Dead America

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Mr. Jay, a betrayal trauma practitioner, author, and relationship coach, about the hidden wounds, identity fractures, and deep emotional fallout caused by betrayal trauma. Framed within the idea that “Dead America” is where truth cuts through the haze and hope begins, this conversation explores how betrayal impacts t...

In this insightful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Gabor Kadas, co‑founder and CEO of Friending.com, the first social app built to combat the modern loneliness epidemic through verified identity and real‑world connection. Gabor explains how Friending’s strict verification system—powered by third‑party service Persona—eliminates fake profiles, bots, and ghosting by...

In this transformative episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Kristen Crabtree—author, transformation guide, and creator of the Paramour Paradox—about her extraordinary journey from trauma and survival to truth, empowerment, and self reclamation. Kristen shares her lived experience surviving childhood rape, sexual assault, and a 22 year psychologically abusive marriage de...

In this heartfelt episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Steve Ward, founder of Steps Ministries, to explore addiction, recovery, spirituality, and the power of honest connection. Steve shares his story as a former “high‑functioning alcoholic”—a phrase he uses to open conversations about hidden addiction, identity, and the myth that outward success equals inner stabili...

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Garret Biss, retired Marine Corps pilot, recovery coach, TEDx speaker, and advocate for veterans navigating the difficult transition from military to civilian life. Garret brings clarity to the often misunderstood crisis facing veterans today, explaining why the true veteran death toll may reach 44 per day when accou...

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Adriene Caldwell, author of Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, about her harrowing journey through childhood trauma, foster care failures, and the long road toward healing and hope. Adriene shares her lived experience surviving severe abuse, including childhood rape, sexual assault, and the dehumanizing treatment she...

In this inspiring episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Craig Alsup, full‑time missionary and global advocate with Manna Worldwide, a Fort Worth–based nonprofit serving children and families in nearly 50 countries. Craig shares how an around‑the‑world trip in 2008 exposed him and his wife to overwhelming physical and spiritual poverty, trafficking, hunger, and brokenness...

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Tom Kubiniec, President and CEO of Secure It Tactical, to explore an extraordinary journey of reinvention, innovation, and fearless problem solving. Tom’s story begins as a heavy metal guitarist profiled by Guitar Player Magazine in 1984, before chronic tendonitis forced him to walk away from music and rebuild his...

In this transformative episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with relationship coach Bryan Power to explore how Integrated Attachment Theory can heal broken relationships and create deeper emotional connection. Bryan shares his powerful personal journey—overcoming past trauma, navigating relationship struggles, and ultimately transforming his marriage through the principle...

In this empowering episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Jacquie Elliot—certified life, relationship, and spiritual coach—to explore her groundbreaking system for overcoming negative self talk, known as Abusive Brain Chatter (ABC). Jacquie opens up about her own journey through emotional abuse, self doubt, and the relentless inner critic that once controlled her life....

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Jessica Morris—author, spiritual director, and survivor—to explore her extraordinary journey from addiction and turmoil to faith, healing, and spiritual rebirth. Jessica’s story begins with a painful childhood shaped by the chaos of growing up as the daughter of an alcoholic minister. Her early years were marked b...

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we speak with Ryan Reichert, owner of Our Protector Development, host of the podcast 'Our Healer, Our Protector,' and author of the 'Protector Development' book series. Ryan shares his incredible journey from growing up in small-town North Dakota, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, battling addiction, to becoming a healer and protector through his var...

In this compelling episode, we explore the unorthodox journey of Dr. Sheldon Greaves, author of 'The Gorrilla Scholar's Handbook'. Dr. Greaves discusses his unconventional career path, from earning a PhD in Ancient Near Eastern Studies to founding a university and developing a space-lift capable rocket. He shares his passion for independent learning, the importance of elite thinkers in society, an...

In this enlightening episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Dr. Njideka Olatunde, a renowned naturopathic practitioner specializing in pain relief through touchology, reflexology, and holistic healing. Dr. Olatunde shares her powerful insights into the deep connection between stress and pain, explaining how understanding this relationship can unlock profound healing fo...

In this inspiring episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Michelle Steiner, a paraeducator from Pennsylvania, who shares her remarkable journey of overcoming learning disabilities to achieve her dream of earning a bachelor’s degree and building a fulfilling career. Michelle’s story is a testament to perseverance, self-advocacy, and the power of communication skills in navi...

In this enlightening episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Cydian Kauffman, co-owner of Pure Water Northwest, to uncover the hidden truths about water quality and its impact on our lives. Cydian brings a wealth of knowledge about common water contaminants, the effectiveness of filtration systems, and the surprising global connections between water access and gender eq...

In this insightful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters welcomes Todd Smith—renowned podcaster and expert in stress management for highly sensitive people (HSPs). Todd shares his profound wisdom on navigating life as an HSP, highlighting the importance of inner work, emotional resilience, and practical strategies for managing stress in a highly sensitive world. Todd explains how se...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Eli Lopian—author of AICracy: Beyond Democracy—to explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and governance. With a background in tech and AI innovation, Eli Lopianshares his optimistic vision for how AI can enhance societal well-being, improve policy-making, and reshape democratic...

Are you struggling with chronic illness and feeling like conventional medicine isn't giving you answers? In this powerful episode of Dead America Podcast, Ed Watters sits down with Dr. Brad Montagne, functional medicine expert and host of 'Your Health Reclaimed,' to uncover the hidden truths about epigenetics and chronic disease. Dr. Montagne reveals how your lifestyle choices directly impact gene...

Welcome to our conversation with the host of the Wellness for Dating Culture, by Anna Yoo—former educator, two-time pageant winner, and passionate advocate for emotional wellness in relationships. In this podcast, Anna dives into the real reasons dating feels so complicated today. Why is it so hard to find a “good person,” let alone “the right one”? Through honest conversations and thoughtful insi...

Perseverance, Healing, and Becoming a Better Man About this episode/series: This podcast series is an honest, unfiltered journey through poverty, addiction, abuse, job loss, family breakup, and the brink of suicide, into choices that lead to recovery, growth, and purpose. The first 25 episodes chronicle my life’s downs and ups and share the hard lessons I learned along the way. Listen for raw stor...

In this insightful episode of the Dead America Podcast host Ed Watters speaks with Barbara Bowman author of What Not To Do at Funerals about practical funeral etiquette and compassionate ways to support grieving families. Barbara breaks down the most common faux pas at funerals and explains how simple thoughtful actions can make a profound difference during grief. Listeners will learn concrete eti...

In this powerful episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters sits down with Malisa Hepner—author, speaker, podcast host, and licensed clinical social worker—to explore her transformative journey from trauma to healing. Malisa opens up about her childhood marked by neglect and abuse, sharing how she overcame profound emotional darkness to discover her purpose. Through spiritual awakening a...

In this enlightening episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters welcomes Tigrilla Gardenia—plant advocate, founder of the Naturally Conscious Community, and host of the Reconnect with Plants Wisdom Podcast. Together, they explore the healing power of plants and the profound connection between humans and nature. Tigrilla shares her transformational journey, including a life-changing encou...

In this deeply moving episode of the Dead America Podcast, host Ed Watters speaks with Julie Barth—author, mother of six, and founder of the nonprofit Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie shares her powerful journey through grief and trauma, including the heartbreaking loss of her husband and the challenges of raising a special needs child. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and unwavering comm...