Walk With Me

Stephanie Bloom

Journey with real people who have lived a life worth telling a story about. Hear their experiences and the wisdom they have gained from them.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Long Road Back to Yourself | David Richards

    In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie sits down with David Richards — a Marine Corps veteran, author, yoga instructor, and coach whose life journey spans military service, personal transformation, and a deep exploration of spirituality and purpose.  David grew up in a military family and eventually followed that path himself, attending Penn State and becoming a Marine officer. His career included leadership roles and deployment to Somalia during the early 1990s. The experience gave him a deep understanding of discipline, strategy, and the psychology of human behavior.  But David's story is about far more than military service. Behind the structure of his career, he was navigating a much deeper personal journey — wrestling with questions about love, identity, faith, and what it means to live in alignment with truth. Through relationship challenges, spiritual awakenings, and years of self-reflection, David began exploring tools like meditation, journaling, coaching, and mindset practices to better understand himself and the human experience. Today, David uses his experiences as a writer and coach to help others explore purpose, personal responsibility, and the deeper spiritual questions that shape our lives. This conversation explores: Growing up in a military family and entering the Marine Corps Lessons from combat leadership and military culture The impact of childhood experiences and spiritual awakening Relationship patterns and personal transformation The power of journaling, meditation, and mindset work Exploring faith, purpose, and personal responsibility If you've ever found yourself questioning your path or searching for deeper meaning in your experiences, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at what it means to do the inner work. Connect with the Guest http://www.davidrichardsauthor.com/  Continue the Conversation If this episode resonated with you, you can explore more conversations, healing resources, and podcast episodes at: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll also find links to past guests, additional resources, and ways to stay connected with the Walk With Me community.

    51 min
  2. MAR 31

    Breaking Cycles, Owning Your Story, and Living Authentically with Meridee Hlokoff

    In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, we sit down with Meridee Hlokoff — a spiritual guide, addictions coach, life coach, and business coach dedicated to helping people break free from destructive patterns and reconnect with their authentic selves. transcription Meridee's story begins in a challenging environment marked by generational trauma and a mother struggling with serious mental health issues. Growing up in that instability forced her to confront difficult questions about identity, responsibility, and the cycles we inherit from our families. transcription As she became a parent herself, those lessons deepened. Raising a son with ADHD and oppositional defiant tendencies pushed Meridee to rethink everything she believed about parenting, control, and human behavior. Instead of trying to change her children, she began focusing on conscious parenting, self-reflection, and personal accountability. transcription Over time, that journey led her into coaching and addiction recovery work. Meridee believes that trauma often sits at the root of addiction, and that healing begins when we stop blaming circumstances and start examining our own responses to life's challenges. transcription Throughout this conversation, Meridee shares powerful insights on: Why authenticity is one of the highest forms of personal alignment How trauma and emotional pain can lead to addictive behaviors The importance of boundaries and accountability in relationships Why growth requires the courage to look honestly at ourselves How conscious parenting can help raise emotionally aware children Learning to find gratitude even in life's most difficult moments This episode is a reminder that while we may not control what happens to us, we always have the power to choose how we respond. Connect with Meridee Hlokoff Addiction Recovery & Coaching Services 🌐 https://laserquittherapy.ca Instagram 📱 https://www.instagram.com/sobercoachmer/ Meridee works with clients in addiction recovery, life coaching, business coaching, and personal development, helping people align their actions with the life they truly want to live. Listen, Learn, and Walk With Us If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more powerful stories of healing, resilience, and personal growth. 👉 Visit https://WalkWithMeConversations.com to discover more podcast episodes, resources, and conversations that remind us we're not alone in our journeys. And if you found value in today's episode, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.

