What happens when your childhood home is literally haunted? Author Amanda Facciano (The Otherworld Saga) joins Keegan Read to discuss how her paranormal upbringing and personal traumas became the "fuel for her fire" in storytelling. We dive deep into the healing power of writing, the "emotional devastation" of art, and how to reinvent yourself when life feels like it's falling apart.

Check out her website here: https://authoramandafasciano.com/

Key Topics

Amanda's haunted house experiences and paranormal encounters How storytelling serves as a trauma release and healing tool The creative process behind The Otherworld Saga and character development The importance of self-awareness and mental health in writing Interactive storytelling and improv as a form of creative expression

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Facciano and Her Work

01:00 The Influence of a Haunted Childhood

04:21 Exploring Paranormal Experiences

08:00 The Journey to Writing and Publishing

14:04 The Art of Storytelling and Emotional Depth

19:56 Improv Storytelling and Audience Interaction

23:44 Trauma and Writing: A Healing Process

29:57 Finding Light in Darkness

33:11 Transforming Pain into Purpose

39:20 Identity and Reinvention through Writing

45:20 The Journey of a Writer

48:49 Creative Processes and Inspirations

55:32 Retrieving Sanity: Self-Awareness and Forward Momentum

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #paranormal #storytelling #trauma #writing #hauntedhouse #fantasy #authorinterview #traumarecovery

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

In this deeply moving episode of Retrieving Sanity, Thomas Wilson joins Keegan Read to discuss his journey from being labeled a "monster" to becoming a leading advocate for the neurodiverse community. We dive into the raw reality of navigating self-hatred, the hidden impact of ableism, and why storytelling is the ultimate tool for healing trauma.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or struggled to set boundaries while helping others, this conversation on creative problem-solving and compassion is for you. Check out his website here: https://www.rhcreativeadvocacyandstorytelling.net/

Key Topics

Thomas Wilson's personal journey from trauma to advocacy The importance of storytelling in healing and connection Creating safe, inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals The impact of empathy, boundaries, and accountability Using role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons for social and emotional growth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thomas Wilson's Journey 04:48 The Power of Storytelling 07:47 Creating Safe Spaces in Dungeons and Dragons 10:37 Navigating Ableism and Bias 27:37 Navigating Self-Hatred and Accountability 31:23 The Role of Compassion in Advocacy 39:05 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries 44:11 The Challenge of Feedback and Criticism 52:22 Retrieving Sanity: Personal Reflections and Practices 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com 🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week 💸 Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

#Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #DungeonsAndDragons #TraumaRecovery #SelfCare #Advocacy #Storytelling

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Is shame blocking your manifestation and personal growth? Keegan speaks with Emma while she reveals the BREAK system, a practical method to combat shame and reclaim your sovereignty. We discuss the cultural roots of shame and how individual transformation is the only way to change society. Check out her Substack here: https://traumamatrix.substack.com/

Key Topics

The role of shame as a control mechanism in society Tools and systems to break shame cycles The connection between shame and narcissism Practical steps to reclaim authenticity and self-love

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shame and Identity Crisis 04:55 Understanding the Impact of Shame 12:53 The BREAK System Explained 18:31 The Role of Shame in Society 21:20 Narcissism and Shame 26:43 The Challenge of Authenticity 32:57 Transforming Shame into Self-Reflection 37:35 The Roots of Shame in Human Identity 40:57 The Power of Shamelessness as Self-Love 44:14 Shame as a Barrier to Manifestation 47:03 Tools for Breaking Up with Shame 50:52 The Journey Towards Authentic Happiness

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #shame #authenticity #selflove #societalchange #empowerment #breakfree #traumarecovery #brokensystem

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Ever feel like your body is reacting to something your mind can’t quite name? In this episode, Keegan Read and Naomi Morad dive deep into the world of psychosomatic healing. Discover why "the issue is in the tissue" and how somatic release can help you reclaim your life from the grip of past trauma. We explore how dissociation serves as a survival mechanism and why traditional talk therapy sometimes isn't enough to reach the trauma stored in your cells. Check out her website at: https://www.naomimorad.com/

Key Topics

The connection between subconscious beliefs and tissue response How trauma is stored in the body and methods to release it The importance of guided somatic therapy and bodywork Building self-trust through emotional processing The role of consciousness and mental models in healing

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Psychosomatic Healing 02:15 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection 07:46 The Role of Dissociation in Survival 12:52 The Importance of Guidance in Healing 19:15 Unraveling Trauma and Healing Connections 23:26 The Journey to Trusting Our Bodies 26:19 The Role of Consciousness in Healing 30:16 The Omnipresence of Trauma in the Body 38:10 Embracing Feelings: The Path to Self-Compassion 41:18 Releasing Trauma: Practical Steps 43:54 Burning Bridges: Letting Go of Toxic Relationships 46:45 The Healing Journey: A Continuous Process 52:27 Acknowledging Progress in Healing

