SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS

Cameron McKay

Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a shit creek story. Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a shit creek story. We share real stories of people getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles that got them out, and hope for anyone stuck in their own shit creek right now. Through stories of resilience, recovery, setbacks, second chances, and the tools that help us keep paddling, we remind you that even when life gets messy, there’s a way forward. Real stories. Real resilience. Real hope.

  1. 4d ago

    70% Burn Survivor Becomes a Firefighter | Terry McCarty’s Sh!t Creek

    At just six years old, Terry McCarty survived a devastating fire that left him with burns over 70% of his body. But surviving the fire was only the beginning. Terry spent years navigating surgeries, recovery, bullying, depression, identity struggles, loss, and the challenge of learning to see himself differently. Then, at 25, he became a firefighter. In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Terry shares the story of how he went from victim, to survivor, to thriver — and how the lessons he learned along the way helped him rebuild his identity and find purpose. Terry and Cam talk about childhood trauma, bullying, depression, self-worth, anxiety, resilience, gratitude, stoicism, accepting help, and the mental battle that can continue long after the physical wounds have healed. Terry also shares the story of a mentor who taught him that sometimes you may have to do things differently, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. That lesson eventually helped Terry pursue firefighting — a remarkable choice for someone whose life had been changed by fire. After leaving firefighting, Terry experienced a 10-year period of depression and identity loss. He eventually found a new source of purpose through spray-paint art, advocacy, speaking, and helping others navigate their own struggles. Terry's message is ultimately about learning to value yourself, finding gratitude even during difficult seasons, and understanding that surviving is not the end of the journey. Sometimes it's where the real work begins. ABOUT TERRY MCCARTY Terry McCarty is a burn survivor, former firefighter, motivational speaker, author, artist, and mental health advocate. Burned at six years old, Terry survived burns over 70% of his body and years of surgeries, recovery, bullying, depression, and identity struggles. At 25, he became a firefighter and turned his experience with adversity into a life of service. Today, Terry uses storytelling, art, social media, speaking, and advocacy to help others understand resilience, self-worth, and post-traumatic growth. Follow Terry: TikTok: @PhoenixDownWithTerry Instagram: @PhoenixDownWithTerry YouTube: @PhoenixDownWithTerry CHAPTERS 00:00 Terry McCarty: Burned at 6 01:07 Terry's Story 02:39 The Kerosene Accident 05:24 Why Stop, Drop and Roll Failed 06:35 The Immediate Aftermath 07:41 Coming Out of a Coma 10:29 Years of Burn Recovery 12:18 The Mentor Who Changed Everything 13:33 Learning to Adapt 14:51 Becoming a Firefighter 17:34 You Don't Have to Be Strong 19:34 Victim → Survivor → Thriver 20:54 Pain, Recovery & Addiction Risk 23:50 The Impact of Bullying 25:05 Changing His Self-Image 28:42 Why Terry Became a Firefighter 31:13 Passing the Fire Academy 35:31 Showing Kids What's Possible 37:23 A Loss That Led to Depression 39:50 Identity Loss 43:01 Finding Color Through Art 45:46 Living With Visible Trauma 48:02 Childhood vs. Adult Trauma 51:14 Learning to Accept Help 54:36 Stoicism & Your Mind 55:42 Appreciating Life Differently 57:03 Finding Peace 58:57 The Practice of Gratitude 64:05 Terry's Work Today 66:10 The Impact of Bullying 69:03 Fall in Love With Yourself ABOUT THE SHOW Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the ways we find our way forward when life gets messy. We believe one thing: we all have a Sh!t Creek story, and this is where you get to hear them. Follow Sh!t Creek Survivors: Facebook: SHT Creek Survivors Instagram: SHT Creek Survivors YouTube: SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS Website: www.shitcreeksurvivors.com Email: shitcreeksurvivorspodcast@gmail.com Listen, follow, subscribe, and share the show with someone who could use a little help finding their way forward.

