Episodes

143
June 9, 2025

Joan: Untangling Psychoanalysis | 143

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...
Joan: Untangling Psychoanalysis | 143
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Joan: Untangling Psychoanalysis | 143
142
June 2, 2025

Richard: Displacement and the Immigrant Experience | 142

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....
Richard: Displacement and the Immigrant Experience  | 142
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Richard: Displacement and the Immigrant Experience | 142
141
May 26, 2025

Liz: Surviving Cancer Six Times | 141

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...
Liz: Surviving Cancer Six Times  | 141
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Liz: Surviving Cancer Six Times | 141
140
May 19, 2025

Leif: Living with Schizoafftive Disorder | 140

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...
Leif: Living with Schizoafftive Disorder | 140
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Leif: Living with Schizoafftive Disorder | 140
139
May 13, 2025

Danny: Scar Tissue | 139

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...
Danny: Scar Tissue  | 139
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Danny: Scar Tissue | 139
138
May 6, 2025

Heidi: Fighting Human Trafficking | 138

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...
Heidi: Fighting Human Trafficking | 138
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Heidi: Fighting Human Trafficking | 138
137
April 29, 2025

Dr Paul: Getting People Back to Themselves | 137

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…
Dr Paul: Getting People Back to Themselves | 137
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Dr Paul: Getting People Back to Themselves | 137
136
April 22, 2025

Dr Karla: Resiliency is Improved with Support | 136

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...
Dr Karla: Resiliency is Improved with Support | 136
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Dr Karla: Resiliency is Improved with Support | 136
135
April 15, 2025

Bracha: The Power of Gratitude |135

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…
Bracha: The Power of Gratitude |135
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Bracha: The Power of Gratitude |135
134
April 8, 2025

Koya: Be Light and Offer Hope | 134

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…
Koya: Be Light and Offer Hope | 134
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Koya: Be Light and Offer Hope | 134
133
April 1, 2025

Stephen: Our Vulnerability is Our Strength | 133

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-...
Stephen: Our Vulnerability is Our Strength  | 133
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Stephen: Our Vulnerability is Our Strength | 133
132
March 25, 2025

Michelle: Lessons in Life and Love | 132

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...
Michelle: Lessons in Life and Love  | 132
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Michelle: Lessons in Life and Love | 132
131
March 18, 2025

Riana: Lessons in Life and Love | 131

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 ...
Riana: Lessons in Life and Love  | 131
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Riana: Lessons in Life and Love | 131
128
March 14, 2025

Special Bonus Episode: Brad joins Kevin to discuss his course “Writing the Soul”

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 …
Special Bonus Episode: Brad joins Kevin to discuss his course “Writing the Soul”
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Special Bonus Episode: Brad joins Kevin to discuss his course “Writing the Soul”
128
March 11, 2025

Mitch (Part II of II): Resilience, Service, and Success | 130

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…
Mitch (Part II of II): Resilience, Service, and Success  | 130
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Mitch (Part II of II): Resilience, Service, and Success | 130
119
March 4, 2025

Mitch (Part I of II): Unneeded Institutionalization | 129

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Mitch, the author of the book “Columbus Day”. On this episode, the first part in a two part series, Mitch tells the harrowing story of his childhood relationship with his Mother, how he was checked into a hospital for a 30 day “evaluation” without his knowledge, and then how he was institutionalized for three and a half years without any explanation. It is a story of resilience and strength, and will be continued next week. Please join us! 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: @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…
Mitch (Part I of II): Unneeded Institutionalization  | 129
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Mitch (Part I of II): Unneeded Institutionalization | 129
128
Feb. 25, 2025

Maura: Illness, Resilience, and Family | 128

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Maura, the author of the upcoming book “Saving Ellen”. On this episode, Maura tells us the difficult story of learning about her sister’s illness, the inspiring way her family rallied around her, her sister’s kidney transplant, and finally, the lasting effects this had on Maura and the family. Please join us! Please Note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault. Please take care while listening Maura’s website - https://www.caseyink.com/  Maura’s substack - https://maurac.substack.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/author.maura.casey/  Gooreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214151305-saving-ellen  Buy “Saving Ellen” on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Ellen-Memoir-Hope-Recovery/dp/1510780777/  Buy “Saving Ellen” on Bookshop - https://bookshop.org/p/books/saving-ellen-a-memoir-of-hope-and-recovery-maura-casey/21517661 Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow …
Maura: Illness, Resilience, and Family  | 128
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Maura: Illness, Resilience, and Family | 128
127
Feb. 18, 2025

