The Jar Ken Stearns

In this compelling episode of The Jar podcast, we had the privilege of visiting Mel Batterman at their Las Vegas home. Mel's life story is one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. Born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to a teenage mother, Mel's early years were marked by the challenges of an unconventional family dynamic. His mother's struggles with personal demons led to multiple marriages and a tumultuous upbringing. Mel's own life journey was profoundly impacted during his teenage years when he endured abuse from his mother's third husband. However, he emerged from this dark period with a deep resolve and a commitment to studying criminal justice and child psychology in college.

Mel's career path took her into the world of law enforcement, starting as a police officer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Her dedication eventually led her to Madison and later to a job in Chicago. In 2021, he embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from a career in law enforcement to become a life health wellness coach. Mel shared how this life experience and training have shaped his coaching style, offering a unique perspective to clients.

During our conversation, Mel courageously opened up about his gender journey. Growing up as a girl, she always knew that his body didn't align with histrue identity. Mel recently made the courageous decision to undergo transition, a process that ultimately led to the end of a 19-year relationship. Despite the challenges and losses, Mel described the experience as a profound sense of relief and peace, finally living as his authentic self.

Mel's story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose. It highlights how life's trials and tribulations can prepare us for our true calling. Join us as we delve into Mel's deeply moving narrative in another real and heartfelt conversation with a remarkable individual on The Jar podcast.

In a poignant and deeply personal episode of The Jar, we had the privilege of meeting Lisa Perez in the comfort of her bungalow, nestled within the Northern Arizona University campus. As we settled around TV dinner trays with The Jar between us, Lisa began to share her remarkable life journey.

Hailing from Idaho, Lisa's family roots run deep, with both her mother and father's families having lived there for generations. Growing up alongside her older brother, her family's frequent relocations due to her father's government contract negotiations eventually led them to settle in the Santa Barbara area of California. Lisa's quest for peace and understanding led her on a spiritual journey, where she grappled with her beliefs and sought answers about God and existence.

She went on to build her own successful businesses, mirroring her father's career, and became a high achiever, always on the move. However, this relentless pace took a toll, leading to a sudden breakdown that resulted in her losing everything. Lisa found herself homeless and eventually in a psych ward, where she began to confront the trauma that had haunted her for years.

Lisa's journey of healing involves facing painful memories, from enduring hurtful names from her family to surviving a traumatic assault during a sleepover at a young age, a secret she carried for four decades. One of the most challenging aspects of Lisa's story is her struggle to reconcile her love for her father, whom she admired deeply, with his inaction in protecting her from abuse that occurred under his roof. Her complex relationship with her son and her ongoing mourning for her father further complicate her path to healing.

This episode is a testament to Lisa's resilience and strength as she navigates the difficult terrain of her past. Join us as we listen to Lisa's story, a journey towards peace, self-discovery, and letting go of the burdens of the past. The Jar continues to bring you real conversations with real people, and Lisa's story is a powerful example of the transformative nature of these conversations.

We had the privilege of meeting Haven Seltmann in her home in Phoenix. Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, Haven's life took her to the charming town of Silverton during her formative years. She grew up as an only child, her younger brother sadly passing away at a young age. This early experience set the stage for a profound spiritual journey.

Haven's upbringing was steeped in church and spirituality, evolving over the years as she learned to follow the universe's cues. Her relationship with her parents has been somewhat unconventional. Her dad feels more like an uncle, while her mom and sister play significant roles in her life.

During our conversation, we delved into the notion that as we grow and become parents ourselves, we often gain a deeper appreciation for our own parents' struggles and imperfections. Haven humorously referred to herself as the "poster child for the benefit of the doubt," reflecting on the judgments we cast on our parents as we mature and gain more understanding.

One poignant theme that emerged from Haven's story was the hope that children harbor for their parents to simply be present. She emphasized that being there for your children doesn't require trying to be more than what you are; it's about genuinely showing up.

Haven's journey is one of introspection, growth, and evolving perspectives. Join us as we sit down with Haven, traverse her life's path through The Jar, and gain insights into the complexity of family dynamics and the profound impact of parenting.

On a Thursday morning in North Vegas, we ventured to meet our next guest, Marcel. As we approached Marcel's street, a striking sight greeted us – a bright red pickup truck covered in what seemed like infinite graffiti, intentional graffiti that reminded us of the work of New York artist Renda Writer.