#mentalhealthpodcast #retrievingsanity #recovery #trauma #psychosomatic #healing #mindbodyconnection #emotionalrelease #traumatherapy #selfawareness #innerchild #emotionalhealing

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

**Podcasthon Special** Can witchcraft be a tool for healing? Sunshine Witchski joins the podcast to break down the misconceptions of witchcraft and how the "Sovereign Phoenix" is creating a safe space for witches in recovery. We explore the link between addiction and societal control, the power of harm reduction, and how to protect your energy while navigating the chaos of healing. The Sovereign Phoenix Website: https://thesovereignphoenix.com/

The Sober Witch Life Website: https://soberwitch.life/

Reflection Sheet here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkrbxLVqQkJo2Xr7akVas4nW8gWvzZCT/view?usp=drive_link

Key Topics

• Recovery as an act of rebellion
• The role of spirituality and witchcraft in healing
• Shadow work and self-discovery in recovery

Chapters

00:00 The Intersection of Recovery and Spirituality 02:18 Personal Journeys: Sunshine's Path to Recovery 08:17 Defining Witchcraft: Beliefs and Practices 13:55 The Sovereign Phoenix: A Movement for Healing 16:53 Addiction and Control: Breaking the Cycle 23:22 Reclaiming Identity and Self-Discovery 26:06 The Burden of 'Shoulds' in Life 28:18 Living Authentically vs. Checking Boxes 36:09 The Sovereign Phoenix Movement and Shadow Work 39:52 The Power of Saying No 43:51 Supporting Recovery Initiatives 46:28 The Journey of Self-Discovery 54:04 Finding Peace and Purpose in Recovery

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #witchcraft #addiction #addictionrecovery #shadowwork #selflove #sovereignty #healing #personalgrowth #recoveryjourney

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

"This is unreal that this is my life." Matt Von Boecklin sat down with Keegan Read to share how a massive health scare became the ultimate wake-up call, leading to the creation of the QuitKit. Whether you are struggling with Kratom, nicotine, or substance dependence, this episode explores the innovative mechanics of recovery and the vital role of self-love.

Learn how to change your relationship with substances and find a path to spiritual health and joy.

Key Topics

Mechanics of addiction and withdrawal The development and impact of QuitKit The role of hope and self-love in recovery Risks of kratom and synthetic supplements Practical activities to build resilience and joy The importance of changing relationships with substances

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Innovation 02:28 The Quit Kit: A Personal Journey 05:22 Understanding Kratom and Its Risks 08:21 Finding Hope in Recovery 11:15 Building a Life Beyond Addiction 14:12 Testimonials and Real-Life Impact 17:02 The Role of Technology in Recovery 20:10 Navigating Challenges in Sobriety 28:11 Understanding Addiction and Recovery 35:28 The Journey of Quitting Nicotine 40:57 Recognizing the Impact of Addiction 47:24 Turning Points in Addiction 55:14 Hope and Encouragement in Recovery Check out the Quit Kit at: https://TryQuitKit.com

Use: RETRIEVE20 for 20% off (No Commissions) 📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #kratomaddiction #kratom #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #nicotineaddiction #spiritualhealth #empowerment

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Is depression "all in the family"? Noah May opens up about the role of genetics, family support, and overcoming the scars of childhood bullying. From journalism to podcasting, learn how Noah turned his personal struggles into a platform for advocacy.

Key Topics

Mental health struggles and personal journey The role of family and genetics in depression and anxiety The significance of tattoos in mental health and healing Breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations The impact of childhood bullying and social influences

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocacy 05:14 Navigating Early Life Challenges 13:06 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health 16:02 The Importance of Advocacy and Community 18:41 Reflections on Bullying and Success 23:56 Navigating Personal Struggles and Mental Health 27:45 The Role of Struggles in Personal Growth 35:11 Tattoos as Symbols of Resilience 38:58 Tattoos and Their Meanings 44:54 The Journey of Getting Tattoos 48:49 Podcasting Journey and Mental Health 53:33 Retrieving Sanity and Personal Insights

Be sure to check out his website and podcast over at: https://noahspodcasts.com/

📣Check out the website for a list of all guests! -- https://retrievingsanity.com

🔔Subscribe for more content ~2x/week Recovery & Mental Health Podcast

💸Support the Podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/keeganread

#mentalhealthpodcast #recovery #retrievingsanity #depression #anxiety #tattoos #advocacy #storytelling #stigma #survivor #bullying

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!