Life Warriors

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens when personal pain becomes the driving force behind a mission to create change? In this compelling episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome Richard Procida, an attorney, author, activist, and trauma survivor who has dedicated much of his life to challenging societal expectations, advocating for others, and encouraging meaningful conversations about difficult issues. Richard courageously shares his experiences with childhood abuse, emotional trauma, and unhealthy relationships, shedding light on an often-overlooked reality: men can be victims of abuse, too. Together, they explore the stigma surrounding male survivors, the pressures society places on men and women, and how harmful stereotypes can prevent individuals from speaking up, seeking help, and living authentically. The conversation also examines the growing divisions in society, the influence of media and misinformation, and the importance of thinking independently rather than allowing fear, anger, or outside influences to shape our beliefs. Through personal stories, candid discussions, and moments of humor, Richard, Teresa, and Mary reinforce a message at the heart of Life Warriors: Everyone is fighting a battle we may know nothing about, and every person deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with kindness. Ultimately, this episode challenges listeners to recognize their own worth, question harmful expectations, stand up for what they believe in, and remember that their voice has the power to make a difference.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What if the key to overcoming life's challenges isn't eliminating stress, anxiety, or fear, but learning how to navigate them with strength, compassion, and a different mindset? In this inspiring episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary welcome licensed clinical social worker Fernanda Reed for an honest, insightful, and sometimes humorous conversation about mental health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding emotional struggles. Fernanda shares valuable insights into the misconceptions surrounding OCD, the impact of childhood experiences on our adult lives, and why managing stress is more important than trying to eliminate it. Together, they explore the power of self-care, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and celebrating even the smallest victories. Through heartfelt personal stories of grief, survival, and resilience, the conversation reminds us that healing isn't about having everything figured out. It's about giving ourselves grace, recognizing how far we've come, and understanding that difficult seasons don't last forever. The message is simple but powerful: You've survived your darkest days, and you have the strength to face whatever comes next. Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your progress. And never underestimate the power of getting back up.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does domestic violence really look like? In this raw and deeply personal episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary challenge the misconception that domestic violence is only physical. They explore the many ways abuse can appear—including physical, emotional, mental, verbal, sexual, financial, digital, social, pet-related, and workplace abuse—and share pieces of their own experiences to show just how complicated an abusive relationship can become. Teresa opens up about surviving seven years of abuse, ignoring early warning signs, enduring escalating violence, isolation, financial devastation, humiliation, and the fear that made leaving far more complicated than simply walking out the door. Mary shares her own experience of leaving an abusive marriage and the moment she finally knew: “There is no us. I’m done.” But this episode isn't only about surviving abuse. It is also about how we respond when someone we love is experiencing it. Teresa and Mary explain why telling someone to “just leave” can do more harm than good. Instead, they urge listeners to listen without judgment, believe survivors, ask “How can I help you?”, and allow the survivor to determine the next step in their own journey. The conversation also addresses what happens after someone leaves. The door may close on the relationship, but trauma doesn't simply disappear. Survivors may have to rebuild their confidence, identity, sense of safety, and ability to trust themselves again. As Teresa puts it, “your body is remembering what your mind is trying to forget.” Ultimately, this episode is a call to break the cycle. Learn the signs. Pay attention when someone you love begins to change. Listen without judgment. Believe survivors. Teach children what healthy relationships and boundaries look like. And above all, remind anyone experiencing abuse that they are not alone.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this deeply personal episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary sit down with author, artist, and former physician Liz Casper, whose life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 54. Liz shares what it was like to go from treating patients to becoming a patient herself, including multiple psychiatric hospitalizations and the realization that experiencing mental health care from the other side of the locked doors was very different from anything she had understood as a doctor. Pasted text But Liz’s story didn’t stop there. Shortly after finally reaching a more stable place in her mental health journey, she was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer and faced cancer treatment during 2020. During chemotherapy, she experienced a near-death experience that she says profoundly changed the way she views life, spirituality, love, and why we are here. Pasted text Together, Liz, Teresa, and Mary have a candid conversation about mental illness, stigma, asking for help, surviving the darkest moments of life, and what it really means to be a Life Warrior. The conversation ultimately turns toward gratitude, compassion, faith, and choosing how we approach each new day. Liz shares how keeping a gratitude journal helped her through some of her darkest days—even when the only things she could write were “I woke up” and “I breathe air.” Pasted text Her Warrior Challenge encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, connect with people they might normally overlook, lead with compassion, and remember that another day of life is itself something worth being grateful for. lizcasper.com

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this heartfelt episode of Life Warriors, Teresa and Mary talk about grief, healing, triggers, and the unexpected glimmers that remind us there is still beauty in life after loss and difficult experiences. They explore how memories, places, songs, and everyday moments can unexpectedly bring both tears and smiles—and how something that once felt painful can eventually become a reminder of love, strength, and how far we've come. They also discuss the “glitter theory” of life: those little pieces of our past that seem to show up when we least expect them. For survivors of abuse and difficult relationships, moving forward can mean creating new memories, finding new places, rebuilding self-worth, and learning that you are not where you came from. Teresa and Mary talk about recognizing triggers, trusting yourself again, navigating new relationships, and learning to distinguish between the past and what is happening in the present. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder to stop living in the rearview mirror. The windshield is bigger for a reason. Your past may be part of your story, but it does not have to define your future. Because sometimes the things that once triggered us can become the very things that show us how much we've healed. You are a warrior. You are worthy. And there is still so much life ahead.