The Teaching Journeys Podcast

Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com

  1. 1d ago

    The Grief Alchemist - How One Woman Transformed Loss into a Legacy of Love

    Grief can feel isolating, but what if it could be transformed into a journey of empowerment and healing? In this episode of the Teaching Journey Podcast, Marie Alessi, a grief alchemist and bestselling author, shares her poignant story of loss and resilience after the unexpected death of her husband, Rob. Marie invites listeners into her world, revealing how she turned her profound sorrow into a legacy of love and connection, not just for herself but for her two young sons. Marie reflects on the deep bond she shared with Rob, a man who brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. Through heartfelt anecdotes, she captures the essence of their relationship—one that defied the typical narrative of grief. You'll discover the powerful "what if" conversation that shifted her perspective on loss and how it serves as a guiding light in her darkest moments. In this episode, we break down key insights such as: - The transformative power of intuition during grief - How to honor a loved one’s memory while rebuilding your life - Practical strategies for navigating the emotional chaos that follows loss - The importance of community and support in the healing process Marie’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of joy amidst heartache. She emphasizes that not only is it possible to find light in the darkness, but it is essential to create a life filled with happiness for oneself and loved ones. This episode is crucial for anyone who has experienced loss and is seeking a path forward. Marie’s insights will inspire you to embrace your grief, trust your instincts, and cultivate a life of purpose and fulfillment. Join us for an emotional yet uplifting conversation that redefines grief and shows how love can transcend even the hardest of times. Perfect for those who need hope and guidance in their healing journey Bio: Marie is a Grief Alchemist, bestselling author, TEDx and keynote speaker, and retreat facilitator. After her husband unexpectedly passed from a brain aneurysm, widowed at then 45 with two young sons, she dedicated her life to changing the narrative of grief. Marie began sharing her lived experience through her books and well-featured publications. Through her speaking, writing, and immersive retreats, she guides others toward connection and healing. This most beautiful Love legacy for her husband has paved the path to Bringing Lightness into Grief! Social Media Links: Website: LinkTree: LI: Insta: FB: YouTube: Substack: TikTok: Amazon: Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: MHSJD4NCC805DAWW, GXNOZRVVGW57SKYD Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

    The Grief Alchemist - How One Woman Transformed Loss into a Legacy of Love
  2. 4d ago

    The Body is Talking: Why Symptoms Are Not The Real Problem

    Your body is not betraying you - it is trying to tell you something. Heidi Neubauer shares the root-cause framework behind Next Level Wholeness, revealing how women can stop chasing symptoms and start decoding what their bodies are communicating. Host Dave Roberts talks with Heidi Neubauer, founder of Next Level Wholeness and creator of the Total Transformation Program, about the powerful intersection of functional lab testing, genetics, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing. If you have ever been told your labs are "fine" while you still feel exhausted, inflamed, foggy, or stuck, this conversation will resonate immediately. Heidi shares: why standard labs often miss the bigger picture, how functional testing looks at optimal health instead of average health, and why symptoms like constipation, fatigue, and brain fog can point to deeper physical and emotional patterns. She explains how her 21-page health appraisal, full intake, and targeted testing help her build a much more complete picture of each client. You will discover: The difference between basic lab work and functional testingWhy digestive issues can reflect stress, resentment, and unprocessed emotionsHow genetics and epigenetics can reveal modifiable pathways tied to detox, inflammation, and cellular healthWhy nervous system regulation is essential for healing, not optionalThe simple breathing practice Heidi recommends to calm the body fastDave and Heidi also explore the idea that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Instead of forcing every woman into the same protocol, Heidi tailors care based on what the body, labs, timeline, and lived experience are all revealing together. That integrative approach is what makes her work so distinctive - and so needed.If you've been looking for a more compassionate, more complete way to understand your health, this episode offers both the science and the soul. Essential listening for women navigating chronic health concerns, practitioners interested in whole-person care, and anyone ready to stop ignoring the body's messages. Heidi Neubauer is the founder of Next Level Wholeness, where she helps women bridge the gap between functional medicine, emotional healing, and self-awareness. She is the creator of the Total Transformation Program, a six-month intensive with year-long support through her school community. Connect with Heidi : Website: nextlevelwholeness.co Instagram: next_next_level_wholeness Substack: Heidi Newbauer LinkedIn and other social platforms: search for Heidi Nedbauer Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AJD7N1WPXEXUS4UK, AUI7WI9OGPKSLHQP Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes.

