Adventures in Adversity: an inspirational podcast

Jeremy Lipkowitz, Founder of Unhooked Academy + Unhooked Podcast , opens up about his personal journey with porn addiction, the crushing weight of shame, and how it impacted men's mental health. Jeremy breaks down: How porn addiction quietly erodes intimacy, contentment, and self-trust The deep shame that keeps men silent and stuck The inner work of recovery and what actually helps men break free...

Nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the U.S. are men...and yet, men’s mental health is one of the least talked-about crises of our time. In this episode, we break down: Why men are more likely to suffer in silence How societal expectations around masculinity shape emotional behavior Why so many men avoid therapy and emotional expression The real impact of “be strong” culture How to redefine masculinit...

I sit down with Mason and Cameron, the co-founders of DIVINI , to talk about how a homebrew kombucha recipe turned into a growing wellness brand built around gut health, intentional ingredients, and real-life resilience. Follow DIVINI on Instagram Their story is a reminder that big things often start with one idea, one sip, and a willingness to keep going. We talk about the adversity behind buildi...

I sit down with John Kippen , whose story is a powerful reminder that adversity can become purpose. John shares how a brain tumor and the facial paralysis that followed completely changed the course of his life, and how he spent years learning to accept himself, rebuild his confidence, and find meaning on the other side of trauma. What stayed with me most was John’s honesty about how long healing...

We're back at Oakland Podcast Studio with one of my besties and a returning guest, Omaira , for a very real conversation about imposter syndrome ...what it looks like in our actual lives and how we’re learning to move through it. From building her vending machine business in the Bay Area to me growing this podcast while working full-time, we talk about the quiet ways we both downplay our wins...

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and culture-builder Greg Selkoe, founder of KarmaLoop and co-founder of XSET, to talk about what it really looks like to build big things while battling inner demons along the way. XSET is Pop-Gaming - transforming the creator-led gaming culture at the intersection of sports, music, and entertainment into trusted, scalable influence across a massive yo...

I sit down with my friend and former kiddo coach, Stevie Johnson, an East Bay basketball skills trainer and founder of One Thru Five Academy . We talk about why his work is “bigger than basketball” and how he coaches with a holistic lens - caring about what’s happening at home, in school, and with friends just as much as what happens on the court. Stevie shares his nontraditional path in hoops, hi...

I sit down with Logan Walton, Arizona State Senate candidate and Empire Scottsdale GM, to talk about service, risk, and what happens when you actually follow that little nudge to do something different with your life. We talk about Logan started with late nights as a Scottsdale door host to a Senate run in LD8 in the state of Arizona this year. He shares how burnout, big pivots, and even online tr...

Regina Hiremath shares her journey from childhood abuse and an emotionally abusive marriage to a life rooted in authenticity, healing, and purpose. She opens up about the long shadow of trauma, what it took to finally leave a narcissistic relationship, and how she rebuilt her identity and sense of self-worth. Along the way, Regina reveals how writing her book became both a healing tool and a lifel...

In this episode, I sit down with Ally Shaw, author of Chasing Tigers in the Dark: Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor, to talk about how she transformed profound trauma, loss, and illness into fierce empowerment and purpose. From abuse and cancer to reinvention and healing, Ally shares the tools, mindsets, and moments that helped her step out of survival mode and into a life guided by joy, faith, an...

In ep. 83, I talk with George Ackerman about Parkinson’s Disease advocacy, the loss of his mother Sharon, and the deeply personal mission that inspired his work through TogetherForSharon . George shares how caring for his mom changed his life, how her journey with Parkinson’s shaped his perspective, and why he continues to raise awareness so no one feels alone in the fight. We also discuss the cre...

In this solo episode, I break down what I've learned about our nervous system...and what it's actually doing in seasons of stress and adversity. Referencing the research below, I talk about how activating the vagus nerve can help you move from panic to peace. You’ll learn simple, science‑backed practices like 4–6 breathing, orienting to the room, humming, gentle movement, and micro‑boundar...

