From Survivor to Thriver Erik DaRosa & Marc Fernandes

For many women, the experience of going through menopause can have a significant impact on their mental health. And due to the stigma around it, many don’t get the help they actually need. 
In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Ann Bell to discuss the link between menopause, perimenopause, postmenopause, and mental health and how women can educate themselves and become their own best advocates. 
Ann Bell is here to remind women that their needs matter, that they deserve an enjoyable, nourishing sex life, and that there is a deep connection between menopause and mental health. 
Her journey into this field began in 1998 as a massage therapist, where she discovered the deep need for addressing mental, emotional, and relationship health in people's lives. Clients found solace in confiding in her during their sessions and, in 2012, Ann made the decision to formalize her commitment to their overall wellness. 
In 2020, she furthered her expertise by obtaining certifications in relationships, sex, and love coaching.
In today’s episode, we cover: 
The different stages of menopause The number one symptom of menopauseHidden symptoms of menopause that many people don’t know aboutThe impact of menopause on your mental healthThe number one thing women need to treat menopauseWhy postmenopausal women struggle to get access to HRTThe problems in women’s healthcare The impact of antidepressants on menopausal women The importance of educating yourself about your health so that you can be your own advocateThe stigmas around women’s healthWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Ann! If you want to learn more from her, you can visit her website here. You can also learn more about menopause and how to find a menopause practitioner at menopause.org/. 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Visit Ann’s website
Visit the menopause website
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
Quotes: 
“Being on hormone replacement therapy is nourishing for your body.” -Ann 
“When it comes to perimenopause and your menopause, the number one  prescription that needs to be written is hormone replacement therapy.” -Ann 
“How many women are going to therapists and are presenting with anxiety and depression and the question probably doesn't even come up of ‘are you perimenopausal? Are you menopausal?’ And then they're being prescribed antidepressants, which, as I read, often have the opposite effect on women who are menopausal.” -Erik 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Padilla to talk about how his life was changed forever by a tragedy. The devastating loss of his brother to suicide during his high school years changed the trajectory of his life. 
John shares how he turned his pain into purpose and embarked on a path of healing alongside his brother's friends. Inspired by their collective resilience, he created YouTube films centered around mental health in the mountains.
Join us as John shares his deeply personal story, showing the impact of community in navigating through life's most challenging moments.


In 2019, John Padilla lost his teenage brother, Jack, to suicide. John’s background as a professional skier and photographer prompted him to create Mountain in My Mind, the first video production company focused on mental health awareness in ski towns. This project has resulted in two, award-winning, feature length films that have been viewed by millions across the world. He and his team are currently on location in Montana shooting the third film which is set for release in the Fall of 2024.  


In today’s episode, we cover: 
How to check in with loved ones who might be contemplating suicideJohn’s experience with a brother who committed suicideHow he started a nonprofit to help others struggling with their mental healthThe impact of social media and bullying on the mental health of young adultsThe power of communityThe healing that John and the other kids found through making moviesThe stigma around mental health in ski towns The topics covered in John’s movies 
We hope you enjoyed this conversation with John! If you want to check out his movies for yourself, head over to his YouTube and follow him on Instagram. 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Check out the films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MountainInMyMind
Follow Mountain in My Mind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountaininmymind/
Follow John on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/john.padilla/
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
Quotes: 
“No suicide doesn’t have a heartbreaking end to it. It just doesn’t.” -Marc 
“​​It's very simple. Ask bluntly, but politely, ‘Do you have a suicide plan?’ That's it. And if the answer is yes, or if I even sense that the answer is not no, I'm going to start making calls.” -John
“Community was probably the one thing that saved us and saved all of Jack’s friends.” -John 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we talked with Jon Katz about his journey to better mental and physical health and how he learned that real healing comes after facing pain by looking within yourself. 


Jon tells his story and talks about how important it is to take full responsibility for our own lives and happiness. Now, he helps others overcome their struggles in the same way he did.


In late 2020, Jon Katz went through a horrendous breakup. This breakup, compounded with the weight of an unstable childhood, decades of poor decision-making, poor relationship choices, and poor habits, left him obese, anxious, depressed, and suicidal at the age of 34. 


Since then, Jon has turned his life around in every conceivable way and now coaches others on how to step back from the path of negativity, poor health, hopelessness, worthlessness, fear, and suicide. 


It is now his life's mission to help folks out of the pit of suicidality, anxiety, depression, repression, and denial and take back their lives. Let’s welcome in Jon!!
In today’s episode, we cover: 
How Jon reached his lowest point in his mental health and then changed the trajectory of his lifeHow the people we spend our time with can impact our habitsWhy we have to look inside if we want true happiness How Jon realized that running away from his problems wouldn’t solve themThe problem with getting lost in the narratives of othersThe power of trying and giving things your allHow desperation can actually make you unstoppableHow your mental health and physical health are intertwinedThe juxtaposition between art and painHow the creative process impacts mental health We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jon! If you want to learn more from him, head over to his Instagram and you’ll find all of his links there. 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Follow Jon on Instagram

