Episodes

This week we speak with the writer Brandon Stosuy, editor of the new collection “Sad Happens: A Celebration of Tears”. We talk about the very small town where Brandon grew up, his reflections on the home where he grew up, wonderful stories about his family, his writing career, and what inspired him to compile “Sad Happens: A Celebration of Tears”. Brandon’s website: https://thecreativeindependent.com/ Brandon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandonstosuy Book page to purchase “Sad Happens: A Celebration of Tears”: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Sad-Happens/Brandon-Stosuy/9781668003459 Page for all of Brandon’s Books: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Brandon-Stosuy/1895757622 Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do n…

This week we speak with bestselling author David Essel. During our conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, including addiction, David’s decades long work helping others, and why the news might not always be the calming influence we might think it is. Visit David’s website: www.DavidEssel.com Please note: This episode contains descriptions of Suicidal Ideation — please take care while listening. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Sad Times on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37329214664924 …

Join us today as we speak with Maggie about her years of being a people pleaser, her 7 years of depression as she tried everything she could to feel better, her breakthrough moment when she finally said she wanted to do things her way, and her book that provides tools and inspiration toward a happier life. Substack: https://substack.com/@maggiesway Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggies.way/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-maris-277b66211/ Website: maggiesway.nl Please note: This episode contains descriptions of Suicidal Ideation — please take care while listening. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way…

Join us today as we speak with Bre about being raised in a “high control” Christian Group, how it affected her family, and how she has found community and recovered since leaving the church. Bre’s website: https://brehamilton.com/ Social media: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@soulfullybre Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soulfullybre Threads - https://www.threads.net/@soulfullybre Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Sad Times on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Sad…

When a relationship ends and children are involved, the next steps can seem overwhelming. Join us today as we speak with Renee about the template for custody battles she created, what people often don’t know about judicial custody proceedings, and her domestic violence advocacy. Renee’s website: https://bestfootforwardllc.com Please note: Domestic violence is described in this episode. Please take care while listening. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Sad Times on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grou…

Far too often, women endure stalking, terror, and abuse within their own relationships. Join us today as we speak with Mimi about her journey of putting herself through school, the abuse she suffered during a marriage and after, and the amazing work she does to help make sure women are heard and feel empowered. Please note: Domestic violence is described in this episode. Please take care while listening. Visit Mimi’s website: https://beheardwomenempoweringwomen.com To review Mimi’s books, plea...

We often take for granted the fact that we would not need to leave our home cultures if we did not choose. However, refugees all too often have to leave everything they know and love to start over. It is an unbelievable undertaking that so many take each and every day. Join us today as we speak with Masuda about how her harrowing and heartbreaking journey from Afghanistan to the United States, the love and admiration she has for both countries, the power of diversity, and how the Taliban threatened and almost killed her for representing Afghanistan in a World Beauty pageant. Visit Masuda’s website: http://www.masudarahmati.com Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any wa…

We often believe growing up in a well-adjusted household is something most of our peers are experiencing. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Please join us today as we speak with Merle about growing up in a bizarre and abusive household, the work he has done to overcome severe trauma, and his current work as a therapist helping people learn about and employ engergetic boundaries. Please note: There are graphic depictions of sexual abuse in this episode. Please take care while listening Visit Merle’s Website: merleyost.com Find more about Unspoken Boundaries here: unspokenboundaries.com Subscribe to Merle’s Substack: http://merleyost.substack.com/ Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views…

As Leo Tolstoy immortally said: “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”. The truth and poetry of this opening line to Anna Karenina is reflected back to us every day. Join us today as we speak with Brad Wetzler, author of the amazing memoir “Into the Soul of the World”. We talk about his upbringing in an unhappy family, his fraught mental health journey, and his remarkable journey of healing. Find more about Brad below: Website: bradwetzler.com Instagram: @bradwetzler   Facebook: www.facebook.com/bradwetzlerwriter Twitter: @bradwetzler   YouTube: www.youtube.com/@bradwetzler/videos Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. …

One of the greatest joys of life is building a young family. However, it is not often discussed how difficult this can be on the mental health of the parents. Join us today as we speak with Lisa about her mental health struggles while raising a young family, the unimaginable tragedy that befell her family, and what resilience means to Lisa. Please note: This episode has mentions of suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Lisa’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-k-boehm-speaker-author/ Lisa’s Rising Strong Podcast website: http://www.risingstrongpodcast.com/ Find Lisa on instagram: @risingstrongpodcast Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in…

When we first encounter a mental health event, we are often overwhelmed and want to hide. Join us today as we speak with Brian about his original encounters he had with mental health troubles, how he set out to understand what was happening to him, his “Get Out of Your Head” books, and a truly chilling and terrifying event that occurred while Brian was on vacation with his family. Brian’s website: https://getoutofyourhead.com Link to find “Get Out of Your Head” Volume 1: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5Z6V75 Link to find “Get Out of Your Head” Volume 2: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Out-Your-Head-Vol-ebook/dp/B09KQ4FLBW Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way…

Join us today as we speak with Ashley about her difficult upbringing and the horrifying and traumatic encounter she had with a heinous crime. Ashley takes us through the harrowing encounter that changed her life and shares not only her thoughts on the Canadian justice system, but also how she is fighting everyday as a strong survivor to be an inspiration. Content Warning: Please note this episode contains descriptions of violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Ashley’s website: http://ashleyinspires.ca/ Find Ashley on TikTok: @ashleyinspire Find Ashley’s “Finding Strength Through Tragedy” Group on Facebook by Searching: “Finding Strength Through Tragedy” Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspec…