Adrienne shares her incredible journey through unimaginable loss, including the passing of her two children, Mackenzie and Kyler. As a mother, survivor, and grief recovery specialist, she opens up about navigating life after loss, finding courage through adversity, and transforming pain into purpose. Adrienne’s path led her to create Dragonfly Coaching She now helps others heal, rebuild, and redis...

In this episode, I sit down with Army Veteran, Empowerment Coach, Host, & speaker Dielle Luster to talk about what it really looks like to walk through adversity with honesty, faith, and community. And we laugh...a lot! It's hard not to with Dielle's infectious energy. Follow Dielle on Instagram Subscribe to her YouTube channel From the discipline and “face it head on” mindset she learned in t...

I sit down with Athena Dean Holtz to explore her incredible journey from spiritual abuse and deception to healing and redemption. Athena shares how realizing she had been deceived became a defining moment in her faith journey. We talk openly about how taking ownership of her part in the story opened the door to real transformation. ATHENA DEAN HOLTZ - PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER Resilience Expert | Disce...

Living with the reality that our days are numbered can feel terrifying, but it can also be a doorway into deeper love, sharper presence, and a more honest life. In this episode, I sit down with Niki DiGaetaeno, Death Doula, Funeral Planner, & Grief Supporter to talk about what really happens when we stop looking away from death and start letting it shape how we live, love, and plan. Follow Nik...

In this episode of Adventures and Adversity, I sit down with Amber, a woman whose journey exemplifies the strength it takes to rise from unimaginable hardship. Amber opens up about her life with raw honesty, taking us through years marked by early motherhood at age 16, toxic relationships, addiction, trauma, and profound grief. Through it all, her story is one of courage, faith, and rediscovery, p...

This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea . Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount! Adventures in Adversity on Instagram & Facebook You know those people who just radiate warmth and authenticity the moment you meet them? That’s my friend, Kendal Anderson. She’s a doctor, a physical therapist, an author, a mom, a wife, an entrepr...

In this episode, Rob shares how he grew up in the foster care system, the abuse he endured, and how he often carried his entire life in a trash bag. He opens up about how those experiences shaped the advocate, father, and leader he is today. We talk about what it means to break cycles of neglect, to choose empathy in the face of pain, and to build the kind of community support every child deserves...

This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by Divini, a honey-based Kombucha tea. Visit and use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount! Follow Adventures in Adversity on Instagram and Facebook In this episode: I sit down with "Big Adamm" Mangieri From playing offensive line in college football to protecting A-list celebrities like Andreea Boccelli, J-Lo, and Shawn Mendes on world tour...

*This episode is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea : Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!* Follow the podcast on Instagram Like the podcast on Facebook This episode is a personal thank you to my guests and to the people listening who might need their stories right now. I move quickly through Seasons 1 and 2, sharing what each guest taught me and how those lessons changed th...

***This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: https://livedivini.com/ ⁠ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*** At just 17 years old, Aamir speaks with the clarity of someone far beyond his years. In this powerful episode, he opens up about growing up in one of Philadelphia’s toughest neighborhoods with a nationwide high crime rate and...

***This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: ⁠ https://livedivini.com/ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*** In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Schwartz to hear his real story. We look back on the life of a man who seemed to have it all...managing millions for icons like Alanis, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Linkin Park, Halsey, and...

****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: ⁠https://livedivini.com/⁠ -- Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!**** In this episode, I talk with the incredible Roseanne Mayer about her memoir and her life behind it: Bones Beneath the Prairie: A Memoir of Survival Roseann grew up in the oil fields of West Texas, surviving a 20–year marriag...

This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea . Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!* In this episode, I sit down with Myranda Young, singer, performer, and creator, for an honest conversation about faith, change, and what it really looks like to walk through adversity with God. Follow Myranda Young on Instagram Visit Myranda's LinkTree pa...