Walk With Me

What happens when a childhood tragedy shapes the course of an entire life? In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, Stephanie Bloom sits down with Karen Olsen to explore the profound impact of losing her mother to suicide at just twelve years old. Growing up in a time when grief, mental health, and suicide were rarely discussed, Karen was left to navigate unimaginable loss with very little support. Rather than allowing that pain to define her future, Karen transformed her experience into a life dedicated to helping others. She shares her journey through grief, healing, resilience, and purpose, offering powerful insights for anyone carrying the weight of loss, trauma, or life's unexpected challenges. This conversation is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to heal, grow, and create meaning from even the darkest experiences. In This Episode You'll Learn How childhood grief can impact emotional development The unique challenges faced by survivors of suicide loss Why community and connection are critical components of healing How purpose can emerge from profound pain The importance of creating safe spaces for difficult conversations What resilience looks like in real life—not just in theory Memorable Themes Grief and healing Suicide loss survivorship Childhood trauma Finding purpose through adversity Compassion and service Mental health awareness Hope after loss Connect with Karen Olson Please see the links below to connect with Karen and learn more about her work: www.karenolsonauthor.com https://www.instagram.com/karen.olson.author/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/karen.olson.author Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it. For more conversations about healing, resilience, personal growth, and the many paths toward recovery, visit: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find additional podcast episodes, resources, guest information, and tools designed to support you on your own journey. Support the Show If you're enjoying Walk With Me Conversations: Subscribe to the podcast Leave a rating and review Share your favorite episodes with friends and family Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more resources and inspiring conversations Every share helps spread messages of hope, healing, and connection. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

What happens when unimaginable loss becomes the foundation for a life of purpose? In this powerful episode of Walk With Me Conversations, I sit down with Zolal Habibi, activist, advocate, and member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran's Foreign Affairs Committee. Raised in the United States by Iranian parents deeply involved in the fight for human rights, Zolal shares a story that is both deeply personal and globally significant. At just seven years old, Zolal learned that her father had been killed by the Iranian regime during one of the darkest chapters in Iran's modern history. Rather than allowing grief to consume her, she made a choice that would define her life: to transform pain into purpose and dedicate herself to helping create a future where others would not have to endure the same suffering. Throughout this conversation, we explore resilience, gratitude, leadership, women's empowerment, and the power of refusing to see yourself as a victim. Zolal offers a perspective that challenges us to recognize the freedoms we often take for granted and reminds us that every person has the capacity to become an agent of change. In This Episode We Discuss: Growing up between two worlds: America and Iran How childhood exposure to human rights activism shaped her worldview Losing her father to political violence at age seven The decision to transform grief into purpose Why gratitude can be more powerful than victimhood The importance of serving something greater than yourself Women's leadership and empowerment within resistance movements The hidden strength and resilience that exists within all human beings How ordinary people can influence meaningful change The role awareness and action play in protecting human rights Memorable Takeaways "Crying wasn't going to bring my father back, but purpose could honor his sacrifice." Freedom is often like oxygen—we don't recognize its value until it's gone. Pain can become a source of service when we choose purpose over self-pity. Every person has more strength and resilience than they realize. Inaction is an action in itself. Real change begins when we stop waiting for others to act. Guest Resources Zolal Habibi Learn more about the movement and initiatives discussed in this episode: 🌐 https://mymagicforchange.com Learn more about the National Council of Resistance of Iran: 🌐 https://www.ncr-iran.org Connect with Walk With Me Conversations If this conversation inspired you, challenged your perspective, or encouraged you to turn your own struggles into purpose, please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. For more conversations exploring healing, resilience, recovery, personal growth, and the human spirit, visit: 🌐 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find podcast episodes, resources, articles, and information about The Quiet Rebellion and the growing Walk With Me Conversations community. Enjoying the Show? Subscribe to Walk With Me Conversations Leave a rating and review Share this episode with your friends and family Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more inspiring conversations and resources Together, we can create a world where healing, compassion, and courageous action become contagious. