Behind Beautiful Things

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , host Kevin welcomes Aaron, the author of Four Walks in Central Park: A Poetic Guide to the Park . In this deeply personal conversation, Aaron opens up about his journey through childhood depression, the loneliness of the pandemic, and the addiction that followed. As he shares his story, we follow him through the quiet paths of Central Park—a place that became...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , host Kevin welcomes Erin for an honest and inspiring conversation about mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. Erin opens up about the mental health challenges she faced growing up, the difficult truths she discovered about the world, and how becoming a mother shaped her emotional well-being. She also shares the meaningful work she does every day to...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , Kevin sits down with author Timothy, whose new memoir Stumbling in the Dark: Looking for the Light Switch explores the power of hope, healing, and resilience. In this deeply moving conversation, Timothy opens up about his traumatic childhood, life in the military, and the profound love story that carried him through heartbreak and separation. Together, we dis...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Rachel, author of the powerful new memoir As Is . In this deeply moving conversation, Rachel opens up about her upbringing in an isolated religious community, the trauma her family endured, and the healing journey that followed. Through yoga, self-discovery, and resilience, Rachel found a path toward freedom and peace—and she shares the lesso...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , we welcome back Anne, whose story of resilience and rediscovery continues to inspire listeners. In her new book High Hopes , Anne shares how attending her first Bruce Springsteen concert at age 59became a life-changing experience—one that reignited her sense of joy and connection. Join us as we dive into Anne’s journey from a difficult childhood to finding ho...

In this insightful episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Jordyn, author of My Heart Has Been in it From the Start , as she shares her powerful mental health journey. Jordyn opens up about growing up with ADHD and how it deeply impacted her self-esteem and sense of identity. She also speaks candidly about her ongoing challenges with depression, anxiety, and Obsessive Compulsive Diso...

In this heartfelt episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Steve, author of My Heart Has Been in it From the Start . Steve shares his emotional journey through fatherhood—beginning with the anxieties of becoming a new dad, the adventures that shaped his life, and a life-changing discovery years later: he had another daughter he never knew about. This is a story of love, growth, and se...

In this moving episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Diane, author of Getting Lost on My Way: Discovery on Ireland’s Back Roads . Diane opens up about the devastating trauma she experienced as a young girl and how it shaped her path through life—including the dissolution of her first marriage. She shares how, through four solo journeys across the back roads of Ireland, she experien...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Louise as she shares her deeply personal story rooted in the aftermath of World War II. Louise’s parents fled the horrors of war-torn Europe, and the trauma they carried would echo across generations. We explore how that inherited trauma shaped Louise’s childhood, her mental health, and her complex relationship with her family. Through...

In this heartfelt episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we welcome Brian, host of the Grief to Growth podcast, for an inspiring conversation about navigating life after profound loss. Brian shares the tragic story of losing his daughter and how that experience led him to help others through their own grief journeys. We explore powerful themes like mindfulness, gratitude, emotional healing, and the...

In this compelling episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Rob, author of the bold and unflinching memoir Asshole . Rob shares his story of growing up in a deeply troubled family, his early escape into the world of radio, and the horrific abuse he endured along the way. Through honesty and dark humor, Rob reflects on how he found purpose in the entertainment industry, using creativit...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Tzara, a confidence coach who helps individuals build healthy, meaningful relationships by improving self-worth and emotional awareness. Tzara opens up about her own struggles in past relationships, what led her to become a relationship and confidence coach, and how understanding attachment styles can transform the way we connect with o...

In this deeply moving episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with David as he bravely shares his story of surviving childhood abuse and navigating a lifetime of mental health challenges. David opens up about the long-term effects of trauma, the emotional hurdles he's worked to overcome, and how he found purpose through advocacy and public speaking . Today, David uses his voice to raise a...

In this powerful episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Shavaun, author of Night Bird , to talk about her deeply personal journey through grief, trauma, and healing following the suicide of her husband. Shavaun shares how this devastating loss left her supremely traumatized, the emotional and psychological challenges she faced, and how she began the path toward recovery. We also exp...

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we welcome Laura — author of The Inclusive Event Planner and cofounder of Sober Life Rocks — for an inspiring conversation about her personal journey to sobriety, the motivation behind creating a community for sober living, and how she's redefining inclusive event planning. Laura opens up about the challenges and triumphs of choosing a sober lifestyle,...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Abby, author of The Year of Dating Myself , to discuss her deeply personal journey of self-discovery and healing. Abby opens up about her upbringing, the relationships and heartbreaks that shaped her, and how dedicating a year to "dating herself" helped her reclaim her strength, rebuild her confidence, and find clarity. Tune in for a heartfelt co...

On this episode of Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Hendrika, author of Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian , to explore her extraordinary life journey. Having grown up in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Hendrika shares powerful memories of her childhood during WWII—including her mother’s courageous role in the Dutch resistance and the sheltering of a Jewish girl. We follow her story...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Pete, author of Lighten Your Day , to talk about the healing power of humor and hope. Pete shares his story of overcoming a turbulent childhood, working through recovery in a 12-step program, facing serious health challenges, and how he now uses laughter and lightness to inspire others. Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about resilien...

Today on Behind Beautiful Things , we welcome Mary Beth, whose remarkable life story is a testament to resilience and transformation. In this powerful episode, Mary Beth opens up about surviving childhood trauma, battling meth addiction, and her long journey to sobriety. She also shares how she rose above it all to become a respected federal judge. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about heal...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Dan Ivankovich, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, healthcare advocate, and accomplished blues musician. In this episode, we explore Dr. Dan’s groundbreaking work providing medical care to underserved communities, his candid insights on the U.S. healthcare system, and how he balances life in the operating room with a passion for music. Tune in now for a p...

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Terry for a deeply moving conversation. He shares his arduous journey with cancer, the powerful mindset that carried him through, and the wisdom he’s gained along the way—including the “four truths” that guide his life. Terry leaves us with an unforgettable message: what you leave behind is what you weave into others’ hearts. Check out Terry’s work and so...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , we sit down with Jess, who shares her remarkable journey through a series of relentless health challenges. With humor as her constant companion, Jess talks about the treatments she pursued, the resilience she discovered, and the perspective she gained along the way. It’s a story of strength, laughter, and perseverance—you won’t want to miss it. Visit Jess’s W...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things , we welcome Jay for an honest and powerful conversation. Jay opens up about the challenges he faced in his early twenties, his battle with suicidal ideation, the evolution of his faith, and the meaningful work he's doing today. It's a story of struggle, hope, and transformation. We’d love for you to join us. Please note: This episode contains descriptions and...

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Joan, author of Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis . Joan opens up about her deeply personal journey through psychoanalysis—exploring the loneliness she faced, the haunting nightmares she endured, and the long, courageous process of unraveling her trauma. It’s a conversation about healing, resilience, and the power of telling your story. We hope you’ll...

This week, we sit down with Richard, author of the two-part memoir Spring Flower . Richard shares the powerful story of his mother’s life—growing up in poverty in China, immigrating to the United States, and the heartfelt agreement they made to complete her memoir together. It’s a moving, multigenerational journey of resilience, identity, and storytelling. Don’t miss it Visit Richard’s Website: ht...