In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes RJ Fisher, a writer, researcher, and motivational speaker who works within the prison system. RJ shares her harrowing personal story of surviving a hostage situation at the hands of a former partner, detailing the traumatic experience, her escape, and the profound impact it had on her life. The conversation explores the warning signs of abusive relationships, the psychological aftermath of trauma, and the long road to recovery.

RJ discusses her journey from victim to survivor, emphasizing the importance of recognizing triggers, developing coping strategies, and seeking support. She also talks about her book, "The Girl That Got Out," which recounts her experience and offers practical tools for others facing trauma. The episode highlights RJ’s work in corrections, her passion for understanding human behavior, and her commitment to helping others heal. The overarching message is one of resilience, hope, and the power of sharing stories to foster healing and growth.

RJ’s Bio and Contact Information

RJ Fisher works within the prison system as a writer, qualitative researcher and motivational speaker.

Her true crime novel, The Girl That Got Out, speaks across generations and is spoken highly of in the psychological community.

She writes true crime and trauma recovery, focusing on the “why” behind human behavior and the power of change.

RJ Fisher holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State, studied Urban Ministry at Moody Bible Institute and has worked in the fields of urban solutions, archaeology and mental health.

RJ resides in the countryside with her boyfriend, their six children and plethora of pets.

Connect with RJ Fisher:

Website: www.girlthatgotoutalloneword.com

Find her book, blog, and resources, or reach out for support.

Social media

FB: girlthatgotout

IG: girlthatgotout

TT: girlthatgotout

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Robert Paylor, a former collegiate rugby player who was paralyzed from the neck down during a championship game. Robert shares his remarkable journey of recovery, the mental tools that helped him overcome adversity, and how he transformed his greatest challenge into a mission to inspire others. The conversation explores the importance of mindset, forgiveness, community, and redefining success, offering listeners practical insights and hope for facing their own life challenges.

Full Bio:

In one moment, Robert Paylor was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, his life took an unexpected and devastating turn. Robert suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving him unable to move or feel anything below his neck. His doctor's prognosis was grim: he would never walk or move his hands for the rest of his life.

Rather than let this tragedy define him, Robert used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, Robert can now walk 500 yards, he stood to receive his diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, he married the love of his life, and is now sharing the mental tools that have helped him persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker and author.

Robert’s story has captivated millions around the world, being shared by major outlets including Sports Illustrated, People Magazine, Fox News, and The San Francisco Chronicle. As a sought-after speaker, his message has stirred leading Fortune 500 companies like Visa, Intel, Samsung, Accenture, Edward Jones, and Meta, as well as collegiate and professional sports teams, schools, and associations around the country.

Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be mental, emotional, or organizational. In his keynote, Paralyzed to Powerful, Robert authentically relives his journey with the audience and shares the invaluable tools that he gained in overcoming quadriplegia. His message stirs organizations and individuals to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them by cultivating purpose in their work, fully accessing the collective resilience of their team, developing a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintaining positivity through even the most daunting challenges.

Learn more about Robert Paylor: Book: "Paralyzed to Powerful" (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible)

• Website: https://www.robertpaylor.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rob.paylor/
• X: https://x.com/RobertPaylor5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertpaylor5
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/robert-paylor
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rob.paylor

To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes back Dana Christian Lee, executive director of the nonprofit "Tell My Story." The conversation centers on creative approaches to healing and mental wellbeing for young adults, highlighting the power of storytelling, community, and self-expression.

Dana shares the origins of "Tell My Story," inspired by Jason Reid’s personal loss and mission to support youth mental health through film and open communication. The discussion introduces their new film, "Shift: Do What Moves You," which features young people overcoming challenges by finding activities and passions that help them heal and thrive—ranging from skateboarding to poetry and music.

The episode explores the impact of social media and AI on youth mental health, emphasizing the importance of real-life connection, resilience, and community support. Both guests advocate for empowering young adults to take ownership of their wellbeing, encouraging small steps, creative outlets, and the healing power of nature and movement.

Listeners are invited to learn more about the film and nonprofit, with free screenings available through partnership. The episode closes with a message of hope, gratitude, and the belief that together, we can foster a more positive narrative around mental health.

