All The Wiser podcast

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This final episode of the All The Wiser Podcast is filled with laughter, tears, and deep appreciation for what the podcast has brought into our lives. You will hear voicemails from our listeners and past guests, discussing the impact and changes this show has brought about in their lives. We're still getting goosebumps! Kimi, Tara, and Erica share their personal transformations. Tara explains how the show helped define her legacy and turned her world into "technicolor" after growing up in a small town in Upstate New York. Erica found her wings in doing the one thing she always wanted: telling stories that make people feel less alone. Kimi has let go of shame, is more present in her life, and feels closer to God. We cry, we laugh, and we revel in all that All The Wiser has contributed to our lives, and will continue to do so as these stories live on in the world. Being with you these past five years has been an incredible gift. You mean more to us than you'll ever know. Signing off with love, Kimi, Erica, and Tara If you'd like to stay in touch, subscribe to our newsletter here or head to our website at www.allthewiserpodcast.com . We'll write to you from time to time, checking in on you, reminding you that you're not alone. You will also be the first to know if and when we have any new projects. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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100. The Accident That Changed Everything: Lyena Strelkoff's Unexpected Path to Freedom 1:19:10

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In this profound and touching hundredth episode of "All The Wiser," we sit down with Lyena Strelkoff, a storyteller, artist, and spiritual counselor. Lyena shares her story of healing, acceptance, and discovering unexpected magic after she was paralyzed from the waist down after falling from a tree while climbing for fun. Through her one-woman show that extended from three weekends to a six-month run, Lyena has touched the lives of many, empowering them to see their own strength mirrored in her narrative. She offers listeners a window into the authentic and complex experiences of living with paralysis, the power of storytelling, and the universal truths about our shared humanity. Join us for a conversation that celebrates resilience, courage, and the beauty nestled within life's harshest trials. In this episode: Embracing Life Beyond Control Navigating Spiritual Transformation Harnessing the Power of Storytelling Cultivating Radical Acceptance Exploring the Impact of Personal Crisis Guiding Others Through Their Spiritual Journey Links & Resources: Website: lanternsoulcare.com Facebook: Lyena Strelkoff Charity: Canine Companions We simply wouldn’t be here without you! We hope you'll tune in next week for the grand finale episode of the show. You'll hear from our guests, listeners, and All The Wiser Team on how we have been changed by this show. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: The Feel Good Episode 31:07

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In this week's episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and associate producer, Tara Daigle, reflect on the impact of the 100 charities All The Wiser has supported in the podcast's five years. The people, causes, and organizations we've encountered leave us hopeful and inspired. After getting to know 100 charities and the people behind them, we can report that despite all the suffering, there's so much good happening in the world. Tara, the point person for all things Charity at All The Wiser, talks about how the work deepened her empathy and inspired her to volunteer. This was so profound that she combined her passion for interior design with her charitable heart to join Savvy Giving By Design , a non-profit whose mission is to provide comfort, support, and healing to families with a child facing a medical crisis by transforming the interior spaces of their homes at no cost to them. Tara’s first design project was a room for 11-year-old Meg, who lives with brittle bone disease. Meg says “it's basically when your bones are really fragile and you can't do things that you would typically think of someone doing.” Meg and her mom, Leslie, join us to talk about the transformation of Meg's bedroom that she wanted to be “somewhere she could come after a long day to calm down and just take a break.” Meg surprises us all by singing her little heart out to "Fight Song." Unsurprisingly, Kimi and Tara are moved to tears! We simply wouldn’t be here without you! Tune in next week for our 100th episode of the show! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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99. When Science Said 'No,' She Said 'Not Yet' 1:14:25

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Many of us walk different paths before finding our true calling. But what catalyzes such a life-altering pivot? At just 25, Sonia Vallabh, while attending law school, faced a life-altering moment when her mother began to exhibit worrying health symptoms – symptoms that rapidly progressed into a devastating illness. Sonia will share the heartbreaking journey of her mother's battle with prion disease, a fight that not only challenged the family's emotional resilience but also transformed Sonia and her husband Eric's careers and lives. In this episode: Understanding Health Beyond Perfection Coping with Sudden Illness Encouraging Self-Education Facing Genetic Risks and Uncertainty Pursuing Academic Innovation Advancements in Prion Disease Therapy Links & Resources Charity: www.prionalliance.org We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: How Do Love and Marriage Survive A Mental Health Crisis? 28:28