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Albert Bermonti — performance psychologist, professor, author, talent agent, and NLP practitioner — to explore the lifelong journey of healing, belonging, and overcoming self-imposed limitations. Albert opens up about growing up feeling different in a blue-collar Italian family where sports defined connection, while he found refuge in books, libraries, creativity, and introspection. After experiencing devastating family loss, depression, and suicidal ideation as a teenager, he began searching for meaning through psychology, teaching, and eventually the world of performance and talent development. Together, Stephanie and Albert discuss: The impact of grief, family estrangement, and feeling unseen Why healing is rarely linear The importance of self-forgiveness and accountability without shame How purpose, creativity, and service to others can help pull us out of depression The power of language and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Why finding your own tribe matters more than "fitting in" The dangers of AI replacing authentic human connection How our perceptions shape the realities we experience This episode is an honest exploration of what it means to rebuild yourself after pain — and how compassion, curiosity, and meaningful connection can transform the way we move through life. Key Takeaways Healing takes time and requires gentleness with yourself You are not "broken" for responding normally to difficult circumstances Forgiveness is about freeing yourself, not excusing harmful behavior Purpose and meaningful activity are essential for mental wellness Small shifts in language can dramatically shift mindset and behavior Authentic connection matters more now than ever About Dr. Albert Bermonti Dr. Albert Bermonti is a performance psychologist, psychology professor, author, and talent agent who specializes in helping people overcome limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns. His work blends psychology, NLP, hypnosis, mindset coaching, and performance development. He is also the host of the upcoming podcast Mental Rehearsal, focused on the emotional and psychological side of acting and performance. Connect with Dr. Albert Bermonti Podcast: Mental Rehearsal (coming soon) Books and upcoming projects on self-sabotage, mindset, and AI relationships Listen & Connect If this conversation resonated with you, please share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. Your support helps these stories and healing conversations reach more people. Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com for more podcast episodes, healing resources, articles, and upcoming projects focused on trauma recovery, personal growth, and embodied healing. Thank you for walking with us. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

What if the struggles in your relationships aren't random—but rooted in patterns you've been carrying your whole life? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Brian Power, an integrated attachment theory coach, to explore how childhood experiences shape the way we love, communicate, and connect. From a chaotic upbringing marked by instability and addiction to nearly losing his marriage, Brian shares the journey that forced him to confront his deepest wounds—and ultimately transform them. This conversation is a powerful look at what happens when we stop blaming, start taking ownership, and finally learn the tools we were never taught. In This Episode, We Explore: How childhood instability and abandonment wounds shape adult relationships The impact of addiction, emotional absence, and generational patterns Why we repeat unhealthy relationship cycles (even when we don't want to) The role of subconscious beliefs in driving behavior What attachment theory is—and why it matters How miscommunication and emotional triggers escalate conflict The breaking point that nearly ended Brian's marriage How doing individual healing work can transform a relationship The importance of tools, structure, and support in personal growth Why healing is a lifelong process—not a one-time fix Key Takeaways: We are not broken—but we are often carrying unhealed wounds Awareness is the first step to changing patterns You can't change your partner—but you can change how you show up Even one person doing the work can shift a relationship dynamic Rock bottom can become the foundation for transformation Healing requires consistency, support, and willingness to look inward About the Guest: Brian Power Brian Power is an Integrated Attachment Theory Coach dedicated to helping individuals and couples understand their patterns, heal core wounds, and build healthier relationships. After transforming his own relationship through deep inner work, Brian now helps others navigate the same journey. Connect with Brian: Website: https://myrelationshipfail.com Podcast: My Relationship Fail Free Relationship Strategy Session available through his website Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, and you're ready to go deeper into your own healing journey, visit: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Explore more conversations, tools, and resources designed to support your growth, your relationships, and your path toward embodied healing. And if you found value in this episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it—because healing expands when we walk together. My favorite guests book through PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/stephaniebloom We couldn't do it without the support of our listeners. To help support the show: CashApp- https://cash.app/$WalkWithMeSteph Venmo- https://venmo/StephanieBloom5280 Click here to purchase my book on Amazon Click here to schedule a 1-on-1 private discovery call: https://calendly.com/stephanie-bloom5280/free-discovery-call-15-minutes Follow our YouTube channel: youtu.be/PyfCcN2Ev04 Purchase the supplements you already use at a discount here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/roottobloom

