Harrison Carhart is no stranger to trauma. As an EMT, he faced many dire circumstances as a first responder. In this episode, Harry talks about the need to 'bridge the gap' in the mental healthcare system and his take on why mental health support and awareness must be a priority in our country. This is personal. Harry is the older brother of my son, Hayden, who we lost to suicide June 29, 2022.

Colin Reef lost his daughter, Kyla, in 2019. When Karen and I met him at Compassionate Friends, we took note of his contribution to the group discussion which always brings a well received wave of spiritual intuition and comfort to the room. His faith and enthusiasm is contagious as are the outstanding books he selflessly gifts to the group. We are so grateful for Colin's insight into the spiritual realm and his metaphysical curiosity about the other side.

John Denton retired from the La County fire department in 2023 after 27 years of service. He started his career as a fire figher and then continued his service for 23 years as a paramedic working in many busy areas across Los Angeles County.

John was the first responder to Conner Budge's accident on September 24th 2022. Soon he discovered after reading the car registration that the name Conner Michael Budge sounded very familiar. He hoped that it wasn't the son of Michael Budge that he went to school with over 30 years ago, but sadly enough the connection was true and soon reached out to Michael, Karen and Conner's brother Ian. The family was so grateful for his love and support as there was comfort in understanding the details of their loved one's accident.

After interveiwing so many people who have lost a loved one, especially in a tragic way, Lori and Karen realized that it is important to understand the First Responders life. This podcast gives an insight to their sometimes very harsh lifestyle as they continue to serve the community.

In the summer of 2013, GIO walked into St. Johns, world renown, mental health facility in Santa Monica, CA, seeking medical help. Gio had experienced his first “psychotic break event” which was preceded a month earlier by a Grand Mal seizure. Gio was turned away from St. Johns because he was DEAF. He was told that there were no services there for Deaf people. He was further told by the mental health doctor that to enter into their care would make his condition worse as there would be no sign language communication and he would be further isolated. This marks the beginning of a rapid and debilitating mental illness. Less than a year later, Gio would take his life after a tragic series of profoundly, apathetic and negligent actions by Gallaudet University.

The goal of the Gio Initiative is to establish legislation that will provide, enforce and hold accountable mental health training and education to all school officials and colleges. Develop peer reviewed programs as a tool for abolishing intolerance and stigmas so often the cause of the injustices to those suffering with behavior-related, mental health episodes so often discarded as behavior “problems.”

“By all measure, Gio was - like so many other gifted souls who die by suicide - a bright light among the stars. Gio committed his altruistic efforts to understanding the fantastically spiritual and physical properties of the universe and man’s place in it". - Robert Manganelli

Lori & Karen welcome Kay Sumner, the emmy winning co-creator & producer of the Dog Whisperer. Today Kay's focus isn't on dogs. It is on the epidemic of overdosing & Fentanyl poisoning in our country. This subject is close to Kay's heart because she lost her son, Josh, to a heroin laced with Fentanyl overdose. Kay is a Soul Mama.

She took her love for Josh and is shining a light on the horrible plight of addiction & Fentanyl poisoning in her new documentary "Survivors". The interviews in the film introduce you to the mind of the addict, the horrible cycles of withdrawal and, optimally, recovery. Various professionals discuss relapsing and the different ways a person can recover from addiction. Check it out on Amazon & Tubi.

Robert Manganelli takes his love for his son, Giavanni, (or Gio)and applies it into the creative world of film making with We Were Here (currently in production) while also single-handedly crafting the Gio Initiative to honor his son by assuring mental health care for all students on college campuses. 

When Keith Horwitz speaks, people listen! The Spiritual Director of Soul Center OC, an Agape affiiated spiritual community, is a force to be reckoned with. His sermons are incredibly prolific and inspiring and his faith is contagious. Visit Soul Center one Sunday to experience an incredible energy shift...what a dynamic community!

In his private practice Keith works both one-on-one and with couples and groups using a blend of Integrated Energy Therapy®, Meditation, Affirmative Prayer to help the individual develop a Spiritual Action Plan for personal growth, prosperity and freedom.  

He also speaks and teaches classes all over the world on metaphysics and spiritual science. Listen today as Keith explains how deep heavy grief can be transmuted and elevated to a more spiritual experience through Integrated Energy Therapy. It certainly helped me!