Behind Beautiful Things

Join us today as we speak with Ashley about her difficult upbringing and the horrifying and traumatic encounter she had with a heinous crime. Ashley takes us through the harrowing encounter that changed her life and shares not only her thoughts on the Canadian justice system, but also how she is fighting everyday as a strong survivor to be an inspiration. Content Warning: Please note this episode...

So often, modern society tells us there is one main way: Grow up, graduate high school, go to college, and then get a job. While this is a completely noble path, it is not often the way life turns out. Join us today as we talk with Dr Melanie McNally about her role in her family unit, the many paths she has taken, and her incredible mental health work with young people. Dr. Melanie McNally’s websi...

When facing mental health challenges as a young person, it is easy to feel isolated and alone. As we grow, we learn that are brains are singular. Join us today as we speak with Samantha about coming to terms with her neurodiversity, her struggles finding the best treatment, and her work as a music therapist. Samantha’s website: http://www.boisemusictherapycompany.com/ Find Samantha on Instagram: @...

Almost everyone of us has traumatic instances in our childhood. As we grow older, these take root in various ways — some obvious, some not. Join us today as we have the host of “My Madness METHod” as we discuss his childhood, his years engaging in and running from his addiction, and what he learned about life and human relationships throughout the journey. Link to Jason’s website: http://www.eight...

As children, we are often born into a religion that provides us with community and a sense of place. Even as we grow older, we may associate that community as a support system for our own mental health struggles. Join us today as we talk with Andy about his experience being raised in the LDS church, how he came to understand his mental health struggles, and what support systems mean to him. Editor...

Throughout our lives, we find ourselves working to adapt to the molds society builds around us based on our choices. Even if we are certain of the paths we have chosen, the challenges of accepting the molds we step into can be daunting. Join us today as we talk with Stephen about his childhood in New York, how he looked up to his father, his struggles with mental health in his young adulthood, and...

It can not be said enough: There remains a stigma around mental health that is unhelpful and unreasonable. Join us today as we talk with David about his struggles with bipolar disorder, how he used alcohol to quell his mental health challenges, and how he has been able to thrive in sobriety. Not only does he have an extremely successful business, he is working on changing the dialogue around Menta...

Terrorism is a constant threat across the world. In America, Mass shootings remain horrendous events that occur far too often. Join us today as we speak with Dr. Nina Cerfolio about her research into mass shootings and terrorism, her harrowing journey to help those in a war zone in Chechnya, and her upcoming book “Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction”.  Dr...

More often than not, we take our family for granted. Growing up in the same house, we form a lasting bond like no other. However, it does not always mean that these bonds cannot be damaged or broken. Join us today as we talk with Jill about her upbringing, her relationship with her brother growing up, and how their relationship was upended as adults.   Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sha...

Please join us for Jon’s triumphant return! Jon was recently featured in episode 58 of Sad Times (link can be found below) discussing his history as a distance runner and its impact on his mental health. On today’s episode, Jon and Kevin discuss running the Chicago Marathon, aging, and what keeps people coming back to running.  Jon’s previous episode: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/running-with-t...

Even as we move toward the middle of the 2020s, the stigma around mental health still persists. There are people all over this world working to not only combat that stigma, but also to help those in need. Join us today as we speak with one of these heroes. Tony is the Executive Director of a community mental health center and works daily with not only his team, but also members of the communities...

Many people have been raised in a family that has had to split up. Often, the children affected by these changes are left alone with their feelings and wonder what outlet there might be. Join us today as we talk with Adam about his childhood, his time as a heavy metal drummer, and how he was able to confidentially transition into adulthood and have a family of his own. Charity Adam would like to h...

When we are young, we look to our parents as arbiters of our daily conflicts as well as the ones who point the direction our lives are headed. When a parent is unexpectedly lost, lives are changed forever. Join us today as we speak with Kevin’s Uncle Jon about the loss of his father, the resilience and love of family, and Jon’s adventures on his own.   Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sha...

Please join us today as we wrap up Katie’s powerful story. If you have not listened to the first or second part, please see the links to each episode below. In this final of three episodes, we conclude Katie’s remarkable story. Katie talks about her continuing struggle with alcoholism and the effect it had on her family. Finally, listen as she talks about the change that came over her during a par...

Please join us today as we present part II our three-part series with Katie! If you have not listened to the first part, please see the link to the first episode below. In this episode we pick up with Katie as she is dealing with the troubles in her marriage and follow her as she discovers secrets kept from her. Please join us as we discontinue Katie’s remarkable story as she finds herself figurin...

Please join us today in the first part of a three part series with Katie. Katie is a strong and kind woman who has been through an immense amount of trauma throughout her life. On Part I, we will discuss the horrific trauma she experienced as a child, how she did her best to deal with the abuse, and her years as a young wife and mother. Over the next two weeks, we will play part II and part III. T...

Every year around the world, millions of people make the decision to train for and complete a marathon. Not only is it a test of human endurance, it also acts as a mental health release. Join us as Jon returns to talk about his amazing record of running and why he loves marathons so much. Also, Jon talks with Kevin as he prepares for his first marathon: The Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 8. Li...

Growing up in a small midwestern town can feel isolating and filled with boredom. Often, the attention can stray. However, a creative and curious mind can help develop varying interests. Join us today as we talk with Nathan about his extensive interests, his journey through different awareness and realizations, and his continued love of hobbies and his family and friends.   Editorial note: Sad Tim...

The journey of pregnancy and childbirth is often a challenging and transcendent experience. However, when a child is born with medical complexities, the challenges become more ever present — for the child, of course, and also for the parents. Join us today as Ali returns to Sad Times to discuss her pregnancy, the birth of her son, and the challenges of parenting a child with medical complexities....

Empaths are defined as “An individual who feels more empathy than the average human.” This often leads empaths to work in fields which benefits others. Join us today as we talk with Teale about her upbringing, her career in the mental health field, the challenges of taking meaningful work home with you, and the decision she and her husband made that changed both of their lives forever. Teale’s blo...

Even as artists continue to produce meaningful work, it does not always satisfy the ambitions of said artists. Join us today as we talk with Joel about all of the fantastic animation work he has produced, his long struggle with hypochondria, and how he continues to create even as he deals with doubts. Link to Joel’s website: https://electricbeard.com Link to Joel’s animation Facebook page: https:/...

One of the more common known phrases in the Western World is “In sickness and in health”. While many of us vow to honor these words, it is not often something that is encountered early in life. Please join us today as Elliot tells the brave story of his wife’s Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis, their struggles through the progression of the disease, and the love, mercy, and grief that often accompanies the...

We often forget the power of words. In day to day life as well as the relationships that we build, words do matter. Join us this week as we talk with Andy about his upbringing in the Midwest, his lessons learned during his time in the service, and why he wrote his book “Words Fucking Matter” and the lessons he hopes to impart.  Andy’s Link Tree (Including a link to his book):  https://linktr.ee/an...

While the idea of introvert and extrovert has become a part of our understanding of personality, it does not alleviate the challenges presented by either. Join us today as we speak with Laurel about her experience as a lifelong introvert, her realization that she needed her own space and pace of life, her trepidation about becoming a mother, and the ultimate joy and presence being a mother has bro...

For many generations, discussing internal family strife was akin to “airing dirty laundry” — it was something that was simply not done. So it was with Whitney and her family. However, in the ensuing years, Whitney has gained amazing perspective and wisdom through day to day life. Join us today as we talk with Whitney about her upbringing, her struggles with an extremely difficult relationship, and...