  2. Aug 11

    From Trauma to Momentum: One Small Rep at a Time | This Week's Sh!t Creek

    What if getting your life back on track worked a lot like getting stronger in the gym? Each rep can be painful. Each rep can be uncomfortable. But each rep can also make you stronger. In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam sits down with musician, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong fitness enthusiast Ben Barbic to talk about childhood trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, addiction, recovery, resilience, and rebuilding your life through small, consistent actions. Ben shares how losing his family's business and home as a child shaped his life, how buried emotions followed him into adulthood, and how anxiety, panic, drinking, legal trouble, and destructive habits eventually left him searching for a way forward. A turning point came on Ben's 28th birthday, when he came home from jail and heard a message from his son and girlfriend on a teddy bear. That moment forced him to confront the life he was living and begin rebuilding it. Therapy, meditation, fitness, running, school, music, writing, and fatherhood became part of that rebuild. But Ben discovered something important: you don't change your life in one giant moment. You put in the reps. One conversation. One workout. One page. One meditation. One decision to try again. Each rep starts to create momentum. Cam and Ben discuss trauma recovery, anxiety, self-criticism, personal responsibility, overcoming adversity, resilience, and why setbacks don't have to define the rest of your story. If you're stuck or struggling to get your life moving in the right direction, this conversation offers a simple place to start: Find your next rep. And do it. ABOUT BEN BARBIC Ben Barbic is a musician, recording artist, author, entrepreneur, and lifelong fitness enthusiast. His memoir, Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through Pain, tells the story of rebuilding a life through music, discipline, and fatherhood after years of loss, panic, and personal collapse. Ben narrates the audiobook himself and weaves original music throughout the story. The Rise & Climb soundtrack album is scheduled for release October 15, 2026. CONNECT WITH BEN Website: www.risenclimb.comX: www.x.com/benbarbicInstagram: www.instagram.com/benbarbicSpotify: Ben BarbicBook: Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through Pain CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction00:57 Who Ben Is Today01:53 Finding the Origin of His Sh!t Creek02:23 Losing the Family Business and Home03:07 Discovering Music as an Escape03:37 Earthquake, Panic, and Anxiety04:36 Learning Not to Trust Safety05:43 When Trauma Feels Normal06:58 Burying Emotions09:00 From Surviving to Wanting More10:27 Shame and Legal Trouble12:16 Therapy13:44 Meditation14:43 Building Small Habits15:34 Creating Momentum17:35 Training the Mind Like a Muscle18:50 The Power of Small Reps21:02 Writing the Book One Paragraph at a Time23:46 Losing His Way in His Twenties24:24 Jail on His 28th Birthday25:27 The Teddy Bear Message26:22 Rebuilding His Life27:21 School, Therapy, Fitness, and Music28:15 Why Setbacks Don't Define You29:15 Building Multiple Pillars32:47 Learning Self-Love34:14 Breaking the Self-Criticism Loop37:36 His Last Panic Attack39:44 Talking About Pain41:25 Turning Hard Years Into Education45:25 Advice for Someone Still in the Mud48:04 Taking Initiative49:29 Finding Rise & Climb ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS We believe one thing: everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. The good news is, no one has to stay there. Every week, we share real stories, real paddles, and real hope for finding your way through. Listen, follow, and join us as we figure out how to keep paddling.

