As an infant, Paul Forchione was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and his mother was told he would never be able to walk. His mom refused to take that for an answer and after months of searching was able to find someone who could help. Paul learned how to walk and eventually made the varsity baseball team. Tune in to hear Paul share his inspiring stor…

Today we have Andy Grant talking about why men hide their feelings by sharing his personal story. Andy is a suicide attempt survivor, a transformational energy coach, the founder of Real Men Feel, and an Amazon best-selling author. Andy is also a husband, world traveler, actor, speaker, teacher, lifelong learner and suicide prevention activist. And…

At the age of 20, Jenessa MacKenzie became a mom. Ready or not, she was forced to tackle everything that came along with motherhood. She did everything necessary to survive and provide for her daughter - living on state aid, clipping coupons, and asking for help. After some time with her daughter, she started dating and got married. Eventually, she…

Join Sam and Mandi for a discussion surrounding the stories of Carly Israel, Charlene Gethons, Kawan Glover, and Samantha Laycock. Throughout this After the Show, they discuss: The impact of social media on mental health How recovery impacts everyone involved Sitting with your problems The misconceptions surrounding mindfulness The common elements …

Being a survivor of sexual assault, Samantha’s story is painful, raw, and heartbreaking. In 2014, Samantha reached a breaking point in her life. She was depressed and lonely despite the fact that she put a smile on her face every day and pretended everything was okay. By sharing the story of her sexual assault through a blog post, Samantha embarked…

Kawan Glover is many things, but the word survivor is definitely at the top of the list. He survived a stroke, opioid addiction, multiple brain surgeries, and a battle with depression. Throughout the process of it all, Kawan found his life’s purpose. Kawan now an author and life coach who uses his story to inspire others and transform them from vic…

About eight years ago, Charlene was hit by a bus. Yes, a real bus, an actual bus, like the phrase so many of us use, “I feel like I was hit by a bus.” Well, Charlene actually was. So, before you say that phrase again, think about Charlene and Charlene’s story. Being hit by a bus fractured Charlene's skull and caused significant brain swelling. This…

Carly Israel is the author of Seconds and Inches and founder of the podcasts Must Love Self, In Your Corner Divorce, and Northstar Big Book. In addition to her book, she has written about parenting, divorce, and recovery. Carly is an executive relationship and divorce coach, mother of three boys, seeker, and lover of life. Throughout the episode Ca…

Kevin Nahai is a public speaker and personal coach who focuses his work on dating and relationships, anxiety management, and self-respect and confidence. Kevin’s personal experience being diagnosed with a chronic incurable disease, struggling with anorexia, and combatting suicidal ideations allows him to be an excellent mentor. Throughout the conve…

Dana Hansen and her two siblings Kasey and Bryce experienced a traditional midwest upbringing being raised by their parents on the family farm. Dana's childhood memories include 4-H, watching Saturday Nebraska Cornhuskers football games, and helping her mom prepare for family gatherings. Their family bond continued well into adulthood. In fact, Dan…

Join Mandi, Sam, and Ashley and they discuss the stories shared by Dr. Shalee, Payton, Megan, and Larry. Throughout episode 22, they'll cover the topics of: Adverse childhood experiences Parenting Infertility Binge eating disorder Getting help and asking for help Suicide awareness and prevention Tune in, and hang on, because here we go. Stories Cov…

Lawrence Sprung, also known as Larry, is the founder and wealth advisor of Mitlin Financial. Larry is the Host of the Mitlin Money Mindset - a podcast about the financial, money, and recreational mindset needed to successfully plan for and live your best life. Larry serves as an active volunteer on the National Board of the American Foundation for …

Megan te Boekhorst was born and raised in Canada. As a teenager, she found herself in an emotionally abusive relationship. Shortly after ending that relationship, she realized that her relationship with food was unhealthy. Megan sought out on a journey to find the help she needed and live a life of recovery. Being diagnosed with binge eating disord…

Growing up, Payton was the oldest of five children. Captivated at a young age by Disney’s storytelling, Payton dreamed of dancing down Main Street, USA. She now holds her dream job and tells stories through the magic of Guest engagement as a Product Manager at The Walt Disney Company. Payton always thought she would have a large family of her own, …

During this special episode of Real Stories Real People Mandi is joined by Dr. Shalee Horstman to discuss the healing power of storytelling, understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and happiness hygiene. Dr. Shalee Horstman is a psychotherapist and the founder of Denver Counseling Group where therapists provide a refreshing alternative …

Ashley, Mandi, and Sam get together to discuss episodes 13 to 16 which feature the stories of Kourtni, Rick, Laddan, and Jody. Their discussion is real, raw, and honest. So tune in, and hang on, because here we go! Podcast Disclaimer This show covers a wide variety of topics related to mental health and life in general. These topics can be difficul…

Growing up the youngest sibling in a large family, Jody Allen-Bisio wasn't always 'in the know.' As a result, she struggled to find herself and discover her individuality. After being taught that drinking a glass of water would solve every problem in the world, Jody quickly learned that picking up a glass of alcohol seemed like it would. Little did…

