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Kim Vehon, Creating Foster Arizona and Action Steps for Improving your Community

LFPWLI: Kim Vehon, Creating Foster Arizona and Action Steps for Improving your Community 

In this episode, Mathew, and Kim discuss what led her to create Foster Arizona, the importance of sharing personal stories, and how she is working to destigmatize the foster system and set children up for success. We also hear from Percy and Zach about their experiences in the foster system, what led them to Foster Arizona, and the things they are learning there that are changing their lives.

Kim Vehon is a foster parent herself who Foster Arizona to secure the space and funds needed to keep helping children when her house ran out of space. She is working with kids who are aging out of the system to develop practical skills and create connections in a safe place.

“You just gotta define reality…dream of the preferred future, define reality and design a path”

In this episode, you'll hear: 

  • How investing in foster children improves the community at large

  • The challenges foster children and family face and how FA is helping them 

  • Mathews D.E.T.A.I.L.S. of success

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* 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.

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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: 

Connect with the guest:

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

* 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.

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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  

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 * 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.

 

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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.

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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: 

Connect with the guest:

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

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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.”

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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.

Drakkar and Mathew Cordero and Mathew

In this episode, you'll hear:

  1. What Cordero's childhood was like and how he ended up in prison?

  2. The emotions Cordero felt while gangbanging, in prison, and once he got out.

  3. What caused Cordero to change his perspective and how he changed his life?

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. The path that led Drakkar to prison

  2. What caused the change in Drakkar’s mindset?

  3. 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

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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

Mathew and Dr. Todd Hurst

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/

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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



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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: 

Resources:

Connect with Mathew Blades: 

Additional Credits:

* 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.

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

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)

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

“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)

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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.


LISTEN ON APPLE PODCAST HERE

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)

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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.


LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

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)

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

“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)

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

“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)

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

“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)

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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.

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

“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)

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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.”

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

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)

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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.”

LISTEN ON APPLE HERE

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)

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