Surviving Me

Surviving Me — Addiction & Family Intervention with Mike Laverde When we talk about addiction, we focus on the person struggling. But what about the people who love them? In this episode of Surviving Me, host Dai sits down with Mike Laverde, founder of Family First Intervention, to unpack the realities of addiction from the family's perspective. Mike shares his personal journey — from a career...

What happens when you're doing everything right for your health — eating well, following doctor's orders, doing all the "right things" — and you still don't feel better? In this episode of Surviving Me , I sit down with Angela Jenkins, RD, LD , a registered dietitian with over 35 years of clinical experience and founder of Health is Local. Angela shares her personal journey of struggling with kidn...

What happens when the very things that helped you survive become the things holding you back from truly living? In this Healing Chapter of Surviving Me , Dai sits down with Rich Dunning , author of Silence Was My First Language , for an honest conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, fatherhood, and finding your voice. Growing up in the Bronx, Rich experienced severe abuse, povert...

What happens when you stop needing someone else’s love to feel whole? In this Healing Chapter of Surviving Me , Austin joins me for a conversation about self-love, authenticity, and what changes when we stop looking outside ourselves for the validation we need within. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE • Why loving yourself changes the way you receive love from others • The difference between wanting love and nee...

I’m back, Butterflies. 🦋 And honestly? There’s a lot to catch up on. Surviving Me has officially reached over 1,000 listeners , and I couldn’t come back without taking a moment to celebrate what we’ve built together. But this episode isn’t just about coming back—it’s about where we’re going next. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE • Celebrating 1,000+ listeners of Surviving Me • Why I needed the hiatus and what...

What happens when survival becomes part of your identity before you're even old enough to understand what it means? In this powerful episode, host Dai sits down with Nicholas Kelly — a 39-year-old man living with cystic fibrosis, registered dietitian, and advocate — who has spent his entire life navigating chronic illness, uncertainty, and the complex journey of building a meaningful life beyond a...

What happens when the life you imagined no longer matches the life you’re living? In this Gemini Season episode of Surviving Me , Dai explores identity, transformation, and the courage it takes to let go of who you thought you were so you can become who you’re meant to be. Inspired by a powerful card pull, this conversation is a reminder that not every storm arrives to destroy your life. Some stor...

What if healing starts the moment you stop accepting that your diagnosis defines your future? In this episode of Surviving Me , Karen “ZuZu” Ziemer Armes shares her remarkable journey from growing up on epilepsy medication to overcoming epilepsy, scoliosis, and arthritis through nutrition, holistic wellness, and a commitment to living differently. ZuZu opens up about reclaiming her health, challen...

You keep seeing 1616 for a reason. This episode is about willpower, discipline, and what happens when you stop running from yourself. I’m opening up about my decision to stop smoking weed, what this angel number revealed to me, and why healing sometimes requires uncomfortable honesty. This is your reminder that you are supported—but you still have to choose yourself.

Motherhood changed me… but postpartum depression almost erased me. In Part 2 of my anniversary series, I open up about the silent battle I faced after becoming a mother — the exhaustion, emotional numbness, isolation, identity loss, and the version of myself I barely recognized. This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled in silence while trying to be “strong” for everyone else. Because some...

In this episode of Surviving Me , Ty Gipson shares his journey living with Type 1 Diabetes, undergoing three organ transplants, and learning how to survive through pressure, uncertainty, and adversity. From health struggles to entrepreneurship, Ty opens up about the mindset that helped him keep moving forward even during the hardest seasons of his life. This conversation explores: • Living with Ty...

Taurus season is a reminder to slow down, prioritize self-worth, and let go of the need for approval. This episode explores how to build a life that feels good, set boundaries, and stop settling for less.

One year ago, Surviving Me released its first episode—and everything changed. In this special anniversary episode, Dai steps out of the host seat and into the guest chair as her mom takes over the mic. This conversation isn’t just about the podcast—it’s about the person behind it. In Part 1, we go back to the beginning. Dai opens up about her childhood, how she was perceived versus how she truly f...

Aries season is often associated with action and forward movement — but what if this season is actually about slowing down and returning to yourself? In this episode of Surviving Me, we explore the deeper message behind Aries energy: prioritizing your healing, choosing yourself without guilt, and releasing the pressure to always be “on.” If you’ve been feeling drained, overextended, or disconnecte...

You keep seeing 333… and at some point, it stops feeling like a coincidence. In this episode of Surviving Me, we break down the deeper meaning behind angel number 333—not just spiritually, but psychologically. This isn’t just&nbsp...

In this episode of Surviving Me, we’re having an honest, shame-free conversation about vaginal health — what’s normal, what’s not, and how to better understand your body. This episode breaks down common topics like discharge, pH balance, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and even Group B strep (GBS), while also addressing lifestyle factors like diet, hygiene, and everyday habits that can affect your balan...

Words are easy. People can promise change, apologize, and say everything you want to hear. But over time, one truth becomes clear: Actions always reveal character. In this episode of Surviving Me, we talk about the difference between words and behavior — and why patterns of action often reveal more truth than promises ever could. This conversation explores: • Why words can be misleading • How acti...

Money conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they are necessary. In this episode of Surviving Me, we explore the connection between financial habits, emotional well-being, and self-care. Many of us were never taught how to manage money growing up. Instead, we learn through mistakes, stress, and real-life responsibilities. In this episode, I share my personal journey of going from being extremel...

Pisces season invites us to slow down, soften, and trust the timing of our lives. In this episode of Surviving Me, we explore the themes of compassion, emotional depth, and divine timing that often emerge during Pisces season. Sometimes the kindest people are the ones who have been through the hardest experiences, and this season reminds us that kindness and empathy are never wasted. If you’ve bee...

What does it mean when you keep seeing 666? Contrary to popular belief, angel number 666 isn’t about fear — it’s about reflection and realignment. In this episode of Surviving Me, we explore the spiritual meaning behind 666 and how it can serve as a reminder to pause, refocus your thoughts, and reconnect with what truly aligns with your highest self. If you’ve been noticing angel numbers lately, t...

Aquarius season is about detachment, healing, and elevation. In this episode of Surviving Me, we talk about what Aquarius energy really teaches us: protecting your peace, releasing other people’s projections, prioritizing self-healing, and choosing growth without explanation. If you’ve been feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed by gossip, or emotionally drained from over-giving, this episode will hel...

this episode of His Way Through on the Surviving Me Podcast, Peter shares his powerful story as a leukemia survivor and former EMT who had to redefine strength during his battle with cancer. From facing a life-altering diagnosis to learning the difference between fighting and surrendering, this conversation explores: Surviving leukemia Letting go of control during illness The emotional side of can...

In this episode, we cover: What anxiety really is and why it’s more than worry The mental, physical, and behavioral signs of anxiety How anxiety and depression often overlap Why getting a diagnosis can bring clarity—not labels Signs it may be time to seek support What getting help can actually look like 📝 Subscribe to the Glow Letter on Substack for reflections, affirmations, and journal prompts...

In this episode of Surviving Me, I talk about sex education — the kind many of us never received. This conversation covers consent, communication, STD and STI education, testing, and body awareness in a way that’s honest, respectful, and free of shame. It’s not graphic or sensational — it’s about understanding your body, your boundaries, and your choices. In this episode, we talk about: What was m...

In this episode of Surviving Me, I reflect on the things I’m no longer forcing — motivation, energy, clarity, and growth that needs to look productive. This is a conversation about letting go of pressure, releasing the need to perform healing, and learning how to trust alignment over control. It’s about what happens when you stop pushing and start listening. In this episode, I talk about: Letting...