Overcoming Anything

Anne Vryonides
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Real people. Real struggles. Real comebacks.   Overcoming Anything is your Google of Hope, Inspiration and Resilience— real life stories with those who’ve faced the unthinkable and turned it into their greatest strength. If you’re in the middle of your own storm — or just need proof that there’s life after the worst day of your life — this is your reminder: No matter what you’re going through, you are not alone. You can rise again.  And you can overcome anything. 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday.

  1. Overcoming PTSD & Anxiety with Mark Blacknell

    2D AGO

    Overcoming PTSD & Anxiety with Mark Blacknell

    Episode 020 — Overcoming Depression, Anxiety & Emotional Trauma with Mark Blacknell When depression and anxiety become your identity, it can feel like there’s no way out—only survival. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Mark Blacknell, a former Marine who grew up in working-class Philadelphia, served time in jail, and fought through severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Today, Mark supports death row inmates and senior citizens in nursing homes, and shares a grounded, no-fluff approach to healing: stop, address it, get support, and build a daily practice—one moment at a time. Mark Blacknell is a former Marine and meditation practitioner ordained in the Soto Zen tradition. After years of living with severe anxiety and depression, Mark’s message is simple and powerful: healing starts when you stop running, address what’s happening, and practice—one step at a time. 3 Key Takeaways • You can acknowledge mental illness without shame—and that honesty can be the beginning of healing  • Recovery is practical: stop, address it, resist the “escape routes,” and use available resources  • Meditation doesn’t require perfection—just the commitment to “sit on the mat” consistently Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & introduction 03:10 — “One step at a time” and practicing presence 06:30 — Naming mental illness without shame 10:40 — How anxiety and depression hijack the body and identity 15:20 — Rock bottom, suicidal thoughts, and not giving up 20:30 — Leaving everything behind and traveling to Israel (turning point) 27:10 — Meditation retreats, Zen, and the power of daily practice 35:40 — How meditation helps death row inmates and seniors 41:30 — What to do when anxiety shows up in your body 47:10 — Practical guidance: stop, get help, and don’t complicate it 54:20 — Where to connect with Mark + Kashi ashram Links & Resources Mark’s Website: https://www.stareatthewall.org/ Kashi Ashram (Retreat / Community): https://www.kashi.org/ Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: https://a.co/d/1Uug04F   Immediate Support & Crisis Lines 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free & confidential) SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (treatment referral & information) Finding Treatment & Providers Find mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities, https://findtreatment.gov/ Find support, understand common questions, connect with professionals, https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Mark Blacknell    Disclaimer The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, treatment, or medical care. If you are in crisis, call/text 988 or seek emergency support immediately. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most.  ❤️ Anne #OvercomingAnything #OvercomingAnythingPodcast #AnneVryonides #Podcast #PodcastLife #MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionSupport #AnxietyRelief #PTSDRecovery #TraumaHealing #HealingJourney #NervousSystemHealing #MeditationPractice #Mindfulness #SelfCompassion #RecoveryIsPossible #EndTheStigma #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #ResilienceStories #PersonalGrowthJourney #PodcastDiscovery #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts #NewEpisode #PodcastGrowth

    36 min
  2. Overcoming AI Resistance with Al Kushner

    DEC 16

    Overcoming AI Resistance with Al Kushner

    Episode 019 — Overcoming AI Resistance with Al Kuschner AI can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and even threatening—especially if you don’t come from a technical background. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Al Kushner, a thought leader, award-winning author, and innovator in AI-driven personal branding, to explore how anyone can overcome resistance to AI and use it as a powerful ally instead of a threat. Al shares how he went from navigating steep learning curves to becoming an AI authority—building his own AI “board of advisors” and using AI agents to save time, grow his business, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. About Al Kushner Al Kushner is the author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage and host of The AI Authority Edge podcast. He helps professionals and entrepreneurs leverage AI authentically—without losing their voice—to build influence, visibility, and competitive advantage. 3 Key Takeaways • AI won’t replace you—people who know AI will • Authenticity matters more than automation • Small daily habits beat perfection when learning new technology Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & introduction 04:20 — Procrastination and building daily habits 09:30 — The biggest challenges learning AI 15:10 — Staying authentic while using AI 22:40 — Creating AI agents as advisors 30:15 — Using multiple AI platforms strategically 38:00 — AI for business, marketing, and claims disputes 46:30 — Beginner steps for AI-resistant professionals 54:10 — Recommended tools, podcasts, and books Links & Resources Website: https://www.alkushner.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alkushner Podcast: The AI Authority Edge Books Mentioned (Amazon Links) The AI LinkedIn Advantage by Al Kushner, https://a.co/d/6TwuKG7 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, https://a.co/d/7P4Xl7i Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Al Kushner Disclaimer The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional business, legal, or technical advice. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most.  ❤️ Anne

