Adventures in Adversity: an inspirational podcast

Bre Wilson

Real people. True stories. Daily inspiration. Turn adversity into adventure, 1 podcast episode at a time. #NarcissisticAbuseSurvivor #ShareYourStory

  1. HACE 8 H

    Ep. 60: Remembering Sam - Pam Sharp on family, faith, grief, & suicide prevention

    On this final day of #SuicidePreventionMonth, I hope and pray this honest conversation becomes a light for anyone struggling in the dark — and a guide for those walking alongside a friend or loved one through their hardest battles. I'm so grateful I was able to connect with Pam Sharp, a fellow mom and podcast host of "Fight Hard, Love Much". Listen or watch Pam's podcast "Fight Hard, Love Much" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Pam bravely shares the adversity her family has faced in losing their son, Sam, to suicide in 2020, at just 16 years old. She openly shares how she and her family are doing their best to navigate their path to acceptance and healing every day. The Sharp family of 9 is the real deal. Since interviewing her incredible sons, Jake & Joe Sharp of @jduofit on ep. #45 of Adventures in Adversity:  Ep. 45: Carrying Sam’s light! Brotherhood,...   I’ve been deeply moved by their whole family's authenticity, their strength, and their ability to turn Sam’s light and memory into a vehicle for others to find God and find healing. I feel so blessed to know them and welcome Jake, Joe, & now Pam to the podcast as treasured guests.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s okay to ask for help. Every single one of us deserves a helping hand, and support is available. 🎗️ Need compassionate mental health support? If you live in the United States U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988 (FREE - English & Spanish)⁠ If you live outside the United States: International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)⁠ Topics covered Personal stories of parenting and faith after losing SamHealing as a family and keeping your loved one’s memory aliveHonest talk about grief, mental health, and suicide preventionPractical ways to support someone struggling and where to find help Timestamps 0:02 – Meet Pam and remembering Sam 0:10 – How faith shapes the journey of loss 0:23 – Grief, healing, and hope in tough seasons 0:32 – Resources, support, and honoring Sam’s legacy 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories about family, faith, and healing. 💬 If this episode touched you, share your thoughts in the comments and help spread hope by sharing this video. ❤️ You’re not alone—light and support are out there.

    54 min
  2. 23 SEP

    Ep. 59: Radically rooted - Adoptee Coach Julie Brumley, MA on adoption, trauma, & coming home to self

    In this episode, I sit down with Julie Brumley, a trauma-informed adoptee coach whose own story is nothing short of courageous. For over 15 years, she has helped other adoptees overcome addiction, regulate their nervous systems, and find a sense of true belonging. Julie Brumley - Trauma-Informed Adoptee Coach The Resilience Project - Where Adoptees Find Belonging As an adoptee herself, Julie survived unimaginable early life adversity—abandonment, attempted abortion, & multiple caregivers in the first 7 weeks of her life. Julie weaves somatic therapy, community, and fierce self-compassion into everything she offers. Her wisdom speaks to the primal abandonment wounds many adoptees share, and her bravery in transforming pain into powerful purpose is inspiring. If adoption has touched your life—or if you've ever felt out of place, struggled to belong, or wrestled with grief—you’ll resonate with the honesty and hope in this episode. What we dive into: -How adoption trauma and the “primal wound” can shape identity -Julie’s survival story and journey to finding belonging within -The role of somatic healing and nervous system work -Radical self-acceptance as a path to wholeness -Why processing grief is essential -The unique set of challenges adoptees face in community and relationships -How pain transforms into purpose Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Meeting Julie and starting her journey 04:53 Naming adoption trauma 08:53 Julie’s calling to support adoptees 11:05 How addiction links to abandonment wounds 13:35 Finding birth family and the realities that followed 16:49 Loss, resilience, and adversity 19:31 Therapeutic tools for real healing 22:21 The impact of adoption on emotional intimacy 25:07 DNA, self-discovery, and identity 27:40 Connecting to biological and cultural lineage 29:45 Navigating relationships & emotional overwhelm 33:18 Slowing down and honoring the reunion process 36:55 Transmuting pain into purpose 40:57 Belonging—starting from within 44:03 Grief and living with loss 47:32 Setting boundaries in relationships 50:49 Emotional processing techniques 56:07 The ongoing journey to self-acceptance and belonging

    1 h y 2 min
  3. 17 SEP

    Ep. 58: Why I chose to stay & heal out loud from narcissistic abuse #SuicidePreventionMonth

