How to Deal When the Shit Gets Real Podcast

From surviving a rough childhood to working on a shrimp boat surrounded by addiction and being allergic to shrimp, Matt has lived through things that could break most people. In this episode, he opens up about the realities of growing up in chaos, his time in the military, and how those experiences led him to start his own podcast and find his voice.

This is Part I of our conversation — next week, in Part II, we dig even deeper: why we’re so quick to believe one side before hearing the other, how to navigate hard conversations, and why open dialogue still matters.

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After losing his son to devastating medical complications, Dr. Greg found himself questioning everything — his faith, his purpose, and even his beliefs about what it means to love unconditionally.

In this powerful conversation, Greg opens up about the healing power of journaling, the importance of speaking your truth, and how grief can strip you down to what really matters. He shares how his work with Joni and Friends helped him rediscover peace, and how choosing empathy over judgment changed the way he views faith, family, and connection.

This episode is a gentle reminder that your story matters. Your voice matters. And healing often begins the moment we stop hiding from our truth.

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In this deeply personal episode, Pops shares how tragedy transformed into purpose. After losing his youngest son, Zach, he launched Zach’s Rays of Hope to honor his memory by bringing light and support to those who feel unseen. What started with handing out backpacks to people experiencing homelessness has grown into a mission of dignity, compassion, and community.

Pops opens up about his grief, the vision behind the nonprofit, and what each backpack truly represents—more than supplies, they’re a message: you matter. We also dig into the realities of homelessness, how society can do better, and actionable ways each of us can help restore hope, one person at a time.

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Today I am joined by the incredible Nichole Lee who opens up about the grief she carried after her mother’s death — and how that loss became the catalyst for her own rebirth. She shares how she discovered the power of compound healing, why we don’t have to hold onto pain for the rest of our lives, and the ways we can alter our state by shifting the choices we make every day.

This conversation is raw, powerful, and a reminder that while grief shapes us, it doesn’t have to define us.

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