Alterd Life

In the season finale of the Altered Life Podcast, we welcome internationally acclaimed artist Ali Sabet for a deeply moving conversation on how art, energy, and love can become tools for transformation. Ali shares his personal journey—from surviving the Iran-Iraq war as a child to becoming a full-time artist and creator of the “Love Script,” a visual language that transcends culture and speaks str...

In This Episode: 00:00 The Foundation of Relationships 01:31 Meet Melvyn Peters III 03:17 Understanding Entrepreneurs 08:10 The Stigma of Entrepreneurship 10:35 The Role of Capital in Healthcare 14:25 Building Meaningful Relationships 19:10 Balancing Altruism and Capitalism 22:31 The Journey of Self-Discovery 29:46 The Journey of Self-Discovery Continues 31:00 Navigating Adolescence and Relationsh...

In this Alter’d Life Podcast episode, Kathleen Murphy, LPC and LMFT therapist, joins to discuss finding purpose amidst humanity’s brutality and tuning our hearts through genuine human connection. Kathleen and the host explore the creation of meaning, the importance of virtues, and the transformative power of love and connection in healing. Discover how to shift from pathology to purpose and create...

In this Alter’d Life Podcast episode, Ryan Turner, a registered dietician and sports nutrition specialist, explores the deep connections between food, emotions, and mental health, emphasizing how diet impacts confidence and overall well-being. Turner shares his journey from healthcare research to empowering individuals through personalized nutrition strategies. He highlights the importance of addr...

A father, a son, a legacy of love. Randy and Mike Lifshotz open their hearts on the Alter’d Life Podcast.   Chapter Summary: 00:00 The Art of Genuine Connection 00:24 Meet the Lifshotz Family 02:06 The Power of Human Connection 03:08 Randy’s Journey: From Music to Mentorship 07:11 The Influence of Family Legacy 13:04 Navigating Fatherhood Without a Role Model 15:04 Memorable Moments with Dad 19:00...

🎙️ Episode Summary In this Alter’d Life Podcast episode, Bridgette Ugarte, TEDx speaker and former model, shares her journey of overcoming body image issues and insecurities. Bridgette and the host discuss the importance of human connection and reshaping your mindset for self-acceptance in a world that feeds on insecurities. This episode offers actionable insights into mental health, body image, a...

Dive deep into human connection with TJ Woodward! 🤝 Explore rediscovering your true self and the power of attunement. Learn how to move beyond brokenness. In this Alter’d Life Podcast episode, discover how TJ Woodward’s journey from suicidal thoughts to becoming a recovery specialist can provide insight into healing and fostering genuine connection. Hear about the importance of seeing others thro...

Ever wondered about mental health advocacy? Linea Johnson gets real about her experiences. Linea Johnson joins us to discuss mental health, from childhood to advocacy. Hear about the challenges she faced, the changes she’s witnessed, and her advice for those struggling. 00:00 Understanding Mental Illness and Violence 00:27 Introducing Linea Johnson 01:41 Linea’s Journey Through Mental Health Advoc...

Explore human connection with Vo Williams! Discover the power of music, art, & personal journeys. Join the Alter’d Life Podcast as we explore art, passion, and anthems with Vo Williams. Learn how his unique approach to music connects with champions worldwide and how you can apply these lessons to your life. 00:00 Welcome to Alter’d Life Podcast 01:24 Meet Vo Williams: The Pioneer of Epic Hip Hop 0...

In this episode of Alter’d Life , Michael Castanon welcomes Niloufar Nekou and Katarena Arger to discuss the transformative power of building trust within a team. They delve into the importance of understanding the why behind their work, embracing vulnerability, and maintaining constant communication. The guests share their personal journeys, highlighting the impact of trust on fostering collabora...

In this episode of Alter’d Life, Glenn Hadley and Camille Reid from Unlock Health discuss their personal and professional journeys. Glenn shares how his solitary tennis career transitioned into a supportive community, while Camille reflects on overcoming a turbulent youth through connection and mentorship. Together, they highlight the importance of trust, resilience, and human connection in their...

In this episode of Alter’d Life , Johnny Crowder, the founder of Cope Notes, shares his powerful journey of overcoming mental health challenges, suicidal thoughts, and trauma through the transformative power of forgiveness, resilience, and human connection. He discusses his pivotal realization about the impact of his condition on loved ones, leading him to pursue change and healing actively. Johnn...

