Choose You First: From Trauma to Triumph with Michelle Bishop

In this heart-opening episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with Alyssa Scarano, licensed counselor and founder of Collective Therapy and Wellness, for a deeply compassionate conversation about grief, trauma, childhood wounds, parenting after loss, and the transformative power of therapy.   Alyssa shares her holistic approach to therapy—one that integrates mental, physical, and spiritual healing. She emphasizes the importance of moving away from clinical diagnoses as identity markers and toward whole-person healing that fosters self-compassion, emotional safety, and authentic connection.   From supporting bereaved parents and guiding clients through anxiety attacks, to trauma-informed parenting and the value of presence, Alyssa provides insights and strategies that resonate with anyone navigating loss or emotional pain.   In This Episode, We Cover:   • The vision behind Collective Therapy and Wellness   • How holistic therapy integrates mind, body, and spirit   • Breaking generational patterns through self-awareness   • Creating emotional safety in virtual therapy spaces   • Supporting bereaved parents and children through trauma   • How grief manifests emotionally and physically   • The role of anxiety, control, and vulnerability in trauma recovery   • Practical grounding tools for anxiety and grief attacks   • Why gratitude can be a lifeline in grief   • Navigating parenthood when you’re grieving   • The power of saying “I don’t have it all figured out” as a parent   • The future of therapy and the importance of relational healing   • Why “You Matter”—a message everyone needs to hear     🌟 Powerful Quotes   “Our emotions work like hunger—they are cues. And when we treat them with judgment, we invalidate their message.” – Alyssa Scarano   “Gratitude doesn’t erase grief. But it can anchor us to the present moment.” – Kelly Buckley   “You matter. Your feelings are valid. You don’t have to have it all figured out.” – Alyssa Scarano     🔗 Connect with Alyssa Scarano & Collective Therapy   🌐 Website: www.collective-therapy.com   📸 Instagram: @livecollectivewellness   🗺️ Serving clients in: Florida, New Jersey, New York, Missouri, and Texas   📅 Offers: Therapy, coaching, group sessions, workshops & affordable community options     🙏 About Broken Beautiful Me   Broken Beautiful Me shares powerful stories of hope, resilience, and healing. Hosted by Kelly Buckley, each episode explores how people rise through life’s hardest moments and find meaning in their brokenness.   Subscribe for more conversations that matter. 💛

In this unforgettable episode of Broken Beautiful Me, Kelly sits down with Barry Adkins, a father who turned unimaginable loss into a mission to save lives. After losing his 18-year-old son Kevin to alcohol poisoning on the day he moved out on his own, Barry faced a defining choice: become a victim or use his pain to help others. He chose the latter. What followed was an epic 1,400-mile journey on foot, carrying Kevin’s ashes from Arizona to Montana. Along the way, Barry stopped at schools, churches, and treatment centers to share his son’s story, raise awareness about the dangers of binge drinking, and challenge people to make better choices. Barry’s story is about grief, yes—but also about forgiveness, courage, and the quiet strength it takes to turn pain into purpose. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: • The devastating moment Barry learned Kevin had died from alcohol poisoning • The powerful spiritual message Barry received in the days after Kevin’s death • How Barry walked 1,400 miles to honor his son—with his ashes in his backpack • What it was like speaking to over 150,000 students about Kevin’s story • The impact of his talks, including a student who saved a life after hearing Barry speak • The 3 core takeaways Barry leaves with every audience: • The power of decision-making • How adversity defines your life • The deep, personal work of forgiveness • Barry’s reflections on faith, fatherhood, grief, and growth—20 years later   🔗 Connect with Barry Adkins & Kevin’s Last Walk: 🌐 Website: https://kevinslastwalk.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinslastwalk 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-adkins-89384b29/   For Grieving Parents or Anyone Facing Loss: Barry shares that forgiveness—especially of yourself—is the first step. Whether your path forward is small or epic, what matters is making something very good come from something so painful. Listen to This If You’re Interested In: • Real stories about grief and resilience • Binge drinking awareness and prevention • Parenting through loss • Faith after tragedy • Turning pain into purpose • Youth education and school speaking   📲 Subscribe & Share: If Barry’s story moved you, please share this episode. You never know who might need to hear it.   📣 Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms.   Learn more at https://kellybuckley.com