  3. Aug 4

    Why Stress Hits Differently as You Get Older | This Week’s Sh!t Creek

    Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. This week on Sh!t Creek Survivors, Jacqueline Pendleton shares her story and what she's learned about getting through stress, major life changes, and difficult seasons in your 40s and beyond. Jacqueline is a Health and Fitness Coach with more than 38 years of experience, specializing in helping women in their 40s, 50s and beyond rebuild strength, stability and mobility from the inside out. She's the creator of the Full Body Renovation Method, focusing on the inner core and the connection between stress, movement, posture and overall well-being. Jacqueline explains how stress affects the body physically and emotionally, why stress can build over time, and how the stories we tell ourselves can influence how we experience difficult seasons. We talk about resilience, personal responsibility, humor, faith, gratitude, self-care, community and taking overwhelming problems one step at a time. Jacqueline also shares her journey as a "do-over queen" and why starting over doesn't mean you've failed. Sometimes, starting over is how we discover our strength. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s or beyond, or simply navigating a difficult season, this conversation offers practical insight, perspective and hope. IN THIS EPISODE: How stress affects the body Why stress can hit differently after 40 The cumulative impact of stress Changing your personal narrative Self-image and physical well-being Personal responsibility and manageable goals Humor and laughter during difficult seasons Gratitude, faith and community Practical tools for managing stress Jacqueline's "do-over queen" journey Navigating major life transitions Finding purpose, connection and resilience ABOUT JACQUELINE PENDLETON: Jacqueline Pendleton is a Health and Fitness Coach with more than 38 years of experience helping women in their 40s, 50s and beyond rebuild strength, stability and mobility from the inside out. She's the creator of the Full Body Renovation Method and is known for making complex topics about stress, movement and the body easy to understand and apply. After navigating her own experiences with injury, stress and burnout, Jacqueline developed a practical approach to helping people understand their bodies rather than fight against them. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Jacqueline’s Background 00:16 - How Stress Impacts Physical Health 02:11 - Humor & Difficult Seasons 04:32 - Your Body’s Response to Stress 05:07 - The Cumulative Impact of Stress 07:12 - The Importance of Education 09:45 - Changing the Narrative 10:36 - Feelings, Self-Image & Well-Being 12:02 - Gratitude, Community & Faith 13:23 - Taking Responsibility 15:14 - Breaking Problems Into Manageable Steps 16:45 - The Power of Laughter 18:49 - Responding With Patience 21:09 - Recognizing Stress & Finding Support 22:02 - Creative Ways to Reduce Stress 24:02 - Empowering Others & Finding Purpose 26:34 - Building Support Networks 29:35 - Connection & Community 31:18 - Practical Self-Care & Stress Reduction 33:36 - Navigating Life Transitions 35:49 - Finding Humor 39:27 - The Spiritual Side of Resilience 41:29 - Lessons From the Journey 44:48 - Faith & Gratitude 47:35 - Community, Compassion & Resilience ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS: Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. We share real stories of people who found themselves stuck up shit creek, the challenges they faced, the paddles that helped them through it, and the lessons they learned along the way. Because sometimes getting out of shit creek isn't about finding one giant solution. It's about finding your next paddle.

  4. Jul 28

    Doctor Gets Addicted to the Drugs He Illegally Prescribed Himself | This Week's Sh!t Creek

    Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. The good news is, no one has to stay there. In this powerful episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cameron sits down with Gary Hartman, a former periodontist who built a successful career helping others while privately struggling with anxiety, burnout, and feelings of not being enough. After a shoulder injury, prescription opioids became the beginning of a devastating battle. The dentist who prescribed medications to help patients eventually found himself addicted to the very drugs he once trusted. Gary's journey took him from professional success to losing his career, facing incarceration, and rebuilding his entire identity from the ground up. But this isn't just a story about addiction. It's a story about the hidden struggles behind success, the power of honesty, the importance of asking for help, and the possibility of finding purpose after losing everything. Gary shares how addiction can happen to anyone—regardless of their profession, accomplishments, or circumstances—and why recovery begins when we stop hiding our struggles and start reaching for help. If you or someone you love has struggled with addiction, burnout, shame, or feeling stuck in your own Sh!t Creek, this episode offers a message of hope: Your worst moment does not have to define your future. In This Episode: • Gary's journey from successful periodontist to addiction and recovery • The hidden pressure and stress behind professional success • Why high achievers often struggle silently • How prescription medication can become a dangerous path • Losing a career and facing incarceration • The emotional impact of addiction on family and identity • Why addiction does not discriminate • Breaking the stigma around asking for help • Rebuilding your life after losing everything • Finding purpose, gratitude, and hope in recovery Connect with Gary Hartman: Website: www.garyhartmanspeaks.com Location: Virginia Beach, VA, USA Gary Hartman is a speaker and recovery advocate sharing his story of addiction, resilience, recovery, and rebuilding life after profound personal and professional loss. Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Thank you for listening to Sh!t Creek Survivors. If this episode impacted you, please consider following the show, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may need hope today. Remember: Everyone has a Sh!t Creek story. The good news is, no one has to stay there. Episode Keywords: addiction recovery, opioid addiction, prescription drug addiction, dentist addiction, healthcare burnout, physician burnout, recovery story, sobriety, alcoholism recovery, mental health, resilience, second chances, redemption, overcoming addiction, life after addiction, incarceration recovery, purpose after loss, addiction podcast, recovery podcast, Sh!t Creek Survivors