Carol: Girl, Groomed | 127

This week, we welcome Carol, the author of the upcoming book “Girl, Groomed” to Behind Beautiful Things. Carol joins us to tell a harrowing story of severe childhood trauma, the silence around the abuse she and others experienced, and then how her trauma continued to effect her throughout her life. Please join us! Please Note: There is discussion of sexual abuse and violence in this episode. Please take care while listening. Bookshop - https://bookshop.org/p/books/girl-groomed-carol-odell/21633639 Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girl-groomed-carol-odell/1145931748 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Groomed-Carol-Odell/dp/1647428726/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hour) 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) Their website also offers State by State resources. US Center for SafeSport 833-5US-Safe (833-587-7233) Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com  Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.c…
Carol: Girl, Groomed | 127
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Carol: Girl, Groomed | 127
126
Feb. 11, 2025

Joel: Mental Health and Medication | 126

This week, we welcome Joel to Behind Beautiful Things. Joel is a professional actor and a friend of Kevin’s. On this episode, we talk about his early childhood struggles with mental health, his turbulent medication journey, and we check in on where he is today. Please join us! Please note there is discussion of going on and off mental health medications in this episode. Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a stand in for medical advice, and we encourage you to always work with a doctor for any of your medication needs. 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://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/album…
Joel: Mental Health and Medication | 126
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Joel: Mental Health and Medication | 126
125
Feb. 4, 2025

Julie: Twice the Family | 125

This week, we welcome Julie to Behind Beautiful Things. Julie is the author of three books about her journey as an adopted child. Today, we discuss her newly released third book “Twice the Family”. During this episode, we talk about Julie’s experience as an adoptee, her bond with her family, and her search for her birth parents. This is an inspiring and hopeful story — please join us! WEBSITE: https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites https://x.com/juliermcgue https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/ PURCHASE LINKS: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Twice-the-Family/Julie-Ryan-McGue/9781647427863 https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/164742786X https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twice-the-family-julie-ryan-mcgue/1145822812 https://bookshop.org/p/books/twice-the-family-a-memoir-of-love-loss-and-sisterhood-julie-ryan-mcgue/21588772 Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things…
Julie: Twice the Family | 125
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Julie: Twice the Family | 125
124
Jan. 28, 2025

Subha: Who You Are is Enough | 124

This week, we welcome in Subha to tell her incredible story. Born in a small village in India, Subha was always told that societal norms dictated what her life could consist of. Through her story, we learn about her determination to build a career, raising a daughter on her own, the incredible work she has done, and continues to do, for women in India, and more. Please join us! Note: This episode contains descriptions of suicidal ideation and domestic violence. Please take care while listening. Visit: www.aguawomen.com Visit: www.aguainclusion.com Visit: www.aguagiftingsmiles.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…
Subha: Who You Are is Enough | 124
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Subha: Who You Are is Enough | 124
123
Jan. 21, 2025

Robert: Living Righteously | 123

This week, we welcome the host of the excellent podcast “Creating Greatness”, Robert! Robert joins the show to talk about his issues growing up, how he turned to drugs as a solution, his time in and out of prison, and finally, his fourth prison sentence. Robert tells an absolutely incredible and inspirational story about how he came to be where he is today. Please join us! Check out Robert’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kingacomebakks 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://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is commi…
Robert: Living Righteously  | 123
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Robert: Living Righteously | 123
122
Jan. 14, 2025

Jason: Loneliness, Connection, and Addiction | 122

This week, we welcome a returning guest: Jason! Jason is the host of the excellent podcast “My Madness METHod”. He was a guest in episode 71 of “Behind Beautiful Things”. This week, Jason returns to talk about his incredible podcast, his thoughts on what the “operating system” version of ourselves are, and the project he and Kevin have started collaborating on. Please join us! Link to Jason’s podcast “My Madness Method”: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PqoIjFXPgxBgTVt3zYJos Link to Jason’s Website: https://eight19product.com/ Jason’s previous episode of Behind Beautiful Things: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/searching-for-connection-and-finding-addiction-jason-on-his-traumatic-childhood-his-introduction-t/ 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 S…
Jason: Loneliness, Connection, and Addiction | 122
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Jason: Loneliness, Connection, and Addiction | 122
121
Jan. 7, 2025

Moey: Body Positivity | 121

This week, we welcome in Moey! Moey and Kevin have known each other for over two decades. She is on the show to talk about her struggles with body positivity issues, how we often long for what we once were but are no longer, some health issues that she had to deal with, and her continuing journey to love herself as she is. This is an eye opening discussion — please join us! Find Moey on Instagram: @chicandcrackingup40 Find Moey on Tik Tok: @chicandcrackingup40 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://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 …
Moey: Body Positivity | 121
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Moey: Body Positivity | 121