In this deeply moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Michelle Bishop—Master Certified Life Coach and author of Choose You First—for a heartfelt conversation about healing, resilience, and self-love. Michelle shares her powerful journey from a childhood of abuse and trauma to reclaiming her voice and building a life rooted in purpose and peace. She opens up about the tragic loss of her husband, her near-death experience with COVID-19, and the profound spiritual awakening that led to her signature Silent Warrior Technique. This episode is a raw and real exploration of what it means to choose yourself first, even in the aftermath of grief, adversity, and societal expectations. Michelle’s words are a lifeline to anyone seeking hope, clarity, and transformation. Whether you’re navigating loss, rebuilding after hardship, or simply craving deeper self-connection—this episode will move you.   🔹 What You’ll Learn: The impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships Breaking the cycle of abuse How to live with radical self-worth The Silent Warrior Technique for managing anxiety Why self-love is not selfish—it’s essential   📘 Grab Michelle’s Book: Choose You First on Amazon 🌐 Learn More: https://bishoplife.com 📲 Follow Michelle on Instagram: @MichelleBishopLife 📩 Sign up for her newsletter, blogs, and events: https://bishoplife.com   ✨ Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about hope, healing, and resilience.   #ChooseYouFirst #MichelleBishop #BrokenBeautifulMe #TraumaHealing #LifeCoach #WomenEmpowerment #PodcastForWomen #Resilience #SelfLove #GriefHealing #SilentWarriorTechnique

In this deeply moving episode of Broken Beautiful Me: Stories of Hope, Gratitude & Resilience, host Kelly sits down with Cathy Studer, a survivor of long-term childhood abuse turned passionate mental health and child abuse prevention advocate. Cathy shares how her painful past became a powerful catalyst for change—not only in her own life but in the lives of others. In this episode, we explore: • Cathy’s transformation from silence to storytelling • The six healing attributes that changed her life and now help children build emotional strength • The inspiration behind her memoir Broken to Beautifully Whole • Her children’s book series The Adventures of Gus and Pasha and its impact in schools • The emotional and psychological weight of forgiveness, and why it took her 30 years to get there • Her work with law enforcement, educators, and advocates to prevent child abuse and promote healing This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by trauma, grief, or emotional hardship—and for those who work with children and communities in need of hope and healing. If you’ve ever felt broken, this conversation will remind you that you can become beautifully whole.   📚 Books by Cathy Studer: • Broken to Beautifully Whole • The Adventures of Gus and Pasha (children’s series, 6 books)   🔗 Connect with Cathy Studer: Website: https://www.cathystuder.com Email: [email protected] Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07V21HCM9   ❤️ Subscribe for more real-life stories of healing, growth, and resilience. 👍 Like | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Hit the bell to never miss an episode #cathyStuder #BrokenBeautifulMe #TraumaHealing #ChildAbusePrevention #MentalHealthAdvocate #ForgivenessJourney #ResilienceBuilding #SelfCompassion #GratitudePractice #HealingBooks #SurvivorStories #EmotionalWellness #PodcastInterviews #Inspiration #HopeAfterTrauma