  5. Jul 21

    The Hidden Struggle of Caregivers (And How to Avoid Burnout) | This Week's Sh!t Creek

    Welcome back to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: We all have a Sh!t Creek story. It’s that moment when life gets overwhelming, the current gets stronger, and you find yourself wondering how you’re going to make it through. But every survivor finds a paddle. Sometimes it’s faith.Sometimes it’s family.Sometimes it’s community.Sometimes it’s learning from someone who has already survived the waters you’re facing. This week’s Sh!t Creek story explores the hidden struggle of caregiving and the emotional weight carried by millions of caregivers around the world. Caring for someone you love can be one of the most meaningful experiences in life, but it can also bring exhaustion, stress, isolation, and caregiver burnout. Many caregivers spend so much time supporting others that they forget they need support too. In this episode, Cameron sits down with Debbie Compton, caregiver advocate, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Purple Vine. After leaving her corporate career to care for multiple loved ones through dementia journeys, Debbie experienced firsthand the challenges that many family caregivers quietly face—decision fatigue, emotional exhaustion, changing family dynamics, and the constant pressure of trying to do everything right. Debbie shares how she turned her own caregiving journey into a mission to help others through education, advocacy, practical resources, faith, humor, and community. In this episode, we discuss: The emotional and physical toll of caregivingRecognizing and preventing caregiver burnoutThe challenges of dementia careSupporting family members through difficult health journeysWhy caregivers often struggle in silenceHow education and resources empower caregiversThe importance of self-care and asking for helpFinding hope through faith, humor, and communityHow personal struggles can become a mission to help othersIf you are caring for a parent, spouse, family member, or friend—or know someone who is—this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone. The person caring for everyone else deserves care too. Connect with Debbie Compton and learn more about caregiver resources:ThePurpleVine.com About Debbie Compton: Debbie Compton is a caregiver advocate, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Purple Vine. After stepping away from her corporate career to care for her father, mother, and mother-in-law through their dementia journeys, Debbie transformed her personal caregiving experience into a mission to educate and support caregivers around the world. Through her books, speaking, and caregiver resources, Debbie helps families navigate the challenges of caregiving while preventing burnout and finding strength through resilience, connection, and hope. About Sh!t Creek Survivors: Sh!t Creek Survivors shares real stories of people who found themselves facing impossible situations and the paddles that helped them survive. Every person has a Sh!t Creek story. Through conversations about trauma, resilience, mental health, faith, recovery, and overcoming adversity, we share stories of survival and hope for anyone currently stuck in their own storm. Subscribe and join a community of survivors learning how to keep paddling. Episode Keywords: caregiver burnout, caregiving, dementia care, dementia caregiver, Alzheimer's caregiver, family caregiver, caregiver support, caregiver advocacy, aging parents, senior care, mental health, resilience, overcoming adversity, self care, caregiver resources, family caregiving, inspirational stories, survivor stories, Sh!t Creek Survivors podcast

