How The Hell Did I Get Here??‪?‬ Jennifer Kasper

Today we hear Alyssa’s story of love, loss, starting over, becoming a single mother and a widow by the age of 25. First when her older brother, Tyler, took his own life at the age of 27 and then a few years later her husband, Jared (age 25), died by suicide. Alyssa had two young daughters and could not fathom how to move forward when her life was completely turned upside down. You’ll never know, if you don’t listen. Alyssa I want you to know that you are brave. You are strong. You can do it! I am so proud of you for telling your story so that someone out there can hear it and know that they are not alone, that they can reach out for help, that life can get better, and that people do care. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, know that you are not alone and help is out there. Please refer to the resource guide that includes hotlines, online forums, and other support methods posted on the podcast’s Instagram page. The Facebook page for Stop The Stigma- The TG Project that Alyssa spoke about will also be posted there.

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Today we continue were we left off with Anya and Ang's story, just after they exit Mr. Tighty Whitey's apartment. Is it just me or does it seem like these two are able to somehow survive in even the most precarious of situations? They are a team and they are hilarious! Let’s put their triumphant antics aside for a minute though. What I hear when I listen to their story is them trying to establish roots, security, and stability for themselves. Ultimately Anya and Ang want what everyone strives for in life; support, family, friends, a home, love...to be fully who they are without fear of rejection, retaliation, being alienated, being disowned, or being judged. Reflect on that as you listen to what isn’t being said. Is it too much? I hope not. You’ll never know if you don’t listen. What Anya and Ang hope that you take away from their story being told is be positive, never give up, don’t take things or people for granted, be appreciative, be helpful, be kind, be compassionate. Or in their own words: “If it makes you happy, just do it! It’s worth it in the end.” -Anya “Fuck the binary! Everyone takes a different path, even though the scenery is the same. There is no script for life.” -Ang Visit the podcast on Instagram to view the pictures Anya and Ang shared with us for their episodes.

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Today we here a couple's story.  How they met and fell in love.  Their struggle to stay together and become young adults.  They are completely in sync with each other during the telling, finishing each other's sentences and anticipating the laughter before it arrives.  However this is hind sight that allows them this luxury.  They have endured homelessness, joblessness, being robbed of their belongings, and starting over (and over and over again).  They worry that some of their escapades could trigger others but want you to listen so that you can learn from their experiences and also understand.  They do not take their current situation for granted.  They are positive even during adversity.  They want to help others even when they have seemingly nothing to give.  They strive to be compassionate because they know firsthand the struggle is real.  Join us!  It's a wild ride!  I need to know if I'm the only one squealing at them, "HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE!".

You'll never know if you don't listen.

Visit the podcast on Instagram to view pictures Anya and Ang shared with us for this episode.


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Today we hear Jamie's story of how an autoimmune disease, the unexpected loss of her mother, teaching virtually, owning a small business, contending with a global pandemic, and running a hobby farm (where she is literally chasing roosters around the front yard and shooing a goat out of the house) has led her to feeling more positive, more honest, more adaptive, more open...more authentic.

Her intention in sharing her story with us is that life isn't perfect.  We all have issues.  We all need help.  We need each other.  It's ok to not be ok. If you are struggling mentally or emotionally it can effect your physical well being too.  Let's meet each other where we are at.  We need to support each other, accept each other, listen, be understanding, be kind.  Choose love.  Choose hope.  Choose grace.  

I don't know about you but I think mom would be proud Jamie!

You'll never know if you don't listen.

Visit the podcast on Instagram to view pictures Jamie shared with us for this episode.


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Today we hear Adell's story of growing up believing her grandparents were her parents until at the age of 4, when her mother came back from NYC to claim her.  Adell lived in her mother's alcoholic chaos until finding herself pregnant at the age of 15.  Admittedly, Adell made many mistakes while trying to figure out how to be a mother and a successful adult but ultimately feels she beat the odds, that were definitely not stacked in her favor.

She married her high school sweetheart, the father of all three of her beautiful children.  She finished school, worked hard, and bought a home with support from her in-laws and friends.  Adell eventually became the custodian for her younger brother when neither of his parents were capable of of taking care of him due to their addiction problems.

Her message is that you can do better than what you came from.  Don't blame your past but instead use it as a catalyst to learn, to grow, to try harder.  It is possible to overcome even the biggest and most emotional obstacles to succeed.  It is up to you to make that happen with a little help along the way.  Tune in to find out how Adell conquered the odds for herself and then went to slay for her family too!

You'll never know if you don't listen.   Visit the podcast on Instagram to view the photos Adell shared with us for this episode.


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Today we hear Shannon's paranormal story that left a young, impressionable teenager asking himself questions that no one has the answers to. Was he awakened by a departing spirit?   Is there synchronicity at play in his everyday?  What happens after death? Does reincarnation exist?  Can spirits communicate with the living? Are ghosts real?  Are some people more able to communicate with the beyond? Is there an afterlife?  Is it possible that some people can remember their past life?  
All of this and so much more, weighed on the shoulders of fifteen year old Shannon after unexpectedly losing a friend.  Now more than 30 years later, he still reflects on this time and what it meant.  He is a self proclaimed skeptic, but what if there is more than meets the eye?  What if you are open to the idea of death not being the finale?  What then? You'll never know if you don't listen.  
Visit the podcast on Instagram to view the photos Shannon shared with us for this episode.

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