Out of the Blue - The Podcast: Finding the Way Forward

Vernon West
  • 0,0 (0)
  • SJÄLVHJÄLP

Out of the Blue-the Podcast features interviews with inspirational survivors of traumatic out of the blue events who have overcome unimaginable challenges, sharing their stories of resilience and triumph. By sharing these stories, "Out of the Blue" aims to create a community where others who have faced similar hardships can find solace and strength as together, we find the way forward.

  1. 16 SEP.

    When a Fall Becomes a Catalyst for Transformation with Betsy Hammer

    What happens when life knocks you down — literally — and leaves you bleeding and immobile on your kitchen floor? For Betsy Hammer, it became a profound lesson in composure, resilience, and gratitude. Betsy's fall from a stepladder could have ended tragically. Yet instead of panic, she exhibited remarkable presence of mind — reaching for her phone through sheer determination, coordinating her rescue, and even ensuring her dog's safety from broken glass. This composure was so striking that hospital staff initially underestimated her injury's severity until x-rays revealed her hip "hanging by a thread." Beyond this recent trauma, Betsy shares several transformative spiritual experiences that have shaped her outlook — from childhood visions of what she believed was a soul, to powerful divine encounters that left her with unshakable faith. As a professional actress who has worked with Adam Sandler and performed on Broadway, Betsy's creative journey has been marked by these "out of the blue" moments that confirmed her path. The accident has changed Betsy in unexpected ways — slowing her physically while expanding her capacity for empathy and gratitude. She introduces listeners to her practice of "gratitude hums," a technique combining vocal vibrations with gratitude meditation that anyone can use to cultivate positivity. Most touchingly, she shares her belief that we all possess "angelic souls" that flourish when nourished with kindness and positivity. Betsy's story reminds us that life's unexpected challenges often reveal our true strength. By approaching difficulties with grace and presence, we might discover profound gifts waiting on the other side of adversity. For more on Betsy Hammer: https://betsyhammer.com/ Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    52 min

  2. 3 SEP.

    Life After 9/11: A Firefighter's Journey

    Joseph Bonanno was minutes away from death the morning of September 11, 2001. As a New York City firefighter and cookbook author, he had just wrapped up filming a segment for television at Ladder 3 in Manhattan when fate intervened—a car service arrived early to take him home. The firefighters he'd just been with immediately responded to the World Trade Center attacks. None survived. That brush with mortality transformed Bonanno's life forever. A second-generation firefighter who followed his father's footsteps, Joe had already found unexpected success as an author after being discovered in a casual writing class. But 9/11 reshaped his understanding of purpose and pain in ways no one could anticipate. With heartbreaking candor, he recounts not only the horrors of Ground Zero but also the profound grief of losing his brother, also a firefighter, to suicide years later. What emerges is a powerful testament to resilience and the healing power of service. Today, Bonanno uses his experiences to counsel fellow first responders dealing with PTSD and suicidal thoughts. His insights into recognizing warning signs—particularly when someone loses their sense of humor—provide vital guidance for supporting those in crisis. "We're all going to leave this life sooner or later anyway," Bonanno reflects. "What's the rush?" This simple yet profound philosophy encapsulates his approach to both personal healing and helping others find their way through darkness. American Firehouse Cuisine: https://americanfirehousecuisine.com Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance: https://www.ffbha.org Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    55 min

  3. 19 AUG.

    Healing the Trauma That Shapes Us with Dr. Marti Loring

    What if the anxiety, irritability, or sleepless nights you're experiencing aren't just "normal stress," but signs of trauma you're carrying? In this profound conversation with trauma expert Dr. Marti Loring, we uncover how trauma shapes our lives in ways most people never recognize. Dr. Loring, a pioneering voice in trauma research and author of "Emotional Abuse: The Trauma and Treatment," shatters common misconceptions about trauma, revealing it's not just for war veterans or disaster survivors—it's something we all experience to varying degrees. "Trauma has often been called a normal reaction to an abnormal situation," she explains, offering listeners permission to recognize their struggles without shame. The discussion takes unexpected turns as we explore how trauma manifests through hyper-vigilance, emotional numbing, avoidance, and even physical symptoms. Dr. Loring addresses how today's non-stop news cycle and pandemic experiences have created collective trauma, leaving many feeling helpless and disconnected from themselves. But rather than leaving listeners in despair, she offers practical, actionable strategies for reclaiming power: selectively engaging with causes that matter to you, finding community through in-person connections, and taking meaningful action. Perhaps most touching is Dr. Loring's emphasis on self-kindness as the foundation for healing. "Be kind to yourself," becomes the mantra of our conversation—a simple yet profound reminder that healing begins with compassion for our own struggles. She provides listeners with a practical self-assessment checklist and encourages professional support through therapy or counseling. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by world events, or simply seeking to understand yourself better, this episode offers both validation and hope. Finding meaning through helping others can transform trauma into purpose, and connection—to ourselves and each other—might be our most powerful medicine in troubled times. Trauma Self-Assessment Checklist: How anxious are you and how often?How are you getting along with other people?Are you irritable or distrustful?Do you find yourself having trouble sleeping? Do you tend to react in an anxious way to other things? Are you feeling depressed and hopeless and helpless? Do you have so little energy? Do you have flashbacks to things in the past?Do thoughts and images intrude into your thinking so it’s hard to concentrate?Do you forget or ‘tune out’ on parts of your life, unable to remember?Contact Dr. Marti Loring: mloring@earthlink.net Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    48 min