Dana's Bio and Contact Information

Dana Christian Lee is a mom of two amazing humans; William John III & Grace Christian. Originally from Michigan, they headed west for her daughter to attend college in Northern California 5 years ago & have found California to be their soul's home. Dana holds two degrees in education as well as certification in yoga and mindfulness. She has been a teacher for over 25 years in elementary/middle schools, religious education programs, as well as yoga & mindfulness teaching. Her passion is physical and mental wellbeing in community, offering access to resources, tools, and connection. In January 2023 Dana's journey with Tell My Story began in partnership with Jason Reid. Tell My Story is a nonprofit whose mission is to 'help parents own their kids' mental health like they do their physical health,' through film, music and meaningful communication. Dana, the executive director of Tell My Story, works daily to positively impact youth mental health nationally and globally.

Learn more about "Tell My Story" and how to host a screening: https://tellmystory.org

Contact Dana: dana@tellmystory.org

To find ourt more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his authorpage psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts speaks with guest Scott Stewart, who shares his powerful journey from a traumatic childhood, through a pivotal life event at age 22, to finding forgiveness and breaking a generational cycle of abuse. Scott describes growing up in an abusive environment and the impact it had on his self-esteem and future relationships. He recounts how his life changed when his father murdered his mother and the subsequent path he took towards healing through counseling and self-development. Scott outlines his six key principles of forgiveness and elaborates on the necessity of boundaries and ongoing forgiveness. The episode concludes with Scott offering guidance on how to start the forgiveness process and emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness.

Scott’s Bio and Contact Information

Growing up in a home that was less than supportive and filled with manipulation, combined with a poor role model as to what a Father should be, Scott was not set up for success, nor life.

At the age of 22, he endured a life altering event that would change theentire course of his existence. Investing the next 12-13 years into himself through counseling and self development, working intentionally to overcome those rough years, paid off. The result of that was a broken generational cycle of abuse. Today, he has a healthy, supportive, loving family who follows Christ

By day, Scott works in the health care field assisting families with their aging loved one via either assisted living or memory care placement.

Because of his life experience and real world ability to overcomeobstacles, he speaks professionally, outside of his day job on overcoming adversity and why forgiveness is such a key component to moving your

life forward and not being held back by your past circumstances. His belief is this: anything is forgivable if you hold the right belief about what forgiveness is and who it’s for.

Connect with Scott Stewart:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-stewart
• Facebook: Scott Stewart, Author/Speaker/Overcomer
• Website: https://scottstewartspeaking.com
• Email: scottstewartspeaking@gmail.com

To connect with Dave , go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, hosted by Dave Roberts, guest Marissa Cohen discusses her journey and expertise in addressing and healing from abusive relationships. Marissa Cohen, a thought leader and bestselling author, shares her experiences of overcoming unhealthy relationships while detailing the 'Healing from Emotional Abuse' philosophy she developed. The conversation covers the emotional and psychological impact of abuse, the steps needed to heal, and the importance of recognizing red flags. Marissa also highlights the significance of empowering survivors and creating supportive communities. Further, the discussion touches on statistics about abuse among college students and the role of educators and therapists in addressing these issues effectively. Marissa underscores the primary necessity for survivors to seek safety and control over their situations and advocates for empathetic and supportive interventions.

Marissa's Bio, Contact Information and Resources

After over 15 years as the premier speaker and thought leader of her industry, reigning “National Campus Speaker of the Year” Marissa F. Cohen has pioneered the field of Empowerment, training about Healthy and Toxic Relationships & Behaviors, Communication Skills and Mental Health and Wellness. She’s the founder of the Healing From Emotional Abuse Philosophy, and an award winning and 8-time internationally best-selling author. Using her personal and professional experience and research, she provides students with real-life examples and relatable content to enhance their understanding and expectations of healthy relationships and friendships, set healthy boundaries, and communicate effectively and empathetically with the people in their lives.

Contact Information

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.faye.cohen/ @marissa.faye.cohen

Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/marissafcohen @marissafcohen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissafcohen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-f-cohen-7b452b72/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingfromemotionalabuse

Website: www.marissafaycohen.com (See the Speaking tab for her schedule)

Safety Planning Guide and Resources:

https://marissafayecohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Safety-Planning-PDF.pdf

https://marissafayecohen.com/resources/essentialresources/

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts welcomes Destiny Dawn Harris, who discusses the traumatic events surrounding her daughter’s abduction to India by an online predator. Destiny shares insights from her book From 8,000 Miles' which details her family's seven-year ordeal and their struggle with complicated grief. She offers critical advice on identifying warning signs of online predators and stresses the importance of open communication with children. Through her own story of faith and resilience, Destiny aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide hope and guidance to other families facing similar challenges.

Destiny's Bio and Contact Information

Destiny Dawn Harris is a wife and mother to three grown children, and lives in Mobile, Alabama, US. She graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and owns and runs an automotive detailing business with her husband, Brent, they founded in 1999.