    19 min
  3. Overcoming & Releasing Trapped Souls with Father Nathan Castle

    DEC 9

    Overcoming & Releasing Trapped Souls with Father Nathan Castle

    Episode 018 — Overcoming Traumatic Death with Father Nathan Castle, O.P. What if some souls get “stuck” after traumatic deaths? In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Father Nathan Castle,  a Dominican priest who has spent more than 25 years helping over 500 souls who died suddenly—through accidents, suicides, overdoses, and other traumas—adjust to life after death. These souls come to him in dreams seeking healing for what he calls Interrupted Death Experiences. This episode explores what happens after sudden death, why some souls struggle to transition, and how healing continues beyond the physical world. About Father Nathan Castle For more than 25 years, Dominican priest Father Nathan Castle, O.P., has helped hundreds of souls who died suddenly find peace and move forward after death. These spirits visit him in dreams, seeking understanding and closure. He is the author of Afterlife, Interrupted (Books 1 & 2) and teaches worldwide about healing, forgiveness, and spiritual transition. 3 Key Takeaways • Healing continues after death — unresolved trauma doesn’t end with the body. • Inner work matters now — honesty, self-awareness, and emotional clearing help both the living and the departed. • Love is the bridge — compassion and forgiveness guide all souls toward peace. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & introduction 04:10 — What is an Interrupted Death Experience™? 09:30 — How Father Nathan began receiving souls in dreams 15:20 — Why traumatic deaths create disorientation 22:45 — The role of forgiveness after death 30:00 — Stories of souls who needed help crossing 38:50 — What these experiences teach the living 47:15 — How to begin your own inner spiritual work 53:00 — Where to connect with Father Nathan Connect with Father Nathan Castle Website: https://www.fathernathancastle.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathernathancastle YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FatherNathanCastle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatherNathanCastle Books Afterlife, Interrupted (Book 1), Father Natan Castle —  https://a.co/d/aj6dsJ2 Afterlife, Interrupted II (Book 2) — https://a.co/d/9LX2J2K Afterlife, Interrupted III  (Book 3) — https://a.co/d/8qMgY8v Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Father Nathan Castle, O.P. Disclaimer The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional spiritual, medical, or mental-health advice. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most.  ❤️ Anne  #OvercomingAnything #AnneVryonides #PodcastShow #PodcastLife #SpiritualPodcast #HealingPodcast #TraumaHealing #AfterlifeInterrupted #FatherNathanCastle #LifeAfterDeath #SpiritualityCommunity #PersonalGrowthJourney #ResilienceStories #InspirationDaily #TransformationJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SpiritualAwakening #EmotionalHealing #PodcastRecommendations #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts #NewPodcastEpisode #PodcastForGrowth #PodcastMovement #PodcastDiscovery