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In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi and producer Erica reflect on the previous interview with Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward." They explore the emotional depth of Mark's story, his commitment to his wife through her mental health struggles, and the broader themes of love and dedication in relationships. The conversation touches on the challenges of caring for a partner with mental illness, the nuances of staying in a relationship during tough times, and the personal nature of difficult decisions. They also consider the impact of sharing personal stories publicly and the complexities of change within long-term relationships. Erica wraps the episode in true Erica fashion with a call to action! We simply wouldn’t be here without you! So, our greatest hope is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special finale episode and we would love to feature some of our listeners! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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98. “My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward": A Conversation with Mark Lukach 1:19:54

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Mark Lukach, author of "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" speaks with Kimi about the profound impact of mental illness on his marriage and family life. He shares the harrowing journey he and his wife Julia have navigated through bipolar disorder, from the frightening onset of her psychosis to the unpredictable waves of recovery and relapse. Mark provides a candid account of the emotional strain, the learning curve of caregiving, and the strength it takes to stay committed to a loved one during their darkest times. The couple's love and resilience shine through as they confront the challenges of the American mental health care system and find ways to involve their children in managing the illness, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Mark's perspective provides invaluable insights into the oft-hidden struggles many caregivers face and underscores the power of unwavering love and hope. In this episode: Coping with Mental Health Challenges in Relationships Relationship Dynamics After Trauma Navigating Feelings As A Caregiver Optimism While Facing Health Challenges Accepting Support From Community Children's Resilience in Family Health Crisis Links & Resources: Website: www.marklukach.com Book: "My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward" Charity: Access Institute We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: Can Hard Conversations Heal Us? 27:42

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In a heartfelt follow-up to last week's episode, co-hosts Kimi and Erica reflect on the profound stories shared by Kimi's sister-in-law, Lee Henry. They discuss the resilience required to face life's adversities, the significance of maternal health discussions, and the healing that can arise from embracing forgiveness. Reflecting on the need for challenging conversations with our loved ones, Kimi and Erica inspire listeners to seek out these moments of vulnerability in order to foster stronger relationships and mutual understanding. We want to invite our listeners to stay connected and engaged as the show comes to a close. It is our promise that the remaining episodes will be packed with compelling content and profound dialogues, ensuring that the final stretch of the podcast will be as enriching and thought-provoking as ever. We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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97. A Mother's Postpartum Reality: An Accident, a Loss, and a Diagnosis 1:13:05

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Lee Culp Henry is a mother, psychotherapist, a coach's wife, and host Kimi Culp's sister-in-law. She speaks in conversation with Kimi about her harrowing past five years and the many tides of her postpartum journey. Faced with a traumatic accident following her newborn's birth and subsequent medical scares, Lee openly recounts her battles with postpartum OCD, the shame of secrecy, and her immense strength in overcoming guilt and learning to seek help. But for Lee, the hits kept coming – the death of her father, the uncertain diagnosis of her third child. We're reminded of the universal challenge of motherhood under extreme circumstances. Kimi's warm conversation with her sister-in-law, emphasizes the importance of reimagining postpartum support and the collective embrace of life's unpredictable journey. In this episode: The Importance of Mental Health Support for New Mothers The Agony of a Child’s Medical Emergency Parental Health Anxiety & OCD The Rapid Progression of Cancer The Power of Family and Community Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Compassion Links & Resources: Charity: Ronald McDonald House New York We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: What Happens When We Give Ourselves Permission to Change? 29:34

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In this episode of "A Little Wiser", Kimi is joined by Erica and Tara. The co-hosts reflect on last week’s interview with Arno Michaelis, a former white nationalist turned peace activist, author and filmmaker. They discuss the role of simple acts of kindness and humanity from the individuals he was "supposed to hate" in altering Arno's belief system. Forgiveness, letting go of past identities, and the troubling rise of cancel culture are discussed. Arno's transformation from hatred to peace illustrates our innate ability to change. His message reminds us to define ourselves by who we are now, not by our past mistakes or identities. We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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96. Unraveling Racism with Former Neo-Nazi Arno Michaelis 1:10:11

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Is extremism a public health issue? Kimi sits down with former neo-Nazi skinhead, Arno Michaelis, to discuss his transformative journey from spreading hate to advocating for compassion and forgiveness. Arno shares candidly about his recruitment into white nationalism, the pivotal role his family played, and the life-changing moments that led him out of the movement. He provides insight into the underlying pain fueling such ideologies and stresses the importance of embracing those seeking to leave hate behind. The conversation delves into Arno's commitment to anti-racism work, his hopes for the future, and the ongoing challenge of self-forgiveness. Join us in this episode to understand the human capacity for change and the potency of kindness in breaking the cycle of violence. In this episode: The Evolution of Skinhead Culture White Nationalism and Ideological Influence Racial Identity Persuasion Tactics Processing Trauma and Avoiding Extremism Overcoming Hate with Friendship Fostering Hope through Daily Kindness Links & Resources Instagram: @arnomichaelis Book: My Life After Hate Charity: www.parents4peace.org www.serve2unite.com www.refugemovie.com We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: How Prevalent is Conversion Therapy Today? 36:47

