Rick Clemmons, Coming Out Late in Life
In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Frank, and Rick discuss the complexity of entering into a heterosexual marriage as a closeted gay man, the reality that there is still hate towards the queer community in 2022, dealing with derogatory comments as a closeted man, and how society can create a better environment for the LGBTQ community.
Rick Clemmons is a Life Coach, speaker, author, and podcaster who was married to his ex-wife for 13 years and had 2 children before his life got turned upside down after he fell in love with a man in London. Even though he knew he was gay from a young age he felt like he had to hide it and the positive affirmations he received while he was doing so kept him in the closet. Now, Rick is using his story of “how you are never too old to do something bold” to help gay men live authentic and unapologetic lives.
“The truth of who we are is far more powerful than the false truth any of us are pretending to be.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
Misconceptions many people still hold about gay people and the community
How RIck reacted when his daughter came out and what caused his fear
Rick's advice for men in a relationship that isn't genuine
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with the guest:
Resources:
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
* This podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and is not a substitute for therapy.
ANGER. Why do we get mad? What are tools to help with anger?
Anger is a subject I'm close to because I am prone to it. I don't like that about myself and am certainly working on it but I just want to understand it more, because when I understand something it makes it easier to stop the cycle.
Dr Dave serves up so many great pieces of the anger pie on this one so take notes and thank you for listening.
Mathew
* This podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and is not a substitute for therapy.
Series Three partner: A Growing Space, A private practice, training and consulting service. We serve individuals, couples, children and families, in their growth and healing journeys. Text LEARN to 623-202-4553 right now to learn a little more.
The reason they rock: You will learn about your body and brain and how they can function together in a balanced way. When you complete each session you will leave with at least one tool to aid you in your healing/growth. These weekly take away skills and experiments will allow you to try on different, hand selected strategies. Text LEARN to 623-202-4553 right now to learn a little more. Make sure you mention you heard them on Learn from people who lived it.
Francine Sumner, Losing a Child to Mental Illness and Shattering the Stigma
In this episode, Mathew and Francine discuss how and why Zachary was lost to suicide, why the language we use matters, and what Kid in a Corner is doing to shine a light on mental illness through education, awareness, and contagious kindness. Michelle shares how losing Zachary impacted his older siblings, the challenges of moving forward together after losing a family member, and her favorite memory of Zachary.
Francine Sumner is a mother and advocate for educating young people on mental health. Five years ago after her youngest son Zachary completed suicide she founded Kid In the Corner with the mission of shattering the stigma around mental illness.
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
― Fred Rogers
In this episode, you'll hear:
Practical advice on how to reach out to someone you notice is acting different
How to cope with the family dynamic shift after losing a family member
The importance of having a self-care plan and identifying your safe and caring person
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with the guest:
Resources:
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Breaking the Cycle: Solving the Rising Mental Health Crisis with High School kids
LFPWLI: Breaking the Cycle: Solving the Rising Mental Health Crisis Among Young People with Zahraa Alfatlawi, Founder of ZenDen
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why Zahraa was inspired to start the ZenDen and what the group looks like today
The most common stressors kids experience
How Zahraa thinks the education system can do a better job teaching kids
In this episode, Mathew and Zahraa discuss generational cycles, the things that are stressing kids out the most, how she thinks the education system can do a better job teaching kids, and what she is doing to help solve the problems she sees around her. Zahraa is a high-performing student herself who connects with the pressure put on young people by their parents, school, and themselves, which increases stress and can lead to burnout. She is a big believer in strong community structures that help improve both mental and physical health because they are so closely related, and she knows that a student-to-student connection is inherently different from an adult-to-student connection. She also felt like there was no real outlet for her to express her anxieties, find connections, or get resources, which is why she founded ZenDen. She runs meetings for her group every Wednesday, where she strives to create a relaxed environment for students to focus on their commonalities. By discussing the highs and lows of the week, she is fostering a community that helps kids feel more connected and less alone in their struggles.
Zahraa Alfatlawi is a senior at Central High School in the Phenix Union School District. She founded ZenDen as a sophomore when her class returned to school after the pandemic, and she felt like she had to do something about the rising mental health crisis she was seeing in her peers. As a first-generation Arab-American and the youngest of five children in a family that fled Iraq in 2005, Zahraa has witnessed firsthand the mental health struggles her family experienced when they were in survival mode. They had to focus on issues like where they would be living and how they would get food on the table, leaving little time or resources to take care of their mental and wellness needs. Zahraa can feel the energy of the mental health and wellness crisis among young people. She is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and psychology to continue her work of breaking down barriers and stigmas that prevent people from talking about important things.
“The first step to change is addressing the problem.”