    36 min
  4. Overcoming Procrastination with Barbara Stone

    DEC 2

    Overcoming Procrastination with Barbara Stone

    Episode 017: Overcoming Procrastination with Barbara Stone What if procrastination isn’t a bad habit… but a signal? A sign that something deeper needs attention—clarity, courage, or permission to become who you really are. In this episode of Overcoming Anything, we explore the emotional, mental, and practical layers of procrastination and how to finally move through them with intention. Barb Stone’s path to “success” wasn’t linear. After 20+ years in senior leadership, she realized she was living someone else’s definition of success—and began studying resilience, positive psychology, and coaching. Today she’s a leadership development coach, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author who helps people redefine success on their own terms and create lives that actually feel aligned. Key Takeaways Why procrastination is rarely about time—and almost always about fear, clarity, or identityHow to build structure, routines, and momentum when you feel stuckThe simple 4-step morning routine that helps you beat procrastination before the day even startsTimestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Barb’s mantra: “Grasp the nettle”03:55 – Success on paper, unfulfilled inside10:30 – The calling that became impossible to ignore17:45 – How curiosity helped Barb push through fear and procrastination24:20 – Creating structure when your calendar suddenly opens up31:50 – The 4 steps to starting your day with intention40:15 – Advice for new entrepreneurs and anyone stuck at the screen46:00 – What Barb learned about herself on the journeyConnect with Barbara Website: barbstone.me   Recommended Resources So Much to Drool About by Barbara Stone, https://a.co/d/7yDuzACThe Generous Exchange by Maria Sirois, https://a.co/d/0hWL70uThe Practice by Seth Godin, https://a.co/d/eX8ZNELThe Bigger Game by Rick Tamlyn, https://a.co/d/3PoXNxRIf you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who’s struggling with procrastination and needs tools—not judgment—to move forward. Your shares, follows, and reviews help this show reach the people who need it most. Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Barbara Stone Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional, medical, psychological, or financial advice. The views and opinions of guests are their own and do not reflect those of the host or the Overcoming Anything podcast. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most. ❤️ Anne

    32 min
  5. Overcoming A Toxic Family with Carolina Bracco

    NOV 25

    Overcoming A Toxic Family with Carolina Bracco

    Episode 016 — Overcoming a Toxic Family with Carolina Bracco What happens when the people meant to love and protect you are the ones who cause the deepest wounds?  In this episode of Overcoming Anything, host Anne Vryonides sits down with Carolina Bracco, a licensed mental health therapist who helps adult children of dysfunctional families heal from childhood trauma. Carolina shares her story of growing up in a toxic household—the pain of emotional neglect and control—and how she learned to reclaim her power, peace, and identity through boundaries, inner-child work, and therapy. Carolina is a Colorado-based therapist specializing in helping adult children of dysfunctional families set healthy boundaries, overcome guilt, and address the lasting effects of narcissistic parenting. Through online therapy, EMDR, inner-child work, and workshops, she empowers adults to break generational patterns and live authentically. Episode Breakdown  00:00 – Welcome & introduction  04:30 – What defines a dysfunctional family  10:10 – The emotional cost of gaslighting & scapegoating  16:40 – Breaking free and finding independence  22:00 – The healing power of spirituality & therapy  30:00 – Inner-child work and re-parenting yourself  37:15 – Setting boundaries with toxic family members  44:00 – How to rebuild trust and find healthy community  50:00 – Carolina’s advice for those still in toxic family systems Key Takeaways You’re not powerless anymore: healing begins when you recognize your strength as an adult.Boundaries are an act of love: protecting your peace isn’t punishment; it’s self-respect.You can re-parent yourself: give yourself the love, validation, and safety you never received.Books & Resources Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child by John Bradshaw — https://a.co/d/1SoM7zTGet Carolina’s free workbook Toxic Family DetoxIf you or someone you know is in crisis:  Call or text 988 (U.S.)Text the Crisis Line by: texting HOME to 741741 If immediate danger is present, call 911 or your local emergency numberConnect with Carolina Bracco  Website | Instagram | YouTube  ⚠️ Disclaimer The content in this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or medical care. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional for your unique situation. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most. ❤️ Anne