Visit our website
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Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
Quotes: 
“The regretful man is the man that isn't leading a healthy life, that isn't really trying. If you aren't really trying, then you aren't really going to be okay.” -Jon 
“You have to remove things from your life if you want to grow.” -Jon 
“Sometimes you create these things, even if it is as therapy or to deal with the pain, and it helps and heals others, but it doesn't necessarily do that for the artist.” -Marc 
"When I’m creating something, I'm able to transpose my thoughts. It's like going on a trip. You have a suitcase and you have all this stuff in your suitcase and it's heavy and it's weighing you down. And you finally get to your room and you get a chance to unpack the suitcase and start to put things away. And I feel like that's what that creative process does from a mental health standpoint for me.” -Erik 

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Dana Diaz. After living through years of narcissistic and physical abuse, she learned that it was time to make a change and create a better life for herself.
Join us as Dana shares her story and the importance of rediscovering who you are after leaving an abusive relationship and how she learned to put little deposits into her own happy jar. 
Dana is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. 
Dana has had life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understand their own circumstances. 
Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. 
Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted nearly three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. 
In today’s episode, we cover: 
How Dana began writing her book with a notebook hidden under a cushionHow Covid turned into a game of survivor for Dana with her abuserThe physical and mental abuse Dana endured from her caregivers growing upThe traits of a true narcissistWhen Dana realized she reached a deal breaker in her marriageThe ability people have to make you sick The ongoing process of healingThe power of asking yourself what you really wantThe stigmatized way people treat others that struggle with their mental healthWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Dana! If you want to learn more from her or read her book, make sure to visit her website. You can also follow her on Instagram here! 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Visit Dana’s website 
Follow her on Instagram 

Visit our website
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
“They say toxins in your environment can make you sick, but people can make you sick too. I would have never thought that in my life, but it has been such an eye-opening thing for me and such a significant part of the healing aspect of my life.” -Dana
“Thriving means different things to different people at different times.” -Erik 
“There is a better life for you and you deserve it. We are all worthy of being loved and being able to care for ourselves.” -Marc

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Laura Renner. She shares her experiences after a traumatic brain injury changed her life forever and brought her mental health to an all-time low. 
Laura tried many forms of therapy to heal after what she experienced but found in the end that healing is an individualized experience and it is a journey that will take time. 
Laura shares more about the different types of healing modalities she tried including EMDR, therapy, hypnotherapy, meditation, and more. 
Laura Renner is an author, podcast host, and neonatal intensive care nurse who suffered a near-fatal traumatic brain injury that changed the trajectory of her life. Through her complicated recovery, she hit rock bottom and realized she needed to undergo deep work to heal her complex trauma. 
She’s spent the last two years exploring countless trauma healing modalities and sharing her experience to show others they're capable of healing, too. In her book, "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You.," Laura openly discusses her journey of identifying her traumas, healing deep wounds, and how she reclaimed her power. 
She is also the host of her own podcast called Healing #Nofilter where she provides relatable, no-nonsense methods for healing your mind, body, and all things trauma-related. As she writes in her book, “Being on this healing journey is a lot like running. Well, running for people who are not runners, myself included.” 
In today’s episode, we cover: 
The feelings of depression and hopelessness Laura experienced after a traumatic brain injuryThe stigma around mental health and why we struggle to talk about itThe PTSD of a PTSD event How meditation helps Laura cope with her traumas What EMDR is and how it became part of Laura’s healing journey The individualized process of finding therapy methods that work for youThe trauma that your body can hold onto The power of getting to the root of your traumas and understanding why you believe the things you do We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Laura! If you loved hearing from her, we highly recommend you get a copy of her book. You can also get her free healing resource on her website. 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Visit Laura’s website: https://www.laurarenner.me
Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura_renn/
Follow Laura on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laura_renn

Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com
Quotes: 
“It really just comes down to learning abo

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Marcus Farris, a Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22 to talk about the intricate connection between mental health and physical fitness. 
In our discussion, we dive into the importance of humor and the right mindset in navigating mental health challenges. Marcus also opens up about his own personal struggles, the resilience and purpose in endurance sports, and his work with veterans.
Marcus Farris is the Post Traumatic Growth Director for Mission 22, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He’s also an author, master health coach, endurance athlete, and has his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  
His life was upended when, as a result of infidelity, his marriage collapsed and ended in divorce after only four years. Today, he’s passionate about all manner of endurance sports competitions and has spent a lot of his spare time working with the US Military Endurance Sports team, a non-profit dedicated to helping service members achieve their fitness endeavors. 
Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he now lives in the Pacific Northwest where he works with other former military service members on their own paths to healing after experiencing the trials of combat.  
In today’s episode, we cover: 
The power of fitness in mental health healingMen’s therapy through practical activitiesThe power we all have to do hard thingsThe connection between endurance athletes and mental health strugglesSocial media and it’s impact on our self worthAccepting yourself for who you are right nowChasing serotonin and dopamine in healthy waysRewiring your neural pathways for positive thinkingWe hope you enjoyed this conversation with Marcus! If you want to learn more about Mission 22 you can visit their website here. Make sure to follow Marcus on Instagram and get a copy of his book! 
Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 
Links: 
Follow Marcus on Instagram
Follow Marcus on LinkedIn
Check out the Mission 22 website
Get a copy of Marcus’s book No Less Faithful

Visit our website: https://fromsurvivortothriver.com/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushcreekthrivers
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushcreekthrivers/
Get in touch: amgits.reverse@gmail.com


Quotes: 
“You have what it takes to get yourself up, to dust yourself off, and do what it takes to do hard things.” -Marcus


“Mental health is a topic that I know can often be difficult to talk about, but we have to be able to inject some humor into it and be able to laugh at ourselves from time to time.” -Erik