Element Q Podcast: Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices, One Story at a Time

Season 2, Episode 8 of the Element Q Podcast features host TJ Woodward in an inspiring and deeply honest conversation with Emmy Olea about transcending shame, embracing self-acceptance, recovery, and transformation. A proud Angeleno originally from San Diego, Emmy Olea built her career in fashion PR and social media before discovering her true calling in the non-profit sector. As a woman of trans...

Season 2, Episode 7 of the Element Q Podcast features host TJ Woodward in an inspiring conversation with award-winning author and LGBTQ+ advocate David Wichman. Together, they explore the meaning of inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community, the path to healing sexual trauma, and how to live a prosperous, authentic life. Known for his fearless honesty, David’s acclaimed memoir Every Grain of Sand—winn...

Season 2, Episode 6 of the Element Q Podcast features host TJ Woodward in an inspiring conversation with Byron Williams, who opens up about healing within the LGBTQ+ community, confronting inner biases, and redefining what recovery truly means. Byron, born in Grapevine, TX, is in long-term addiction recovery. With experience ranging from Clinical Services Coordinator to National Outreach Represent...

Season 2 Episode 5: of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Katy Michaels to explore the power of connection, self-compassion, and the awareness that no one has to face life’s hardships alone. Together, they discuss how embracing vulnerability and community can be transformative in the healing process. Katy Michaels is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping clients heal a...

Season 2, Episode 4 – The Element Q Podcast: Host TJ Woodward welcomes Charles Xavier, a U.S. Navy veteran, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and Doctoral student dedicated to supporting diverse communities. With over 12 years of military service and a background in child-play therapy and trauma recovery, Charles brings powerful insight into communication, resilience, and healing. In this e...

Season 2 Episode 3: In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward speaks with Ken Daigle—visionary teacher, spiritual leader, and creator of Absolute Abundance, a life-changing course helping thousands transform their relationship with prosperity and purpose. Together, they explore “Wounds Are Gifts: How Pain Transforms into Strength and Light.” Ken, Senior Minister of Unity San Franc...

Season 2 Episode 2: In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine, whose heartfelt, spirit-centered music transcends genre and invites listeners into a deeper experience of love, authenticity, and awakening. Together, they explore Bobby’s journey from a strict Baptist upbringing to embracing a more open, inclusive faith...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Dr. Ashley Uy, chiropractor and founder of Kinetic Recovery in San Diego, to explore the powerful connection between the mind and body. Together, they discuss how emotions influence physical health, why pain often has mental and emotional roots, and how integrative approaches to healing can create lasting transformation. Dr....

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Lori Mayer to explore her inspiring journey of healing, resilience, and transformation. As a single mother, Lori has navigated depression, anxiety, and the deep work of breaking cycles of generational and sexual trauma. Through therapy, self-reflection, and the support of her chosen family, she has embraced both the challeng...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward speaks with Jon Larkin, CADC-II, a certified alcohol and drug counselor with extensive experience in both direct patient care and utilization review. Together, they explore the journey of moving beyond the compulsions of addiction toward greater self-awareness, consciousness, and long-term recovery. Jon brings valuable expertise in substan...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Ryan Strudevant, Founder and CEO of Chroma Wellness Center in Denver, CO, to explore how inclusive and affirming care is reshaping the future of mental health and addiction treatment. Drawing on his diverse background in clinical work, program leadership, and training professionals in LGBTQ+ inclusive practices, Ryan has mad...

On this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with leadership coach John Broady, who helps gay and queer executives step into leadership roles with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. John shares why leadership is often more than performance—it’s about navigating the layers many queer leaders have worn to survive, succeed, and belong. From being shapeshifters and peacekee...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with Keoni Carthen, ASW—Director of Operations at Element Q Healing Center in San Diego—to explore The Healing Power of Diverse Connections. Keoni is a Trans, Non-Binary, Biracial U.S. Army Veteran whose path into social work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a passion for advocacy. Drawing from their experiences in the milit...

What if you could turn a moment of crisis into the first step toward lasting recovery? On this episode of the Element Q Podcast, TJ Woodward sits down with Ken Seeley—world-renowned interventionist and star of A&E’s Intervention—who has dedicated his life to helping individuals and families break free from addiction since getting sober in 1989. As founder of Intervention 911, Ken has led hundr...

In this episode of the Awareness Advantage podcast, host TJ Woodward sits down with award-winning Hay House author and spiritual teacher Renee Baribeau—also known as The Practical Shaman—for an inspiring conversation on shamanic healing, spiritual awakening, and navigating life transitions with ancient wisdom. Author of Winds of Spirit and the Amazon best-seller A Pilgrim’s Guide to Walking Wisdom...

In this episode, host @TJWoodward sits down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Michael Pezzullo for an honest conversation about mental health, trauma, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapy. Michael shares how his own healing journey began with doubt and transformed through the power of a genuine therapeutic connection. Now in private practice in West Hollywood, Michael specializes in treating anx...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mell McCracken, Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery. Mell leads the organization’s clinical treatment program and developed its groundbreaking sexualized drug use curriculum, supporting clients at the intersection of chemsex, substance use, and LGBTQ+ identity. With nearly a decade of experience, Mell is a nationally and...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mely Quiroz, APCC—a dedicated mental health advocate specializing in gender-affirming care and trauma-informed therapy for trans and nonbinary individuals. Mely holds a Master's in Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice Education from San Diego State University and a BA from UC San Diego. Growing up in a mixed-status family a...

In this episode, TJ Woodward welcomes Tommy Rosen, a leading voice in the addiction recovery movement and founder of Recovery 2.0. Tommy shares deeply personal insights about growing up with toxic shame, including his experience of his father coming out, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of healing—particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. His approach redefines traditional recove...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Brian Whisenant, Clinical Outreach Coordinator at Breathe Life Healing Center. They explore the transformative power of therapy in mental health and addiction recovery, with a special focus on how creativity intersects with healing. Brian shares insights from his work in residential treatment and his personal journey as an a...

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Kathleen Murphy, a passionate advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. As the Chief Clinical Officer at Friendly House LA, Kathleen shares insights into her decades of experience supporting individuals through trauma, addiction recovery, and relational healing. The conversation highlights her deep commitment to creatin...

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host Tj Woodward welcomes Stephen Washington, who shares his journey as a recovery advocate and his work in the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on radical safe care and how it isn't selfish. Steven is a Movement Master, Author, and Recovery Advocate who is deeply passionate about guiding others toward a happier, healthier life. A former Broadway performer a...

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, CEO of No Matter What Recovery, for an empowering conversation centered on Focusing On the LGBTQ+ Community Needs for Recovery Success. Together, they explore what truly makes recovery work for LGBTQIA+ individuals, how Paulo's personal and professional journey informs inclusive care, and why affirming s...

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Dr. Shannon Franklin, co-founder of Element Q Healing Center, for a powerful conversation on healing, identity, and inclusion. Together, they explore the mission behind Element Q, share inspiring stories from the mental health community, and unpack how therapy can serve as a transformative tool—especially for those within histo...

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Dr. Mel Pohl, Senior Medical Consultant at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center and renowned expert in pain recovery and addiction medicine. A bestselling author and Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Pohl shares powerful insights on chronic pain, addiction, and healing. Don’t miss this inspiri...