Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!

Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC
  • 5.0 (62)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Interviews of people who took a break from life at one point or another to get help, grow up, or just to reassess their life direction. Some guests struggled with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, a death in the family, or just decided college was not the place for them. These stories are all-to-real, and yet we don't talk enough about how common it is for those who took a gap year to defer college, went to college and took a break, or those who struggled launching into the workforce post-college graduation. This goes out to all the young adults and parents of young adults who are struggling and contemplating what will happen if they walk away right now. 

  1. Aug 11

    Episode 361 - Beach Cities Gateway: Turning Personal Experience into Purpose with Debbie Murad

    Debbie Murad spent years chasing achievement before realizing that purpose—not prestige—was what truly guided her career. From nonprofit leadership and clinical social work to teaching graduate students at USC, each chapter of her journey prepared her for something she never expected: creating a program inspired by both her professional experience and her own daughter's challenges navigating life after high school. In this episode of Success is Subjective, Debbie shares how supporting neurodivergent young adults reshaped her understanding of success, why allowing her daughter to fail became an important turning point, and how those experiences led her to found Beach Cities Gateway. Together, she and Joanna explore purpose, parenting, life after high school, and why there is no one-size-fits-all path to adulthood.  Debbie's Resources:  LinkedIn: Debbie Murad, LCSWWebsite: Beach Cities GatewayLinkedIn: Beach Cities Gateway WebsiteInstagram: @beachcitiesgatewayFacebook: Beach Cities Gateway - Adult Life SkillsConnect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #BeachCities #BeachCitiesGateway #YoungAdultSupport #FailureToLaunch

  2. Aug 4

    Episode 360 - Treatment, Character Development, and a Mission to Help Young Adults: Meet Theo Puccio, the 25-Year-Old Behind ORCA Recovery

    In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna welcomes Theo Puccio, board-certified interventionist, care manager, and founder of ORCA Recovery. Raised in Brooklyn with dreams of becoming a lawyer, Theo seemed to be on a clear path to success—until substance use derailed his plans. After stepping away from college and entering treatment, he made the life-changing decision to stay in Colorado, where recovery became the foundation for a new purpose. Theo shares how those early experiences shaped his career helping young people and families navigate crisis, intervention, and recovery. He reflects on why character is built in the space between what we want to do and what we need to do, how he defines success by the respect of his peers rather than titles or possessions, and why he believes a meaningful gap year can change the trajectory of a young person's life. Theo's Resources:  The ORCA Recovery WebsiteTheo Puccio on LinkedInConnect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #OrchaRecovery #BehaviorIntervention #CharacterDevelopment #RecoveryJourney #Intervention

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 359 - The Canary in the Coal Mine: Finding Answers When Nothing Else Has Worked with Karla Gomez

    In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Karla Gomez, a clinician and entrepreneur whose career has taken her from culinary school in Puerto Rico to co-founding multiple integrative mental health practices. As a mother, business owner, and clinician, Karla shares how each chapter shaped her definition of a meaningful life. Together, they explore why success isn't about following someone else's timeline, but about creating a life that aligns with your values. Karla also discusses the importance of addressing both biological and psychological health, why so many high-functioning people still struggle despite "doing everything right," and how reducing outside noise can help young adults better hear their own internal voice. Whether you're navigating an unexpected career pivot, supporting a struggling young adult, or redefining success for yourself, this episode offers a thoughtful reminder that the best path is often the one you create yourself.  Karla's Resources:  Canary House LinkedIn: Karla Gomez Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #KarlaGomez #CanaryHouse

  4. Jul 21

    Episode 358 - Redefining Independence: Why Every Young Adult's Journey Looks Different with Kasey Bradshaw

    In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Kasey Bradshaw, National Director of Admissions and Outreach at BrightQuest Treatment Centers, to discuss the winding road that led him from a small, impoverished town in South Carolina to a career helping young adults navigate serious mental health challenges. Kasey shares how growing up believing college was the only path to success eventually gave way to a much broader understanding of fulfillment, purpose, and identity. Together, he and Joanna explore why adulthood doesn't have to follow a traditional timeline, the difference between a career and a calling, and why your job—or your diagnosis—should never define who you are. Whether you're a parent supporting a struggling young adult or someone questioning your own path, this conversation is a refreshing reminder that there's more than one way to build a meaningful life.  Kasey's Resources:  BrightQuest Treatment CentersBrightQuest NashvilleBrightQuest San DiegoNashville Half MarathonFollow BrightQuest InstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with Kasey Bradshaw Kasey Bradshaw on LinkedInConnect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #BrightQuest #BrightQuestNashville #BrightQuestSanDiego #BehavioralHealth #ComprehensiveCare #DiagnosticAssessment #MentalHealthEvaluation #TraumaTreatment

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 357 - From the Ivy League to Prison: Ken Miller's Extraordinary Journey Back to Purpose