    What does it mean to choose hope after deep pain? September is #SuicidePreventionMonth—a reminder to cut through the surface and talk honestly about mental health. As reported by the World Health Organization, 720,000 people take their own lives per year.-Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. -73% of suicides occur in low and middle-income countries -The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course. -For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population. These stats are heartbreaking...and alarming...and we have to talk about them, BEFORE we lose more people. I’ll never forget when a classmate died by suicide in college during my senior year. Suddenly, everything people kept bottled up—grief, confusion, guilt—was right there in the open. 2003 Harvard Crimson tribute "Friends Remember 'Beautiful & Vibrant' Smith - May she rest in peace It was a harsh wake-up call to just how much pain goes unseen, how many of us are fighting battles no one notices, and how real the impact is when someone’s gone. In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I open up about college experiences with suicide and trauma, as well as an experience my family had last year with someone we lost. I talk about surviving narcissistic abuse, dealing with loss, and what it’s really like to try to put your life back together after everything falls apart. Learning about suicide in my own life and through the lives of my guests on this podcast has changed the way I look at others and myself. Hearing about suicide for the first time didn’t just make me aware; it showed me how easily pain gets missed and how complicated life can get before someone finally asks for help. These are the hard conversations—but silence does more damage. If any of this feels familiar, know that you’re not alone, or broken, or strange for having a hard time. Reaching out isn’t weakness. Sometimes, it’s the only thing left that makes sense. SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES Stay Herehttps://www.stayhere.live/resourcesSuicide prevention education, support, and ACT training for individuals and communities. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 for free, confidential 24/7 support from trained counselors for suicidal crisis, mental health emergencies, or emotional distress. Available nationwide in the U.S. - English and Spanish MENTAL HEALTH APPS (2025 BEST PICKS) Calm — Meditation and sleep aid Headspace — Mindfulness and guided relaxation Bearable — Mood & symptom tracking Finch — Habit tracker and daily self-care Breathe, Think, Do (for kids) ADDITIONAL CRISIS SUPPORT Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support in the U.S.. SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (Mental health and substance use) This episode was recorded in California at The Oakland Podcast Studio Special thanks to Louiza for making this happen and DK, my fantastic sound engineer! Follow Oakland Podcast Studio on Instagram

    28 min
  4. 9 SEP

    Ep. 57: 19-year old Wilson Munsterman on resilience, identity, & his book, "Marked by Adoption"

    In this episode, I’m joined by Wilson Munsterman, a 19-year-old author and powerful advocate for adoptees. Visit Wilson's website: MarkedByAdoption.com Buy Wilson's book on Amazon: Marked by Adoption: 10 Key Insights from an Adoptee's Perspective Follow and connect with Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonmuns/... Wilson shares his remarkable journey from being abandoned in China as a baby and left on a doorstep. He spent time in orphanages in China and was adopted in America. He highlights the complexities of identity, belonging, and self-worth faced by so many in the adoption community. We delve into the transformative power of mindset and the critical roles that faith and mentorship have played in Wilson’s journey. Wilson also opens up about his motivation behind writing his book, Marked by Adoption, which is now available on Amazon. The conversation explores how intentional storytelling and meaningful connection can help shift perspectives and foster understanding within families and communities. Highlights from this episode include: Wilson’s story of resilience, from abandonment to finding belonging through adoption. Insights into how adoption influences identity and self-worth. The importance of cultivating the right mindset and grounding in faith when navigating adversity. The mentorship and support systems that guided Wilson’s path. Reflections from his book, Marked by Adoption, and practical wisdom for parents and adoptees alike. His story, his attitude, and the way Wilson lives his life is a true source of encouragement to approach adoption with openness, love, and a willingness to learn.

    1 h y 9 min
  5. 4 SEP

    Ep. 56: Ret. Marine K9 Handler Alfred Brenner on “Surviving w/Grief” - His book on war, service, & healing

    In this episode of Adventures in Adversity, I'm honored to sit down with Retired Sergeant Alfred Brenner,⁠ a true American hero whose courage, sacrifice, and devotion to our nation serve as a powerful reminder of what it means to wear the uniform. Our candid conversation dives into the emotional journey of writing his book: ⁠Surviving with Grief: The Story of How a Marine and His Dog Survived the Everyday Battles of War⁠. ***BUY HIS BOOK ON AMAZON ***MORE INFO ON ALFRED'S WEBSITE ***Follow @sgtbrenner on Instagram ***Connect with Alfred on LinkedIn As a retired Marine Corps K9 Handler, Alfred wrote about his experience being deployed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, on October 24, 2010, while searching a compound, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated. His K9 partner, Grief, was killed instantly. The blast caused severe injuries to Alfred's arms, and he was temporarily blinded. This book is a testament to the courage they both showed in the face of unimaginable adversity as a Purple Heart recipient. 💜 Alfred shares with me the difficult journey of transitioning from military to civilian life, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his military working dog, Grief—a partner who was more than just a companion, but a lifeline on the battlefield. Conversations like this reaffirm my commitment to honoring and supporting the veterans who safeguard our freedoms, along with acknowledging the families and service animals who stand beside them. Their stories are a reminder of the sacred duty we all bear to remember and uplift our nation’s heroes when they return home. In opening up about his personal struggles and triumphs, Alfred shows how important it is to embrace grief, honor fallen friends, and seek healing through faith, community, and hope. I’m proud to support Alfred’s mission and encourage everyone who believes in our military community to read his inspiring memoir. "Surviving with Grief: The True Story Of A Marine K9 Team Surviving the Everyday Battles of War⁠" is available now wherever books are sold, and you can learn more or purchase directly from his ⁠official website⁠ or Amazon. Let’s stand together in gratitude and commitment so that no veteran—nor the memory of the fallen— is ever forgotten.