    23 min
  6. Overcoming Everesting with Clay Eschrich

    NOV 18

    Overcoming Everesting with Clay Eschrich

    Episode 15: Overcoming Everesting with Clay Eschrich What does it really take to keep going when your body is screaming to stop, the weather turns against you, and you’ve already been “tapped out” more than once? In this episode of Overcoming Anything, we explore what happens when you commit to something so hard it forces you to meet the strongest — and the weakest — parts of yourself. Clay Eschrich grew up in Ten Sleep, Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, later becoming a science teacher, coach, and eventually a senior leader in the financial services industry. He is now Senior VP and part owner at Impact Partnership, and has attempted the 29029 Everesting challenge six times, finishing it three. Key Takeaways Why Everesting (29029) is one of the toughest endurance events in the worldHow Clay turned multiple “did not finish” attempts into lessons learned, growth, supporting peers, and resilienceThe mindset shift of “don’t let your pain have a voice” and how doing hard things transforms every area of your lifeTimestamps 00:00 – Intro & Clay’s mantra: “Don’t let your pain have a voice” 04:45 – What 29029 Everesting is (and what it isn’t) 11:30 – Early attempts, getting tapped out, and lessons learned 20:40 – Losing 50 pounds and rebuilding health at age 60 28:55 – Whistler: going out too fast + nutrition mistakes 36:10 – Mont Tremblant redemption: pacing, strategy, and finishing 44:30 – How doing hard things builds grit, leadership, and identity 52:20 – Clay’s advice for facing your own “mountain” Connect with Clay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-eschrich-a6055276/  Recommended Resources 29, 2029 Everest, https://29029everesting.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8f1fuv1yx-GlXZNuW6U6sSff33uJdvG5fJm2DknRHY09HbNdrThe 12-Hour Walk by Colin O’Brady, https://a.co/d/7XTgVME75 Hard, https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info?srsltid=AfmBOorOSdrJwM64XXo8XFl25vAePDyAkXTszdV8vGzozQNdpXNTKaU8Chad Wright’s “3 of 7” podcast, https://www.3of7project.com/podcastIf you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who needs encouragement, grit, or a reminder of what’s possible when you decide to do something hard on purpose. Your shares and reviews help this show reach the people who need these stories most. Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: Clay Eschrich Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and not a substitute for professional, medical, or psychological advice. The views of each guest are their own. Please rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most.  ❤️ Anne

    35 min
  7. Overcoming Stuck Energy at Home with Feng Shui — with Kimberley Gallagher

    NOV 11

    Overcoming Stuck Energy at Home with Feng Shui — with Kimberley Gallagher

    Episode 14: Overcoming Stuck Energy at Home with Feng Shui — with Kimberley Gallagher In this enlightening episode of Overcoming Anything, we sit down with Kimberley Gallagher, founder of The Feng Shui Flow and a globally respected Feng Shui expert who bridges the gap between traditional Feng Shui and modern living. From her own turning point during lockdown to becoming the resident Feng Shui expert on ITV’s This Morning and Australia’s The Morning Show, Kimberley shares how the energy in your home may be the missing link in your manifestation, well-being, relationships, and success—and how simple, practical shifts can help you create a calm, supportive, and abundant space. Kimberley helps individuals and businesses around the world create calm, supportive, and abundant environments—whether at home or at work. Her work has attracted international recognition, with Feng Shui embraced not only by her clients but also by global brands, celebrities, and leading designers. In November 2025, she will publish her debut book The Calm and Happy Home with one of the world’s largest publishing houses. Splitting her time between Australia’s Gold Coast and the UK, Kimberley is known for her professionalism, warmth, and depth of expertise—making ancient wisdom accessible, practical, and inspiring for today’s world. Episode Breakdown (Timestamps) 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Kimberley and The Feng Shui Flow 02:10 – “Expect the unexpected”: the mantra that guides her life 04:00 – What Feng Shui really is (acupuncture for your home, without the fluff) 08:10 – Lockdown, redundancy & how a podcast episode changed everything 13:20 – Why celebrities, luxury hotels & global brands quietly use Feng Shui 17:40 – Energy blueprints, the 5 elements & how homes hold our stories 21:55 – Feng Shui as the missing piece of the manifestation puzzle 26:30 – Real-life shifts: less stress, more connection, harmony at home 30:45 – How to start: front door, back door, clutter, pathways & flow 36:20 – Giving your home a personality & building a relationship with your space 40:10 – The 9 areas of your home & why the Southeast influences wealth 45:00 – Practical tips for tricky spaces (pantries, bathrooms, rentals & small areas) 49:15 – Client wins: sold homes, financial wins, opportunities, partners & ease 53:00 – Kimberley’s intention practice & how doors began to open globally 57:10 – Introducing The Calm and Happy Home & making Feng Shui accessible for everyone 01:00:00 – Final message: “You can change your life by changing the energy in your home” Key Takeaways 1. Your environment is not neutral – The energy in your home or office can keep you stuck in stress, scarcity, or disconnection—or support clarity, love, health, and opportunity. 2. Feng Shui is practical & modern – It’s about intentional design, flow, and energetics, not fear-based rules. Tiny, aligned changes can create big emotional and tangible shifts. 3. Clutter equals congestion – Blocked entryways, chaotic pantries, and stagnant corners can symbolically (and energetically) hold back money, creativity, and momentum. You’re allowed to ask your home for support – Treating your home as a living partner in your life—thanking it, tending to it, and aligning it with your vision—amplifies your manifestations. Books & Resources The Calm and Happy Home by Kimberley Gallagher — https://a.co/d/bEGI0nt The Feng Shui Flow Podcast — Kimberley’s show offering guidance, stories, and Q&As on Feng Shui and energetic alignment. Connect with Kimberley Instagram: @thefengshuiflow

