Lee Freeman

Adversity to Strength with Lee Freeman

Health EN ↓ 142 episodes

Adversity to Strength is a story-led podcast hosted by psychotherapist and brand founder Lee Freeman, featuring raw, no-punches-pulled conversations with guests who share how they got through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Each episode explores how those experiences affected their lives, their mental health, and the inner strength they found to keep going. Through honest, powerful storytelling, guests open up about what they faced, how it changed them, and what it means to move forward after life gets hard. A podcast about real people, real resilience, and real strength.

Author

Lee Freeman

Category

Health

Podcast website

adversitytostrength.com

Latest episode

Jul 3, 2026

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Episodes

John Comerford: Surviving Catholic Church Abuse and Helping Men Heal Through Storytelling 12.08.2025

In this conversation, John Comerford shares his harrowing journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse within the Catholic education system and the profound impact it had on his life. After carrying the trauma in silence for over 40 years, a mental health crisis led him to confront his past, seek therapy, and ultimately transform his pain into purpose. John discusses the importance of narrative the...

Dena Hodges: Surviving Snoopy’s Legacy, Family, Abuse & the Forgotten Schulz Grandchild 11.08.2025

Dena Hodges shares her harrowing journey through unimaginable adversity, including childhood abuse, family betrayal, and the struggle for survival. Despite the trauma, she emerges as a powerful advocate for others, emphasising the importance of reclaiming one's voice and the healing power of helping others. The conversation explores themes of generational trauma, resilience, and the transforma...

Jeff Sorensen: Part 2. Jeff Sorensen: Part 1 Addiction & Drug Running for the Sinaloa Cartel to Recovery, Leadership & Breath Work 09.08.2025

In part 2 this conversation explores the transformative journey of an individual who faced incarceration and addiction, ultimately finding healing through breathwork and radical ownership. The discussion delves into the importance of personal responsibility, the power of mindfulness practices, and the journey of reintegration into society. The speaker shares insights on helping others while emphas...

Jeff Sorensen: Part 1 Addiction & Drug Running for the Sinaloa Cartel to Recovery, Leadership & Breathwork 09.08.2025

In this conversation, Jeff Sorensen shares his incredible journey from a life of addiction and trauma to becoming a transformational leader. He recounts pivotal moments, including a near-death experience that led him to confront his past, his involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel out of desperation, and the eventual consequences of his choices that landed him in prison. Through his story, Jeff empha...

Holly Eve: A Powerful Story of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Addiction to Healing and Thriving 08.08.2025

In this episode, Holly Eve shares her transformative journey from a successful celebrity makeup artist to the founder of a luxury natural deodorant brand, Madame Lemy. She discusses her struggles with childhood sexual abuse, trauma, addiction, and the healing power of purpose. Holly emphasises the importance of sharing stories and advocating for mental health, as well as the role of writing in her...

Jake Ranney: Surviving Sexual Abuse and a System That Failed Him to Author and Advocate 07.08.2025

In this episode of Adversity to Strength, Lee Freeman interviews Jake Ranney, a survivor and advocate who shares his powerful journey of healing after experiencing sexual assault. Jake discusses the challenges he faced during the reporting process, the lack of support from the legal system, and the impact of trauma on his daily life. He emphasises the importance of storytelling in healing and his...

Jill Sitnick: Suffering Trauma to Life-Changing Transformation Through MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy. 06.08.2025

Jill Sitncik shares her transformative journey from living with PTSD to healing through MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. She discusses her early struggles with trauma, the impact of her childhood experiences, and how she discovered the power of psychedelics in therapy. Jill emphasises the importance of integration after therapy sessions and her ongoing advocacy for MDMA therapy to help others. Her sto...

Jodi Pavlock: Part 2, Recognising Being in a Narcissistic Relationship and How to Leave One 05.08.2025

In this conversation, Jodi Pavlok returns to discuss her journey of healing and empowerment after experiencing narcissistic relationships. She shares insights on recognizing narcissistic traits, the emotional and financial control often exerted by narcissists, and the grieving process that follows leaving such relationships. Jodie emphasises the importance of self-education about narcissism, the n...

Marysol James: From Best-Selling Author to Survivor of a Narcissist. 04.08.2025

In this episode, Marysol James shares her transformative journey from being a successful romance author to overcoming a six-year relationship with a narcissistic partner. She discusses the gradual erosion of her self-worth, the red flags she ignored, and the pivotal moments that led her to reclaim her identity and strength. Marisol emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, connection, and sharin...

Sheila Kamuda: From Grief to Growth, the Power of Journaling and Gratitude 30.07.2025

In this conversation, Sheila Kamuda shares her transformative journey through grief after the loss of her husband. She discusses how journaling became a powerful tool for healing, allowing her to connect with her emotions and memories. Sheila emphasises the importance of finding strength beyond grief, embracing change, and the significance of gratitude in personal growth. She encourages listeners...

Paul Stewart: Breaking the Silence of Childhood Sexual Abuse to Advocate. 24.07.2025

In this powerful conversation, former Premier League footballer Paul Stewart shares his journey from a promising football career to becoming a voice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. He discusses the trauma he faced, the impact of addiction, and his eventual decision to speak out and advocate for safeguarding in sports. Paul emphasises the importance of mental health awareness and the need...

Alysha Lee: From Being Abducted and Held Captive to Escaping and Thriving 22.07.2025

In this episode, Alysha Lee shares her harrowing journey of surviving emotional abuse, being abducted help captive by her narcissistic husband and spiritual trauma. From the early signs of manipulation in her marriage to the eventual realization of her need to escape, Alysha recounts her experiences with raw honesty. She discusses the challenges of recognising red flags, the emotional turmoil of l...