We parked the van across from Marcel's house, and almost instantly, a booming voice and a warm greeting echoed from the driveway. Marcel welcomed us, setting the tone for what promised to be a profound conversation.

Marcel hails from Ocean Beach, California, growing up with one brother and one sister in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. However, his childhood was marked by financial struggles, drugs in the household, and barely scraping by. His father, a charismatic Rolling Stone-type figure, eventually retired as a nurse at the age of 73.

We learned that the graffiti-covered truck outside belonged to Marcel, and it was more than just a vehicle; it was a canvas for his work. Marcel reaches out to strangers on the internet, engaging them in conversations about their mental health. If he senses someone isn't doing well, he gets in his truck, drives to them, has a talk, and they leave their mark on his truck.

What motivates Marcel to do this? The heartbreaking tragedy he endured on March 26 several years ago when he found his daughter in the garage, having taken her own life. Determined to prevent others from suffering a similar fate, Marcel has become a grief and trauma specialist. He's transformed his pain into purpose and his trauma into tools.

Marcel is a man with an unshakable mission to offer love, support, and help to those who need it. His dedication to saving lives is born from the heart-wrenching experience of not being able to save his own daughter. Marcel is a remarkable human being doing incredible work, and we invite you to join us, Marcel, and The Jar for another real conversation with real people.

In this touching episode of The Jar, we had the privilege of meeting La’Erica Simms in her apartment in Lake Havasu City, where her five-year-old daughter was home sick, making her an honorary guest. La’Erica, a self-described introvert, initially approached the conversation reservedly. However, as the conversation unfolded, she gradually opened up, revealing her remarkable life journey.

Originally from Inglewood, California, La’Erica grew up with her mom and older brother, as her dad was absent from their lives. Her mother, despite battling mental illness, was deeply loved and respected by La’Erica. Nevertheless, she suffered under her mother's abuse, surviving a harrowing murder-suicide attempt that left her with both physical and emotional scars.

Following this traumatic event, La’Erica was placed in foster care and eventually sent to live with her grandmother on her mother's side on the East Coast. Unfortunately, this new environment did not offer the stability and support she needed.

The conversation delved into La’Erica's experience as a single parent, a topic that weighed heavily on her. She shared her desire to break the cycle of single parenthood due to her past experiences, revealing the guilt and difficulty she faces in finding grace for herself.

Despite these challenges, La’Erica finds herself in a good place today. She has a fulfilling job where she is valued, enjoys being part of a recovery group, and is a loving mother to her two children. Her journey through The Jar is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of transformation. Tune in to hear La’Erica's story, as The Jar continues to engage in real conversations with real people.

In this heartwarming episode of The Jar, we had the pleasure of visiting Stephen Wright in his beautiful Flagstaff home, nestled on a hillside with a picturesque view.

Stephen's life journey is a tapestry of experiences that spans multiple locations and spiritual exploration. Born in 1979 in Pittsburgh, his family's journey took them from Ohio to Atlanta to Denver, finally landing in Scottsdale. Stephen humorously shared anecdotes about his move from Atlanta to Denver as a young boy, where he quickly shed his southern accent to adapt to his new surroundings, resulting in a now "vanilla" accent that doesn't give away his origin.

His spiritual journey began in his youth, where he immersed himself in church activities, youth groups, and even music, learning to play the drums and guitar. He fondly remembered his time attending a black church in Decatur, Georgia, a unique and enriching experience that left a lasting impact. As Stephen matured, he started asking deeper questions about Christianity and began exploring other religions, leading to a broader and more profound spirituality.

Stephen's family includes two siblings who are significantly younger. His journey eventually led him to Flagstaff in 2004, initially for a camping trip with old friends. However, during this trip, he found not only a beautiful natural setting but also a sense of community and belonging that inspired him to build his tribe.

In a delightful turn of events, Stephen, who became a father at the tender age of 18, now has the opportunity to savor fatherhood once again, this time with a five-year-old son. The joy on his face as he shared this experience is palpable, highlighting the unique perspective and appreciation that comes with being a father at different stages of life.

Join us as we delve into Stephen's journey through life, his diverse experiences, and his newfound sense of fulfillment and joy in fatherhood. The Jar continues to bring you real conversations with real people, and Stephen's story is a testament to the richness of these conversations.