    37 min
  8. Overcoming a Haunted House with D Paul

    NOV 4

    Overcoming a Haunted House with D Paul

    Episode 013: Overcoming a Haunted House with D Paul What if the darkness you felt wasn’t just paranormal—but energy drawn to your light? In this powerful and spine-tingling episode of Overcoming Anything, I sit down with D Paul, a Disabled U.S. Navy Veteran and Native American Holy Man, who has spent his life walking between two worlds: the physical and the spiritual. D Paul shares his journey of confronting poltergeists, demons, and dark entities—forces so powerful they’ve put his own life in danger. From growing up in an abusive home overshadowed by dark energy, to learning how to face fear through faith and understanding, his story reveals what it truly means to battle darkness and stand in the light. Rooted in both his Native American heritage and Christian faith, D Paul offers profound insights on energy, protection, and the importance of keeping your spirit strong. His message is not one of fear—but of empowerment, healing, and light. D Paul’s life is a living testament to resilience, purpose, and divine service. As a Heyoka, healer, and seer, he’s investigated and cleansed countless haunted homes, helping people release negative attachments, restore peace, and reclaim their power. His mantra:  💫 “Keep the faith. Keep moving forward.” Key Takeaways 1.     Darkness feeds on fear. Fear amplifies dark energy, but faith and courage dissolve it. 2.     Energy never dies—it transforms. Negative emotions can linger in spaces until they’re cleared or transmuted through light. 3.     Everyone can reclaim their power. Protection begins with intention, prayer, and standing firm in your own light. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & introduction 03:15 — D Paul’s journey from Navy veteran to Native American Holy Man 07:30 — Childhood encounters with darkness and the “woman on the stairs” 14:00 — Understanding the nature of dark energy vs. fear 20:10 — The difference between poltergeists, demons, and tricksters 26:45 — The turning point: realizing fear is fuel for darkness 33:20 — Overcoming trauma and understanding spiritual purpose 40:00 — How to protect yourself and your home from negative energies 48:15 — Spiritual armor: faith, intention, and daily protection rituals 55:30 — The healing power of light and divine connection 01:00:00 — D Paul’s books, mission, and message of hope Connect with D. Paul Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088886720840 X: @DPaulFleming442 Books & Resources by D Paul • Mysteries at the Windham Inn — Based on true supernatural events, https://a.co/d/7N1O4ME • A Date with Suicide — A powerful exploration of veteran trauma and survival, https://a.co/d/f1SbNz4 • 2,442 Steps to Crazy — A raw memoir of overcoming abuse and darkness, https://a.co/d/0wgjuv2 Credits Host: Anne Vryonides Guest: D Paul Disclaimer The content of this episode is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, therapy, or medical treatment. Please follow, download, and rate Overcoming Anything so this podcast can reach the people who need it most. ❤️ Anne Overcoming a Haunted House, D. Paul Fleming, Overcoming Anything podcast, haunted house stories, poltergeist, energy protection, dark energy, spiritual protection, Native American Holy Man, exorcism stories, paranormal healing, energy clearing, haunted property cleansing, overcoming fear, faith and light, hou

    39 min
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About

Real people. Real struggles. Real comebacks.   Overcoming Anything is your Google of Hope, Inspiration and Resilience— real life stories with those who’ve faced the unthinkable and turned it into their greatest strength. If you’re in the middle of your own storm — or just need proof that there’s life after the worst day of your life — this is your reminder: No matter what you’re going through, you are not alone. You can rise again.  And you can overcome anything. 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Anne Vryonides
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Overcoming Anything
  • Show Website
    Overcoming Anything

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