    50 min
  3. MAR 24

    Remembering the Frequency of Love: Healing Beyond Conventional Medicine with Dr. Sharnael

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Dr. Sharnael, a practitioner, author, and educator whose work blends holistic health, spirituality, and the science of human energy and physiology. Dr. Sharnael shares the deeply personal journey that led her into the world of natural healing. After years of struggling with serious health issues and being placed on more than thirty medications without improvement, she began searching for answers beyond conventional medicine. That search eventually led her to explore biohacking technologies, naturopathic approaches, and the intersection of spirituality and science — a path that ultimately transformed her health and her purpose. Today, Dr. Sharnael works with clients both online and in person, helping people uncover root causes of health challenges and guiding them toward greater physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Throughout this conversation, Stephanie and Dr. Sharnael discuss the importance of questioning assumptions about health, the power of mindset and perspective, and why many people today feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or exhausted. They also explore how healing can sometimes begin with something simple but powerful: remembering who we are and reconnecting with purpose, gratitude, and love. This episode is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, even after seasons of illness, struggle, or uncertainty. In This Episode Growing up in a military family and how constant change shaped Dr. Sharnael's worldview The health crisis that pushed her to search beyond traditional medical approaches Exploring the connection between physical health, emotional well-being, and spirituality The role of biohacking, naturopathic therapies, and lifestyle changes in healing Why so many people today feel exhausted, discouraged, or disconnected The importance of perspective, gratitude, and community during difficult seasons Encouraging people to remember their purpose and the value of their life About Dr. Sharnael Wolverton-Sihon Dr. Sharnael Wolverton-Sihon is a practitioner, author, and educator focused on holistic wellness, energy medicine, and spiritual development. She works with clients through remote and in-person services, including biofeedback, frequency work, and wellness consultations designed to help individuals restore balance and vitality. She is also the host of a weekly podcast and the author of multiple books, including The Science of Miracles. Connect with Dr. Sharnael Website: https://drsharnael.com Through her website you can learn about: Soul Audit sessions Biofeedback services Retreats and events Books and wellness resources Podcast episodes and educational content Walk With Me Podcast If this conversation resonated with you, there are many more stories of resilience, healing, and transformation waiting for you. Visit WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Explore more podcast episodes Discover guest stories and resources Access tools for personal growth and healing Stay connected with the Walk With Me community 👉 Visit: https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Share This Episode If you found value in this conversation, please consider: ⭐ Subscribing to the podcast ⭐ Leaving a review ⭐ Sharing this episode with someone who might need encouragement today Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

    35 min
  4. MAR 10

    Changing the Trajectory of Your Health & Life with Kay

    In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, we sit down with Kay, a lifelong community developer, entrepreneur, and health advocate who believes that the choices we make every day can dramatically change the trajectory of our lives. Kay grew up in a large Midwestern family as the oldest of eight children. That early responsibility helped shape her curiosity about people and her desire to serve others. Over the years, that curiosity led her far beyond her hometown—working in community development projects in inner-city Chicago and eventually across the world. For decades, Kay helped communities identify what they wanted for their future and develop practical strategies to make it happen. Her work took her from the United States to Western Samoa and Zambia, where she spent years working alongside local leaders to improve access to healthcare, education, and community resources. Through those experiences, she discovered a powerful principle: transformation begins when we shift our focus from what's wrong to what's possible. After returning to the United States, Kay transitioned into entrepreneurship, building a career in health insurance and later expanding into wellness education—helping people understand how diet, inflammation, and lifestyle choices impact long-term health. Now in her seventies, Kay continues to share her knowledge about vitality, aging, and personal responsibility for health. She believes that by making intentional choices—about food, mindset, and daily habits—people can dramatically improve their quality of life. This conversation explores: How childhood experiences shape our mindset about life Lessons learned from decades of global community development Why focusing on what you want is more powerful than focusing on what you don't want The connection between inflammation, diet, and chronic disease How lifestyle choices influence energy, longevity, and vitality Why gratitude and mindset play a critical role in overall health Ultimately, Kay's message is one of empowerment: small changes in thinking and daily habits can lead to meaningful change over time. About Our Guest Kay is an entrepreneur, health advocate, and community development leader who has spent decades helping individuals and communities improve their lives through intentional decision-making and lifestyle change. After years of global community development work, she now focuses on helping people improve their vitality through nutrition, mindset, and healthy lifestyle practices. Learn More About Kay Website: https://masteryourvitality.com Free Report: https://masteryourvitality.com/free Listen, Learn, and Walk With Us If you enjoyed this conversation, we invite you to explore more powerful stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. Visit the Walk With Me Conversations website to discover more episodes, guest stories, and resources. 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Support the Show If this episode resonated with you: Share it with a friend Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform Subscribe so you never miss an episode Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories that remind us we're never walking alone.