  6. Jul 14

    A Modern Day Testimony: If You Feel Alone, God Is Still There | Kevin Erisman

    We all have a Sh!t Creek story. Every person faces moments in life where they feel overwhelmed, broken, or wonder if they'll ever find their way forward. This week's Sh!t Creek story is Kevin Erisman's. Kevin's journey is a powerful modern-day Christian testimony of redemption, hope, and discovering that God never abandoned him—even in his darkest moments. Growing up with childhood trauma, Kevin searched for purpose while battling addiction, broken relationships, and hopelessness. As his life spiraled deeper into darkness, he eventually reached the point where he believed there was no way out. But what Kevin discovered changed everything. God was still there. Through surrendering his life to Jesus Christ, Kevin found freedom from addiction, healing from his past, and a new purpose that continues to impact others today. This episode isn't just about Kevin's story. It's about anyone who has ever questioned where God is during suffering. It's about discovering that our hardest seasons are often the very places where God is shaping us, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for what comes next. In this episode, we discuss: • Childhood trauma and its lasting impact • Addiction, brokenness, and hopelessness • Finding Jesus Christ through surrender • How God uses suffering for growth • Breaking generational patterns • Faith during life's darkest moments • Trusting God's timing • Forgiveness, healing, and purpose • Discovering your identity in Christ If you feel alone today... This conversation is for you. Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different... No one has to paddle alone. About Kevin Erisman: Kevin Erisman shares his powerful testimony of faith, redemption, and recovery to encourage others that no one is beyond God's grace. Through his journey of overcoming addiction, trauma, and hopelessness, Kevin reminds people that Jesus Christ still transforms lives today. His story is a powerful reminder that God is present even in our darkest moments and can use our greatest struggles for His purpose. About Sh!t Creek Survivors: Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the paddles that helped them find their way through. We believe one thing: We all have a Sh!t Creek story. Every episode shares someone's darkest season, the tools that helped them overcome it, and hope for anyone navigating their own challenges. Our mission is simple: Share stories. Share hope. Share the paddles. Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different... No one has to paddle alone. New episodes every Tuesday. Connect with Sh!t Creek Survivors: Website:https://www.shitcreeksurvivors.com YouTube:Sh!t Creek Survivors Facebook:@shitcreeksurvivors Instagram:@shitcreeksurvivors Email:shitcreeksurvivorspodcast@gmail.com Episode keywords: Christian testimony, modern day testimony, Kevin Erisman, Jesus Christ, faith, addiction recovery, redemption, Christian podcast, trauma recovery, childhood trauma, surrender to God, spiritual transformation, hope, healing, forgiveness, purpose, overcoming adversity, faith in difficult times, God is still there, inspirational podcast

  7. Jul 7

    This Week's Sh!t Creek Story: Mickey's Kidney Failure Battle & Fighting to Be Heard

    We all have a Sh!t Creek story. Every person faces moments in life where they find themselves overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how they will move forward. This week's Sh!t Creek story is Mickey Griffin's. After years of successfully managing Type 1 diabetes, Mickey's life changed when both of her kidneys failed during the COVID era. What followed was a life-changing battle involving dialysis, septic shock, strokes, seizures, multiple hospitalizations, and the emotional toll of feeling unheard by the healthcare system. Mickey found herself fighting two battles: The battle to survive... And the battle to be seen, heard, and understood. Instead of giving up, Mickey became her own advocate. She questioned, researched, sought second opinions, and fought for doctors who saw her as a person—not just a diagnosis. That fight eventually led to open heart surgery, a kidney transplant, a pancreas transplant, and a second chance at life. But Mickey's story is about much more than medical survival. It's about resilience. It's about learning how to move from anger and fear toward gratitude and peace. It's about understanding how trauma can put us into survival mode—and how we can learn to rebuild our lives after the fight. Today, Mickey is a motivational speaker, coach, and advocate helping others build mental resilience, improve communication, and become stronger advocates for themselves. In this episode, Mickey shares the paddles that helped her navigate her own Sh!t Creek: Self-advocacyEmotional awarenessLetting go of resentmentBuilding resilienceChoosing hope when life feels impossibleBecause while every Sh!t Creek looks different... No one has to paddle alone. ABOUT THE GUEST: Mickey Griffin is a motivational speaker, coach, and advocate focused on mental resilience, communication, and self-advocacy. After surviving kidney failure, strokes, major surgeries, and a double transplant journey, Mickey transformed her experience into a mission to help others recognize their own strength and learn to advocate for themselves. Connect with Mickey: Website:https://mickey-speaks.com Instagram/TikTok:@mickeygriffin_ Community:Mentally Unfuckwithable https://www.skool.com/mentally-unfuckwithable/about Mickey's community provides coaching, group discussions, and tools to help people build resilience and navigate personal challenges. ABOUT SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS: Sh!t Creek Survivors is a podcast about real people, real struggles, and the paddles that helped them find their way through. We believe: We all have a Sh!t Creek story. Every episode shares the journey of someone who faced a difficult season of life and the lessons, tools, mindset shifts, and support systems that helped them move forward. Our mission is simple: Share stories. Share hope. Share the paddles. Because while every Sh!t Creek looks different... No one has to paddle alone. New episodes every Tuesday. Connect with Sh!t Creek Survivors: Website:https://www.shitcreeksurvivors.com Facebook:Sh!t Creek Survivors Instagram:@shitcreeksurvivors Email:shitcreeksurvivorspodcast@gmail.com EPISODE KEYWORDS: kidney failure, kidney transplant, pancreas transplant, dialysis, type 1 diabetes, patient advocacy, healthcare advocacy, medical trauma, stroke recovery, resilience, mental resilience, overcoming adversity, motivational speaker, survivor story, trauma recovery, emotional healing, personal growth, hope, inspirational podcast