In this episode of Alter’d Life , Michael is joined by Greer Van Dyck, a leader in organizational health coaching with a focus on supporting working parents. Greer discusses the importance of creating a nurturing corporate environment for mothers, addressing the loneliness and identity crisis that come with motherhood, and the need for both systemic and personal solutions. She elaborates on her jo...

In this episode, we explore the contrasting yet converging paths of Robert and Devon. Robert's childhood was spent in the harsh deserts of California where, despite the picturesque activities of hiking, fishing, and shooting, he was shielded from a tumultuous home life marked by violence. As the eldest sibling, Robert shouldered heavy responsibilities early on, eventually spiraling into drug and a...

About to enroll in studying for her doctorate, Jocelyn had to make a big decision when faced with the financial reality of the loans she would have to take out.  Looking for work, she got exposed to the mortgage industry and quickly realized there was something there that she was looking for.  Despite being a different path than she'd imagined when growing up, she decided to go all in and jump int...

The power of human connection is present in Kacie and Solome’s working relationship. They can be real with each other and grow from the experience - realizing that authenticity and transparency triumphs - the ability to call each other out and disagree without losing sight of the bigger mission.  It’s in this light that Michael points out that “If you can’t keep it real, you can’t keep it at all.”...

In today’s post-covid world where isolation and disconnection are at an all-time high, we also see the rise of addiction and mental health disorders - and there is no coincidence.   We’ve settled in many ways for a reasonable facsimile of the truth which is we get our needs met by being with other human beings.   As a youth minister for over a decade first in Austin Texas and later in Kerrville, D...

On today’s episode of Alterd Life we’re going to be talking about recovery.   More specifically, measuring recovery.   How do you measure the trajectory of someone’s life?     Let’s dive and see what we can learn from the unlikely story of today’s guest David Whitesock.   Today, David is the CEO and Founder of Commonly Well, according to their website, they Illuminate the truthabout addiction thro...

Drugs don't know your social status, nationality or the color of your skin -- they don't discriminate.   Janice Hardman was living a life she later recalls that she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy.  At 52, after burning every bridge in her life, Janice was desperate to once and for all get clean and stay clean.  And on this cold Chicago day all those years ago, the warmest place to be was the Gre...

On this special episode of the Alter'd Life Podcast, we tackle the topic of higher education head on as your host, Michael Castanon interviews one of the Founders of the newly formed Hildegard College, Dr. Matthew Smith, and one of Hildegard’s first students, Nicole Parker - Hildegard’s promise is that they educate young people to be intelligent, wise, and entrepreneurial.   Is this a tall order f...

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast , Michael Castanon engages in a deep conversation with licensed therapist Kamiya Anderson and her client, B. The episode delves into the importance of clear boundaries in therapy, the strategic use of self-disclosure by therapists, and the journey of healing from trauma and addiction. It highlights the significance of fostering a strong therapeutic allia...

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast, Michael Castanon delves into a compelling conversation between therapist Camilla Anderson and her client, B, exploring the transformative power of trust and authenticity in their therapeutic relationship. Through their genuine connection, they navigate addiction, trauma, and the profound impact of feeling truly cared for in the healing process. KEY TAKE...

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast , Michael Castanon as he delves into a captivating conversation between Dave Gilbert, a technology evangelist and executive coach, and his mentee, Christopher Steiner, a real estate executive. The conversation revolves around the profound impact of human connection and mentorship, emphasizing the transformative power of fostering trusted relationships. A...

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast , in a heartfelt conversation with technology evangelist and executive coach, Dave Gilbert, alongside his mentee, Christopher Steiner, Vice President of Acquisitions for 29th Street Capital, they explore the transformational journey of mentorship, focusing on the dynamics of trust, vulnerability, and empathy. Delve into the pivotal shifts in perspective...

In this episode of the Alter’d Life Podcast , host Michael Castanon engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cole Dyar, the Executive Director of Mental Health Network at Northbound Treatment Services, and Samantha Colicchio, Creative Director at SouthSwell Digital Marketing. They explore the intricacies of dealing with mental health challenges within relationships, shedding light on Relationship...