    The Body is Talking: Why Symptoms Are Not The Real Problem
  3. Nov 2

    How Poetry Helped A Recovering Addict Turn Scar Tissue Into Strength

    A childhood of abuse, a 15-year battle with addiction, and the loss of both parents within six months — Piere Ingram turns all of it into poetry, purpose, and a roadmap for recovery. If you need proof that your hardest chapter can become your greatest gift, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Dave Roberts sits down with poet, author, and recovery advocate Piere Ingram to trace the moments that changed everything: early trauma, an overdose scare, and the quiet decision to stop going backward. What follows is a raw, hopeful story of transformation, where Dr. Seuss, scripture, and spoken word all become tools for healing. You’ll discover: Why Piere says “transparency leads to transformation”How he replaced destructive habits with simple, repeatable actions like water, walking, and writingThe mindset shift that helped him see relapse as a setback, not an identityHow sobriety unlocked his creativity and led him to write seven booksWhy motion, faith, and rhythm are central to his creative process Dave and Piere also break down the deeper idea behind addiction recovery, the stigma that labels people by their worst choices, and why the real breakthrough often starts inside long before it shows up outside. Piere’s “It’sy Bissy Spider” moment, his “subtraction equals multiplication” insight, and his belief that “you gotta let go to grow” make this episode both deeply personal and immediately useful. This episode matters if you’re in recovery, loving someone who is, or carrying pain you haven’t learned how to turn into purpose yet. It’s also for anyone who wants to create more honestly, live more intentionally, and understand how faith, grief, and creativity can work together to rebuild a life. Essential listening for anyone who believes their story is not over. Piere's Bio and Contact Information Piere was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His first exposure to poetry was through Dr. Suess books when he was very young. Piere loved the rhythm, rhymes, and wordplay of poetry. Reading and writing poetry became a way for Piere to escape from his problems and release his emotions. Piere is a recovering addict who has experienced much growth, and has met many people who has influenced his way of thinking. One thing that hit him after his mom died was remembering her words, "Piere, you only have one life to live, so you better get this right". Her words forced Piere to look within himself and come to terms with the bad choices he was making. Through his work, he wants to make her proud. Through his website NewLifePoetry.live and his social platforms, he shares writing and recovery-focused messages designed to encourage and inspire others. Subscribe to the podcast for mopre inspirational stories. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: AM7IAY0SJ4V9JKGJ, EPH1D7KBPBZERKTK

    How Poetry Helped  A Recovering Addict Turn Scar Tissue Into Strength
  4. Oct 29

