in Oakland County, building relationships with community partners. Michelle has taken an active role in the Suicide Prevention Community, She is a SAFE Talk Trainer, an ASIST Trainer and is on the leadership board of the Oakland County Suicide Prevention Task Force. In addition to her role in the hospital, Michelle also has a private practice where she works with individuals in the criminal justice system and youths who are struggling with suicide.

Dianne Burckhardt is an award-winning author and graphic designer, host of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt - Book talk Podcast and publishes Book Banter Magazine. She is currently working on her medical memoir, Free Bad Haircut with Each Craniotomy, which details her experiences in 2004 as she struggled to survive seven surgeries in six months, six of which were brain surgeries. She shares everything in this memoir including a suicide attempt she had never previous revealed, her near death experience when she actually died briefly from a MRSA staph infection in her brain, and what it has been like learning to thrive with brain damage the past twenty years.

Tony Lynch is an international bestselling author, grief coach and founder of several non-proits. He is here today to share his journey, wisdom and love.