    45 min
  5. MAR 7

    Surviving Trauma and Breaking the Cycle | Adrienne Caldwell | Walk With Me Podcast

    Episode Overview In this episode of the Walk With Me Podcast, Stephanie speaks with Adrienne Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines. Adrienne shares her extraordinary journey from childhood abuse, homelessness, and foster care to becoming a survivor, mother, and advocate for healing. Adrienne grew up surrounded by generational trauma, poverty, and instability. Her mother struggled with schizophrenia, and throughout her childhood Adrienne experienced physical abuse, extreme poverty, and constant upheaval—attending 13 different schools before graduating high school.  Despite these challenges, Adrienne found refuge in education. School became the one place where she felt safe and capable. That determination eventually helped her graduate from college with honors and begin building a life outside the patterns she grew up in.  Along the way, Adrienne faced addiction, heartbreak, and moments where life nearly fell apart. But becoming a mother changed everything. She made the conscious decision to break the cycle of trauma and create a different future for her daughter. Today, Adrienne is sharing her story through her memoir Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, offering hope and perspective for others navigating trauma, recovery, and resilience. This conversation is a powerful exploration of healing after childhood abuse, overcoming addiction, and becoming a cycle breaker. Key Topics Discussed Surviving childhood abuse and generational trauma Growing up in extreme poverty and homelessness Experiences within the foster care system Finding stability and identity through education Overcoming addiction and self-medication Becoming a cycle breaker for the next generation The healing power of writing and storytelling Lessons learned from surviving trauma and rebuilding life About Adrienne Caldwell Adrienne Caldwell is the author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, a memoir detailing her journey through childhood trauma, foster care, addiction recovery, and ultimately rebuilding her life. Her story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of transformation even after unimaginable circumstances. Connect With Adrienne Caldwell 🌐 Website https://unbrokencaldwell.com 📖 Book Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines 📚 Read the Prologue & Chapter One Available on her website. 💬 Reader Remarks / Contact Adrienne welcomes messages from readers through the contact section of her website. Listen to More Stories of Healing and Resilience The Walk With Me Podcast shares powerful conversations with people who have faced trauma, addiction, loss, and adversity—and found ways to move forward with courage and resilience. If this story resonated with you, explore more episodes and resources at: 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com Share This Episode If Adrienne's story of resilience and recovery inspired you, please consider: ✔ Sharing this episode with someone who may need encouragement ✔ Leaving a review for the podcast ✔ Visiting WalkWithMeConversations.com to explore more powerful conversations Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.

    48 min
  6. FEB 17

    Childhood trauma, grief, healing, and unlikely courage

    In this deeply moving episode of Walk With Me Conversations, we sit down with Alicia Johnson-Niles, founder of Unlikely Courage and author of the forthcoming book Angel in Arlington. Alicia's story begins with a devastating loss—her father was murdered when she was just two years old. Though she grew up surrounded by love and stability, the trauma of that loss quietly shaped her inner world for decades, manifesting as anxiety, fear, people-pleasing, disordered eating, and a constant sense of bracing for the worst. In this conversation, Alicia courageously explores what it means to grieve someone you don't consciously remember—and how unresolved childhood trauma can live in the body and nervous system long into adulthood. She shares how facing the truth about her father's death in her 30s became a turning point, opening the door to healing, spiritual connection, and ultimately, freedom. This episode is a powerful reflection on: Childhood grief and complex PTSD How trauma shapes our sense of safety and self-worth The role of spirituality and meaning-making in healing Giving ourselves permission to feel, grieve, and remember Finding courage in the places we once avoided At its heart, this is a story about reclaiming your voice, honoring love that never disappears, and discovering the strength you didn't know you had. 🌿 About the Guest Alicia Johnson-Niles is the founder of Unlikely Courage, a platform dedicated to helping people overcome trauma by accessing the courage already within them. She is also the author of Angel in Arlington, a true story weaving together grief, spirituality, true crime, and personal transformation. 🔗 Connect with Alicia Unlikely Courage: https://unlikelycourage.com Angel in Arlington: https://angelinarlington.com 👉 Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more stories like this. Visit 🌐 WalkWithMeConversations.com to: Listen to more episodes Learn about upcoming guests Dive deeper into conversations about healing, resilience, and the human experience And if this episode spoke to your heart, please consider sharing it with someone who might need it today. You don't have to walk alone. 💛