  8. Jun 30

    What Is a Gold Star Family? Their Story Deserves to Be Heard | Anthony Price

    Most Americans have heard the term Gold Star Family, but few truly understand what it means—or the lifelong sacrifice these families carry. In this moving episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS, Navy veteran Anthony Price shares his own journey through personal tragedy and how it led him to a life dedicated to serving Gold Star families across America. After enduring the heartbreaking loss of custody of his children, Anthony found healing by helping others. Today, through the Gold Star Ride Foundation, he rides his motorcycle across the country honoring the parents, spouses, siblings, and children of military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Anthony shares unforgettable stories from the road, explains the meaning behind the Gold Star designation, and reminds us that these families live in communities all around us. This conversation explores resilience, grief, healing, service, and the enduring impact of sacrifice. Whether you're a veteran, have a loved one who served, or simply want to better understand the true cost of freedom, this episode offers an inspiring perspective on finding purpose after pain. • What defines a Gold Star Family • Anthony's Navy service during Desert Storm • Losing custody of his children and rebuilding his life • Finding purpose through serving others • The mission of the Gold Star Ride Foundation • Powerful stories from Gold Star families across America • The importance of honoring our fallen heroes beyond Memorial Day and the Fourth of July • Practical ways anyone can support Gold Star families Anthony Price is a U.S. Navy veteran and the founder of the Gold Star Ride Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America's fallen service members and supporting their families through remembrance rides, community outreach, and acts of service. 🌐 Gold Star Ride Foundationhttps://www.goldstarride.org 📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/goldstarride2017 ▶️ YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSy-IjEMmZBSJ0shyPOr8GA ✖️ Xhttps://x.com/goldstarride 📰 CBS News Featurehttps://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-veteran-gold-star-families-motorcycle/ Everyone ends up in a "Sh!t Creek" at some point in life. Each week, host Cameron McKay sits down with survivors who have faced life's toughest challenges, exploring the paddles that helped them find hope, healing, and resilience. Through authentic conversations, listeners discover practical tools for overcoming adversity and inspiration for navigating their own difficult seasons. New episodes every Tuesday.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a shit creek story. Welcome to Sh!t Creek Survivors, where we believe one thing: we all have a shit creek story. We share real stories of people getting stuck up shit creek, the paddles that got them out, and hope for anyone stuck in their own shit creek right now. Through stories of resilience, recovery, setbacks, second chances, and the tools that help us keep paddling, we remind you that even when life gets messy, there’s a way forward. Real stories. Real resilience. Real hope.