In this powerful episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly sits down with Jennifer Kauffman — Emmy Award-winning producer, best-selling author, and survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon Tragedy. Jennifer shares her deeply moving story of transforming unthinkable trauma into triumph through her Rise and Thrive movement. With vulnerability and wisdom, she opens up about her journey through PTSD, rage, forgiveness, and healing — revealing how she turned pain into purpose, and fear into love. From holistic healing practices like drumming, sound therapy, and breathwork, to producing life-changing documentaries and running the very marathon that nearly took her life, Jennifer embodies what it means to rise from the ashes. Whether you’re navigating grief, seeking purpose, or ready to heal old wounds, this episode offers actionable hope and heart-opening conversation that will stay with you long after it ends.   Topics include: Surviving the Boston Marathon Tragedy The journey from victim to thriver Forgiveness and post-traumatic growth The healing power of sound, drumming, and gratitude Jennifer’s Rise and Thrive Movement Why your story matters — and how to start healing   🔗 Resources & Mentions in This Episode Website: https://www.jenniferkauffman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kauffman   🎥 Featured Projects by Jennifer Kauffman Documentary: A New Leash on Life Emmy-winning film on veterans and service dogs (Canines for Warriors): https://www.caninesforwarriors.org Documentary: Freedom Isn’t Free – The Folds of Honor Story https://foldsofhonor.org Film Project: Dream Big – Rudy Ruettiger Broadway Show Info: https://www.rudyruettiger.com Movie: Rudy (1993) – The inspirational film about Rudy Ruettiger: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108002/   💛 If this episode moves you, please like, share, and subscribe. Let’s keep spreading stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

In this powerful and deeply healing episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with grief specialist, author, and spiritual healer Paula Roscoe—a mother who turned unimaginable tragedy into a life of purpose and hope. After losing her infant son Jack and later discovering his body had been used without her consent, Paula was thrust into a journey of deep trauma and transformation. Rather than letting grief define her, she chose to channel her pain into healing—for herself and others.   In this episode, Paula shares: • Her raw story of child loss and survival • The trauma of institutional betrayal • How writing, spirituality, and angelic guidance helped her heal • Her work as a grief guide for bereaved mothers • Practical tools for navigating grief, emotional wounds, and spiritual reconnection This is an episode for anyone who’s felt broken by loss—and is searching for a way to rise again. Paula reminds us that we can survive grief and come back to life. Paula is the author of Survive Grief and Come Back to Life: Memoir of a Survivor and the creator of online grief healing programs designed to help women rebuild after loss.   🎧 Topics Covered: • Surviving the death of a child • Grief as a sacred transformation • Why we must talk openly about death • Using writing and creative expression as healing • Reconnecting with your soul and spiritual support • Helping couples navigate grief together • The role of angels and energy in recovery   💡 About Our Guest: Paula Roscoe Paula is a grief therapist, author, and spiritual intuitive who helps women move from pain to purpose. She blends her lived experience with gentle, soul-based healing to guide others through their darkest moments.   🌐 Website: pjroscoe.co.uk 📘 Book: Survive Grief and Come Back to Life 📺 YouTube: Paula Roscoe Grief Guru 📲 Facebook: Paula Roscoe – Grief Support & Healing

In this empowering episode, Kelly sits down with Nicole Van Valen—author of The Joyful Leader, mental health strategist, and founder of Keen Insights—to talk about the urgent need for joy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence in leadership and work culture. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and corporate leadership, Nicole shares her journey from toxic workplaces to creating a business that helps organizations build inclusive, mentally healthy cultures through training, strategy, and mindset coaching. They dive deep into: • How to build resilience when you’re burning out • What joyful leadership looks like in action • Tools for stress management and daily mental well-being • Nicole’s weekly Joyful Meditation (Mondays at 7:30am ET) • The difference between managing stress and actually thriving at work • Why grief education and psychological safety belong in the workplace • The role of gratitude and small sensory rituals (like breathing, tea, and flowers) in emotional reset • How leaders can support employees without overstepping boundaries Nicole also shares insights from her book, The Joyful Leader—praised as “a textbook that reads like a novel.” It’s a blueprint for creating workplace cultures that don’t just prevent burnout, but actively promote joy and purpose. Guest Links: • 🌐 Website: https://keaneinsights.com • 📘 Book Info: https://keaneinsights.com/book • 📧 Contact Nicole: [email protected] • 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: @NicoleVanValen Free Resource: Want to start your week with clarity? Join Nicole’s Joyful Meditation every Monday at 7:30am ET. Sign up via Keen Insights. ⸻ If you’re looking for a fresh and heart-centered take on leadership, mental health, and burnout recovery, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share to support conversations that matter. 🔔 New episodes weekly — hit the bell for updates.

