The Suffering Podcast

Kevin Donaldson
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Adversity is the common thread throughout the lives of all living human beings. This human condition can either make us or break us. Nothing great comes easy and it's the overcoming of adversity that makes us who we are. Living by the ethos Suffering is THE way to sustainable success and the path to greatness. Always remember Mike Failace.

  1. Episode 281: The Suffering of A Life Unfolding with Dr. Dorothy Novitskie and Sherrie Allsup

    5H AGO

    Episode 281: The Suffering of A Life Unfolding with Dr. Dorothy Novitskie and Sherrie Allsup

    What does it take to tell the truth about something most people spend a lifetime trying to forget? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Suffering Podcast, Kevin Donaldson sits down with co-authors Sherrie Allsup and Dr. Dorothy Novitskie to discuss their new book, A Life Unfolding: Carrying the Secrets of Childhood Sexual Abuse. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to write from the depths of lived trauma while balancing the responsibility of telling that story with honesty, purpose, and care. Sherrie Allsup shares the emotional weight of revisiting her past—what it cost her to put those experiences into words, and what it means to finally be seen after years of silence. Alongside her, Dr. Dorothy Novitskie provides a clinical lens, breaking down the psychological impact of childhood sexual abuse, the long-term effects on identity and relationships, and the difficult but necessary process of healing. Together, they reveal the tension between raw human experience and clinical understanding—and how both are essential in telling the full story. This episode is not easy—but it is necessary. It’s for survivors who feel alone, for professionals who work in the shadows of trauma, and for anyone willing to listen, learn, and understand. Because some stories don’t just deserve to be told… they demand it. Find Sherrie Allsup Website https://sherrieallsup.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesherrieallsup/   Find Dr. Dorothy Novitskie Website https://www.novitskiepsych.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drdorothynovitskie/ Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m
  2. Episode 280: The Suffering of Survivors with Sherrie Allsup

    APR 26

    Episode 280: The Suffering of Survivors with Sherrie Allsup

    In this deeply powerful and unflinching episode of The Suffering Podcast, Sherrie Allsup sits down with host Kevin Donaldson to explore a reality many live with—but few are able to speak about: the lifelong suffering carried by survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Through raw honesty and hard-earned insight, Sherrie shares her personal journey of survival, healing, and reclaiming her voice after trauma. Together, she and Kevin navigate the emotional aftermath that lingers long after the abuse ends—the silence, the shame, the fractured identity—and the strength it takes to confront it all. This conversation does not look away. It steps directly into the darkness that survivors know too well, while also illuminating the path forward. It’s about breaking cycles, understanding the hidden wounds, and finding purpose through pain. This episode is for survivors, for those who support them, and for anyone willing to listen with an open heart. Because healing begins the moment the truth is spoken out loud. Find Sherrie Allsup Website https://sherrieallsup.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesherrieallsup/ Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m
  3. Episode 279: The Suffering of Prison With Shawn Johnson

    APR 19

    Episode 279: The Suffering of Prison With Shawn Johnson

    Shawn Robert Johnson grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where much of his childhood was shaped by poverty, instability, and his parents’ struggles with drug addiction. Basketball became his escape, but when his family could no longer afford the costs of playing, Shawn was pulled into the streets—eventually becoming involved in drug dealing and gang life. In 2006, a violent altercation led to two incidents where Shawn says he acted in self-defense. He was arrested in Pittsburgh, extradited to New Jersey, and after losing at trial was sentenced to 60 years in prison. While incarcerated at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, Shawn transformed his life. He deepened his faith, focused on rehabilitation, and wrote books on youth mentorship, financial literacy, motivation, spirituality, and men’s mental health, while also sharing motivational messages on social media. After years of denied appeals, Shawn’s case was reviewed under New Jersey’s clemency initiative. Represented by Joseph Krakora, 41 years were commuted from his sentence, recognizing both his rehabilitation and evidence supporting his self-defense claim. On December 4, 2025, Shawn was released—granted a second chance at life. Today he uses his story to mentor, motivate, and help others avoid the path he once walked. Follow Shawn: TikTok & Instagram: @shawjohn1222 YouTube Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 10m
  4. Episode 278: The Suffering of Gambling with Michael Zhang

    APR 12

    Episode 278: The Suffering of Gambling with Michael Zhang

    Dr. Michael Zhang is a psychologist and founder of Incumental, a digital platform supporting individuals working to overcome gambling addiction in an era of constant access and widespread normalization. Over years working as a psychologist with individuals and families affected by gambling, he witnessed mounting financial strain, fractured relationships, private battles with shame, and the tension of living a double life. Modern gambling, now embedded in phones, sports media, and everyday life, has only intensified the struggle. Michael recognized that recovery is shaped by what happens between sessions. It unfolds in ordinary, often unseen moments when difficult choices must be made, especially when access is immediate and the urge is only a tap away. Grounded in years of clinical practice, he created Incumental to provide structured, real-time guidance that complements therapy and peer recovery. Michael emphasizes personal responsibility, psychological flexibility, and the steady rebuilding of self-trust, shaped through repeated decisions that move a person closer to who they intend to become. Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 4m
  5. Episode 277: The Suffering of Debate with Austin Broughton