Laddan Abbasi is an extrovert who often found herself questioning, am I a loner, do I fit in? Laddan's life journey has helped her understand how to identify toxic relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and the importance of embracing equality in the workplace. Throughout Episode 15 of Real Stories Real People Laddan and her friend Sam Montgo…

In Episode 14, Ashley meets with Rick Werry. Rick was born in a small town in Utah. He grew up the youngest of four kids on a dairy farm. As a teenager Rick loved sports and being outdoors. In 2007, Rick married his college sweetheart Tara. One year later while building their house, Rick was in a construction accident and broke his neck. His life c…

Since a young age, Kourtni Wolfe has struggled with anxiety. In Episode 13, Kourtni meets with her life-long friend Samantha Montgomery to discuss her struggles, how she finds hope in the midst of them, and what helps her cope with everything life brings her way. Throughout the episode Kourtni and Sam discuss: When Kourtni realized that she had anx…

Show Disclaimer: This show covers a wide variety of topics related to mental health and life in general. Episode 12 specifically discusses suicide and being molested at a young age. These topics can be difficult for some people so use your best judgement when listening to the show. We are not therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals. …

Important Note About Episode 11: Episode 11 includes discussion about sexual trauma and molestation that began at a young age. If this is something that may trigger you, you may want to sit this episode out. During Episode 11 of Real Stories Real People, Ashley meets with her dear friend Keith Smith to discuss sexual assault, alcoholism, and strugg…

In Episode 10, Ashley meets with Paul Calcote a fellow podcaster and pastor who has struggled with depression. Paul was born and raised in Mississippi by his parents who were also pastors. He currently resides in Houston, Texas and serves as a Young Adult Pastor at Champion Forest Baptist Church - Champions Campus. Throughout Episode 10, Paul and A…

In Episode 9, Mandi meets with her life-long friend Sabrina Van Schepen to discuss mental health and COVID-19 and all of the unexpected a COVID diagnosis can bring. Throughout the show Mandi and Sabrina discuss: What it was like for Sabrina to receive a COVID diagnosis just before Christmas. How Sabrina handled being isolated over the holidays. Why…

During After the Show, Mandi and Ashley discuss Case's story, the story of the Stetson family, and Sam DeCosmo's story. The topics of illness, grief, death, experiencing suicidal ideations, and finding joy amidst hardship are discussed. If you have lost someone you love, have experienced suicidal ideations, or are looking for ways to find joy amids…

In Episode 7, Ashley meets with Samantha 'Sam' DeCosmo. Sam is a wife, a rescue dog mom, and a blogger who believes in the power of sharing stories to help others feel less alone in theirs. Throughout Episode 7, Sam eloquently shares about: Her journey with chronic pain. The headache that lasted for 16-years and still occasionally rears its head to…

After receiving a poor prognosis while fighting a battle with cancer, Lindsay Anne Stetson made it her life goal to live like she was dying. In the midst of her own pain, she found ways to SpreadJOY to others on a daily basis through social media. In her last days on earth, she filed paperwork to start a nonprofit, SpreadJOY. The mission of SpreadJ…

Ashley's world came crashing down on her the day that she turned 23-years-old when her son, Cornelius John Brewer, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and given a 50% chance to live to see his second birthday. How does a parent grasp this type of news? During Episode 5, you'll hear Ashley and Sam discuss the life and death of Ashley's …

Join Ashley, Sam, and Mandi for the very first After the Show where we discuss common themes, statistics, data, and listener feedback from the previous episodes. During Episode 4, we discuss anxiety, depression, showing up for people who are struggling, and so much more. Tune in, and hang on, because here we go! Disclaimer: This show covers a wide …

Anxiety began for Samantha "Sam" Montgomery at a young age, but she didn't know what it was or what to do about it. It was in a college psychology class where Sam finally realized that there was a name for all of the thoughts and feelings she had been experiencing for so many years - anxiety. She reached out to her mom, sought the help of a profess…

Mandi Wolfswinkel is a mom, a wife, a third grade teacher, and one tough woman. Her story hasn't always been easy, but through it all she has realized that life is so much better when it’s done with each other. Not perfectly…..but authentically, and most importantly…together. During Episode 2, life-long friends Mandi and Ashley connect to discuss M…

During episode 1 of Real Stories Real People, Could've Been Me Founder, Ashley Brewer, discusses her journey of finding recovery with her life-long friend Mandi. Ashley's journey Is both difficult and inspiring at the same time. Ashley wouldn't be who she is today if it weren't for her experience in life and the community of people who has been the…

Welcome to Real Stories Real People - a personal journal, mental health, and self-improvement podcast. We're shattering stigma, one story at a time. The numbers related to mental health and other challenges in life are astonishing: Nearly 1 in 5 adults lives with mental illness. 17% of youth experience a mental health disorder. 50% of lifetime ment…