    The Burnout That Led To a Career in Positive Psychology

    Burnout does not mean you are broken. It can be the signal that your life needs a different framework, and Dianna Collier shares the practical positive psychology tools that helped her move from exhaustion and languishing into a life and career built around flourishing. Dave Roberts sits down with Dianna, an Austin-based certified positive psychology coach and school psychologist, for a conversation about what actually helps people shift out of stuckness. Dianna traces her path from high-pressure school psychology, through burnout and major life transitions, to the coaching work she does now with clients navigating change, self-doubt, and renewal. You'll discover how positive psychology works as the science of flourishing, why strengths-based coaching can be more effective than deficit-focused thinking, and how small actions can create real momentum when you are feeling low. Dianna breaks down her CHANGE framework for coaching, including clarifying a positive goal, building hope, taking tiny first steps, navigating the bigger picture, going for it, and expanding into what comes next. She also shares how she uses tools like the VIA Character Strengths assessment, appreciative inquiry, self-compassion, and authentic gratitude to help clients rebuild confidence without falling into forced positivity. If you've ever dealt with imposter syndrome, negative self-talk, or the sense that you're doing everything right but still feeling stuck, this conversation offers a grounded, hopeful way forward. Dave and Dianna also explore the reality of endings and transitions in helping relationships, the mind-body impact of stress, and the challenges young adults and parents face during big life changes. Dianna's Positive Launch program brings positive psychology into the parent-child transition to college and adulthood, offering support, perspective, and practical tools for families who want to stay connected while letting go well. This episode is ideal for anyone in a season of transition, anyone supporting a young adult, and anyone who wants a more compassionate, realistic way to build confidence and momentum. If you need proof that small shifts can create meaningful change, this is the conversation to hear. Dianna Bio and Contact Information Dianna Collier, M.A., is an Austin, Texas–based Certified Positive Psychology Coach and School Psychologist who helps people navigate challenging life transitions with greater ease. She has a private coaching practice and also provides career coaching for clients at the Career Transition Center. Dianna writes The Positive Pull, a weekly newsletter that shares practical, positive psychology–based tools for facing life’s difficulties and nurturing success from one’s most empowered self. She has also facilitated workshops on a variety of positive psychology topics. Alongside fellow Positive Psychology Coach Jennifer Hanawald, Dianna co-facilitates Positive Launch, an interactive program that supports parents of young adults as they transition to college and greater independence. Dianna is the mother of two daughters, ages 20 and 22. Website: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Youtube: Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PMDD18HQUDMFCXNB, 9T8DKUNQAXROVMGM Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes

    The Burnout That Led  To a Career in Positive Psychology
  5. Oct 27

    How Human Connection Became The Real College Survival Skill

    College is breaking students in ways most people never see. Dana Christian Lee and Jason Reid reveal why so many young adults are overwhelmed by pressure, loneliness, impossible workloads, and the struggle to belong, and how their new documentary College Unscripted is designed to spark the conversations campuses desperately need. About Dana and Jason Dana and Jason bring a rare mix of lived experience, deep compassion, and hard-won insight into youth mental health. Dana, executive director of Tell My Story, explains how the film grew out of conversations with students, parents, and educators who kept pointing to the same crisis: young people are expected to become adults instantly, often without the life skills, emotional support, or freedom to navigate it well. Jason, who co-founded Tell My Story after the death of his 14-year-old son Ryan, shares why storytelling and honest dialogue can reach students in ways lectures and warnings cannot. Website: tellmystory.org Dana: dana@tellmystory.org Events and screening inquiries: events@tellmystory.org You’ll discover: Why the transition from high school to college feels so much heavier now than it did for past generationsHow belonging, becoming, and burnout collide for today’s studentsWhy overpacked schedules, AP pressure, and social comparison are feeding anxiety and depressionWhat colleges can do differently by prioritizing human connection over sheer outputWhy AI, cheating, and unrealistic expectations are becoming part of the same conversationHow Tell My Story uses film as a turnkey campus event that leads to real discussion, not passive viewingThis conversation goes far beyond college advice. It gets into the emotional cost of perfectionism, the hidden pain students carry with them, and the urgent need for educators, parents, and peers to notice when someone is struggling before it’s too late. Dave Roberts also brings his perspective as a college educator, making the episode especially valuable for anyone working with young adults who are balancing academics, jobs, grief, family pressure, and mental health challenges all at once. If you care about students, teach students, parent students, or are a student trying to hold it all together, this is essential listening. College Unscripted is really about something bigger than college—it’s about giving young people the space to be seen, heard, and supported as they write their own story. Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 0C1OLXENRKXQIX5U, Z7LGKHMIDK7N1EDR