    APR 5

    Episode 277: The Suffering of Debate with Austin Broughton

    Austin Julio Broughton discovered his gift for public speaking at just eight years old, when he was selected to memorize and deliver a portion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. What began as a childhood imitation quickly became a lifelong calling. From that first performance to the present day, he has continued delivering Dr. King’s words, developing a voice rooted in conviction, cadence, and moral clarity. Over the years, Austin has spoken at significant venues and alongside prominent leaders. He has addressed audiences at the Georgia National Cemetery alongside Governor Nathan Deal, worked for U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, and shared stages with figures such as Andrew Young and John Lewis. He has spoken multiple times at The King Center and alongside members of Dr. King’s family, building a reputation for principled rhetoric grounded in history, faith, and civic responsibility. Today, Austin is widely known for his appearances on Jubilee’s Surrounded and Roundtable series, where he has debated high-profile public figures including Amanda Seales and Cenk Uygur. His work centers on speaking truth to power within politics and public discourse. Identifying as a Christian populist, he challenges both Republican and Democratic establishments alike, arguing that truth—though often inconvenient—is more necessary than the preservation of any political party. Find Austin Broughton Instagram Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m
  6. Episode 276: The Suffering of A Father's Death with Travis Miragliotta

    MAR 29

    Episode 276: The Suffering of A Father's Death with Travis Miragliotta

    Send us Fan Mail On November 28th, 2006, my father took his own life in front of me by a self-inflicted knife wound. I was 15. He was a passionate outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and trap since he was a little kid growing up in East Rutherford. In 2017, my father’s youngest brother, John Miragliotta, attended a suicide prevention walk wearing a name tag that read “Team Buffalo.” He told me about it on my birthday that year while we were sitting by his pool and said he wanted to do something meaningful in my dad’s memory. Together we decided to create an outdoor brand — Team Buffalo Outdoors — to carry my father’s passion forward and share it with the outdoor community. When I lost my father, all the outdoor fun and the connection with his family and friends seemed to disappear. At first, I saw TBO as a way to find my way back and reconnect with those relationships. What I didn’t expect was how many incredible people we would meet and how many new memories we would create through this community — memories that would never have existed if we hadn’t started. Through this journey, I’ve learned that getting through suffering requires releasing that energy in a positive direction, through the things you’re most passionate about. Our extended family embodies that same resilience. Our cousin Peter Miragliotta and his wife Jackie endured the devastating murder-suicide of their daughter, Michelle Sabia, in a domestic violence incident in 2016. Afterward, they adopted her three children, and Peter now serves on the board of the Center of Hope and Safety, dedicating his life to education and prevention so other families don’t have to experience that kind of loss. Appearing on the Suffering Podcast on what would have been my father’s 67th birthday is a meaningful full-circle moment. Team Buffalo Outdoors stands as a living tribute to him and to the belief that suffering, while it leaves a permanent imprint, does not have to be the end of the story. By sharing openly, building community, and honoring those we’ve lost through action, our family continues to find purpose on the other side of pain. Our story is about transformation — choosing connection, meaning, and hope where there was once only grief, and making memories one outdoor adventure at a time. Youtube: https://YouTube.com/c/teambuffalooutdoors  Website: www.teambuffalooutdoors.com Shop: https://team-buffalo-outdoors.square.site Instagram: @teambuffalooutdoors Facebook: Team Buffalo Outdoors Center of Hope and Safety: https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 3m
  7. Episode 275: The Suffering of Awakenings with Danny Cohen

    MAR 22

    Episode 275: The Suffering of Awakenings with Danny Cohen

    Send us Fan Mail Dan Cohen is a storyteller, podcaster, speaker, and entrepreneur who found unexpected meaning in his father’s journey with dementia. His writing began with the story of his dad’s awakening from his dementia, and the message dad sent that he still appreciated and wanted to live life, an experience that reshaped his perceptions of family, memory, and resilience. In these pages, Cohen draws on a lifetime of lessons from his father’s humor, toughness, and compassion, sharing family stories of love, inspiration, and hope. In 2026, following a successful business career, Cohen launched the Awakenings in Real Life podcast in January 2026, a vehicle for others to share their own awakening stories. The series—and this book—stand as testaments to the idea that awakenings can change the way we live and love. Find Danny Website Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 9m
  8. Episode 274: The Suffering of School Funding with Jeanne Howe and Bill Koch

    MAR 15

    Episode 274: The Suffering of School Funding with Jeanne Howe and Bill Koch

    Send us Fan Mail This episode features two long-time Jefferson Township leaders whose careers reflect a shared commitment to student growth, community, and leadership. Jeanne Howe brings more than 31 years of experience in education, beginning as a science teacher and rising through roles including Assistant Principal, Middle School Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from New Jersey City University. Throughout her career, Jeanne has focused on building environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally, while supporting educators and staff who serve the Jefferson Township community every day. Joining her is Bill Koch, the Athletic Director at Jefferson Township High School since 2018. Bill spent a decade teaching Physical Education and Health at Jefferson Township Middle School before moving into athletic administration, including a year as Athletic Director in Montville Township. He earned his undergraduate degree from Springfield College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Education from Centenary University. A lifelong coach, Bill has led cross country, wrestling, and boys lacrosse programs and remains active in youth sports. Beyond school, he is a husband to his wife Nicole and a proud father of three—Olivia, William, and Amelia. Together, Jeanne and Bill offer a unique perspective on education, leadership, athletics, and the impact schools have on the lives of students and families. Find The Suffering Podcast The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube Support the show The Suffering Podcast Instagram Kevin Donaldson Instagram TikTok YouTube Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
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5
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

Adversity is the common thread throughout the lives of all living human beings. This human condition can either make us or break us. Nothing great comes easy and it's the overcoming of adversity that makes us who we are. Living by the ethos Suffering is THE way to sustainable success and the path to greatness. Always remember Mike Failace.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Donaldson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    281
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Suffering Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Suffering Podcast

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