Behind Beautiful Things

In this deeply personal episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Anthony, author of Deadly Dilemma: Suicide, Faith, and the Search for Identity and Purpose, for an honest conversation about mental health, family, faith, identity, and finding purpose.Anthony opens up about his painful relationship with his father, why he learned to never ask for anything, and his lifelong experience with suicidal thoughts. He also shares why telling his story became important—not only for himself, but for his family and others who may be struggling with similar feelings.Through vulnerability and reflection, Anthony explores the complex connections between suicidal ideation, family relationships, faith, identity, purpose, and the search for hope. His story offers an honest look at experiences that are often difficult to talk about and highlights the importance of sharing our stories and creating space for meaningful conversations about mental health.Join Kevin and Anthony for a powerful conversation about suicide awareness, mental health, faith, family, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to tell your story.Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation — please take care while listening. If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.orgCheck out Anthony’s Work: https://anthonygurley.com/ https://www.facebook.com/anthonygurleyauthor https://www.instagram.com/anthonygurleyauthor/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-gurley-a7321119/Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.comFollow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with Kathleen, author of My Monster Truck Goes Everywhere with Me, to talk about her passion for helping children communicate, learn, and grow together.Kathleen shares her work with American Sign Language (ASL) and her commitment to making children’s lives better through creativity, connection, and inclusive learning. She discusses how that passion inspired her to create engaging children’s picture books designed to empower kids, encourage communication, and make learning more accessible and meaningful.From ASL and children’s education to storytelling and creative expression, this conversation explores the importance of giving children the tools and confidence they need to connect with the world around them.Join Kevin and Kathleen for an inspiring conversation about children’s books, ASL, communication, inclusion, education, and empowering the next generation.Tune in and discover the beautiful things happening when creativity, compassion, and a desire to help children come together.A Free Gift for Listeners!Just visit ASLPictureBooks.com/freebie to download Kathleen’s free ASL Education Pack. • It includes a printable ASL alphabet chart, • a visual handshape guide,• the five parts of a sign,• and other resources to help families and educators begin using American Sign Language with confidence.Check out Kathleen’s Work: https://www.aslpicturebooks.com Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with David, author of Forged by Limitations, for a powerful and inspiring conversation about living with cerebral palsy, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through life’s limitations.David shares his story of the complications he experienced at birth that ultimately led to his cerebral palsy diagnosis, as well as the extensive medical interventions he has undergone throughout his life. He opens up about the physical and emotional challenges of living with cerebral palsy, including his experiences with anxiety and depression.Together, Kevin and David explore what it means to face limitations while refusing to let them define your life. David discusses how his struggles have shaped his perspective, strengthened his resilience, and helped him discover purpose and personal growth through adversity.If you or someone you know is navigating life with a disability, dealing with mental health challenges, or searching for inspiration to overcome difficult circumstances, this episode offers an honest and encouraging perspective on turning limitations into strength.Join us for this meaningful conversation about cerebral palsy, disability, mental health, resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding strength through limitations.Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide and self harm — please take care while listening. If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the below link: https://988lifeline.org Check out David’s Work: david-last.com Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author Christine to explore a remarkable story of resilience, motherhood, family, and overcoming unimaginable tragedy.Christine shares how she found herself on her own at a very young age, navigated the challenges of becoming a young mother, and faced a devastating tragedy that forever changed her family. Through heartbreak, adversity, and profound loss, Christine continued moving forward—growing her family, finding strength, and pursuing her passion for writing.This heartfelt conversation is a story of courage, perseverance, personal growth, and finding beauty in the midst of life’s most difficult moments.Join Kevin and Christine for an honest and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, the strength of family, motherhood, resilience, and the power of sharing your story.Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide, sexual abuse, and verbal abuse — please take care while listening. If you are anyone you know are having thoughts of suicide, please know someone is always there. There are 24/7/365 resources at the following link: https://988lifeline.org Check out Christine’s Work: https://www.christineshuck.com Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode of Behind Beautiful Things, Kevin sits down with author and educator Cynthia, author of the short story collection Prose Pizza. Cynthia shares insights from her extensive career in education, her passionate advocacy for public education, and her lifelong journey as a writer of poetry, prose, and fiction.Together, Kevin and Cynthia explore the power of creativity, the importance of education, and the transformative role that storytelling and literature can play in our lives. They discuss the beauty of prose and fiction, the creative process, and why encouraging creativity and education matters now more than ever.Whether you’re passionate about creative writing, poetry, fiction, education, or simply love meaningful conversations with inspiring authors, this episode offers plenty to think about.Tune in to Behind Beautiful Things and join Kevin and Cynthia for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, literature, education, and the beauty found in the written word.Please note: This episode contains discussion of suicide — please take care while listening. Check out Cynthia’s Work: https://booktrib.com/2025/12/08/proze-pizza-cynthia-schumacher/ Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcastLearn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin’s substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.