    1 h y 12 min
  6. 31 AGO

    Ep. 55: Is it menopause, perimenopause, or just me? Real talk with Menopalz founder & certified coach Raquel Riggle

    In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of talking, learning, and laughing (a lot!) with Raquel Riggle, founder of ⁠Menopalz. "As a certified menopause coach, health warrior, and founder, she suffered through a whirlwind of misdiagnoses (Celiac disease!) and perimenopause brain fog...and then she turned her experience into a mission. Menopalz is your warm, supportive space to navigate menopause with purpose, joy, and a dash of sass. Whether you're feeling confused, empowered, burnt out, or all of the above—this is your place to land, learn, laugh, and thrive." Raquel is a true source of wisdom for anyone moving through menopause or perimenopause. ⁠ Follow @mymenopalz on Instagram⁠ Her story isn’t just about challenges—it’s about finding laughter, connection, and a sense of community in the midst of change. We dig into the everyday ups and downs of menopause, including 54+ symptoms that women may experience! Along the way, we swap stories, share honest moments, and even find the humor hiding beneath the surface. There’s something powerful about being able to laugh through hot flashes and mood swings, and realizing we’re all in this together. If you’re currently in the menopause or peri journey—or just want to understand it better—this episode promises real talk, support, and (importantly) some well-earned laughs. Here’s to facing change with community, hope, and a good sense of humor! MORE ABOUT MENOPALZ "Welcome to Menopalz, your midlife sanctuary for real talk, real tools, and real transformation. This isn't a one-size-fits-all program. This is a choose-what-you-need, when-you-need-it experience designed with real women in mind. This space was built with you in mind—because no woman should have to go through perimenopause or menopause feeling confused, dismissed, or alone. Here, we talk openly, share honestly, and support each other through the mood swings, hot flashes, brain fog, and all the other “fun” stuff no one warned us about. You’ll find expert advice, real-life tips, live classes (like cooking, movement, mindset, and more), and a community of women who actually get it. No fluff. No shame. Just sisterhood, support, and solutions. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. You’re in the right place. Thank you for being our Menopalz 💕"

    1 h y 1 min
  7. 26 AGO

    Ep. 54: Jim Serrano's courageous journey through adoption, abuse, & redemption...his healing path

    I sit down with Jim Serrano for an honest, unfiltered conversation about how adversity can shape—and remake—us. As an adoptee at 6 months old, Jim faced adversity early on in life. He brings us into his story, letting us feel the weight of childhood trauma, the confusion of searching for belonging, and the raw reality of being both lost and hopeful at the same time. Nothing here is sugarcoated: Jim’s journey asks what it means to face pain, name it, and let faith help chart a new path forward. Jim’s quest to find his biological parents brings us to the messy truth of complex family and forgiveness—not the Instagram highlight reel, but the struggles, boundaries, and real moments spent longing for connection. Through sharing his experience as a victim of sexual abuse as a child from the ages of 9 to 11, we’re reminded that being seen and valued takes tremendous courage. Storytelling and writing became Jim’s way through the storm. His vulnerability isn’t just a gift to listeners—it’s how he’s healing, too. Jim shows why sharing isn’t weakness, why turning pain into purpose unlocks hope, and why mentorship starts with honest conversations about what we’ve lived through. This episode is a call to break the cycles that hold us back—to choose growth, boundaries, faith, and full-on self-care practices like Muay Thai. Jim isn’t here to promise perfect endings, but to prove that community and grace can turn scars into strength. If you’re holding onto hurt or learning to name your own experience, Jim’s journey is for you. Find FREE resources for adoptees that Jim has personally recommended below! FIND RESOURCES FOR ADOPTEES BELOW Fireside Adoptees Instagram Page Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group "Welcome to Fireside Adoptees! Our motto in a nutshell is: C community A advocate M mentor P pace We want to encourage and empower adoptees to work within their Community, Advocate for themselves and others, Mentor those who are farther behind in the journey called life, and set a slow and steady Pace so we don’t burn out and to help others also learn to pace their journey We aim to help adoptees see the heroes within themselves and how they can draw strength from their pain/challenges." Join us! Thursdays @ 6:30 to 7:30pm EST Sundays @ 3:00 to 4:00pm EST on Zoom for fun and fellowship, where we discuss adoption from surviving to thriving! "We may not have a choice in how our story starts, but we have a say in the now! Keep thriving, adoptee... you are worth it!" ⁠Adoptee Garage Facebook Group⁠ "Welcome to Adoptee Garage! This group is meant to be a safe space for adoptees to express themselves within a community that will hear you and see you. We all have different stories and experiences, but we are joined here together by the trauma of relinquishment and adoption. This is a judgment-free zone, and bullying of any kind will not be permitted. Our goal is to help adoptees find their voices while supporting one another on our journeys. Please be sure to check out our pinned posts for other group information."

    1 h y 21 min

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Real people. True stories. Daily inspiration. Turn adversity into adventure, 1 podcast episode at a time. #NarcissisticAbuseSurvivor #ShareYourStory

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