    How Human Connection Became The Real College Survival Skill
  6. Oct 24

    From Corporate Success to Pono- The Call to Go Home

    What if the patterns running your life were never yours to begin with? James Kawainui reveals how ancestral trauma, childhood wounds, and unconscious “operating system” beliefs quietly shape the choices we make, the relationships we repeat, and the leadership we bring to work and home. Dave Roberts guides a powerful conversation with James, a native Hawaiian Kahu healer, teacher, and mentor whose path took him from Navy service and corporate success to a life-changing ancestral awakening at 42. Together they unpack why geographic escape never fixes internal pain, how unresolved conflict keeps recreating itself, and why real transformation begins when you stop outsourcing your power. You’ll discover: Why the same emotional script keeps showing up with new people and new circumstancesHow Pono, grounding, and somatic awareness help you recognize what’s happening inside your body before you reactThe difference between helping someone and becoming their guruWhy integrity means knowing your limits, telling the truth, and refusing to give advice that disempowersHow Ho’oponopono works as a process of accountability, listening, self-inquiry, and true resolutionJames also shares the story behind his forthcoming book, What My Ancestors Knew, and explains why the traditional Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono is far deeper than a simplified “forgiveness” mantra. He breaks down the sacred process of bringing people together, holding space without interruption, and restoring balance only after every voice is heard. This episode is especially resonant if you’ve been carrying old pain, repeating the same conflict in different forms, or trying to lead others without first getting honest with yourself. If you’re craving clarity, peace of mind, and a more sovereign way to move through the world, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Perfect for anyone ready to stop repeating the past, reclaim personal responsibility, and discover what healing looks like when it is rooted in culture, humility, and deep inner truth. James Bio and Contact Information James Kealiipiilani Kawainui is a Native Hawaiian Kahu, healer, teacher, and mentor carrying a Kahuna lihim James lived a full and driven life—serving in the Navy, building custom homes and yachts, and spending 17 years as a corporate executive. Despite outward success, something essential was missing. At 42, he experienced an awakening when his ancestors spoke to him and called him home. He left corporate life and began the path back to his lineage and healing work. Today James works with people stuck in unresolved conflict, repeating patterns, or quiet self-doubt. He helps them uncover and clear what lies beneath those struggles and find clarity, confidence, and courage. Rooted in pono—the Hawaiian practice of living in balance, harmony, and integrity—his work includes healing, mentoring, teaching, speaking, and retreats. James is the author of the forthcoming What My Ancestors Knew and is the owner of Red Rock Property Reset, bringing ancestral clearing practices to real estate professionals. He lives in Sedona, Arizona. Website : jameskawainui.com Email; james@jameskawainui.com Linkedin: James Kawainui Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: XA9V4K1DDGNELK62, P4E3UP60Y6T9BTKQ

    From Corporate Success to Pono- The Call to Go Home
  7. Oct 22

    From Welfare to Wall Street-The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

    What if the life you were handed was never the life you had to keep? KAYR Robinson turns a childhood of poverty, instability, and repeated setbacks into a blueprint for unbreakable success. If you need proof that mindset, discipline, and the right people can change everything, this conversation delivers it. Dave Roberts talks with Kevin "KAYR" Robinson, a two-time USA Today bestselling author, real estate investor, and former Goldman Sachs finance professional who built a portfolio of more than 160 rental units after growing up in Philadelphia with uncertainty, hardship, and constant movement. KAYR shares how he moved from survival to structure to stability - and why the turning point was not talent, luck, or timing, but vulnerability. You'll discover the exact mindset shifts that helped him go from skipping school and struggling academically to becoming valedictorian, student leader, Wall Street professional, and multi-million-dollar entrepreneur. KAYR breaks down his "three D's" - desire, discipline, and determination - and explains why motivation fades but discipline lasts. He also shares the role mentors, sponsors, and a "personal board of directors" played in helping him build a life that was bigger than his circumstances. We also unpack what vulnerability really means for men, why asking for help is a strength instead of a weakness, and how to stop confusing personal pain with personal destiny. KAYR opens up about loss, identity, resilience, and the responsibility of creating your own safety net when no one is coming to save you. This episode is a powerful reminder that where you start does not decide where you finish. Perfect for anyone rebuilding, reinventing, or trying to level up with more clarity, structure, and purpose. Kevin Bio and Contact Information Kevin “KAYR” Robinson (pronounced KAY-R) is a real estate investor, entrepreneur,and operator who built a multimillion-dollar portfolio after growing up in poverty in West Philadelphia. After beginning his career in finance — including roles at Goldman Sachs and other investment firms — he went on to build a real estate company from the ground up. Today, his portfolio includes 160+ rental units, supported by a professional team focused on acquisition, development, and operations. KAYR is also a sought-after speaker and business advisor focused on discipline, mindset, leadership, and wealth-building systems. His work bridges street-level lived experience with institutional business training — offering a powerful lens on what it actually takes to break generational cycles. He serves on the boards of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, The Great Young Society II Organization, and the Grove Collective Foundation, and has been recognized as a nominee for Philadelphia’s 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards. His story and perspectives have been featured by outlets including MarketWatch, NPR, PBS, NBC, The Atlantic, and KBS (Korean Broadcasting System). His memoir, Can’t Break Me, became a USA TODAY Best Seller and landed on the list for consecutive weeks in 2026. His life journey is also highlighted in Black in White Space: The Enduring Impact of Color in Everyday Life by Yale professor Elijah Anderson. KAYR earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Bowdoin College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Website: kayrmotivates.com Instagram: @kayrmotivates LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krobins2 TikTok: @kayrmotivates YouTube: @kayrmotivates His book: Can't Break Me, is available wherever books are sold. Subscribe to the podcast for more great episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 4HRTIHB177D6UXAU, 1WLKUMBZSHD7HOYT