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Resources:
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by Sam Robertson
More than a prison story
The following episodes were recorded in the Durango Detention Center in front of 16 juveniles with the hope that our words impact them and their lives moving forward.
What Cordero's childhood was like and how he ended up in prison?
The emotions Cordero felt while gangbanging, in prison, and once he got out.
What caused Cordero to change his perspective and how he changed his life?
The path that led Drakkar to prison
What caused the change in Drakkar’s mindset?
The power of delayed gratification
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by Sam Robertson
Get to the HEART
As mentioned, today's podcast is my recording with Dr. Todd Hurst, my cardiologist. He has a podcast about heart health and what we can do to prevent most of the things that kill us. That is very interesting to me because as some of you know my father died in my arms of a heart attack at 47.
I have always wanted to sit down with a cardiologist and discuss that event, and what I can do to make sure my own children never witness that same.
So today we get to have that chat on the "The Healthspan Podcast" with your host, Dr. R. Todd Hurst.
LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ON APPLE RIGHT HERE
His show notes and links below:
In today's episode, we have an insightful conversation featuring Arizona celebrity Mathew Blades, Dr. Hurst, and Rielyn Hoffman, discussing heart health, personal stories, and the importance of preventative measures. Mathew Blades shares his own heart-wrenching story, emphasizing the significance of awareness and understanding of heart-related issues.
Throughout the discussion, they explore the role of CPR and defibrillation, silent heart attacks, and emotional impact of heart health experiences. They also share incredible personal stories and reflections on pain and dying during a heart attack, as well as the importance of proactive heart health care.
At 00:04:34, Mathew Blades shares his personal story.
At 00:13:20, the importance of CPR and defibrillation is discussed.
At 00:23:53, they talk about how heart attacks can be silent.
At 00:29:56, the conversation delves into the emotional impact of heart health experiences.
At 00:39:06, the incredible save of a retired Marine colonel is shared.
At 00:41:12, they reflect on dying and pain during a heart attack.
At 00:42:29, they emphasize the importance of proactive heart health care.
Find his new insurance based practice here: https://www.healthspanmd.com/
BURNOUT
After I burned out from my last profession I was consumed with WHY.
Why did I burnout?
How was I at a point where I was ready to walk away from a successful 27 year career?
After spending 5 days with healers and therapist I learned some valuable information about myself in terms of WHY I make the choices I do. I was then challenged to lean into a self care strategy and watched first hand the many different ways my life started to make sense again. I created Learn from People who lived it and started taking the podcast and movement on the road to present to companies like Willmeng, Banner, Panera Bread, Kyrene School District, Cobalt Ed, and Durango Detention Center.
A Clip from a recent workshop
Let me help you and your team find some clarity, let’s work together to create a meaningful self care strategy and do our best to combat burnout which will improve your mental health and wellness.
Hit this link right here to start the conversation and get on my calendar.
Thank you,
Mathew Blades
Mathew Blades Mental & Spiritual Health Retreat Debrief
In the summer of 2021, Mathew decided to walk away from his successful career as a radio personality. He made that decision after "working things out" over 4 days at SpiritQuest, a holistic mental and spiritual retreat. This podcast is a recording he made a few weeks post-treatment. He sat in his studio alone and hit the record button. If he said it to a therapist it's on the podcast. If he thought it, it's here.
In this episode, Mathew discusses his Set Points, how they were “mathewfesting”, and the water ceremony that marked his ascent into a new life. He opens up about why he needed to go to a mental health retreat in the first place, the physical pain his emotions and stress were causing, and how moving away from fear and into love is how he has found peace. We learn about the inner child, the power of sound therapy, and the role of anger. In the end, we hear how Mathew came to enjoy the process of healing and embrace his role as a transitional character.
“It doesn't matter that it happened. It only matters that you heal it”
In this episode, you'll hear:
What Set Points are and how they impact our lives
A live recording from Mathew's inner child healing session
Self care what it really means and understanding our responsibility
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Resources:
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Additional Credits:
LFPWLI is managed by Sam Robertson
* This podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others, and is not a substitute for therapy.
Keri Maughan, How to Truly Break Generational Cycles
In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Frank, and Keri discuss the challenges of parenting while dealing with your own childhood trauma, what “double trauma” is, and how Keri came to love and forgive herself. Keri also shares a story about how she brought healing to her family and what true redemption can look like.
Keri Maughan is a life coach specializing in relationships who has been “helping things go right” for over 27 years. Despite the conditions she was raised in and found herself in with her own daughters, Keri tells us she is “living her best life” and tells us how she made that happen against all odds by seeking understanding and engaging in empathy.
“I came to a realization there are so many people I loved wholly that were imperfect. And I had to truly look myself in the mirror and say, then why? What's holding you back from loving your imperfect self?”