So often, modern society tells us there is one main way: Grow up, graduate high school, go to college, and then get a job. While this is a completely noble path, it is not often the way life turns out. Join us today as we talk with Dr Melanie McNally about her role in her family unit, the many paths she has taken, and her incredible mental health work with young people. Dr. Melanie McNally’s website: https://www.destinationyou.net/ Dr. Melanie McNally’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniemcnally/ Dr. Melanie McNally’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmcnally/ Please note, there are references to abuse in this episode. Please take care while listening. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily refle…

When facing mental health challenges as a young person, it is easy to feel isolated and alone. As we grow, we learn that are brains are singular. Join us today as we speak with Samantha about coming to terms with her neurodiversity, her struggles finding the best treatment, and her work as a music therapist. Samantha’s website: http://www.boisemusictherapycompany.com/ Find Samantha on Instagram: @everybrainisdifferent Find Samantha on TikTok: @everybrainisdifferent Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your ve…

Almost everyone of us has traumatic instances in our childhood. As we grow older, these take root in various ways — some obvious, some not. Join us today as we have the host of “My Madness METHod” as we discuss his childhood, his years engaging in and running from his addiction, and what he learned about life and human relationships throughout the journey. Link to Jason’s website: http://www.eight19product.com/  Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/h…

As children, we are often born into a religion that provides us with community and a sense of place. Even as we grow older, we may associate that community as a support system for our own mental health struggles. Join us today as we talk with Andy about his experience being raised in the LDS church, how he came to understand his mental health struggles, and what support systems mean to him. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-…

Throughout our lives, we find ourselves working to adapt to the molds society builds around us based on our choices. Even if we are certain of the paths we have chosen, the challenges of accepting the molds we step into can be daunting. Join us today as we talk with Stephen about his childhood in New York, how he looked up to his father, his struggles with mental health in his young adulthood, and how he found balance between profession and art. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: ht…

It can not be said enough: There remains a stigma around mental health that is unhelpful and unreasonable. Join us today as we talk with David about his struggles with bipolar disorder, how he used alcohol to quell his mental health challenges, and how he has been able to thrive in sobriety. Not only does he have an extremely successful business, he is working on changing the dialogue around Mental Health one dialogue at a time. David’s website: https://davidshamszad.com Follow David on Instagram: @david_shamszad Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Tim…

Terrorism is a constant threat across the world. In America, Mass shootings remain horrendous events that occur far too often. Join us today as we speak with Dr. Nina Cerfolio about her research into mass shootings and terrorism, her harrowing journey to help those in a war zone in Chechnya, and her upcoming book “Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction”.  Dr Cerfolio’s book: Psychoanalytic and Spiritual Perspectives on Terrorism: Desire for Destruction Dr Cerfolio’s op-ed in Daily Beast: The Only True Revenge for Terrorism is Achieving Peace Dr Cerfolio’s letter to the editor published in the New York Times: The Parkland Gunman, a Horrific Crime and Mental Illness Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and se…

More often than not, we take our family for granted. Growing up in the same house, we form a lasting bond like no other. However, it does not always mean that these bonds cannot be damaged or broken. Join us today as we talk with Jill about her upbringing, her relationship with her brother growing up, and how their relationship was upended as adults. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad…

Please join us for Jon’s triumphant return! Jon was recently featured in episode 58 of Sad Times (link can be found below) discussing his history as a distance runner and its impact on his mental health. On today’s episode, Jon and Kevin discuss running the Chicago Marathon, aging, and what keeps people coming back to running.  Jon’s previous episode: https://www.sadtimespodcast.com/running-with-the-devil-jon-returns-to-discuss-endurance-mental-health-and-his-love-of-marathons/   Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.  Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.co…

Even as we move toward the middle of the 2020s, the stigma around mental health still persists. There are people all over this world working to not only combat that stigma, but also to help those in need. Join us today as we speak with one of these heroes. Tony is the Executive Director of a community mental health center and works daily with not only his team, but also members of the communities to continue to remind everyone that “wellness is wellness”. ▪ Main website for Piatt County Mental Health Center: Piatt County Mental Health Center (piattmhc.org) ▪ Our Main Piatt County Mental Health FB: https://www.facebook.com/Piatt.County.Mental.Health.Center ▪ 2 Recovery Support FB Pages for work in DeWitt and Piatt County (Illinois) ▪ Piatt ROSC - https://www.facebook.com/PiattCountyROSC ▪ DeWitt ROSC - https://www.facebook.com/DeWittROSC/ • 988 Helpline: https://988lifeline.org/ • IL Helpline for SUD: Illinois Helpline (helplineil.org) Editorial note: Sad Times is committe…

Many people have been raised in a family that has had to split up. Often, the children affected by these changes are left alone with their feelings and wonder what outlet there might be. Join us today as we talk with Adam about his childhood, his time as a heavy metal drummer, and how he was able to confidentially transition into adulthood and have a family of his own. Charity Adam would like to highlight: https://www.aguagiftingsmiles.com/  Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Follow Sad Times on F…

When we are young, we look to our parents as arbiters of our daily conflicts as well as the ones who point the direction our lives are headed. When a parent is unexpectedly lost, lives are changed forever. Join us today as we speak with Kevin’s Uncle Jon about the loss of his father, the resilience and love of family, and Jon’s adventures on his own. Editorial note: Sad Times is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Sad Times in any way. Please note that Sad Times is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Learn more about Jon: https://about.me/joncrispin Sad Times Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albu…