  4. 5 AUG.

    The Psychedelic Path with Louis Dorian

    What if the universe is trying to become aware of itself through your experiences? What if your most devastating loss could become the doorway to profound transformation? Louis Dorian's story will stop you in your tracks. After his partner's accidental opioid overdose, Louis spiraled into grief and heavy drinking. But something unexpected emerged from this darkness – insights that would transform his understanding of consciousness, trauma, and healing. This conversation goes far beyond typical discussions of psychedelics and mental health. Louis shares how he developed his "eight root fundamentals" of growth after discovering that many of our deepest struggles stem not from our thoughts, but from the automated beliefs anchoring those thoughts. He challenges our society's obsession with thinking, explaining how our Default Mind Network (DMN) operates like computer software – often with contradictory programming that creates suffering. "True love never seeks reciprocation," Louis explains, describing how his relationship with his partner taught him that love is maintained regardless of how the other person responds. This perspective asks us to take radical responsibility for our reactions rather than blaming others for our pain. Whether you're curious about psychedelics, struggling with grief, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of consciousness, this episode offers a roadmap for transforming pain into wisdom. Louis's journey reminds us that sometimes our most profound growth emerges from what seemingly destroys us. Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    53 min

  5. 22 JULI

    A Shot at Second Chances with Brian Rizzo

    When Brian Rizzo denied entry to an unstable man at a Portland strip club where he worked as a bouncer, he couldn't have known those seconds would forever divide his life into before and after. Moments later, that same man returned with a pistol and shot Brian in the head at point-blank range. What followed defies medical explanation. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, Brian not only lived but emerged from a 31-day coma to begin a remarkable journey of recovery. The bullet had missed his brainstem by "the width of a hair," a margin so impossibly small it challenges our understanding of luck, fate, or divine intervention. In this raw and powerful conversation, Brian takes us through his transformation from a man who once dealt drugs and steroids to someone who found profound purpose through faith. He describes the humbling reality of relearning basic functions, losing his independence, being denied disability benefits despite clear brain trauma, and eventually finding himself homeless and living in his truck during the pandemic. Yet what resonates most is Brian's perspective on suffering. "God puts a mountain in front of everyone," he explains. "This is the mountain that was set in front of them. It's the one that He knows they can climb." He rejects the comparison of traumas, insisting that claiming "my mountain is harder than your mountain" helps no one. Instead, Brian now dedicates his life to inspiring others facing PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or depression—showing them they're not alone on their climb. Whether you're struggling with your own seemingly impossible mountain or simply seeking perspective, Brian's extraordinary journey reminds us that sometimes our deepest purpose emerges from our darkest moments. Follow Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brizzo995 Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    52 min

  6. 8 JULI

    How to Responsibly Fill Our Internal Bowl with Ellen O'Brien

    What happens when you've built your identity around external validation, only to discover it's all slipping through your fingers? Ellen O'Brien, a talented singer and Berklee College of Music graduate, joins us to share her remarkable journey from unconscious living to profound self-awareness. Ellen introduces us to her transformative concept of the "internal bowl" – a metaphorical vessel within each of us that can only be filled with self-love, self-respect, self-esteem, self-care, and self-compassion. With honesty, she reveals how she spent decades trying to fill this bowl with external gratifications, only to discover that they inevitably fall through what she calls the "trap door."  Her story takes a dramatic turn when, after moving home to Boston to help with a family illness, Ellen gains 130 pounds from the consumption of externals. This wake-up call becomes the catalyst for her second chance at recovery. Ellen shares her realization with unflinching candor: "My suffering was of my own making." People, places, and things didn't need to change for her to feel better. She did. The conversation delves into fascinating insights about brain function, the role of the amygdala in anxiety, and practical techniques for maintaining mental wellness. Ellen explains how daily mindfulness practices, morning affirmations, and consistent gratitude have transformed her from a "hollow chocolate Easter bunny" to a solid one. Whether you're struggling with addiction, anxiety, or simply feeling unfulfilled despite outward success, Ellen's journey offers profound wisdom about finding your way forward. Join us for this deeply inspiring conversation about resilience and transformation. Discover how sometimes it's the out-of-the-blue moments that lead to our greatest breakthroughs. Resources: Jason Stephenson - Guided Sleep Meditation: youtube.com/@jasonstephensonmeditation Louise Hay - 11.11 Affirm The Best Version of Yourself: youtube.com/watch?v=yQHBomPOYNE Dr. Joe Dispenza - Use Your Thoughts to Optimize Your Health: youtube.com/watch?v=2gDr9V_vmFY Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    49 min

