Episodes

In this special episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Sarah, an author and resident of Minneapolis, MN. In this conversation, Kevin speaks with Sarah about what it is really like on the ground as an American city is under siege from its own federal government. Sarah bears witness to the chaos and cruelty on the ground. But more importantly, she speaks about the strength of community, the humanity in all of us, and the power of kindness. Please join us! A list of resourc...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Patton, author of The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become, for a deeply personal and reflective conversation. Patton opens up about his relationship with his father, including the impact of addiction, grief, and loss on their bond. Patton shares his journey of losing his father and the emotional work that followed—coming to terms with a complicated relationship and ultimately redefining what it means...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Andrea, author of Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. Andrea shares the inspiring story of her sister Adrienne and her courageous battle with liver cancer, reflecting on their close bond, Adrienne’s resilience, and the lasting impact of her journey. Listeners will hear Andrea discuss her early life, the deep relationship she shared with her sister, and how Adrienne’s legacy led to t...

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin interviews Blair, author of A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving, for an insightful conversation about mental health, identity, and self-understanding. Blair shares her upbringing in a home that lacked emotional connection and nurturing, and how those experiences shaped her development and eventual diagnosis of Schizoid Personality Disorder. She explains what this diagnosis means for her life and offers valua...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Jasmine for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, healing, and personal growth. Jasmine shares her experience with relentless childhood bullying, the emotional impact of her parents’ painful separation, and her father’s serious health challenges. She also opens up about navigating difficult relationships and addiction, and how those struggles shaped her journey toward healing. Today, Jasmine uses her lived experie...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin interviews Grant, a Master Life Coach, for a powerful conversation about healing, resilience, and personal growth. Grant opens up about the years of bullying he experienced as a child, the impact it had on his mental health, and the many paths he explored on his journey toward healing. Listeners will discover how working with a Life Coach became a turning point that helped Grant transform his life. Now a Master Life Coach himself, Grant shar...

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Jasmin, the Chief Growth Officer at CHOW—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health and overall wellness in the hospitality and service industry. Jasmin opens up about her journey as a chef, the mental health challenges she faced in the kitchen, and how those experiences led her to CHOW’s mission of providing community, resources, and real support for hospitality professionals. Together, Kevin and Jasmin dive in...

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Shawn, author of F*ck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness*. Shawn shares his powerful life story—from growing up in Chicago and working long hours in a steel factory to navigating serious mental health challenges that shaped his early adulthood. Kevin and Shawn explore how Shawn took a bold leap of faith, moving to Los Angeles to launch his own talent agency and building it from the ...

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin welcomes Pamela, acclaimed author of When You Look Like Us and This Town Is on Fire. In this heartfelt and inspiring conversation, Pamela opens up about her childhood, her lifelong journey with anxiety, the challenges and triumphs of raising her child as a single mother, and the passion behind her powerful work as an author. With honesty and warmth, Pamela shares the personal experiences that shaped her voice, fueled her creativity, ...

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Tony, the author of Carrying the Tiger, for an intimate and deeply moving conversation about love, loss, and resilience. Tony opens up about the moment he learned of his wife’s cancer diagnosis, the challenging years of treatment that followed, and the heartbreaking experience of saying goodbye. He also reflects on living with daily grief, healing at his own pace, and eventually discovering the possibility of new love. ...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin welcomes Aaron, the author of Four Walks in Central Park: A Poetic Guide to the Park. In this deeply personal conversation, Aaron opens up about his journey through childhood depression, the loneliness of the pandemic, and the addiction that followed. As he shares his story, we follow him through the quiet paths of Central Park—a place that became both his refuge and his teacher. Through poetry, nature, and small moments of stillness, Aaron found...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin welcomes Erin for an honest and inspiring conversation about mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. Erin opens up about the mental health challenges she faced growing up, the difficult truths she discovered about the world, and how becoming a mother shaped her emotional well-being. She also shares the meaningful work she does every day to support others on their own journeys. Tune in to hear a heartfelt discussion about resilience, heali...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author Timothy, whose new memoir Stumbling in the Dark: Looking for the Light Switch explores the power of hope, healing, and resilience. In this deeply moving conversation, Timothy opens up about his traumatic childhood, life in the military, and the profound love story that carried him through heartbreak and separation. Together, we discuss how he found light in the darkest places and what it truly means to overcome pain with grace an...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Rachel, author of the powerful new memoir As Is. In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel opens up about her upbringing in an isolated religious community, the trauma her family endured, and the healing journey that followed. Through yoga, self-discovery, and resilience, Rachel found a path toward freedom and peace—and she shares the lessons that helped her rebuild her life. If you’re drawn to stories of healing from trauma, personal tra...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome back Anne, whose story of resilience and rediscovery continues to inspire listeners. In her new book High Hopes, Anne shares how attending her first Bruce Springsteen concert at age 59became a life-changing experience—one that reignited her sense of joy and connection. Join us as we dive into Anne’s journey from a difficult childhood to finding hope, music, and meaning through The Boss’s legendary energy and storytelling. We talk about Springstee...

