In this episode of the Success is Subjective podcast, Joanna Lilley sits down with Matt Sullivan, Director of Education at AIM House in Boulder, Colorado. From nearly dropping out of college with nothing but a box of Cheez-Its and a handful of kindness from strangers to leading one of Boulder’s most respected young adult programs, Matt’s story is a masterclass in grit, humility, and self-discovery. Growing up in Marin County, California—where success was measured in Ivy League sweatshirts—Matt felt the pressure early on to perform, achieve, and check all the boxes. But when life threw him a financial curveball that left him stranded at CU Boulder, he had a choice: go home or figure it out. He chose the latter. Through sheer persistence and community support, Matt built a life defined not by prestige, but by purpose. Today, he’s paying that forward by helping young adults and their families navigate emotional regulation, executive functioning, and the messy, beautiful process of growing up. His journey reminds us that success isn’t linear—it’s built one uncertain, intentional step at a time.

Matt’s Resources:
AIM House
Instagram: @aimboulder
Facebook: AIM House
YouTube: AIM Boulder
Dan Siegel on “Flipping Your Lid”
The Whole Brain Child

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalHealing #AimHouse #TraumaRecovery #ExecutiveFunctioningSkills #Addiction #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible

In this week’s episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with author, mental health advocate, and suicide loss survivor Lisa Sugarman. Lisa’s journey is one of resilience, grief, and transformation—from losing her father at a young age, to later discovering the truth about his death, and ultimately turning her pain into purpose. She reflects on the nonlinear twists of her career, from journalism to parenting columns, and how her lived experiences reshaped her work and calling. Today, Lisa is the author of four books, the founder of The Help Hub, a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, and co-host of The Survivors podcast. Lisa redefines success as impact and authenticity rather than achievement. She speaks to the importance of listening to our kids, creating space for honesty, and embracing life’s twists as part of the journey. Her story is a powerful reminder that showing up vulnerably can inspire hope and healing.

Lisa’s Resources:

Social Media:

• Instagram: @lisa_sugarman
• Facebook: The Lisa Sugarman
• Linktree: linktr.ee/thelisasugarman
• LinkedIn: Lisa Sugarman

Website & Platform:

• The Help Hub — Lisa’s survivor-led platform for mental health resources and community

Books:

• Surviving: Finding Hope After Suicide Loss (forthcoming, 2026 release) — Lisa’s upcoming mental health book
• How to Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids and Be Okay with It

Podcast:

• The Survivors Podcast — Co-hosted by Lisa Sugarman

Organizations & Affiliations:

• The Trevor Project — Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth
• Samaritans Boston — Grief support and suicide prevention services
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Mental health education and advocacy

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #TheSu

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna speaks with Kim Muench, a certified conscious parenting coach and the founder of Real Life Parent Guide. Kim shares her journey of becoming a mom at 18, navigating challenges with her oldest son’s addiction, and eventually discovering her calling in supporting parents of emerging adults. She highlights the common struggles young adults face today—lack of motivation, gaming, substance use, and mental health concerns—while also addressing how COVID and technology have reshaped their development. Kim emphasizes that parents can’t control their child’s choices but can control how they show up, what they provide, and how they respond. Her compassionate and practical approach reframes parenting from fear and control to intention and connection, offering hope for families navigating the challenges of emerging adulthood.

Kim’s Resources:

Kim’s Book: https://a.co/d/7ke93Kp

Website: Real Life Parent Guide

Instagram: @KimMuenchParentCoach

TikTok: @KimMuenchParentCoach

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #KimMuenchParentCoach #ConsciousParenting #ParentCoach #ParentSupport

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for former participants to share their journey with others. In this episode Joanna welcomes Dan Gilmer, who has been sober for more than ten years and now works in clinical outreach supporting families and young adults. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Dan often felt like the odd one out, a feeling that fueled his search for attention and eventually led him to experiment with substances at a young age. By the time he was in high school, he was caught in a cycle of OxyContin use, arrests, court-ordered treatment, and relapse. After multiple failed attempts at sobriety, Dan’s turning point came when he entered a long-term residential program out of state. He credits the drastic change in environment, the structure of a high-accountability program, and the gift of time as key to his recovery. Today, as the Director of Clinical Outreach for TNR Recovery Group, Dan draws on both his personal journey and professional experience to guide families toward resources that fit their needs. Dan’s story highlights not just the challenges of addiction, but also the hope of transformation. His daily practice of helping others—whether through his family, community, or profession—serves as the foundation of his lasting sobriety.

NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.

**Listener discretion is advised**

Dan’s Resources:

Dan's LinkedIn

Cypress Lake Recovery

Sabino Recovery

Origins Texas Recovery

Instagram: @cypresslakerecovery

Facebook: Cypress Lake Recovery

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #CypressLakeRecovery

In this episode of the Former Participant Series, Joanna talks with Justin Levine, a 27-year-old who reflects on his journey from anxiety and perfectionism in high school to resilience, mentorship, and new purpose through treatment. Justin shares how wilderness therapy and his time at Telos reshaped his outlook, how running became both a therapeutic outlet and a career path, and how leaning into discomfort opened doors he never imagined—from studying neuroscience at Bates College to returning as Director of Fitness at Telos and pacing elite runners in Utah. His story is an honest reminder that growth takes time, mentors matter, and there are no shortcuts in healing—or in life. Listeners will walk away inspired to embrace discomfort, lean into support, and trust that new possibilities can emerge from even the hardest chapters.

NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.

**Listener discretion is advised**

Justin’s Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamers_are_undefeated
Telos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtelos/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-levine2020/

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #StriveToThrive #EmotionalHealing #TraumaRecovery

What happens when you do everything “right” — the grades, the sports, the scholarships — but none of it makes you happy? For Ray Ford, the answer was found on a snowboard. Growing up in rural West Virginia with two engineer parents, Ray followed the path he was told would lead to success: top GPA, full ride to college, and a major in engineering. But watching the snow fall outside while grinding through calculus, he realized the only thing that ever brought him real joy was snowboarding. One bold decision to change his major — and his life’s direction — set him on a path that’s kept him on the slopes for more than a decade. Today, Ray is a trainer-level snowboard instructor at Aspen Snowmass, a mentor to younger athletes, and proof that you don’t need a traditional degree to build a meaningful career. If you’ve ever wondered whether following your heart could actually lead to a career, Ray’s story is living proof that it can — and that chasing passion is often the most practical choice of all.

Ray’s Resources:
snowmassschool@aspensnowmass.com
P: 970-923-8733

rayjford90@gmail.com

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PersonalGrowth #TherapyWorks #FreshStart

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna Lilly sits down with Kade Matthews—a devoted father, psychotherapist, and lifelong advocate for creating healing spaces. Kade opens up about his own non-linear path, weaving together stories of parenthood, professional growth, and the ways music, poetry, and time in nature have been therapeutic anchors in his life. As both a clinician and a parent of young adults, Kade offers a rare dual perspective: candidly acknowledging his own stumbles while emphasizing the importance of compassion, connection, and finding joy in the journey. From mountain biking and canyoneering to supporting families through transition programs, Kade’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and living in alignment with values. Listeners will walk away inspired by Kade’s reminder that success isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, vulnerability, and the courage to keep showing up for yourself and those you love.

Kade’s Resources:
At The Crossroads

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #TraumaRecovery #TherapyJourney #Healing #PersonalGrowth #TherapyWorks #FreshStart #TransitionalLivingProgram #ATCBeTheChange

What happens when you follow the “right” path… and it still doesn’t feel right? On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna sits down with Mark White, Clinical Director at Red Mountain Sedona, to trace his decades-long journey from small-town Michigan to the red rocks of Arizona. Mark shares candid reflections on the many detours, career pivots, and soul-searching moments that ultimately led him to discover his calling in therapeutic work with young adults. From parking cars and considering nursing to kayaking wild rivers and nearly joining the Air Force, Mark’s story is a powerful reminder that discovering what isn’t your path can be just as valuable as finding what is. Now thriving in his role at Red Mountain Sedona and biking the same desert trails that inspired him decades ago, Mark’s story comes full circle—with wisdom, heart, and a reminder that no step is wasted if you stay curious.

Mark’s Resources:
Outside Magazine
Red Mountain Sedona

Connect with Joanna Lilley

Therapeutic Consulting Association

Lilley Consulting Website

Lilley Consulting on Facebook

Lilley Consulting on YouTube
Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com

#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #TraumaRecovery #TherapyJourney #Healing #PersonalGrowth #TherapyWorks