  7. 24 JUNI

    Harmony After Cancer with Will Stratton

    Have you ever wondered what happens when a successful artist faces their own mortality just as their career is taking off? In this deeply moving episode, acclaimed songwriter Will Stratton takes us through his unexpected journey with testicular cancer in his early twenties—a diagnosis that arrived precisely when professional opportunities were blossoming. Will shares the crushing moment when he had to decline an invitation to perform alongside Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon because he was starting chemotherapy. But rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, Will reveals how this life-altering experience fundamentally transformed his approach to music, creativity, and purpose. He describes what he calls an "explosion of gratitude" that emerges after survival—a profound appreciation that can't be manufactured through any other means. The conversation explores how Will's post-recovery album "Gray Lodge Wisdom" directly processed his cancer experience, allowing him to move beyond it artistically while maintaining its valuable perspective. Now with eight albums to his credit and a thriving music career, Will offers wisdom on balancing creative pursuits with practical necessities as someone with a serious medical history. What makes this episode particularly valuable is Will's nuanced take on suffering and art. He challenges the notion that trauma automatically deepens artistic expression, instead suggesting that how we integrate difficult experiences matters more than the experiences themselves. His pragmatic yet profoundly grateful approach to life after cancer provides a roadmap for anyone facing life-altering challenges. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, someone facing health challenges, or simply a person wondering how to find meaning in difficult circumstances, Will's story offers both comfort and motivation. Listen now and discover how sometimes our most devastating setbacks can lead to our most authentic creative expressions. Will Stratton: Music: https://willstratton.bandcamp.com/music Website: https://willstratton.com/ Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    1 tim 4 min

  8. 10 JUNI

    Everyday Advocacy: Meghan Johnson on Living Fully With Cerebral Palsy

    What happens when we refuse to be defined by limitations? Meghan Johnson's story captivates from the first moment she shares her infectious laugh and wise perspective on living with cerebral palsy. This isn't just another inspirational tale—it's a masterclass in finding authentic joy through life's unexpected challenges. Growing up as an identical twin, Meghan was fortunate to have supportive teachers and friends who recognized her potential early. Yet she also encountered those who tried to make her feel like she didn't belong. Instead of internalizing these negative experiences, she transformed them into motivation, developing an unshakable sense of self-worth that radiates through every word she speaks. When Megan explains her spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, she does so with remarkable clarity and humor. "My body does a lot of things I don't want it to do," she laughs, describing everyday moments that might frustrate others but that she approaches with levity. Her perspective on accessibility challenges—like being charged an extra $200 for a concert just because she needed a personal care assistant—illuminates the additional planning required for activities many take for granted. The conversation takes a profound turn when Meghan discusses gratitude and joy. She articulates how facing significant challenges can actually expand one's capacity for gratitude in ways that might not otherwise be possible. "When you're stuck in a routine... sometimes when those monumental things happen, it will just expand your views and fundamentally change you as a person," she observes with wisdom beyond her years. As an "everyday advocate," Meghan doesn't speak from stages to thousands, but her lived experience demonstrates that people with disabilities can lead rich, expressive, joyful lives. Her relationship with her young nephew beautifully illustrates this—he's curious about her wheelchair, eager to help, and completely comfortable with difference because that's what he knows. Perhaps most striking is Meghan's insight about disability as a "gift." She clarifies: "It's not like 'oh, I'm so grateful this happened to me.' It's like I'm grateful that it has given me this perspective on life." This distinction offers listeners a nuanced understanding of how hardship can transform into wisdom. Ready to be inspired? Follow Meghan's journey and discover how choosing joy transforms everything. Cerebral Palsy Foundation: https://www.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org/ Follow CPF on Instagram: @yourcpf Follow Meghan on Instagram: @princessmeg1998 Out Of The Blue: For more: outoftheblue-thepodcast.org For exclusive content: patreon.com/podcastOOTB

    38 min
Visa alla (19)

Trailer

Om

Out of the Blue-the Podcast features interviews with inspirational survivors of traumatic out of the blue events who have overcome unimaginable challenges, sharing their stories of resilience and triumph. By sharing these stories, "Out of the Blue" aims to create a community where others who have faced similar hardships can find solace and strength as together, we find the way forward.

Information

Du kanske också gillar