Episodes

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Laura — author of The Inclusive Event Planner and cofounder of Sober Life Rocks — for an inspiring conversation about her personal journey to sobriety, the motivation behind creating a community for sober living, and how she's redefining inclusive event planning. Laura opens up about the challenges and triumphs of choosing a sober lifestyle, building a supportive network for others walking the same path, and the meaningful work she's doing ...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Abby, author of The Year of Dating Myself, to discuss her deeply personal journey of self-discovery and healing. Abby opens up about her upbringing, the relationships and heartbreaks that shaped her, and how dedicating a year to "dating herself" helped her reclaim her strength, rebuild her confidence, and find clarity. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about self-love, emotional resilience, and the transformative power of taking time for you...

On this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Hendrika, author of Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian, to explore her extraordinary life journey. Having grown up in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Hendrika shares powerful memories of her childhood during WWII—including her mother’s courageous role in the Dutch resistance and the sheltering of a Jewish girl. We follow her story as her family emigrates to Australia, and later, as Hendrika builds a life in America over four decad...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Pete, author of Lighten Your Day, to talk about the healing power of humor and hope. Pete shares his story of overcoming a turbulent childhood, working through recovery in a 12-step program, facing serious health challenges, and how he now uses laughter and lightness to inspire others. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about resilience, recovery, and finding joy through life’s darkest moments. Please note: This episode contains dis...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Mary Beth, whose remarkable life story is a testament to resilience and transformation. In this powerful episode, Mary Beth opens up about surviving childhood trauma, battling meth addiction, and her long journey to sobriety. She also shares how she rose above it all to become a respected federal judge. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about healing, hope, and the power of second chances. Check out Mary Beth’s work: From Junkie to Judge: One W...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Dan Ivankovich, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, healthcare advocate, and accomplished blues musician. In this episode, we explore Dr. Dan’s groundbreaking work providing medical care to underserved communities, his candid insights on the U.S. healthcare system, and how he balances life in the operating room with a passion for music. Tune in now for a powerful blend of medicine, music, and mission-driven storytelling. Check out some of Dr Dan’s work...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Terry for a deeply moving conversation. He shares his arduous journey with cancer, the powerful mindset that carried him through, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way—including the “four truths” that guide his life. Terry leaves us with an unforgettable message: what you leave behind is what you weave into others’ hearts. Check out Terry’s work and social media: Motivational Check Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.l...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we sit down with Jess, who shares her remarkable journey through a series of relentless health challenges. With humor as her constant companion, Jess talks about the treatments she pursued, the resilience she discovered, and the perspective she gained along the way. It’s a story of strength, laughter, and perseverance—you won’t want to miss it. Visit Jess’s Website: http://www.jessicafaulds.com/ Behind Beautiful Things Website: https://www.sadtimespodcast....

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Jay for an honest and powerful conversation. Jay opens up about the challenges he faced in his early twenties, his battle with suicidal ideation, the evolution of his faith, and the meaningful work he's doing today. It's a story of struggle, hope, and transformation. We’d love for you to join us. Please note: This episode contains descriptions and discussion of suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Website: https://www.jaylowder.c...

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Joan, author of Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis . Joan opens up about her deeply personal journey through psychoanalysis—exploring the loneliness she faced, the haunting nightmares she endured, and the long, courageous process of unraveling her trauma. It’s a conversation about healing, resilience, and the power of telling your story. We hope you’ll listen in. Head to Joan’s Untangling website: https://www.untanglingjoan.com/home Buy Joan’s...

This week, we sit down with Richard, author of the two-part memoir Spring Flower . Richard shares the powerful story of his mother’s life—growing up in poverty in China, immigrating to the United States, and the heartfelt agreement they made to complete her memoir together. It’s a moving, multigenerational journey of resilience, identity, and storytelling. Don’t miss it Visit Richard’s Website: https://www.yangtzeriverbythehudsonbay.site/home-page.html Find Richard on Linked: www.linkedin....

This week, we sit down with Liz, founder of the inspiring company Balm Box. Liz shares her journey through multiple battles with cancer, the strength it took to face ongoing medical challenges, and how those experiences led her to create Balm Box—a business rooted in empathy and resilience. Join us for a moving and uplifting conversation. Visit Balm Box’s Website: www.TheBalmBox.com Find Balm Box on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BalmBoxIG Find Balm Box on Facebook: https://www.faceb...

This week, we sit down with Leif for a powerful and candid conversation. He shares his experiences growing up, receiving a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, navigating hospitalization, and the ongoing process of healing. We also dive into the incredible writing he’s doing today. Don’t miss this inspiring episode. Please note: This episode contains descriptions and discussion of suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Visit Leif’s website: www.edmontonwriter.com Leif’s curr...

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Danny, author of the powerful memoir Scar Tissue . Danny opens up about his lifelong journey with serious heart conditions, from undergoing major surgeries as a child to the emotional toll it took on his family. We talk through his experiences, resilience, and the story behind his book. It’s a moving conversation you won’t want to miss—tune in! Visit Danny’s Website: www.dannycovey.com Find Danny on Facebook: www.facebook.com/danny.covey Find Dann...