In this insightful episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Jordyn, author of My Heart Has Been in it From the Start, as she shares her powerful mental health journey. Jordyn opens up about growing up with ADHD and how it deeply impacted her self-esteem and sense of identity. She also speaks candidly about her ongoing challenges with depression, anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). With honesty and eloquence, Jordyn offers a moving perspective on what it means to live w...

In this heartfelt episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Steve, author of My Heart Has Been in it From the Start. Steve shares his emotional journey through fatherhood—beginning with the anxieties of becoming a new dad, the adventures that shaped his life, and a life-changing discovery years later: he had another daughter he never knew about. This is a story of love, growth, and second chances. With honesty and warmth, Steve reflects on what it truly means to show up with your who...

In this moving episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Diane, author of Getting Lost on My Way: Discovery on Ireland’s Back Roads. Diane opens up about the devastating trauma she experienced as a young girl and how it shaped her path through life—including the dissolution of her first marriage. She shares how, through four solo journeys across the back roads of Ireland, she experienced a profound spiritual awakening and began to reclaim her identity, healing, and sense of purpose. ...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Louise as she shares her deeply personal story rooted in the aftermath of World War II. Louise’s parents fled the horrors of war-torn Europe, and the trauma they carried would echo across generations. We explore how that inherited trauma shaped Louise’s childhood, her mental health, and her complex relationship with her family. Through honest reflection and emotional insight, Louise speaks to the resilience it takes to confront genera...

In this heartfelt episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Brian, host of the Grief to Growth podcast, for an inspiring conversation about navigating life after profound loss. Brian shares the tragic story of losing his daughter and how that experience led him to help others through their own grief journeys. We explore powerful themes like mindfulness, gratitude, emotional healing, and the long-term impact of grief. Brian offers practical tools, deep insights, and compassionate wisdom for...

In this compelling episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Rob, author of the bold and unflinching memoir Asshole. Rob shares his story of growing up in a deeply troubled family, his early escape into the world of radio, and the horrific abuse he endured along the way. Through honesty and dark humor, Rob reflects on how he found purpose in the entertainment industry, using creativity and storytelling as tools for survival and expression. We also explore his ongoing journey toward w...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Tzara, a confidence coach who helps individuals build healthy, meaningful relationships by improving self-worth and emotional awareness. Tzara opens up about her own struggles in past relationships, what led her to become a relationship and confidence coach, and how understanding attachment styles can transform the way we connect with others. Whether you're working through relationship challenges, interested in personal growth, or cu...

In this deeply moving episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with David as he bravely shares his story of surviving childhood abuse and navigating a lifetime of mental health challenges. David opens up about the long-term effects of trauma, the emotional hurdles he's worked to overcome, and how he found purpose through advocacy and public speaking. Today, David uses his voice to raise awareness, break the silence, and offer hope to others facing similar struggles. Please note: This ep...

In this powerful episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Shavaun, author of Night Bird, to talk about her deeply personal journey through grief, trauma, and healing following the suicide of her husband. Shavaun shares how this devastating loss left her supremely traumatized, the emotional and psychological challenges she faced, and how she began the path toward recovery. We also explore the subtypes of suicide, the impact of mental health stigma, and the importance of open conversa...