As an infant, Paul Forchione was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and his mother was told he would never be able to walk. His mom refused to take that for an answer and after months of searching was able to find someone who could help.  Paul learned how to walk and eventually made the varsity baseball team. Tune in to hear Paul share his inspiring story as he discusses how to rewrite your story. Connect with Paul Forchione Paul's Website | acalltoaction.coachInstagram | @acalltoaction80Connect...

Today we have Andy Grant talking about why men hide their feelings by sharing his personal story. Andy is a suicide attempt survivor, a transformational energy coach, the founder of Real Men Feel, and an Amazon best-selling author.  Andy is also a husband, world traveler, actor, speaker, teacher, lifelong learner and suicide prevention activist. Andy believes in living a life you love and creates books, workshops, and programs supporting that. Andy can be found at theandygrant.com. There's...

At the age of 20, Jenessa MacKenzie became a mom. Ready or not, she was forced to tackle everything that came along with motherhood. She did everything necessary to survive and provide for her daughter - living on state aid, clipping coupons, and asking for help. After some time with her daughter, she started dating and got married. Eventually, she found herself in the midst of narcissistic abuse avoiding an inevitable divorce.  Over time, Jenessa has been able to heal and discover her...

Join Sam and Mandi for a discussion surrounding the stories of Carly Israel, Charlene Gethons, Kawan Glover, and Samantha Laycock. Throughout this After the Show, they discuss:  The impact of social media on mental healthHow recovery impacts everyone involvedSitting with your problemsThe misconceptions surrounding mindfulnessThe common elements in each of the storiesThere's lots to cover, so tune in, and hang on, because here we go.  Support the show (https://itcouldvebeenme.org/give/)

Being a survivor of sexual assault, Samantha’s story is painful, raw, and heartbreaking. In 2014, Samantha reached a breaking point in her life. She was depressed and lonely despite the fact that she put a smile on her face every day and pretended everything was okay. By sharing the story of her sexual assault through a blog post, Samantha embarked on a journey filled with self-growth, self-healing, and self-love.  Now, as an avid blogger, Samantha helps women share their stories through...

Kawan Glover is many things, but the word survivor is definitely at the top of the list. He survived a stroke, opioid addiction, multiple brain surgeries, and a battle with depression. Throughout the process of it all, Kawan found his life’s purpose. Kawan now an author and life coach who uses his story to inspire others and transform them from victim to victor.  Kawan detailed his transformative journey in a book called Favor: How Stroke Struggle and Surgery Helped Me Find My Life's Purpose....

About eight years ago, Charlene was hit by a bus. Yes, a real bus, an actual bus, like the phrase so many of us use, “I feel like I was hit by a bus.” Well, Charlene actually was. So, before you say that phrase again, think about Charlene and Charlene’s story.  Being hit by a bus fractured Charlene's skull and caused significant brain swelling. This led to four neurosurgeries, a bone infection, and a chronic non-healing wound. Being left with a traumatic brain injury, Charlene embarked on a...

Carly Israel is the author of Seconds and Inches and founder of the podcasts Must Love Self, In Your Corner Divorce, and Northstar Big Book. In addition to her book, she has written about parenting, divorce, and recovery. Carly is an executive relationship and divorce coach, mother of three boys, seeker, and lover of life. Throughout the episode Carly discusses what it was like growing up with two alcoholic parents, how she found recovery, the difficulties of divorce, and what life has been...

Ashley & Kevin Nahai discuss chronic incurable disease, anorexia, depression, and experiencing suicidal ideations.

Dana Hansen and her two siblings Kasey and Bryce experienced a traditional midwest upbringing being raised by their parents on the family farm. Dana's childhood memories include 4-H, watching Saturday Nebraska Cornhuskers football games, and helping her...

Join Mandi, Sam, and Ashley and they discuss the stories shared by Dr. Shalee, Payton, Megan, and Larry. Throughout episode 22, they'll cover the topics of:Adverse childhood experiencesParentingInfertilityBinge eating disorderGetting help and asking for...

Lawrence Sprung, also known as Larry, is the founder and wealth advisor of Mitlin Financial. Larry is the Host of the Mitlin Money Mindset - a podcast about the financial, money, and recreational mindset needed to successfully plan for and live your...

Megan te Boekhorst was born and raised in Canada. As a teenager, she found herself in an emotionally abusive relationship. Shortly after ending that relationship, she realized that her relationship with food was unhealthy. Megan sought out on a journey...

Growing up, Payton was the oldest of five children. Captivated at a young age by Disney’s storytelling, Payton dreamed of dancing down Main Street, USA. She now holds her dream job and tells stories through the magic of Guest engagement as a Product...

During this special episode of Real Stories Real People Mandi is joined by Dr. Shalee Horstman to discuss the healing power of storytelling, understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and happiness hygiene.Dr. Shalee Horstman is a...

Ashley, Mandi, and Sam get together to discuss episodes 13 to 16 which feature the stories of Kourtni, Rick, Laddan, and Jody. Their discussion is real, raw, and honest. So tune in, and hang on, because here we go!Podcast Disclaimer This show covers a...

Growing up the youngest sibling in a large family, Jody Allen-Bisio wasn't always 'in the know.' As a result, she struggled to find herself and discover her individuality. After being taught that drinking a glass of water would solve every problem in...

Laddan Abbasi is an extrovert who often found herself questioning, am I a loner, do I fit in? Laddan's life journey has helped her understand how to identify toxic relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and the importance of embracing equality in...

In Episode 14, Ashley meets with Rick Werry.  Rick was born in a small town in Utah. He grew up the youngest of four kids on a dairy farm. As a teenager Rick loved sports and being outdoors.  In 2007, Rick married his college sweetheart Tara. One year...

Since a young age, Kourtni Wolfe has struggled with anxiety. In Episode 13, Kourtni meets with her life-long friend Samantha Montgomery to discuss her struggles, how she finds hope in the midst of them, and what helps her cope with everything life...

Show Disclaimer: This show covers a wide variety of topics related to mental health and life in general. Episode 12 specifically discusses suicide and being molested at a young age. These topics can be difficult for some people so use your best...

Important Note About Episode 11:  Episode 11 includes discussion about sexual trauma and molestation that began at a young age. If this is something that may trigger you, you may want to sit this episode out. During Episode 11 of Real Stories Real...

In Episode 10, Ashley meets with Paul Calcote a fellow podcaster and pastor who has struggled with depression. Paul was born and raised in Mississippi by his parents who were also pastors. He currently resides in Houston, Texas and serves as a Young...

In Episode 9, Mandi meets with her life-long friend Sabrina Van Schepen to discuss mental health and COVID-19 and all of the unexpected a COVID diagnosis can bring. Throughout the show Mandi and Sabrina discuss:What it was like for Sabrina to receive a...