SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS

What happens when loss, disability, and chronic pain collide—and quitting feels easier than continuing? In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , we sit down with Win Charles , an author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and triathlete living with cerebral palsy. Win shares her powerful journey through losing her parents, enduring countless surgeries, living with chronic pain, and learning how to...

What do you do when life hits you hard before adulthood even begins? In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , Dan Korte shares his powerful journey of being diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 19 years old—and how that experience led him through anger, doubt, unhealthy coping, and ultimately personal growth. Dan opens up about questioning God, numbing pain through drinking and partying, and...

This episode marks the one-year anniversary of Sh!t Creek Survivors . Cam and Dennis Coffman reflect on the past year of the podcast — the growth, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. What began as honest conversations about resilience evolved into a community centered on authenticity, vulnerability, and hope. In this special anniversary episode, they revisit the idea of positive...

As the New Year approaches, this episode is for anyone who’s not starting strong — but is starting again . Cameron McKay, Dennis Coffman, and Coach Brian Parana talk honestly about getting fit, staying sober, rebuilding mental strength, and creating real change after trauma, addiction, and burnout. Brian shares how he reached nine years of sobriety , why extreme approaches fail, and how his “middl...

In this powerful episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , Robert Sartin shares his extraordinary journey after surviving 10+ strokes and a brain tumor diagnosis. Robert opens up about hospital delirium, hallucinations, and the physical and mental challenges of losing mobility. Through gratitude, time in nature, meditation, and a disciplined mindset, he found a way to reclaim joy and purpose despite overw...

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors, Cam and Dennis sit down with Rachel Krentzman to explore what happens when a religious community walks away and trauma is left to live in the body. Rachel shares her story of spiritual abandonment, family collapse, and the powerful truth that although you are not your circumstances, on the inside you are whole and beautiful. She explains how emotional traum...

Today on Sh!t Creek Survivors , we sit down with Brian Passenti — an ultra runner, coach, and recovery advocate whose story embodies grit, perseverance, and the power of starting over. Brian shares his journey from addiction to sobriety, the wake-up call that came after a devastating bike accident, and how ultra running became a physical and spiritual path toward healing. Through community, discip...

Understanding Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD): How Blair Sorrel found healing from Complex Trauma through music, writing, and community. Hosts Cameron and Dennis are joined by guest Blair Sorrel for a vital conversation about the realities of mental health, trauma, and the courage it takes to face your own story. Blair shares her journey to a Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) diagnosis at ag...

Join Cam and Dennis as they sit down with Michael Esposito , executive coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Michael Esposito Show , for a powerful conversation about authenticity, leadership, and resilience . In this episode, they explore: How showing up as your true self strengthens relationships, leadership, and emotional health Strategies for authentic communication and leading with impact O...

In this week’s Sh!t Creek Survivors , Melissa Swonger opens up about her journey through trauma, PTSD, and the healing power of radical kindness . Her story reveals how pain can become purpose — and how resilience, faith, and community can turn even the darkest moments into transformation. Melissa shares a practical crisis checklist to help anyone facing overwhelming times — reminding us that self...

When life feels impossible, resilience becomes your lifeline. In this episode, attorney Mark Astor shares his incredible journey from prosecutor to advocate — building the first law firm in the U.S. dedicated solely to helping families facing substance use and mental health crises . Mark reveals the powerful tools and mindset shifts that help families find hope, healing, and stability when everyth...

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , Cam McKay sits down with Adam W. Barney — energy coach, author, and founder of Scale Smarter — to explore what it really means to live resiliently, manage your energy, and find purpose through pain. Adam shares his personal journey through loss, including his mother’s battle with ALS, and how those experiences shaped his life’s work helping others refuel t...

In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , hosts Cameron and Dennis sit down with Nathaniel Allenby — author of The Cycle of Kindness and founder of Cirque Quirk — to talk about resilience, healing, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Nathaniel opens up about his journey from childhood trauma to personal transformation, and how cycling across Europe taught him life-changing lessons about co...