In this episode, you'll hear:
How Keri dealt with issues in raising her own children and how they turned their relationships around
Practical skills and tools to smooth over misunderstandings and conflicts
The long-term issues that come from feeling conditional love as a child
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
The Long-Term Impacts of an Unstable Childhood
TW: Abuse and harsh discipline
In this first episode, Mathew, Dr. Frank, and Sam discuss where Sam is now and how he is living a life he never thought was possible. Sam is passionate about helping people who are in the same place he was, like their past destroyed the future they hoped for, and being a living example of hope.
Sam Bradford is a 37-year-old new father who is here to share his life story of trauma in childhood and growth later in life. He opens up about being raised by a single mom, his struggles with her boyfriends and new husband, and how growing up with a distorted view of love impacted him into adulthood.
“The greatest obstacle to learning is knowing.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
Frank's take on the psychology of physical punishment for children
How your past doesn't have to equal your future
Money, the lack thereof, and the psychology around it
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Losing a Child to Mental Illness and Shattering the Stigma
In this episode, Mathew and Francine discuss how and why Zachary was lost to suicide, why the langue we use matters, and what Kid in a Corner is doing to shine a light on mental illness through education, awareness, and contagious kindness. Michelle shares how losing Zachary impacted his older siblings, the challenges of moving forward together after losing a family member, and her favorite memory of Zachary.
Francine Sumner is a mother and advocate for educating young people on mental health. Five years ago after her youngest son Zachary completed suicide she founded Kid In the Corner with the mission of shattering the stigma around mental illness.
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
― Fred Rogers
In this episode, you'll hear:
Practical advice on how to reach out to someone you notice is acting different
How to cope with the family dynamic shift after losing a family member
The importance of having a self-care plan and identifying your safe and caring person
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Triggers and Strategies for a Calmer Life
RESERVED FOR VETS - Triggers and Strategies for a Calmer Life
* This podcast is not meant to serve as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others and is not a substitute for therapy.
In this episode, Mathew, Dr. Dave, and Chad (aka Mental Joe) discuss triggers and the importance of communication and self-reflection. Triggers can sometimes seem like “little things” but on deployment, little things can be the difference between life and death so letting things go can be hard when you transition to civilian life. The guys talk about why misgivings can feel like personal attacks, the struggles relationships go through when one person in them is healing, how emotions get stored in the muscles, and the role empathy plays in the calming process.
“In a relationship, you both have to commit yourself to try not to deliberately set off each other's triggers because that is an act of war.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
What a trigger is, where they come from, and what they cause
What TRE is and how Chad is using it to reduce stress
Tools to help calm your mind and ease worrying
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Paul Mecurio, Leaving Your Comfort Zone to Pursue Your Dreams
In this episode, Mathew and Paul discuss how laughter is a key part of healing, the uncertainty of changing careers later in life, how lost he felt while bouncing between Wall Street and open mic nights, and the success he found after he leaned into comedy.
Paul Mecurio is an Emmy Winning Comedian on The Colbert Late Show, The Daily Show, and his podcasts called Inside Out.
“This thing had picked me, and I need to listen to that.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why Paul felt he had to live a double life
What it feels like to walk away from comfort to fulfill a dream
His views on measuring progress without clear benchmarks
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Living Life to the Fullest with Tolerance and Perspective
In this episode, Mathew and John discuss “fragile perfects”, the challenges of getting out of your current circumstances, and how it’s often the small things that make the biggest impact.
John Shufeldt is a practicing physician, author, speaker, business founder, and healthcare consultant to tribal hospitals. Above all, he is a lifelong learner who surrounds himself with the right people and knows how to live his life to the fullest.
“You better enjoy every day, and if you're not enjoying every day you better find a way to get there”
In this episode, you'll hear:
How to go beyond your self-imposed limits
3 things John has learned from being an emergency physician
The importance of perspective and humor
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Breaking the Stigma and Improving Mental Health for First Responders
In this episode, Mathew and Tony discuss why he created Compassion Alliance and how the organization is supporting first responders on their journey to achieving optimal mental health. Tony retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office after a 20-year career, with the last 11 years being in the homicide unit.
Compassion Alliance provides trauma therapy for first responders all across the country. They confidently match people with a trauma therapist and pay for those services. They support first responders and their families through uncomfortable conversations and advocate for them in this changing and hostile environment.
“You're not broken. You're bent.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
How regularly seeing trauma uniquely impacts first responders
Why removing the stigmas and providing confidential help is essential
What is being done internally to help first responders
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Overcoming Addiction and Finding Redemption in Self Awareness
In this episode, Mathew and Kyle discuss his journey from meth junkie facing two life sentences to a devoted father, loving husband, and VP of a $2 Billion company. After two years of hiding his past and surviving stage four cancer, Kyle realized he was living a life rooted in fear and decided to change. Now, he is on a mission to give purpose to the pain by helping others overcome the guilt and shame that is standing between where they are now and their higher selves.