Episode Overview In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie speaks with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Adrienne shares her extraordinary journey from childhood abuse, homelessness, and foster care to becoming a survivor, mother, and advocate for healing. Adriene grew up surrounded by generational trauma, poverty, and instability. Her mother struggled with schizophrenia, and throughout her childhood Adrienne experienced physical abuse, extreme poverty, and constant upheaval—attending 13 different schools before graduating high school. Despite these challenges, Adriene found refuge in education. School became the one place where she felt safe and capable. That determination eventually helped her graduate from college with honors and begin building a life outside the patterns she grew up in. Along the way, Adriene faced addiction, heartbreak, and moments where life nearly fell apart. But becoming a mother changed everything. She made the conscious decision to break the cycle of trauma and create a different future for her daughter. Today, Adriene is sharing her story through her memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, offering hope and perspective for others navigating trauma, recovery, and resilience. This conversation is a powerful exploration of healing after childhood abuse, overcoming addiction, and becoming a cycle breaker. Key Topics Discussed Surviving childhood abuse and generational trauma Growing up in extreme poverty and homelessness Experiences within the foster care system Finding stability and identity through education Overcoming addiction and self-medication Becoming a cycle breaker for the next generation The healing power of writing and storytelling Lessons learned from surviving trauma and rebuilding life About Adriene Caldwell Adriene Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a memoir detailing her journey through childhood trauma, foster care, addiction recovery, and ultimately rebuilding her life. Her story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of transformation even after unimaginable circumstances. Connect With Adriene Caldwell 🌐 Website https://unbrokencaldwell.com 📖 Book Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines 📚 Read the Prologue & Chapter One Available on her website. 💬 Reader Remarks / Contact Adriene welcomes messages from readers through the contact section of her website. Listen to More Stories of Healing and Resilience The Walk With Me Podcast shares powerful conversations with people who have faced trauma, addiction, loss, and adversity—and found ways to move forward with courage and resilience. If this story resonated with you, explore more episodes and resources at: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Share This Episode If Adriene's story of resilience and recovery inspired you, please consider: ✔ Sharing this episode with someone who may need encouragement ✔ Leaving a review for the podcast ✔ Visiting WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore more powerful conversations Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, we sit down with Damian Bloss, author, recovery advocate, and mental health group leader, to explore a story of grief, addiction, redemption, and hope. Damian shares how a seemingly "normal" childhood—filled with baseball dreams and close family ties—was forever altered by the suicide of a father figure during his late teens. Carrying unspoken guilt and unresolved trauma, Damian turned to alcohol as a way to numb the pain, a coping mechanism that slowly grew into a 20-year battle with addiction. What followed were years of fractured relationships, legal trouble, emotional isolation, and a growing sense of despair—until Damian reached a breaking point in his late 30s. In a moment of crisis, an accidental phone call became a lifeline, leading him to rehab, recovery, and a completely new way of living. In this conversation, Damian opens up about: Losing a loved one to suicide and the weight of survivor's guilt Using alcohol to cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression Hitting rock bottom and confronting suicidal thoughts Entering rehab and learning how to truly heal—not just stay sober Trauma therapy, accountability, and emotional honesty Rebuilding trust with his wife and children Repairing a broken relationship with his daughter Becoming a leader, mentor, and advocate for mental health and addiction recovery Turning pain into purpose through service, speaking, and writing Today, Damian facilitates mental health and addiction support groups, mentors incarcerated individuals through partnerships with local law enforcement, and continues to share his story so others don't have to suffer in silence. This episode is for anyone navigating addiction, grief, mental health struggles—or loving someone who is. It's a reminder that healing is possible, help can come from unexpected places, and one honest conversation can change a life. 📚 About the Guest Damian Bloss Author of Breaking the Silence Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Advocate Group Facilitator & Mentor 🔗 Connect with Damian: Book: Breaking the Silence Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all major online retailers Facebook: Breaking the Silence Instagram: Breaking the Silence Linktree: Available via Damian's social profiles for book and contact links If this episode resonated with you, or if you're looking for more honest conversations around healing, resilience, and the human experience, visit: 👉 https://www.WalkWithMeConversations.com There you'll find more episodes, resources, and ways to stay connected. If this story helped you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it—and remember, you don't have to walk alone.

