Life Struggles

description of episodes

Ashley's journey from the depths of substance abuse to the shores of sobriety in Costa Rica exemplifies resilience and self-realization. A pivotal moment, marked by a DUI, ignited the flames of transformation within her, sparking a passionate desire to support others treading similar drives paths. Embracing the principles of healing and manifestation, she now shares her insights, extending empathy and guidance to those in need. A profound calling drives Ashley to deepen her impact. She aspires to become a licensed counselor committed to aiding individuals in their journeys toward overcoming substance abuse. Ashley channels her experiences into providing resources and support for those seeking transformation.

"What feels your heart up with joy???" words that Ryan lives by. He says that Humanity as been wounded. Look him up on National Geographic....the King of Weed. Ryan John Phillips is an author, producer and humanitarian. Phillips" journey to extraordinary change began after a series of serious challenges that derailed his hockey career that included extreme abuse, major injuries, and addiction. Ryan's been sober now for 7 years and takes pride in helping others overcome substance abuse and achieve sobriety. He was incarcerated in 2002 in a United States maximum federal prison for 18 months for the distribution of 100 pounds of marijuana that led to later diagnosis of complex post traumatic stress disorder in 2015, but that didn't hold him back.... Ryan was given a lifetime ban from entering the United States, separating him from the love of his life, his daughter Sadie. Trying to cope with his life, he embarked on an adventure throughout Southeast Asia helping to shed awareness towards human trafficking and child sex slavery resulting in the manifestation of spiritual growth as a Christian, and social activism. Ryan was given a pardon as a humanitarian in 2012 for his efforts by the Department of Homeland Security as a free man. Through the prisms of his life, Phillips has been featured on National Geographic's hit show "Locked up Abroad" as "The King of Weed", spoke on two TedX Talks on Mental Health and Sex Trafficking. Phillips speaks through the power of pure storytelling. Phillips' rode his bicycle across four countries in 2019 to raise awareness for mental Health, the highlight was Canada the second largest landmass in the world. Overcoming many of his own issues with mental health, primarily concussions from sports. Ryan continues to have a passion for helping people heal through lived experiences and are struggling and reaching out for help. You can follow Ryan on instagram: @theofficialryanphillips You can follow Christy on instagram: @lifestrugglespodcast and @thechristycollier Ryan also has a clothing line that helps to raise funds for his missions. Please visit :https://www.gangstersgonegod.com If you would like to help others that are experiencing any struggles that you have had and would like to be a guest on our show, please contact Christy @ [email protected]

Here is my short bio: My name is Gina Casazza. I lost all hearing in my left ear when I was 21, told I would never get it back and regained it 10 years later. I trained with a Navy SEAL, paid to get kidnapped and conquered my fear of snakes! I am a children’s author of the book: You Really, Truly Do Belong! I am the founder of Omnia, a self-care bracelet company. We elevate self care through innovative technology. I also work in the film business. I am a stand-up comic, I write TV shows. I have worked for Ralph Macchio and Penny Marshall. Now I am the director of development at Nico Nazar.  Gina's Instagram: @omnia_elevate Christy's Instagram: @thechristycollier and @lifestrugglespodcast If you would like to be on the show. please email Christy @[email protected] or dm her on instragram. https://amzn.to/3BiJ00a to purchase her book

I grew up with a tremendous amount of sexual abuse from a very early age.  I went through a lot of self-destructive behavior, hospitalizations, and an eating disorder early in life. I went into foster care as a teen where the sexual abuse continued.  I became an emancipated minor at the age of 16 and then lived on my own while working full time. I got married when I was 18 and had 3 children right away (3 under the age of 3).We started doing foster care when our youngest was about 4.  At one point we had 8 children 8 and under.  I started nursing school when we had nine children living in our home.  Over the course of the next 25 years we fostered well over 100 children and took permanent legal guardianship of 10 girls.   My husband got cancer and suffered with cancer for 12 years before passing away in 2006.I had 4 girls living at home at that time and took in another one a few months after my husband died.  I completed 3 legal guardianships that first year after he died. I was a single mom and working full time. I started my master’s degree 12 days after he passed away.  I remarried in 2010 and by that time was in a doctoral program getting my doctorate degree.I finished it and continued to do medical mission trips all over the world (I have done about 30).  I then went back to school and got my post doctorate degree and am now double boarded as an Advance Practice Nurse (FNP and CNS). My youngest son passed away in 2021 after an 8 year battle with cancer and his story continues to inspire all who knew him.  My biggest encouragement to people is to NEVER give up and never remain a victim.  Use what challenges life has given you and learn to develop a passion to help others overcome theirs.  I have seen in my own life how God turned my sexual abuse into a deep passion to help others who might have had similar experiences.   My second husband and I have recently started a medical clinic in northern India that cares for over 140 girls rescued from sex trafficking and other abuses.  Without having gone through my struggles, I would have never developed the passions I have had to help others. I coauthored a book about my life and how God has used my struggles to develop passion and purpose in my life.   I have a website that shares more about my book, my mission trips, and my life story.  https://phillisdewitt.com   In the past six months, I have been able to share some about my story in Israel, Mexico, India, England, Costa Rica, Romania, and Ukraine.  My husband and I just returned from doing war relief efforts in Romana and Ukraine working with women and children who have lost everything due to their homes being bombed.    I currently teach at 4 colleges in their graduate nursing programs and continue to see patients once a week when I am in Florida (we live there 6 months out of the year) at a free clinic that serves those who are living within 200 % of the Federal Poverty Level. My second husband and I have started 4 endowment scholarships to other students have access to an education that might not otherwise be able to.  I have received many local, state and national awards for my work with families and victims of trauma. Please go to Phillis's website to either seek help or help other people. If you have a life struggle to share, please contact me @ [email protected] You may follow me on. Instagram: @lifestrugglespodcast and main page @thechristycollier to purchase Athletic Greens: https://fbuy.io/ag/christycollier