    From Welfare to Wall Street-The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
  8. Oct 20

    The Missing Piece in Trauma Healing is the Structure

    Trauma may not need years of talk therapy to shift. Dr. Judith Swack shows how the body stores emotional pain, why it keeps repeating in your life, and how to interrupt it in minutes using simple techniques you can do yourself. Host Dave Roberts sits down with Dr. Judith A. Swack, the originator of Healing from the Body Level Up, for a conversation that blends science, somatic healing, and surprising hands-on demonstrations. Judith explains why the conscious mind often misses the real problem, how trauma gets frozen into the nervous system, and why uncovering the structure of a pattern is the missing piece in lasting healing. You'll discover: Why trauma lives in the body, not just the story you tell about itThe four-step framework Judith uses to identify and clear stuck patternsHow hugging and tapping can calm the nervous system fastWhy frontal occipital holding can shift guilt, fear, and old childhood painHow ancestral trauma and root causes can keep showing up across generationsDave doesn't just ask the questions - he steps into the process and experiences the techniques in real time, making this episode especially powerful if you've ever felt stuck in the same emotional loops, relationship patterns, or body-based stress responses. Judith also shares how HBLU integrates biomedical science, psychology, hypnosis, NLP, applied kinesiology, energy psychology, and spiritual techniques, plus how her work extends to root-cause healing, past lives, and ancestral patterns. If you've ever wondered why talking about trauma isn't always enough, this conversation will change how you think about healing. Essential listening for therapists, coaches, healing practitioners, and anyone ready to understand trauma at the level where it actually lives. T Judith Swack Bio and Contact Information Judith A. Swack, Ph.D., biochemist/immunologist, Master NLP practitioner, mind/body healer and best-selling author is the originator of Healing from the Body Level Up (HBLU), an innovative and powerful methodology with transformative results. HBLU integrates biomedical science, psychology, hypnosis, NLP, applied kinesiology, Energy Psychology and spiritual techniques with original research on the structure of complex damage patterns. She has presented her dramatic results on national television and at international conferences and has published in scientific, professional, and popular books and journals. Dr. Swack is a recipient of the 2015 Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) award for major contribution to the field of Energy Psychology and author of CLEAR TRAUMA NOW A Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck. Dr. Swack works with clients in person and by Zoom https://hblu.org/ Purchase Heal Trauma Now on Amazon Subscribe to the podcast to get more great episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: POTKA3Y0RA1PYUZE, PNIMPQA0KTF6NM94

    The Missing Piece in Trauma Healing is the Structure
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Dave Roberts ,MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author a bereavement support specialist, and a parent who experienced the death of an adult child on March 1,2003. He was inspired to create The Teaching Journeys Podcast by two of his former Utica University students. Dave strives to have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys, life skills and challenges ,can teach us about addressing our own challenges. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. Weekly episodes have featured guests from all walks of life, with diverse experiences and life skills to share . Dave hopes that his guests ‘experiences resonate with all who listen, both young and old. We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other. To find out more about Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com