Guest: Matt Von Becklin – Founder of QuitKit Episode Summary In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Matt Von Becklin shares his journey through addiction, identity loss, abandonment wounds, and ultimately recovery. From growing up with an absent father and feeling perpetually on the outside socially, to navigating substance use through alcohol, cigarettes, tramadol, and kratom, Matt opens up about how addiction became both a coping mechanism and a cage. Matt explains how his lowest moment—facing suicidal thoughts—became the catalyst for radical self-responsibility and innovation. Drawing on his background in chemical engineering, he developed QuitKit, a non-prescription, research-backed supplement regimen designed to ease opioid and kratom withdrawal symptoms. What started as a personal survival tool quickly became a lifeline for others. This episode explores the emotional roots of addiction, the dangers of socially accepted substances, the mind-body-spirit trifecta of healing, and how one person's willingness to stop abandoning themselves can ripple outward to help others reclaim their lives. 🧠 Topics We Cover Growing up with abandonment, loneliness, and feeling "different" The social pressure to fit in and how it fueled substance use Alcohol as a culturally normalized escape The transition from recreational use to dependency Tramadol and kratom addiction—and why kratom is dangerously misunderstood The moment suicidal ideation forced a life-or-death choice How Matt used science, research, and self-trust to heal himself Creating QuitKit as an alternative to traditional detox pathways The power of being just "one or two steps ahead" and reaching back Redefining self-worth through service, recovery, and integrity ✨ Key Takeaways Addiction often stems from unresolved emotional pain and self-abandonment Healing requires addressing the physical, mental, and emotional layers together Quick fixes train the brain to abandon long-term solutions You don't need to have everything figured out to help someone else—just be a step ahead True freedom comes from reclaiming agency and honoring who you really are 🔗 Connect & Learn More To explore more conversations like this—focused on healing, resilience, and real human stories—visit: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find podcast episodes, reflections, and resources designed to support meaningful growth and connection. 💬 Final Reflection Matt's story is a powerful reminder that sometimes our darkest moments hold the blueprint for our purpose. When we stop abandoning ourselves, we create space not only for our own healing—but for the healing of others.

📄 Episode Summary: In this uplifting and unexpected conversation, host Stephanie Bloom sits down with Zander Phelps — also known as Z Play Coach — a creative soul on a mission to help the world reconnect with joy through play, laughter, and presence. From his idyllic childhood in Orange County to the stark reality of military life underground in Japan, from corporate burnout at NBC to selling everything he owned to travel the world with just a backpack and a foot bag — Zander's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the magic of human connection. You'll hear how a single sack (or "foot bag") opened the door to global friendships, spontaneous laughter, and a lifelong purpose. Zander also shares the benefits of juggling, laughter yoga, and cultivating play as a daily practice for better health, happiness, and human connection. 🗣️ Topics We Explore: Why play is not a luxury — it's a fundamental human need How juggling helps you focus, balance, and relax your brain The healing power of laughter (and why adults need it more than ever) How one foot bag turned into a passport to connection around the world Zander's mission to inspire a new generation of "ambassadors of play" The science behind why play makes us more productive, creative, and joyful 🛠️ Tools, Takeaways & Resources: Learn more about Zander's work: Try juggling or foot bag play to engage your brain and body Start your day with a 10-minute laughter exercise to reset your mood Embrace play as a form of resistance against stress, burnout, and isolation 🔗 Connect & Explore More: 👉 For more inspiring conversations like this one, visit: WalkWithMeConversations.com Your journey to healing, purpose, and deeper connection starts here.