“It doesn't matter how far you fall. You can get back up.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why negative self-beliefs were causing Kyle to act out in destructive ways.
The way drug addiction, being a junkie, and recovery impacted the people around him
How he was able to finally forgive himself and the impact that had on his life
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Developing a New Way to Parent as a Dope Black Dad
In this episode, Mathew and Umar discuss the differences and similarities of the struggles they experience as fathers and what it means to try to parent in a new way. Umar has always been one to challenge the status quo. As the first-generation son of Nigerian immigrant partners in the UK, he channels that determination into breaking generational trauma, creating a new way of doing things, and leaning into being a dope black dad for his two daughters.
Dope Black started in 2018 as a group message sent by founder Marvyn Harrison to his friends expressing that he was thinking of them and that he appreciated the work they did as fathers. He soon realized there was a need for connection and developed a network of communities aimed at creating a future where black people are better skilled, trained, and informed on the major issues and play a key part in the solution.
“It’s ok to mess up. It's just about how you deal with it and how you come back from that.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
How and why Dope Black was created and what they are doing to support people around the world
The unique struggles black fathers face and the power of connecting with peers
Tools Umar uses to step back into life when he finds himself retreating into depression
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Creating a New Life after Alcoholism
In this episode, Mathew and Angela discuss what led her to getting sober and what made it stick, the empowerment that follows taking personal responsibility, and the work she is doing with other addicts that are ready to create a new life for themselves.
Angela Pugh is the Host of Addiction Unlimited Podcast who teaches people that getting sober requires more than just not drinking. There has to be a lifestyle change.
“Connection is what will squash addiction.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
Advice for people in different stages of their addiction
How alcoholism looks different for everyone
The role your brain plays in addiction
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
The Science of Sound Healing and Mind-body Connections
In this episode, Mathew and Joya discuss the science behind generational trauma, how trauma healing is forgiveness work, the benefits of a sound bath, how sound bath differs from other methods of healing work, and what makes Joya’s sound work even more unique. We also hear from Annie, a friend and client of Joya’s, as she receives a sound bath from Joya. The link to her event on the 22nd of Jan is below. Hope to see you there.
LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST RIGHT HERE
Joya Sosnowski is a Spiritual Psychology Coach, Sound Healer, and Certified Mindfulness Trainer who is on a mission to liberate people from the low vibrations of ego suffering with sound healing.
“The brain seeks to answer the questions you ask it.”
In this episode, you'll hear:
The benefits of live music and the healing power of collective experience
What the ACES score is and how being a 9 out of 10 has impacted Joya
The science behind sound baths, how they feel, and a recorded healing session.
Follow the podcast:
Listen on Apple Podcasts (link: https://apple.co/3s1YH7h)
Listen on iHeart (link: https://ihr.fm/3MEY7FM)
Listen on Spotify (Link: https://spoti.fi/3yMmQCE)
Resources:
Vibologie.com
Vibe Raiser Event
HeartMath Institute
Your Body Is Your Subconscious Mind by Candace B. Pert
Molecules of Emotion by Candace B. Pert
Connect with Mathew Blades:
Twitter - twitter.com/MathewBlades
Instagram - instagram.com/MathewBladesmedia/
Facebook - facebook.com/mathewbladesmedia/
Website - learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/
Suffering a sudden loss?
In 1996 we lost our father to a heart attack. No warning, no chance to say all those things we should have said. It was over, and now we had to learn how to deal with this life without him. I did NOT have the tools or support system after that sudden loss. In fact, I did the polar opposite and tucked it away while I put every ounce of energy into my radio career. The problem with not dealing with it properly is that it only works until it doesn’t. In other words, avoidance catches up with all of us, eventually.
Marianne experienced sudden loss as well, back in 2016 when her son Eric, chose to end his struggle.
As a senior in high school, Eric faced a serious wrist injury. Multiple doctors and several surgeries left him with tumors in his ulnar nerve and he lost function in his right hand. Because he was left crippled, he was guaranteed an unrestricted supply of opioid pain killers. In an all-too common story, the painkillers led to heroin which consumed him. Eric would often say “heroin was like the devil stealing his soul”. He fought hard and through all his struggles with addiction, he would battle the odds to be the young man we knew and loved — full of hope and promise . . . only to resubmerge into the darkness once again.
Eric chose to end his struggle on February 27, 2016.
Please tune into our conversation about what EricsHouse is doing to help others who experience sudden loss due to suicide, addiction or any other even that takes our loved ones too soon.
Podcast here