FROM 8,0000 MILES is her first book. In it she details the traumatic events that unfolded in their family's life in mid-September 2018. It is one of the many trials she and her husband have faced and she writes about it in a very honest and candid way to bring strength, healing, and hope to others who have faced their own set of trials and circumstances. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the reason she has made it through, and she sees everything she writes as a testimony of what she has become, and what God has done for her.

Destiny loves to read and spends time writing, researching, cooking, and baking bread. She also enjoys skiing on both the lakes and slopes with her family in summer and winter with her little Maltese, Molly, in tow. Her favorite topics to write on are health, spiritual, and business.

Her dream is to one day open a health retreat in the rural area near her home with a focus on helping families that have children with mental health issues so they can have a better quality of life and find respite from the challenges of daily life.

🔗 Connect with Destiny:

Website: https://destinydawnofficial.com

YouTube: Destiny Dawn Official

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertssw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Emma Napoleon, a 16-year-old writer and self-care advocate. At just 15, Emma co-authored the bestselling book Love Yourself First 2,and she is now working on her new book, Living in the Shadows: Finding Your Voice When You Feel Left Out. Emma shares her personal journey of dealing with grief following her father's death, her experiences of feeling misunderstood, and her mission to help other teens find their voice and embrace their uniqueness. Despite facing displacement due to hurricanes, Emma continues to channel her experiences into powerful writing aimed at helping others. The episode delves into the pressures teens face today, the impact of grief on young minds, and the importance of providing a supportive environment for them.

To book Emma for future podcast episodes email: christinanapoleon@outlook.com

Emma's Bio and Contact Information

Emma Napoleon is a passionate young writer and advocate for self-care and mental health. At just 15 years old, she coauthored the bestselling book Love Yourself First 2, which is a book that offers perspective on healing, self-love and growth, in many areas of mental and emotional help. Now, Emma is writing a new book titled Living in the Shadows: Finding Your Voice When You Feel Left Out, where she shares her personal journey of healing through grief, feeling misunderstood, and navigating the darkness when others expect sunshine. Her story offers an empowering message for teens who may feel alone or invisible, teaching them that it’s okay to heal in their own time and way. Through her writing, Emma is on a mission to help others find their voice, embrace their uniqueness, and break free from the shadows.

Connect with Emma Napoleon:

Instagram: emma.napoleon

TikTok: emma.napoleon

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share!

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page psychologyprofessorandminister.com

In this episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts speaks with Clare Loewenthal, an accomplished author, editor, and former magazine publisher. Clare shares her inspiring journey from battling anorexia nervosa in her late teens to achieving personal and professional success. She discusses the brutal medical treatments she underwent, the social isolation she experienced, and the stigmas attached to eating disorders. Clare emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex nature of eating disorders, separating the illness from the individual, and focusing on holistic and integrative treatments. She advocates for the power of resilience, human connection, and creativity in her path to recovery, and highlights the need to address the root causes of eating disorders. Clare also talks about her book 'Substance From the Shadow' and its second edition, which aims to provide hope and insight for those struggling with similar challenges.

Clare's Bio and Contact Information

Clare Loewenthal is an accomplished author, editor and former magazine publisher who has built a life defined by resilience and purpose.

At 18 years of age, Clare Loewenthal enjoyed a charmed and carefree existence. Less than two years later, she had lost agency over her body and her life and was admitted to psychiatric unit a life-threating weight. She didn’t want to die but no longer knew how to live.

Despite a long battle with anorexia nervosa, brutal medical treatment and crippling social isolation, Clare transformed her life into one of professional and personal success.

Clare was the founder and publisher of Dynamic Small Business (DSB), a magazine she grew to become the largest small business publication in Australia. She still holds the position of Editor Emeritus of Dynamic Business.

The release of the second edition of her memoir, The Substance from the Shadow, now gives her a platform to address many of the misconceptions that reduce the very complex world of eating disorders down to wilful vanity.

Despite her struggles, Clare created a new identity and a rich life for herself, one no longer defined by weight, food or the judgement of others.

Today, she shares her struggle widely, advocating for greater understanding and compassion around eating disorders and mental illness more broadly.

Connect with Clare:

• Book: “Substance From the Shadow” (available on Amazon)

· E mail clare18@optusnet.com.au

· Website https://www.clareloewenthal.com.au/

· Medium https://medium.com/@clare.loewenthal

· LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-loewenthal-a08a2126/

· X - @ClareLoewenthal

· Instagram – @clare_loewenthal

To connect with Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com and psychologyprofessorandminister.com