Peter Anderson: From Pain to Play, A Relationship Mentor's Story 22.07.2025

In this conversation, Peter Anderson, a relationship mentor, shares his journey of understanding love, intimacy, and personal growth. He discusses the importance of self-love, the challenges of past relationships, and the tools he has learned to create a safe and playful connection with his partner. Peter emphasises the significance of communication, emotional safety, and the continuous journey of...

Jon-Paul Brown Pt1: The Rise and Fall and Rebirth of an Elopement Empire 17.07.2025

In this episode, John Paul Brown shares his incredible journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful business owner, and the challenges he faced along the way, including betrayal and embezzlement by a trusted partner. He discusses his military service, the growth of his elopement business, and the emotional toll of discovering the financial deception. Through therapy and personal growth, John...

Ellen Busch: Breaking Free; A Story of Resilience and Healing 14.07.2025

Summary In this inspiring conversation, Ellen Busch shares her journey from adversity to strength, detailing her struggles with dyslexia, the trauma of an abusive marriage, and her path to healing and empowerment. With the support of her family and various therapeutic practices, Ellen transformed her pain into purpose, ultimately becoming a life coach and author. Her story emphasizes resilience, t...

Rene Recktenwald: Burnout to Breakthrough, The Hidden Cost of Success: 10.07.2025

In this episode, René Recktenwald shares his journey from a high-achieving sales professional to a certified stress and burnout coach. He discusses the hidden costs of success, the signs of burnout, and the importance of recognizing mental health struggles. René emphasizes the need for self-care, setting boundaries, and managing energy rather than time. He also shares his experiences with therapy...

Jess Impiazzi: Navigating Celebrity, Trauma and Mental Health 09.07.2025

In this powerful conversation, Jess Impiazzi shares her journey from adversity to strength, discussing her experiences with trauma, mental health, and the importance of self-reflection. She emphasises the significance of accountability and finding purpose beyond fame, offering valuable insights for anyone struggling with life's challenges. www.adversitytostrength.com https://open.spotify.com/t...

Felicity Ashley: Battling Cancer with the Mindset of an Ocean Rower 08.07.2025

In this inspiring conversation, Felicity shares her extraordinary journey from overcoming physical challenges to battling cancer, emphasizing the power of resilience and mindset. She recounts her experience of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, the emotional bonds formed during the journey, and how her diagnosis shifted her perspective on life. Felicity discusses the importance of maintaining...

Heather Gandhi: From Diagnosis to Advocacy, A Bipolar Story 03.07.2025

In this conversation, Heather Gandhi shares her powerful journey with bipolar disorder, detailing her diagnosis, hospitalization, and the challenges of managing her mental health. She discusses the impact of mania on her life, including experiences with the police and time spent in jail. Heather emphasizes the importance of medication and support in her recovery, as well as her commitment to advoc...

Mike Smith: From Rock Bottom to Recovery. One Man’s Raw Journey Through Bipolar Disorder and Addiction 02.07.2025

In this deeply moving episode of Adversity to Strength, our guest shares a harrowing, unfiltered account of his battle with mental illness, addiction, and the long road to recovery. After being discharged from the military for drug abuse, he returned home to rejection and isolation. What followed was years of trauma, multiple stays in psychiatric wards, time spent in homeless shelters, and stints...

Urmi Hossain: Navigating Cultural Identity and Empowering Women 01.07.2025

In this episode, host Lee Freeman is joined by Urmi Hossain, a finance professional with CFA and CAIA credentials. Ernie shares her journey as a third culture kid with Bengali roots in Italy, detailing her struggles with cultural identity and the challenges she faced growing up. They discuss Ernie's passion for empowering women, her experiences with cultural expectations, and her work in femal...

Bernd Haber: Legacy of Resilience: The Untold Story of Fritz Haber 30.06.2025

In this episode, Lee Freeman sits down with grandson Bernd Haber, who recounts the remarkable and deeply human story of his grandfather, Fritz Haber, whose experiences during World War II are chronicled in the book '16 Months.' Bernd shares his journey of discovering and preserving his grandfather's legacy, detailing Fritz's enduring dignity and moral conviction as an average Germa...

Cyndee Dhalai: A Life Beyond Limits and Illness. 28.06.2025

In this episode of 'Adversity to Strength Cindy Dhalai, a retired elementary school teacher, private counsellor, and published poet who has defied the odds after being diagnosed with lupus, kidney disease, and other severe illnesses. Despite being in a wheelchair for 11 years and surviving many health crises, Cindy has not seen a doctor since 2013 and continues to live a life full of creativit...

Jodi Pavlock: Unmasking and Surviving the Narcissist to Thriving 26.06.2025

Jodi Pavlock's Journey Through Narcissistic Abuse. In this episode of 'Adversity to Strength with Lee Freeman'. Jody Pavlock, who shares her tumultuous journey through two narcissistic relationships. Jodi opens up about her experiences of emotional and mental abuse, shedding light on the often overlooked but deeply damaging effects of narcissistic abuse. She discusses her struggle to r...

Mark Ross: Marine Vet to Mental Health Advocate on Transforming Trauma into Purpose 26.06.2025

In this inspiring episode of 'Adversity to Strength,' host Lee invites Mark Ross, a Marine Corps veteran who has turned his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into a mission of healing and support for others. Mark shares his journey from struggling in silence to seeking help at the VA hospital and how this pivotal decision led him to become an advocate for mental health awareness. As th...

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