Adversity to Ascension

Dr. Sandra Cox talks with Robbie Parker—father of six-year-old Sandy Hook victim Emily Parker—about the day of the 2012 shooting, the media and conspiracy-theory onslaught that followed, and his decade-long journey from raw grief to renewed purpose. Robbie recounts intimate memories of Emily, describes meeting President Obama, explains how Alex Jones’s defamation campaign compounded his family’s t...

Dr. Sandra Cox sits down with David Keck, host of The Process of Healing podcast, to discuss his harrowing journey through trauma, resilience, and advocacy. David shares his deeply personal story—growing up as an openly gay man in the South, surviving a brutal hate crime, and navigating the long road to recovery. Despite immense hardship, he has turned his pain into purpose, advocating for survivo...

Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, the podcast where we explore how life’s challenges can be transformed into meaning and success. In this episode, Dr. Sandra Cox sits down with Jeff Comerchero and Eli Radford—an unlikely pair whose friendship defies stereotypes and societal expectations. Jeff, a former mayor of Temecula, Vietnam veteran, and CEO of a billion-dollar real estate development company...

Dr. Sandra Cox welcomes Carol Chea, host of Solitary Magic Podcast, to share her incredible journey from a strict Southern Baptist upbringing to discovering her path in Appalachian witchcraft and spiritual self-discovery. Carol opens up about the struggles of being deeply embedded in evangelical culture—marrying young, homeschooling her children, and dedicating her life to the church—only to face...

Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, a podcast dedicated to transforming life's hardships into opportunities for growth and meaning. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Hartfield, co-owner of Inland Empire TMS, whose incredible story of overcoming addiction, trauma, and adversity will inspire you. Joined by Dr. Sandra Cox, Kyle shares his journey of battling mental health challenges, 20+ years of...

Welcome to Adversity To Ascension, the podcast that explores how to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth and purpose. In this episode, we sit down with Ann Marie Houghtailing, a storytelling and business development expert who has trained thousands of professionals across the U.S. and beyond. Ann Marie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring: from navigating the 2009 recession as a...

In this powerful solo episode of Adversity to Ascension, Dr. Sandra Cox addresses the fears and anxieties gripping many Americans following recent political shifts and societal changes. Drawing from her extensive experience as a mental health professional, Dr. Cox explores the challenges posed by changes in civil rights, healthcare, LGBTQ+ protections, and racial equality under the current adminis...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Adversity to Ascension! Today, we’re honored to host Sarah Parlow—an accomplished nurse anesthetist, actress, writer, life coach, and LGBTQ advocate. Sarah’s journey is one of courage, authenticity, and transformation. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah shares her experiences as a trans woman who transitioned in 1995, navigating societal challenges while...

In this powerful first episode, host Dr. Sandra Cox dives deep into resilience, self-discovery, and recovery with thought leader Randy Haveson. With over 40 years of sobriety, Randy has become a beacon of hope, using his journey from addiction and self-doubt to inspire and uplift others. A bestselling author of Becoming Your Own BFF, Randy has shared his story on major platforms like CNN, CNBC, an...

Welcome to Adversity to Ascension with Dr. Sandra Cox! In this empowering episode, Dr. Cox sits down with Ginger Hitzke, a trailblazing first-generation real estate developer and president of Hitzke Development. Ginger shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in affordable housing, developing over 1,500 housing units and $430 million in real estate across California...

Welcome to Adversity to Ascension, a podcast dedicated to exploring the incredible stories of people who have risen above life's most challenging obstacles. Hosted by Dr. Sandra Cox—a psychiatrist with nearly 30 years of experience, mother, and social justice advocate—this series delves into the raw and transformative journeys of those who have faced devastating setbacks and emerged stronger. In t...