    49 min
  7. FEB 10

    What Do You Want to Sustain? Meaning, Resilience, and Sustainability with David Auger

    In this episode of Walk With Me, Stephanie sits down with David Auger—environmental engineer, author, husband, father, and deep thinker—to explore sustainability as more than a scientific metric. David invites us to consider sustainability as a normative, values-based question: What do we want to hold onto, protect, and pass forward? David shares his personal journey growing up in Denver, attending West Point, serving in the military, and transitioning into a long career in environmental engineering focused on water, air quality, wildlife habitat, and industrial responsibility. Alongside his professional experience, David opens up about one of the most defining chapters of his life—walking with his family through his young son's four-year battle with childhood leukemia, an experience that reshaped his understanding of resilience, family, and purpose. The conversation weaves together science, philosophy, history, and deeply human stories. David discusses the ideas behind his book Man's Search for Sustainability, inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, and shares unexpected lessons from nature—comparing honeybees and desert locusts to illustrate how stress, community, and adaptation shape survival. He also reflects on Colorado mining towns, baseball as a form of community resilience, and why sustainability is never a fixed destination, but an evolving journey shaped by expectations and participation. This episode is an invitation to pause and ask a powerful question: Why do we want to sustain anything at all? Topics Covered Sustainability as a values-based, human question Growing up in Denver and family legacy Military service and a career in environmental engineering Water, air quality, and wildlife habitat stewardship Parenting through childhood leukemia and family resilience Lessons from honeybees and desert locusts Viktor Frankl, meaning, and the power of "why" Community, culture, and sustainability through history About the Guest David Auger is an environmental engineer with decades of experience in water and air modeling, industrial compliance, and wildlife habitat management. He is the author of Man's Search for Sustainability, a philosophical exploration of sustainability inspired by Viktor Frankl's work on meaning, and is currently working on a second book rooted in Colorado history, community, and resilience. 📘 Book: Man's Search for Sustainability If this conversation resonated with you, explore more episodes, stories, and reflections at 👉 https://WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find past conversations, resources, and ways to continue walking alongside meaningful stories of healing, resilience, and purpose. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share—it helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.

    48 min
  8. FEB 3

    Dale Walsh — Schizophrenia, Stigma, and the Long Road to Clarity

    In this deeply honest and unconventional conversation, we sit down with Dale Walsh—poet, mentor, and mental health advocate—who shares his lived experience with schizophrenia spanning nearly five decades. Dale's journey began in the summer of 1975, when a psychotic break during his freshman year at Dartmouth College led to involuntary hospitalization and a diagnosis that would shape much of his adult life. What followed were years inside psychiatric institutions, long-term stigma, and a mental health system that, at the time, offered little hope for recovery. In this episode, Dale speaks candidly about: The culture of psychiatry in the 1970s and how it framed schizophrenia as incurable The lasting impact of being told he had "broken his brain" Anosognosia—why many people with mental illness don't believe they're ill The language gap between those with mental illness and those without Cannabis, personal agency, and controversial paths to self-regulation Creativity, poetry, and meaning-making as survival tools What it means to finally release a lifelong delusion and reclaim identity Today, Dale is living independently, writing poetry, and mentoring family caregivers of people with schizophrenia, helping them move out of burnout and codependency and into resilience, self-worth, and compassionate understanding. This episode challenges conventional narratives around mental illness and recovery—and offers a powerful reminder that healing is not linear, fast, or one-size-fits-all. 🌱 About the Guest: Dale Walsh Dale Walsh is a poet, mental health advocate, and mentor for family caregivers of individuals living with schizophrenia. Drawing from decades of lived experience, Dale focuses on educating caregivers while helping them rebuild self-esteem, emotional resilience, and healthy boundaries. 🔗 Connect with Dale Website: https://www.dewlivelove.net Schedule a Session (Calendly): https://www.calendly.com/dalecoach55 ✨ Call to Action If this conversation resonated with you, we invite you to explore more stories like this at 👉 https://www.WalkWithMeConversations.com You'll find podcast episodes, reflections, and resources centered on healing, resilience, and the shared human experience. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help these stories reach the people who need them most.

    38 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

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Journey with real people who have lived a life worth telling a story about. Hear their experiences and the wisdom they have gained from them.