Air-Check Your Life

Guns and Grief: Healing After Trauma with Jill McMahon In this episode, you'll hear: What truly happens to survivors in the aftermath of gun violence and suicide Why grief from traumatic events like shootings or suicide is uniquely isolating Practical ways to support those impacted, beyond platitudes or quick fixes Mathew Blades and grief specialist Jill McMahon explore the often-overlooked experi...

In this episode, Mathew Blades and longtime guest Dr. Dave dive deep into how the mind works—and what it really takes to get “unstuck.” Drawing on over 30 years of psychiatric experience, Dr. Dave explains why true transformation starts with radical acceptance before digging into past traumas or tough relationships. Together, they break down the difference between externalizing blame and taking re...

One great teaching with Cortney McDermott Join Mathew Blades, author, and coach Cortney McDermott as they explore “one great teaching” rooted in Einstein’s quote: “The field is the sole governing agency of the particle.” They discuss agency, overcoming the blame game, and how shifting our internal landscape can lead to transformation. Cortney McDermott offers practical guidance like the power of s...

Feeling stuck in the cycle of proving yourself? In this episode of Learn From People Who Lived It, host Mathew Blades sits down with naturopathic doctor, author, and speaker Dr. Anna Marie Frank to unpack the deep-rooted human desire for acceptance and belonging. Drawing from personal experience and professional practice, Dr. Anna Marie Frank explains the critical difference between fitting in and...

The Power of Forgiveness  In this episode, host Mathew Blades shares a deeply personal journey into forgiveness, exploring its significance both biblically and psychologically. Through powerful storytelling—from confronting a public critic to healing a strained relationship with his mother—Mathew Blades reveals that forgiveness is a process, not an event, and is essential for emotional, spiritual,...

The Evolution of Faith: Mathew Blades on Rediscovering Joy In this episode, Mathew Blades shares his deeply personal journey with faith, from his church-filled childhood to a long period of disconnection, and ultimately, to a renewed sense of spirituality. After witnessing inconsistencies in those around him, Mathew Blades drifted from organized religion, exploring Buddhism and other philosophies...

Can you handle the truth? Using biblical references and personal insights, Mathew introduces the concept of the "narrow gate" as a metaphor for the challenging but rewarding path to personal growth and authenticity. He encourages listeners to "air check" their lives, a technique borrowed from his radio career, to evaluate what's working, what needs improvement, and what should be eliminated. You'l...

The Power of Forgiveness - Watch her new Documentary, Dawn Dusk One of the most striking aspects of Chelli Look's story is her journey to forgiveness. She faced the unthinkable task of forgiving her brother-in-law for taking her sister's life.  Chelli's experience teaches us that forgiveness isn't about excusing the act or forgetting what happened. Instead, it's about freeing yourself from the bur...

Grief, Art, and Forgiveness: Chelli's Journey of Healing In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Chelli Look, a leather artist and entrepreneur (CHC) from Chicago, to explore her transformative journey through grief, forgiveness, and healing. She shares her heart-wrenching experiences of losing both her sister to domestic violence and her best friend in a car accident, a...

Holding on to Hope When Life Gets Turbulent In this heartfelt solo episode, Mathew Blades shares a personal story about a simple sweatshirt with the message "There is hope" and how it sparked unexpected connections. Reflecting on lessons from gospel music and scripture, Mathew Blades explores the resilience required to hold onto hope—especially in turbulent times, both literal and metaphorical. Th...

What is a  Moral Injury - and How does it take a toll? One of the most striking aspects of Matthew's story is his emphasis on moral injury, a concept that's often overlooked in traditional PTSD treatment. As Dr. Dave, our resident psychiatrist, explained, moral injury occurs when someone witnesses or participates in actions that violate their deeply held moral beliefs. This can leave lasting scars...

Healing Through Golf Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Matt McDonell, founder of Next 18, to explore the complex interplay of childhood trauma, military service, and mental health.  Key highlights include: • Matt's military experience and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life • The creation of Next 18, a golf-based program supporting veterans' mental health • Insights into moral...

