Th/e Honest Edge Shea Petaja

Michael Jon Watt was raised by his adoptive parents on a Christian fundamentalist commune tucked into the woods near Long Lake in Traverse City, Michigan. His connection to God existed outside of this dark reality as did an inner knowing that he was also gay.

He was told that he could love God or be gay, but not at the same time. He would have to choose.

He tried. For decades.

Multiple confessions, accountability groups, conversion therapy and an eventual engagement to a woman didn't change what he knew to be true. The harder he worked to deny his identity, the more pain consumed him.

This episode isn't about coming out and life becoming easier. It's about the journey of a man destined to live an authentic life and the peace he found along the way back to his birth mom, his identity and his home.

Michael is a graphic designer, Etsy shop owner and improv artist who returned to the north country and made it his own.

We hope you are encouraged by his story and the clarity offered to those searching for identity.

Queerly beloved, “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of." -Blaise Pascal


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On March 25th, 2012 a knock on the door changed Nate & Maggie Blaylock's life forever. As Maggie held her newborn, the person at the door revealed her husband's infidelity. The man she loved and built a family with had a secret life. His past porn addiction had not been resolved. In fact, it had escalated into an out of control sex addiction in their community. Layers of betrayal would unfold in staggered confessions leading them to a therapeutic full disclosure with a polygraph test.

In this episode you will hear directly from Nate & Maggie.

They bravely share the story of tremendous pain, the choice to heal themselves and ultimately their marriage.

We will also discuss whether or not "sex addiction" is real and how it is treated by the professional CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) community.

Maggie will speak directly to victims of this abuse and the necessary steps to protect yourself in order to heal.

They have turned their pain into purpose and now work with others to reclaim their lives.

Like a needle in a haystack, I regret not finding them sooner.



GET HELP HERE:


To reach Nate & Maggie directly go to: Known Counseling Services


For immediate treatment of sex addiction or betrayal trauma, go to: Begin Again Institute



You can find Shea at www.sheapetaja.com if you're ready to experience The Holy Sh/ft in your personal and professional life.


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What happens when two podcaster's with theatrical training take the mic to talk about death, moms and comedy?

You won't know until you listen!

Join me and fellow podcaster and actor, Dana Black on this lively episode where Dana reveals WHY she created her podcast, "I Swear on my Mother's Grave" to process the complicated relationship with her dead mother. As an actor, she takes off the mask and turns on the mic to ask the grief community the hard questions she is facing. It's beautiful, heartfelt and hilarious.

No topic is off limits between us ...

In this episode, I share some of my own complicated grief in our banter. You'll laugh, cry and perhaps ... cringe.

If you want to listen to Dana's podcast go HERE! www.danablack.org

This podcast is sponsored by our lovely friends at Michael's Place, a grief support center in Traverse City, Michigan. You can learn more about their FREE services at www.mymichaelsplace.net




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Happy New Year!

I'm really excited to have someone special on the show today, my coach and friend Casey Petz. He was born into a family business and was expected to participate. I dare to say, he was "chosen". His ability to see and lead others through complexity is a rare talent that has been hard earned. I asked him how to plan for the new year and he said, "Don't plan for a year unless you plan to be dead."

Join us as we talk about how to create a bigger vision for your life and work backwards into the present. In his words, "It's a close your eyes experience."

For those of you who are in crisis and cannot plan for anything beyond the present moment, he has some solid insight to help you stay on the path.

Remember: Simple isn't easy.



Are you ready to make 2024 your best year in your personal and professional life? I have created a private 1:1 coaching experience for you! Maybe it's time we talked. Learn more about The Holy Sh/ft HERE.



Are you a woman in business? Are you tired of doing it alone and would love coaching in the company of other female entrepreneurs? Join my Inner/preneur's Cohort this coming February! Curious to learn more? READ MORE HERE. I can't wait to hear more about your business!



Speaking of female entrepreneurs ...

This podcast is sponsored by Melissa Laraway, Realtor with CENTURY 21 Northland. She is an expert re-locator who has made the northern Michigan dream a reality for herself and she can do that for you! If you're looking to make an educated decision about your next real estate investment, call Melissa!




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The holiday season can be challenging for many. Oftentimes, we get triggered by family dynamics or the lack thereof. For those who struggle with addiction, it's especially important to be aware and get support.

My guest Derek Chowen, addict, author and coach is no stranger to the magnetic pull so many struggle with day-to-day. You will hear his story which includes the desperate attempts he made to hide his addiction, the reason he decided to face it and the purpose he found to stay sober.

For the "Normies" (those who don't struggle with addiction) this interview will pull back the curtain and teach you how to process what seems foreign.

The interview ends with Derek speaking directly to "The Other Side" - victims who have loved and supported addicts at their best and their worst. For some, this will be the apology you've been waiting for.

Derek delivers his story, wisdom and insight with incredible grace. This show has something for everyone.



This podcast is sponsored by my friend Barbara, the owner of Twin Oaks Cottage in Gladstone, Michigan. This historic cottage can host 10 guests! It's a magical escape to the Upper Peninsula.

Book NOW to embrace every season Michigan has to offer.

The only thing missing is YOU! 


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It's been 3.5 years since I released my first podcast into the world. I had underestimated my own capacity and bandwidth at the beginning of what would turn out to be a very lengthy pandemic. In other words, it lasted more than a "few weeks." A lot has changed in my life since then. I'm sure you can relate.

I believe people become an authority on their pain if they choose to face it. The purpose of this podcast is to introduce you to those who have faced their edge of truth, jumped in and trusted who they would become on the other side. It's a collection of conquerers who have found their freedom in hopes that you find yours.

My second guest is Christina Ryan-Stolz, a master bodyworker, writer, folk herbalist, founder of SHEskool and the forever mother of Isaac Ryan-McKinnon. Isaac died by suicide 9 years ago. She has chosen, repeatedly to face her life every day without him. The most rebellious act of all - to live when she lost her purpose, her boy.

Join us today as we talk about Isaac's choice and the daily choices Christina has made to carry her loss. She now supports others in their healing as a somatic educator and breathwork facilitator.

You can find her at www.sheskool.com

This podcast is sponsored by Michael's Place, a grief support center in Traverse City, Michigan. You can learn more about their free services at www.mymichaelsplace.net

If you are struggling and need immediate help, call 988 to reach 988lifeline.org




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