Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation

"I started to love myself more." - Jennifer Ragazzo In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠ speaks with ⁠Jennifer Ragazzo⁠ , a Soul-Aligned Wellness Coach with a background in psychology, teaching, and coaching, who blends deep emotional and spiritual work with functional health to help women heal from the inside out. With expertise in Integrative Nutrition,...

"I built myself a body of armor." - Geena Hymer In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Geena Hymer about her journey through trauma, binge eating disorder, and the path to recovery. Geena shares her experiences from childhood, including the impact of her parents' divorce and subsequent trauma, leading to her reliance on food for comfort. She di...

"Life is heavy and it's hard." - Robin Hauser In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Robin Houser , who has been a mental health provider for over 20 years and a Self-Leadership coach for the past 5 years. She was adopted, grew up in a family with mental health issues, has a history with sexual abuse, is divorced, and conceived her first born c...

"I was fading away again." - Will Person In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with William Person , a former 9-year Team USA Bobsled athlete who lost nearly his entire quality of life and four former teammates to suicide before he recognized he is living with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). It wasn't until he heard Joe Namath talk about th...

"I was in a dark, deep abyss." - Sarah Dawkins In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Sarah Dawkins , a passionate Holistic Health and Healing Coach, international speaker, and author of Heal Yourself . She’s also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the award-winning host of the uplifting podcast Heal Yourself with Sarah Dawkins. With over 20 ye...

"I was on this earth for a purpose." - Adriene Caldwell In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Adriene Caldwell , who shares her harrowing journey through trauma, mental illness, and recovery. Adriene recounts her experiences with abuse, addiction, and multiple suicide attempts, ultimately leading to a profound realization of her purpose in life. S...

"I have my purpose again." - Zach Tidwell In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Zach Tidwell , a Marine Corps veteran who lost all of his sight and hearing in one ear to a suicide attempt in 2019. He subsequently fell into and overcame rampant alcoholism, despite being diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease whilst trying to get sober. Today he&...

"It can only get better." - Silke Harvey In this episode, Janet Sandberg speaks with Silke Harvey , about her journey through profound loss and the subsequent transformation of her life. Silke Harvey is a speaker, musician, former financial translator, bestselling author and publisher, energy healer, and life transition mentor for women who have suffered major losses and want to reinvent...

"Physical Health is Mental Health." - Jamie Hughes In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Jamie Hughes , a passionate advocate for mental well-being and the author of insightful works on resilience and self-care. Drawing from a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in trauma, resilience, and self-care, Jamie brings a wealth of aca...

"I was living in hell." - Jose Pereira In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Jose Angel Pereira Ruimwyk , a bestselling author , international speaker , executive coach , and podcast host , who survived nearly five years of wrongful imprisonment as part of the Citgo 6. He is a leading voice on resilience, leadership, and hostage diplomacy worldwid...

In this special episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg engages in a profound discussion with veterans Garret Biss and Marie Slider Henriksen about the unique mental health challenges faced by military personnel and veterans. They explore the impact of childhood trauma, the transition from military to civilian life, and the alarming rates of suicide within the military community...

"I felt like a fraud." - Brian Sachetta In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with mental health advocate Brian Sachetta about his personal journey through depression, grief, and recovery. Brian shares his experiences with major depressive disorder and the impact of losing his grandmother, as well as the importance of understanding mental health throug...

"I was missing something." - Garret Biss In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Garrett Biss - Veteran, TEDX Speaker , Award-winning Author, Coach, and Respected Thought-Leader in the Addiction Recovery Industry. Janet and Garret discuss his journey from military service to civilian life, the challenges he faced during his transition, and the impor...

"You get to decide how you operate." - Derek Newborn In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Derek Newborn , a transformational coach who shares his journey from a troubled past filled with abandonment and self-sabotage to a life dedicated to helping others heal. Derek discusses the importance of taking ownership of one's life, understanding the...

My 100th Episode! Thank you so much for continuing to listen and for supporting the podcast. I wouldn't be here without you. In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh , an author, YouTuber, and mental health advocate. She has written over 10 books and openly shares her struggles so others don't feel alone. On the podcast, Randi-Lee t...

"There is always hope in the fight." - Marie Slider Henriksen In this episode, Marie Slider Henriksen shares her profound journey of healing from trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. From her experiences in foster care and the military to her battles with alcoholism and PTSD, Marie's story is one of resilience and hope. She discusses the importance of seeking help, the therapeutic power...

"It was just endless peace." - Meera Ishaya In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Meera , an Ishaya monk, author, and spiritual coach. Meera shares her transformative journey from chronic pain and suffering to finding peace and purpose through mindfulness and presence. She discusses the importance of community , the power of self-discovery, and ho...

"Hope lives, shame kills." - Diane Kaufman In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg interviews Diane Kaufman, a retired child psychiatrist and founder of the Hold On campaign for suicide prevention . Diane shares her personal journey through mental health struggles, including a suicide attempt during medical school, and how her experiences shaped her professiona...

"I celebrate life every day." - Koya Bakare In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Koya Bakare , a model, pageant queen, and survivor of trauma. Koya shares her journey of overcoming sexual assault, bulimia, and suicide attempts, emphasizing the importance of therapy, self-love, and empowerment. She discusses how her mother's support and her ex...

"It's not a one-time choice." - Shuang-Min Chang In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Shuang-Min Chang , a lifestyle coach and holistic success activator. Shuang-Min shares her journey from a successful corporate career in fashion to overcoming depression and finding her true self. She discusses the importance of personal development, the challenges of liv...

"I resolved that it was time to go." - Michael Tallon In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠ speaks with ⁠Michael J Tallon⁠ , who shares his profound journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Michael recounts his experiences leading up to his diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, and the pivotal moment in...

"You have to confront grief to heal." - Kandiee Campbell In this episode, Janet Sandberg and Kandiee Campbell discuss the complexities of grief, mental health, and the importance of confronting emotional pain. Kandiee shares her personal journey through grief, including her experiences with loss, trauma, and the impact of suicide. They explore the significance of acknowledging feelings, the variou...

"The pain can last generations." - Andy Campbell In this poignant episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Andy Campbell , who shares his deeply personal journey of loss following the suicide of his son, Heston. Andy discusses the complexities of mental health, the impact of suicide on families, and the struggles of grieving parents. He emphasizes the import...

"It's okay to feel it." - Keren Cardoza In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg speaks with Keren Cardoza about her journey through struggles with purpose, faith, and the importance of helping others. Keren shares her experiences with mental health, the role of faith in her life, and how helping others has provided her with a sense of purpose. They discuss...

In this special episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host Janet Sandberg reflects on the two-year journey of the podcast, sharing her personal motivations for starting it, the importance of sharing stories of hope, and the various healing modalities discussed throughout the episodes. She emphasizes the significance of finding someone to talk to during difficult times and invites listeners to sha...