If I only had you for five minutes, what would I want you to know?  That is the very premise behind our QUICK TIPS episodes.  Chrissy's story starts with a familiar tune - the pressure to be the "good girl" in a strict religious household. Sound familiar? Many of us grow up thinking we need to fit into a specific mold to be worthy of love and acceptance. But here's the kicker: I grew up with a spe...

This week, Mathew Blades and Cortney McDermott sit down with Chrissy Powers, a therapist in San Diego. We explore the complex journey of healing from religious trauma and finding authentic self-acceptance. Chrissy shares her raw, personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment and the profound impact it had on her sense of self-worth and mental health. You'll hear: • How early...

The Complexity of Anger and Forgiveness In this week's quick tips, I want to isolate a part of our conversation around anger. Here are 3 key takeaways from our powerful conversation with Patricia: - Healing is possible, regardless of circumstances: Patricia's story proves that even in the darkest moments, there's always hope for recovery and growth. - The importance of self-trust: Learning to list...

Patricia Journey of Healing and Hope In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Patricia Noelle, a survivor of childhood abuse and forced adoption who transformed her pain into purpose.  You'll hear: • How Patricia overcame a harrowing past of abuse within the Mormon community • The unexpected role of psychedelics in unlocking repressed memories and facilitating healing • S...

In this episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Debbie Zita, an entrepreneur and coach from Melbourne, Australia.  Debbie Zita's journey from a troubled past to a six-figure coaching practice is both inspiring and instructive. She offers a unique perspective on integrating spiritual practices with business success, emphasizing the importance of self-aw...

In this episode of "Learn from People who Lived It," Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Debbie Zita, an entrepreneur and coach from Melbourne, Australia. Debbie shares her powerful story of overcoming childhood trauma, adult abuse, and personal loss to become a successful business owner and spiritual guide. You'll hear: • How Debbie's challenging childhood shaped her resilience and drive • T...

"Depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, dyslexia. These are all things that I've been told that I have. And they're not things that I have. There are things that I've experienced." - Dr. Annamarie Frank This conversation offers hope and practical advice for anyone struggling with mental health issues or negative self-talk. Dr. Frank's insights, combined with Dr. Dave's professional perspective, provide...

Breaking Free from Inner Bullying: A Journey to Mental Wellness In this eye-opening episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave are joined by Dr. Anna Marie Frank, author of "Stop Bullying Yourself," to explore the transformative power of changing our thoughts and behaviors for better mental health. Dr. Frank shares her journey of healing her brain, challenging the limitations of medication-only approache...

A Sudden Turn of EventsLife can change in an instant. For Kijuan Amey, that instant came on May 5, 2017. A promising Air Force reservist and budding entrepreneur, Kijuan's world turned upside down when a car pulled out in front of his motorcycle. The collision left him with severe injuries, including the loss of his eyesight. But Kijuan's story isn't about what he lost. It's about what he gained –...

In this powerful episode, Mathew Blades and Dr. Dave sit down with Kijuan Amey, a motivational speaker and author who transformed a devastating motorcycle accident into a mission of inspiration.  You'll hear: • The harrowing details of Kijuan's life-altering accident and its immediate aftermath • How he navigated the emotional and mental challenges of recovery • His innovative approach to physical...

Mindfulness, Mental Health, and the Cannabis Conundrum In this eye-opening episode, host Mathew Blades explores the complex interplay between mindfulness, mental health, and cannabis use with experts Julie and Dr. Dave. From the dangers of cannabis-induced psychosis in young people to the transformative power of mindfulness practices, this conversation offers a wealth of insights for anyone lookin...

Mindfulness, Mental Health, and the Cannabis Conundrum In this eye-opening episode, host Mathew Blades explores the complex interplay between mindfulness, mental health, and cannabis use with experts Julie Potiker and Dr. Dave. From the dangers of cannabis-induced psychosis in young people to the transformative power of mindfulness practices, this conversation offers a wealth of insights for anyon...

What would we want you to know if we only had five minutes of your time?  That is the very reason we started doing these shorter episodes.  Let's face it, we're all guilty of seeking that magic pill. But Lucy drops this truth bomb: there are no quick fixes when it comes to mental and spiritual health. It's a journey, folks. And the sooner we embrace that, the better off we'll be. So, what's the se...