In this powerful and soul-stirring episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes renowned hospice physician and bestselling author Dr. Karen Wyatt for a deeply moving conversation on death, dying, grief, and healing. Dr. Wyatt—author of Seven Lessons for Living from the Dying and host of the End of Life University podcast—shares intimate stories from her career as a hospice doctor, including how her father’s suicide shattered her worldview and eventually led her to a life of spiritual healing and purpose. Together, Kelly and Dr. Wyatt explore the transformative lessons that come from end-of-life experiences: the redemptive power of love, the courage to forgive, and the small moments that matter most. Whether you’re walking through grief, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking meaning through life’s darkest moments, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and tools to help you embrace the beauty within the brokenness.   Topics covered include: Grieving the loss of a loved one (including to suicide) Healing through hospice care The spiritual growth that comes with facing death How to forgive others and yourself End-of-life clarity and the importance of storytelling Gratitude and grace in times of suffering   “You’re not alone. Let grief reshape you—and let love and gratitude carry you forward.”   Guest: Dr. Karen Wyatt Bestselling Author: Seven Lessons for Living from the Dying, The Tao of Death, The Journey from Ego to Soul Podcast Host: End of Life University Website: eoluniversity.com   Connect with Host Kelly Buckley: Website: kellybuckley.com Books available on Amazon Watch full episodes on YouTube: Broken Beautiful Me   Highlights from this Episode:   00:03:00 — Dr. Wyatt shares how her father’s suicide shattered her—and eventually led her to hospice work 00:07:00 — The unexpected healing that comes from caring for the dying 00:09:00 — The small moments that give life meaning—and why love is always the final answer 00:13:00 — Finding peace at the end of life through forgiveness and reconciliation 00:22:00 — How families find clarity and healing through end-of-life conversations 00:31:00 — Gratitude as a daily, soul-shifting practice—even in grief 00:38:00 — The power of stories, legacy, and saying their names 00:46:00 — Signs from beyond: butterflies, baseball, and spiritual symbols of connection 00:50:00 — Final wisdom: letting grief change you, not define you   #griefpodcast #healingafterloss #hospicecarestories #endoflifeexperiences #spiritualgrowththroughgrief #KarenWyattPodcast #BrokenBeautifulMePodcast #forgivenessanddeath #dyingwithdignity #gratitudeingrief #signsfromlovedones #storytellingandhealing #KellyBuckley

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Broken Beautiful Me, the podcast that explores stories of resilience, gratitude, and transformation. In this episode, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Robyn Engelson, an energy solution expert, autoimmune specialist, and author of 'Exhausted to Energized.' Robyn shares her journey of overcoming thyroid autoimmune disease and hypothyroidism, transforming her own life through daily habits and mindset shifts. Discover how small, actionable steps like gratitude journaling, affirmations, and making your bed can lead to an energized and thriving life. Robyn also discusses the importance of self-compassion and how she helps clients navigate through trauma, chronic illness, and significant grief. Tune in to learn how to reclaim your best self and live a life full of joy and purpose. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help spread the message of hope and resilience. 📌 Connect with Robyn Engelson: 🌎 Website: https://robynengelson.com 📷 Instagram: @robynengelson 💼 LinkedIn: @robynengelson 🎥 YouTube:  @RobynEngelson ​ 📕 Book by Admiral William H. McRaven: Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World 

Healing Through Resilience: Ami Lynne Carroll's Journey - Broken Beautiful Me Podcast In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley welcomes the inspirational Ami Lynne Carroll. Ami Lynne, a respected spiritual transformation and trauma coach, guides us through her transformative journey from struggle to healing. With over 16 years of experience, Ami Lynne shares compelling insights from her Life Charter Program and her book 'Conversations of Consequence.' They discuss the power of resilience, the role of gratitude, and the importance of community support in overcoming life’s challenges. Tune in to discover how embracing your struggles can lead to empowerment, strength, and discovering beauty in brokenness. 📌 Connect with Ami Lynne Carroll:  🌎 Website: https://amilynnecarroll.com 📷 Instagram: @amilynnecarroll 💼 LinkedIn: @amilynnecarroll