Behind Beautiful Things

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...

This week, we sit down with Liz, founder of the inspiring company Balm Box. Liz shares her journey through multiple battles with cancer, the strength it took to face ongoing medical challenges, and how those experiences led her to create Balm Box—a business rooted in empathy and resilience. Join us for a moving and uplifting conversation. Visit Balm Box’s Website: www. TheBalmBox.com Find Balm Box...

This week, we sit down with Leif for a powerful and candid conversation. He shares his experiences growing up, receiving a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, navigating hospitalization, and the ongoing process of healing. We also dive into the incredible writing he’s doing today. Don’t miss this inspiring episode. Please note: This episode contains descriptions and discussion of suicidal ideat...

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Danny, author of the powerful memoir Scar Tissue . Danny opens up about his lifelong journey with serious heart conditions, from undergoing major surgeries as a child to the emotional toll it took on his family. We talk through his experiences, resilience, and the story behind his book. It’s a moving conversation you won’t want to miss—tune in! Visit Danny...

This week, we sit down with Heidi, author of Talk to Them , for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about human trafficking. Heidi breaks down what trafficking really means, shares the brave and tireless work she’s doing to combat it, and opens up about the challenges she faced while trying to foster a survivor. Most importantly, she offers insight into how each of us can be part of the soluti...

This week, we welcome Dr. Paul Corona—physician, psychiatrist, and author of The Corona Protocol , among other impactful works. In this episode, Dr. Paul shares his unique, personalized approach to treating mental health challenges and why he believes psychiatry can play a bigger role in addressing societal issues. We also get a glimpse into the exciting projects he’s working on and what the futur...

This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Karla, author of Let’s Finally Talk About Sex . In this inspiring episode, Dr. Karla opens up about her childhood, her turbulent college years, and the powerful journey that led her to write her groundbreaking book. We also dive into the incredible work she’s doing as a therapist, advocating for mental health and her inspiring work as co-founder and pre...

In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Bracha to discuss her transformative journey through food addiction, spiritual growth, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Bracha shares how embracing gratitude has been a powerful tool in her healing process, and how it has shaped both her personal life and her incredible work writing children's books. Her story is a beautiful reminder that...

In this powerful episode, we welcome Koya, an incredibly brave woman whose journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Koya opens up about the horrific childhood trauma she endured and the lasting impact it had on her throughout her adult life. She shares how therapy helped her heal and how she found empowerment through competing in pageants—many of which she has won. Her story is...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome Stephen, author of the moving and inspiring book “Walk On”! Stephen tells the story of the unthinkable tragedy of losing his son Jake, his family’s journey through almost unbearable grief, how Jake continues to live on through memories and scholarship, and the meaning of “Walking On”. It is a remarkable story, and I hope you can join us! Stephen’s we...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome Michelle, the author of the book “Cracked Open”! We speak with Michelle about some traumas she dealt with in her younger years, the religious organization she joined, and her years as the wife of a pastor. We also discuss her working to raise her five kids while continuing to stay strong in her convictions. It is a really remarkable story, and I hope...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcome in Riana! For over 25 years, Riana has specialized as a Trauma Recovery Mental Health Counselor & Life, Love & Mindset Coach in healing adults with Unconscious Childhood & Relationship Trauma. She helps them to vercome hard and challenging times to Create the Life They Desire & Have the Love They Deserve. Today, Riana and Kevin discus...

What does it mean to write from the soul? In this special conversation, Brad Wetzler joins Kevin to explore the deeper dimensions of writing, storytelling, and the essence of soul. Brad shares insights from his new course, *Writing the Soul*, and discusses how memoir can be a powerful path to self-discovery and healing.    Together, they unpack what it means to write from a place of honesty and vu...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things we welcom back Mitch for the conclusion of his story. If you have not listened to part one, please see the link below. Mitch is the author of the book “Columbus Day”. On this episode, Mitch continues his story. Now released from the institution, Mitch works with his dad for a while before being put back into school. We will hear about Mitch’s journey adapting b...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Mitch, the author of the book “Columbus Day”. On this episode, the first part in a two part series, Mitch tells the harrowing story of his childhood relationship with his Mother, how he was checked into a hospital for a 30 day “evaluation” without his knowledge, and then how he was institutionalized for three and a half years without any explanation...

This week on Behind Beautiful Things, we welcome Maura, the author of the upcoming book “Saving Ellen”. On this episode, Maura tells us the difficult story of learning about her sister’s illness, the inspiring way her family rallied around her, her sister’s kidney transplant, and finally, the lasting effects this had on Maura and the family. Please join us! Please Note: This episode contains descr...

This week, we welcome Carol, the author of the upcoming book “Girl, Groomed” to Behind Beautiful Things. Carol joins us to tell a harrowing story of severe childhood trauma, the silence around the abuse she and others experienced, and then how her trauma continued to effect her throughout her life. Please join us! Please Note: There is discussion of sexual abuse and violence in this episode. Pleas...

This week, we welcome Joel to Behind Beautiful Things. Joel is a professional actor and a friend of Kevin’s. On this episode, we talk about his early childhood struggles with mental health, his turbulent medication journey, and we check in on where he is today. Please join us! Please note there is discussion of going on and off mental health medications in this episode. Behind Beautiful Things is...

This week, we welcome Julie to Behind Beautiful Things. Julie is the author of three books about her journey as an adopted child. Today, we discuss her newly released third book “Twice the Family”. During this episode, we talk about Julie’s experience as an adoptee, her bond with her family, and her search for her birth parents. This is an inspiring and hopeful story — please join us! WEBSITE: htt...