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In this episode of "A Little Wiser," Kimi shares her experience of delivering her first TEDx talk titled, “The Transformative Power of Sharing Our Painful Stories.” She expresses her fears of having ex-boyfriends in the audience and her readiness to move beyond mental health as the main focus of her speeches. Kimi, Erica, and Tara discuss the importance of Simon Fung’s story, highlighting the continued prevalence and harm of conversion therapy. Furthermore, they recommend his podcast, Dear Alana (and fully support you pausing this episode to listen to it!) Kimi and Erica share their personal experiences with religion and reconciliation. The episode concludes with a reading of an email from our new favorite listener, Joyce, who wrote about how All The Wiser has positively impacted her life. We hope you will join Joyce and share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice or message might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com . Listen to Simon’s podcast, Dear Alana here! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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95. "God Cannot Fix what is Not Broken" Simon Fung on Life after Conversion Therapy 1:19:48

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Simon Fung is the host and creator of the podcast, "Dear Alana." The show quickly became a hit, touching the hearts of millions with a universal story of coming of age amidst the struggle for self-acceptance. In this episode, Simon discusses his intense pursuit to alter his sexual orientation in order to follow his dream of becoming a catholic priest. He shares his candid revelations, from the depths of conversion therapy to overcoming shame and embracing his true self. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. If there's one thing to take away, it's that vulnerability can pave the way for profound personal growth and lead us to a more honest and compassionate existence. In this episode: Navigating Sexual Identity and Conversion Therapy The Healing Power of Group Therapy: The Philosophical and Religious Underpinnings of Conversion Therapy The Essence of Masculinity Overcoming Trauma Through Martial Arts Impact of Community and Religion on Personal Identity Links & Resources: Simonkentfung.com Dearalana.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok: @dearalanapod Charity: www.alanafaithchen.org You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HOME to 741741. Or you can contact the LGBT National Hotline for free, confidential support at 888-843-4564 And you can find a list of these and more resources at AlanaFaithChen.org/help As of the airing of this episode, 22 states have passed legislation to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy practices. And more states have legislation pending. Organizations like The Trevor Project and Born Perfect are at the forefront of the fight to end conversion therapy. Want to know where your state stands? You can find out by going to LGBTmap.org We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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A Little Wiser: Who Will Care for Our First Responders? 24:30

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Kimi and Erica reflect on last week's episode with Matty Fiorenza, a first responder grappling with the invisible scars of PTSD. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness and taking inspired action to support the mental and emotional health of our first responders. Kimi shares the backstory of how we discovered Matty and the heartbreaking connection they have in common. A valuable takeaway that resonated with both Erica and Kimi was the idea that help can come from the most unexpected places. He referred to the ordinary people who showed him kindness and compassion during his darkest days as "angels." Throughout the episode, he mentioned them by name and credited them with helping him survive. OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Is there someone in your past that showed you compassion when you needed it most? Perhaps it was a teacher, nurse, neighbor, grocery store clerk, family member or friend? Consider how their kindness impacted you then, and thank them for the positive role they played in your life. And finally, a reminder to those who may need it: Everybody has a purpose. We need you here. We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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94. The Silent Mental Health Battle of First Responders 1:10:07

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Matthew Fiorenza, a former firefighter and paramedic turned mental health advocate shares how the traumas encountered on the job silently chipped away at his mental health. He bravely battled through the depths of depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. We discuss the pivotal moments that ultimately led him to seek help and the healing modalities that made all the difference, including a promising new treatment: the stellate ganglion block. Other life-saving practices include meditation, the Save a Warrior program, and his profound spiritual connections. Matty's story serves as a beacon of hope for first responders facing similar battles and the importance of addressing mental health in high-stress professions. In this episode: The impact of distressing calls on mental health. The lack of behavioral health support for first responders. The struggle with alcoholism and the discovery of transformative meditation. Attending the Save a Warrior program and its life-changing effects. Matty’s advocacy work and teaching his practice to others. The positive impact of accountability, peer support and “karma butterflies”. Links & Resources: PTSD911 Movie: http://www.ptsd911movie.com/ PTSD911 on Amazon Prime Video National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Charity: www.nextrung.org We want to hear from you! Our greatest hope in this final season is that you’ll share with us your most cherished episode or standout guest and let us know why it left an impact on you. We're compiling a special episode and your voice might just be featured! Call or text us at 310-243-6364 or you can email us at hello@allthewiserpodcast.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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Final Season of All The Wiser 22:44

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