    In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna talks with entrepreneur, speaker, and author Ken Miller about his remarkable journey from Dartmouth graduate to more than two decades of homelessness, addiction, and multiple prison sentences. Today, Ken uses his story to encourage others that healing and lasting change are possible. Together, they discuss the difficult line between helping and enabling, why consequences can sometimes become the turning point toward recovery, and how parents can best support both their loved one and themselves through the process. This episode of Success is Subjective is a powerful reminder that success isn't defined by where you start—or even where you fall—but by the courage to keep moving forward. Ken's Resources:  Website: Ken Miller SpeaksBook: Becoming KenLinkedIn: KenMillerSpeaksInstagram: @thekenmillerspeaksFacebook: Ken Miller - SpeaksX: Ken Miller - SPEAKSYouTube: Ken Miller SpeaksYouTube: Ken MillerConnect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #KenMillerSpeaks #BecomingKen #AddictionRecovery #Alcoholism #DrugAddiction #Sobriety

  6. Jul 7

    Episode 356 - Supporting vs. Saving: Loving a Child Through Addiction with Jenna Mathias

    On this episode of Success is Subjective, Jenna Mathias shares how she always believed success meant following the plan: graduate college, build a career, and keep moving forward. Instead, addiction led her down a very different path—one marked by repeated treatment stays, heartbreak, and hard lessons for both her and her family. Jenna reflects on how long-term recovery transformed her definition of success, why her parents' toughest decisions ultimately helped save her life, and how finding freedom led her to a career helping other women heal. Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, hope is never out of reach, and success often looks nothing like we expected. Jenna's Resources:  Website: Grace & Emerge RecoveryInstagram: @grace_emergerecoverytxFacebook: Grace & Emerge RecoveryConnect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #GraceAndEmergeecvertx #WomenHelpingWomen #SoberLivingAustin #SoberAustin #WeCanRecover #SoberWomenAustin

  7. Jun 30

    Episode 355 - Make Magic Within Your Limitations: Adam Salzman on Gap Years, Travel, and Personal Growth

    Adam Salzman shares his journey from following the expected path of college and a corporate finance career to discovering that success meant something much more personal. After studying finance at Ohio University, spending time abroad in China, and working for Nissan, Adam realized he wanted to make a more meaningful impact by helping young adults gain confidence through real-world experiences. That calling ultimately led him to found AdventureEXP, a travel and work program that allows students to earn money while living and working in destinations across the United States and internationally.  Throughout the conversation, Adam challenges the idea that there is one "right" path after high school, encouraging young adults to embrace decisive action, trust their ability to learn from every experience, and define success on their own terms. He discusses the importance of discernment, autonomy, and finding purpose, while also offering thoughtful advice for navigating life's limitations with creativity rather than fear. The episode is an inspiring reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and creating a life that aligns with your own values—not someone else's expectations.  Adam's Resources:  AdventureEXP Website: AdventureEXP Instagram: @aexp_travel Facebook: AdventureEXP LinkedIn: AdventureEXP Connect with Adam Salzman LinkedIn: Adam Salzman Mentioned & Related Resources Gap Year Association — Research, resources, and information about gap years and experiential education. TeenLife – Founder Testimonial: AdventureEXP — An interview with Adam about the mission behind AdventureEXP and the value of destination work programs. Jon of All Trades Podcast featuring Adam Salzman — Adam discusses entrepreneurship, travel, and founding AdventureEXP. Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook  Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com Keywords/hashtags #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #WorkAbroad #WorkAndTravel #PaidTravel #AdventureEXP #StudentTravel #GapYearOpportunities #GapYearProgram

  8. Jun 23

    Episode 354-Before Soul Fire Parenting: The Unexpected Journey That Led Don Campbell Here

    Don Campbell spent much of his early life believing he would become an educator, but his path to meaningful work was anything but straightforward. After struggling to find his footing in college, Don followed a series of unexpected opportunities through adult education, workforce development, healthcare training, youth programs, and behavioral health—often facing layoffs, funding cuts, and major life transitions along the way. Rather than viewing those setbacks as failures, he learned to trust the next opportunity that appeared and continued building skills centered around helping people grow and thrive.  In this episode, Don shares how nearly three decades of experience ultimately led him to create Soul Fire Parenting, a coaching practice dedicated to supporting parents through burnout, emotional regulation, and family challenges. He reflects on the lessons he learned from career pivots, personal loss, and starting over more than once, while redefining success on his own terms. Don’s story is a reminder that fulfillment rarely comes from a straight line—it comes from embracing growth, trusting the process, and allowing your path to evolve. Don's Resources:  Email: discover@soulfireparenting.com Phone: (516) 518-7150 Website: Soul Fire Parenting LinkedIn: Don Campbell Instagram: @soulfireparenting Connect with Joanna Lilley   Therapeutic Consulting Association Lilley Consulting Website Lilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTube Email: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com #TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #SoulFireParenting  #Fatherhood #Dads #FathersAndSons #FathersAndDaughters #FathersDay #Parenting #ParentCoaching #MomLife #ParentingTips #ConsciousParenting #Don Campbell

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5
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

Interviews of people who took a break from life at one point or another to get help, grow up, or just to reassess their life direction. Some guests struggled with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, a death in the family, or just decided college was not the place for them. These stories are all-to-real, and yet we don't talk enough about how common it is for those who took a gap year to defer college, went to college and took a break, or those who struggled launching into the workforce post-college graduation. This goes out to all the young adults and parents of young adults who are struggling and contemplating what will happen if they walk away right now. 

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