From Chaos to Clarity: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose with John Beyer

Welcome to another episode of Broken Beautiful Me with host Kelly Buckley. Today’s guest, Ranae Van Roekel, shares her extraordinary story of trauma, incarceration, and transformation. After childhood abuse and decades of silence, Ranae found herself serving a 51-month federal prison sentence. But instead of letting prison define her, she chose healing — and now she helps others through her platform Connecting to Cope.   ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: • The trauma Ranae carried for decades and how silence shaped her choices • Why prison became the start of her healing • The life-changing moment when she chose recovery over despair • How she now helps others through Connecting to Cope • Insights into the U.S. criminal justice system and the First Step Act 💬 Share this episode with someone who needs hope, resilience, and the reminder: you are not the worst thing you’ve done.   👉 Connect with Ranae: • Website:  www.connectingtocope.com 🌐 • Instagram: @connectingtocope 📸 • Facebook: Connecting to Cope 👍   👉 Connect with Kelly: • Website: Kelly Buckley 🌐 • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustOneLittleThing/ 📘 • Instagram: @kellysbuckley 🌸 • YouTube: Broken Beautiful Me ▶️   🎧 Subscribe for more stories of hope and resilience!

In this episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with John Beyer, author of Live a Little Better: One Man’s Journey of Survival, Sobriety and Success.   🌟 John’s story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation:   • Born to addicted parents and raised in chaos & poverty    • Hit rock bottom before finding sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous 🍃   • Sober since March 31, 1986    • Built Men on the Move, one of Long Island’s largest independent moving companies    • Faced his son Gregory’s autism diagnosis head-on and became a passionate advocate    • Helped found & support autism organisations: David Center, Autism Speaks (Long Island Chapter), Spectrum Designs, The Nicholas Center    • Writes and records music — leaving a legacy for his children & grandchildren   This powerful conversation will inspire you to see that even through brokenness, healing is possible.   👉 If you’ve faced addiction, family struggles, or unexpected challenges, John’s story will remind you: you can live a little better.   ⸻   Resources & Links Mentioned (Verified):   📘 Live a Little Better (memoir by John Beyer) → Simon & Schuster | Amazon | Barnes & Noble   🚚 Men on the Move → menonthemove.com   👕 Spectrum Designs (employing adults with autism) → spectrumdesigns.org   🤝 The Nicholas Center → tncnewyork.org   🎵 John Beyer Music → johnbyermusic.com   ⸻   Connect with Kelly Buckley:   🌐 kellybuckley.com   🎙️ Podcast: Broken Beautiful Me (available everywhere)   ⸻   Timestamps:   00:00 – Kelly’s welcome & introduction    00:28 – John Beyer’s early life & memoir background    07:36 – First AA meeting & beginning of sobriety    10:56 – Daughter’s push to write his book    17:42 – Gregory’s autism diagnosis & resilience    27:02 – Advocacy, Men on the Move & Spectrum Designs    35:15 – Music, family legacy & songwriting    45:11 – Closing & where to find John’s work     

What happens when a Navy Commander becomes one of the world’s most trusted spiritual mediums? In this deeply moving conversation, host Kelly Buckley welcomes Suzanne Giesemann — spiritual teacher, medium, and author named on Watkins’ list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Together they discuss grief, signs from spirit, practical tools to connect with loved ones, and Suzanne’s journey from military leadership to becoming a guide for millions seeking comfort and healing. ✨ Topics in this episode: • Signs from loved ones after death • How “The Sip of the Divine” can open you to spirit in just 3 minutes • The Awakened Way: Living from love and interconnectedness • The story of Wolfe’s Message documentary • Finding meaning through grief and discovering wholeness at the soul level 📚 Learn more about Suzanne’s books, classes, and events: SuzanneGiesemann.com 💜 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Broken Beautiful Me.

How do you survive unimaginable loss — and even find healing through it? In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Broken Beautiful Me Podcast, host Kelly Buckley talks with John DeDakis — award-winning novelist, writing coach, and former CNN journalist — about turning pain into purpose. John opens up about losing his sister and his son, and how writing became his lifeline. Together, Kelly and John dive deep into: ✨ Writing as a path to healing and self-discovery ✨ How men and women grieve differently in relationships ✨ Why gratitude and resilience matter in grief ✨ The power of storytelling to transform pain into hope ✨ Lessons from John’s career in journalism and fiction writing This conversation is raw, real, and filled with wisdom for anyone who has faced loss — or wants to better understand the healing journey. 👉 Learn more about John DeDakis & his books: https://johndedakis.com 👉 Explore Kelly Buckley’s work & books: https://kelleybuckley.com 💬 What’s helped YOU heal in your grief journey — writing, art, music, community? Share in the comments so we can support each other. 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to join us for more healing conversations.

In this powerful episode of Broken Beautiful Me, host Kelly Buckley sits down with Malisa Hepner — a social worker, author, and host of the Emotionally Unavailable podcast — to explore her raw, unfiltered story of surviving extreme childhood trauma, battling shame, and reclaiming her life through radical self-love and authenticity. Malisa’s journey began in the chaos of neglect, foster care, and the devastating loss of both parents. She shares how years of perfectionism and emotional unavailability led her to a breaking point — and the turning point that inspired her to choose life, leave a secure job, and start a podcast and private practice dedicated to helping others heal.   This episode dives deep into: Overcoming childhood trauma and the lasting impact of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score The truth about shame archetypes and how they shape our relationships Shifting from perfectionism to authentic, messy humanity Why gratitude and presence are essential for surviving life’s “dark nights” Practical tools for ending the cycle of overthinking and reconnecting with your true self How Malisa’s affordable workbooks are helping people worldwide heal from shame and emotional disconnection Malisa’s story is proof that even in our most broken moments, we have the power to rewrite our narrative. Whether you’re struggling with your past, battling self-criticism, or learning to love yourself for the first time, this conversation offers hope, practical wisdom, and a reminder that you are already enough.   Resources & Links: Malisa Hepner’s Website & Workbooks: empoweredwithmelissahepner.org Follow Malisa on Instagram: @melissa.hoeppner Listen to the Emotionally Unavailable Podcast Connect with Kelly Buckley: kellybuckley.com  

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.