This week, we sit down with Heidi, author of Talk to Them , for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about human trafficking. Heidi breaks down what trafficking really means, shares the brave and tireless work she’s doing to combat it, and opens up about the challenges she faced while trying to foster a survivor. Most importantly, she offers insight into how each of us can be part of the solution. Don’t miss this important episode—it just might change the way you see the world. Please N...

This week, we welcome Dr. Paul Corona—physician, psychiatrist, and author of The Corona Protocol, among other impactful works. In this episode, Dr. Paul shares his unique, personalized approach to treating mental health challenges and why he believes psychiatry can play a bigger role in addressing societal issues. We also get a glimpse into the exciting projects he’s working on and what the future holds for mental healthcare. Join us for an eye-opening conversation with one of the most forward-thinking minds in the field. Visit Dr Paul’s website: https://drpaulcoronamd.com   Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com Check out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https…

This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Karla, author of Let’s Finally Talk About Sex. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Karla opens up about her childhood, her turbulent college years, and the powerful journey that led her to write her groundbreaking book. We also dive into the incredible work she’s doing as a therapist, advocating for mental health and her inspiring work as co-founder and president of One Patient Global Health Initiative. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation you...

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Bracha to discuss her transformative journey through food addiction, spiritual growth, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Bracha shares how embracing gratitude has been a powerful tool in her healing process, and how it has shaped both her personal life and her incredible work writing children's books. Her story is a beautiful reminder that no matter where we start, gratitude can be one of the greatest gifts we give ourselves. Bracha's inspiring words will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered to approach life with a heart full of gratitude. Please Note: This episode contains descriptions of eating disorders. Please take care while listening. Visit Bracha’s Website: http://growingimpactpublications.com Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com  Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthi…

In this powerful episode, we welcome Koya, an incredibly brave woman whose journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Koya opens up about the horrific childhood trauma she endured and the lasting impact it had on her throughout her adult life. She shares how therapy helped her heal and how she found empowerment through competing in pageants—many of which she has won. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and the power of transformation. Koya’s experience is a moving reminder of the capacity we all have to overcome challenges, heal, and rise above. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of resilience and the beauty that can emerge from the darkest of times. Please Note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, eating disorders, self harm, and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Sexual Assault Support: https://rainn.org/resources Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://988lifeline.org Eating Disorder Support: h…

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome Stephen, author of the moving and inspiring book “Walk On”! Stephen tells the story of the unthinkable tragedy of losing his son Jake, his family’s journey through almost unbearable grief, how Jake continues to live on through memories and scholarship, and the meaning of “Walking On”. It is a remarkable story, and I hope you can join us! Stephen’s website: https://www.stephenpanus.com/ Walk On is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome Michelle, the author of the book “Cracked Open”! We speak with Michelle about some traumas she dealt with in her younger years, the religious organization she joined, and her years as the wife of a pastor. We also discuss her working to raise her five kids while continuing to stay strong in her convictions. It is a really remarkable story, and I hope you can join us! Michelle’s Website: https://michellemoffitt.com/ Buy Michelle’s Book “Cracked Ope...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome in Riana! For over 25 years, Riana has specialized as a Trauma Recovery Mental Health Counselor & Life, Love & Mindset Coach in healing adults with Unconscious Childhood & Relationship Trauma. She helps them to vercome hard and challenging times to Create the Life They Desire & Have the Love They Deserve. Today, Riana and Kevin discuss her years of work, what she considers to be the top ten causes of childhood trauma, and how those traumas show up ...

What does it mean to write from the soul? In this special conversation, Brad Wetzler joins Kevin to explore the deeper dimensions of writing, storytelling, and the essence of soul. Brad shares insights from his new course, *Writing the Soul*, and discusses how memoir can be a powerful path to self-discovery and healing.  Together, they unpack what it means to write from a place of honesty and vulnerability, the connection between body and storytelling, and how writing can transform our relationship with trauma, memory, and meaning.  What You'll Learn in This Episode:  - What “soul” really means and how it shows up in our writing and lives  - Why soul writing is different from traditional writing—and why it matters  - How writing can help us heal from trauma and emotional wounds  - The role of the body in storytelling—why memory lives in our muscles as much as our minds  - How to get unstuck when fear, perfectionism, or self-judgment take over  - Why writing …

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcom back Mitch for the conclusion of his story. If you have not listened to part one, please see the link below. Mitch is the author of the book “Columbus Day”. On this episode, Mitch continues his story. Now released from the institution, Mitch works with his dad for a while before being put back into school. We will hear about Mitch’s journey adapting back to school, his initial attempts to live on his own, his determination to be a police officer and serve his community, and how he is doing today. Please join us! Part I of Mitch’s story can be found here: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/mitch-part-i-of-ii-unneeded-institutionalization-129/ Buy Mitch’s book “Columbus Day” here. View Mitch’s incredible artwork at MitchRosenart.com Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behin…