Welcome to SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS — where we share stories of resilience and tools for building resilience . In this episode, Cameron visits Bartow County Jail in Cartersville, Georgia , to meet men in the WRAP Program — Workforce, Reentry & Advancement Program . These individuals are inmates who’ve chosen a new path, working to rebuild their lives through faith, community, and personal responsi...

Welcome to SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS , where we share stories of resilience and the tools to build it . In this episode, Cam sits down with poet and author Aaron Poochigian to explore: His journey through addiction and recovery How Central Park and nature became spaces for healing The practice of forest bathing and mindfulness Using writing and poetry to process pain and grow The importance of vulnerab...

Life’s hardest struggles can break us down—or help us discover strength we didn’t know we had. In this episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS , Kathy shares her powerful story of grief, healing, and resilience. From losing her baby only two days after birth to experiencing a near-death encounter, Kathy shows how struggle can bring surprising silver linings—like the ability to truly connect with and suppo...

In this episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS , M.K. (Kathy) McDaniel shares her near-death experience — a journey from the terrifying darkness of hell to the bliss of heaven. While dying from lung failure in 1999, Kathy was placed on a ventilator and put into a drug-induced coma. Her near-death experience was both traumatic and transformative, reshaping her religious beliefs into a deep spirituality. T...

Jay shares his powerful journey of turning trauma into strength. From his military experiences to building a purpose-driven business, he explores resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling. In this conversation, we dive into how community, accountability partners, and open dialogue help process trauma and foster personal growth. This episode is for anyone navigating adversity...

Life can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it without tools. In this episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , Dennis and Cam share practical ways to get grounded, manage anxiety, and return to the present moment. Together, they explore simple grounding and breathing techniques, the importance of self-care and forgiveness, and how finding silver linings can lead to personal growth. You’ll also...

Life can knock us down, but resilience and faith can help us rise. In this episode of SH!T CREEK SURVIVORS , Dexter shares his powerful journey from trauma and addiction to courage, healing, and purpose. Hear how he overcame challenges, turned pain into strength, and discovered hope through faith, community, and mentorship. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking inspiration, tools for resilien...

Cameron and Dennis dive into what it truly means to face fear, push through setbacks, and build resilience through faith. Cameron shares his NYC trip with Kate—confronting PTSD triggers, tackling a fear of heights at the Empire State Building, and enduring anxiety on Broadway. Through flight delays, travel stress, and unexpected challenges, they discovered silver linings and grew stronger together...

From an early age, Justin Kimbel experienced violence and trauma that shaped his life. He struggled with a troubled upbringing, military service marked by PTSD and survivor’s guilt, addiction, and time in jail. After losing a child and reaching rock bottom, Justin surrendered to God and chose a path of destiny instead of destruction . Today, he contributes to Gangsters for Jesus , helping people i...

Life throws curveballs you can’t control — but you’ve got more power than you think. In this Buddy Check, we share how focusing on what’s in your control (and letting go of the rest) can transform ‘failure’ into the start of something incredible. Resilience, Mindset Shift, Control the Controllables, Letting Go, Overcoming Adversity, Life Lessons, Positive Impact, Failure to Success, Next Adventure...

Born with hemiplegic cerebral palsy , Alexander Gibbs doesn’t have full use of his right side — but that hasn’t stopped him from playing (and loving) the game of golf. He swings with just his left hand... and a full heart. In this powerful episode of Sh!t Creek Survivors , Alexander shares: How he discovered and adapted to golf with one functioning side The mental tools that keep him going when li...

In this raw episode, Kevin shares his extraordinary journey from addiction to recovery. A pastor's son, Kevin spiraled into substance abuse, burglarizing his own church for drugs , engaging in shootouts , and serving time in jail . Now sober, he reveals the pivotal moments that changed his life, the complex family dynamics, and the impact of loss. Kevin emphasizes the power of faith , transparency...