My blurred opinion

This episode is with Douglas Katz, he's a West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and adaptive product innovator on a mission to change lives in the kitchen. With an extensive career spanning the military, telecom, and lending, Doug has brought his problem-solving skills to a new frontier—adaptive technology. Inspired by his personal experiences as a disabled veteran and as a caretaker for an...

This episode is with Katherine Knight. I met her on Facebook. It was a random day when I was just perusing through random videos when I stumbled upon her. She was so forthcoming and transparent that I instantly loved and respected her just through the videos alone. She was born with Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), a rare birth defect that affects the upper thigh, bone, or femur. It's als...

Our next guest is John Holland. He's like my little brother, I met him at a job we used to work at, and we instantly became friends. We bonded over sports, movies, and TV shows; of course, we both had visual impairments. When we were paired together, I got to see how he works, with all his ailments on display, and I was very impressed.  Because of a birth defect, he was born with missing bones in...

Our next episode features Chris Westbrook. Chris has the trifecta of disabilities: He's totally blind, partially deaf, and has mobility issues. Though Chris may have his troubles, he's very independent, outspoken, and a good representative of those with disabilities. In the episode, we discussed accessible technology, Chris's upbringing, mental health, and a lot more.

Our next episode is with Deborah and Brian. They are partners, and they are here to share their own individual stories and experiences with hopelessness and the eventual attempt at suicide. Though they have two different stories, two different backgrounds, they have the same common goal, and that is to let you know that Suicide is NEVER an act of selfishness or a cry for help. Rather it is an act...

This next episode is with Erin Miller. She is a strong woman who faces many challenges but thrives while doing so. Erinb has the condition Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC). AMC is a term used to describe a group of congenital (present at birth) conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more joints of the body. Therefore, AMC is a descriptive term for over 400 conditions rat...

  This episode is with Rebecca Sparks. I first noticed her on TikTok. I was impressed by her openness to talking about her struggles. She embodies what a mental health warrior is. We talk about her past, depression, suicide, anxiety, and so much more. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255) Her Instagram @conspiracytheoriesofabeautiful mind

Gina's life story makes her a captivating and inspiring speaker for all audiences. Through raw vulnerability, she shares how she overcame immense adversity—enduring multiple surgeries from childhood, devastating loss, a crisis of faith leading her to join and later leave the convent, the grips of alcoholism, and the struggles of tumultuous relationships. Yet, Gina's unwavering resilience, strength...

Our next guest is Andrea she is a woman who I met on TikTok, who is making very powerful , informational, and honest videos about her life, and her health. She has rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. She is a teacher, a hippie, a mother, and a lover of animals.  She is a woman who struggles, but also thrives at the same time.   You can follow her on TikTok at scentsiblehippie

John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is ma...

As a divorcee and single mom with two children, Yvonne has faced the uncertainty of walking away from both a marriage and a successful career that no longer fulfilled her. She understands the courage it takes to make those tough decisions and the transformation that follows. Yvonne’s life is proof that lasting change is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Now, as the co-founder...

When I met Mr. Whiskey, I was very impressed with his ability to overcome so much, and how he took his pain and turned into something positive. He came from a traumatic childhood of many types of abuse- emotional, verbal, domestic, and religious- before being forced into one of the military's most difficult and highest suicide-rate positions, and then separated due to medical issues. After that, h...

This episode is with Arnold Beaks. He's a man who tried to follow in his father's footsteps, but at some point, he realized he wasn't being himself. This episode is about finding who you are and who you are meant to be. It is all about highlighting your uniqueness, taking a look inside, and figuring out what makes you you.  His website https://braingym.fitness

This episode is with my friend Melissa Lopez. I've known her a long time, for the majority of the time she was always a very bubbly, upbeat, person, but in recent times we have gotten back in touch with each other, and she wasn't the same. In this episode she and I have an in-depth conversation on our struggles with mental health currently, and in the past, but with a hopeful outlook. She talks a...

This episode you're stuck with me. I discuss my near mental breakdown, from quitting my antidepressants. I addressed the up-and-down, and where I'm at today. I even play audio from a video that I recorded of me, crying, and losing my mind because of the constant rapid thoughts, and anxiety. 

Dean Graves is a renowned meditation teacher, mental health counselor, and spiritual guide with over 20 years of experience in the field. Through his expertise in mental health and deep spiritual understanding, he provides a holistic approach to healing and growth. With his compassionate and insightful guidance, he has inspired and empowered people from all walks of life to embrace mindfulness and...

This episode is with Audrey. She's a woman I met while working, I was asked to help provide a service for her, and after a long phone conversation, I knew she'd be perfect for the show. She's a registered nurse, and an artist. We discussed her childhood a lot, the neglect, and abuse that she suffered by her parents, and how it affected her throughout her life. We talk about her discovery of being...

Nate Pope is a Neurological Occupational Therapist specializing in innovative brain recovery techniques. As one of the founders of NCX Brain Recovery, he's helped pioneer multi-sensory integration therapy for concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. With over 20 years of experience, Nate helps listeners understand cutting-edge approaches to brain health and rehabilitati...

This episode is with Ken and Anna Kunken. When Ken was 20 he broke his neck playing football for Cornell University in 1970, leaving him almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. After a lengthy hospitalization, Ken returned to Cornell where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering. Ken then earned a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education, as well as a Master of Educatio...

Dr. Fred Moss is a mental health advocate and psychiatrist who has dedicated his life to helping people align with their most authentic selves. With over 40 years of clinical experience and as the founder of the Welcome to Humanity movement, he has a wealth of stories and insights to share. Dr. Fred's work is all about overcoming adversity and finding strength in authenticity. When I talk to Dr. F...

His name is Richard, and he is  a mental health advocate, conscious rapper, and author of the poetry book "From Victim to Victor: Transforming Trauma into Triumph. This is a deep introspective episode where we discuss mental health, addiction, and overcoming the odds.  His website is http://www.richvysion.com/

This episode we have a couple, Wanda, Webster, and Christopher Mack. Christopher Mack has been on the road to recovery for 21 years and now spends his time helping others emerge from the tight grip of addiction. He understands how the mind can trick us by being clever and through his deep honesty allows others to deeply share their stories and transform their lives. Wanda Webster is an educator an...

This episode is with my friend Annie O'Quinn. I came across her TikTok one day, it was a video of her talking about her struggles, and how her mental health was getting to her at that point. I immediately empathized and understood what she was going through. Annie has more diagnosis than I can remember, some which include autism, PTSD, depression, anxiety, an autoimmune disease, and much more. Thi...

Marcy reached out to me, and she wrote a long synopsis on what she had been through, halfway through, I immediately said absolutely. And as I got to know her, and learned her full story, I knew she was a gem, and someone that we all should protect, and appreciate. She was born with a cleft lip and palate, her  childhood was marked by an excruciating series of surgical procedures—23 in all before t...

This episode is with my friend Cassidy Olivia. I discovered her on TikTok while she was posting videos about her stay in the hospital, but I appreciated her honesty, and how real she was with her content. She is in the hospital due to a stroke that's related to a condition called Cadasil. This condition caused her to lose the ability to walk, though it seems to be temporary, this time around the e...