Caution: please take care when listening to today's episode. We discuss difficult topics, including loving someone with addiction and the heart wrenching pain of losing a child.

In this emotionally compelling episode of "Beyond the Red Flags," we delve into the transformative journey of loving someone with addiction. Kristen is joined by her childhood best friend, Alexis Artusi, who shares her personal experiences of loving someone with addiction, and how she found the courage to let go while still holding onto compassion. Alexis shares her powerful story of walking away from a relationship that was not serving her to make space for the life she was always supposed to live.

Today's episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, growth, and the beauty that arises when we summon the strength to embrace new beginnings. Whether you've experienced addiction firsthand or know someone who has, this episode will touch your heart and illuminate the transformative power of letting go while still holding onto hope and love. Join us as we explore the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable strength it takes to break free from codependency and find your own path towards self-discovery.

On today's podcast we catch up with sharing what has been going on with us over the past month. Summer has arrived. Life is crazy and the days and years just keep flying by faster and faster. Check out this episode to see what exactly we have been going through. Tell us your ideas for a 29th anniversary. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for Beauty in the Shitshow. Make sure you Subscribe, Rate and Review the podcast. Share it with your friends.

This episode is all about connection and relationships. We talk about your earliest conncection all the way through to the only thing we leave this life with, and that's the realtionships we've built here. Someday when we are gone, what will be said about us. That's what it's all about guys. Please SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW. Check us out on Facebook under Beauty in the Shitshow. Look for the post about the Fearless event, and follow the instructions to get a chance to WIN Walking on Fire with me, this Wednesday night! ($130 Value) Don't miss out.

When A JOURNEY WITH BERNIE finishes every recording, we re-listen and decide what of the podcast will be the three key excerpts that will welcome you the listener to this episode. There was only one problem with this episode, we had chosen 15 excerpts from which we had to narrow it down to three. It took us an hour to decide! 

My dear people, this podcast is loaded with gems. That's because, when you live a life highlighted by an alcoholic Father, a suicide letter at 15 years of age that thankfully didn't come off, and a heart attack while training for a 1600 klm bike ride, there are too many powerful life lessons on offer that cannot be ignored. Jeff McKeon heeded them so much, he left a 25 year career in sales and a six figure income to do what he was meant to do ... fulfil his purpose as a paid writer, author in progress, and life coach to the many. Listen to a story of battling on through adversity and the courage to turn it all around by truly doing only what is a true extension of self. The Jeff McKeon story could well be entitled 'How to find a Pathway to Happiness from the Quicksand'. Be prepared to be inspired!

Bernie K
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Thomas Whaley was a business man, a merchant, a real estate investor and pivotal to the growth of San Diego, CA. He built his home to not only provide security for his family, but to leave a legacy. 

He helped design and build this unique, versatile structure back in 1857 and it is now considered the “Most Haunted House in America”. 

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Benefit from Rebecca's seven year hyperfixation on controversial spiritual teacher Teal Swan. A stream of consciousness interview guided by cohost Lauren McQ. The Deep End documentary, the Gateway podcast limited series.The completion process, synchronicity, saying hard things, where does all this knowledge come from, implanted memories, and more. 

Content Warning: Suicide.

On Patreon Rebecca details her completion process experiences.

https://patreon.com/BrutalVulnerability

https://instagram.com/BrutalVulnerability

Mike Sodini is the founder of an organization called Walk the Talk America (WTTA.org). Mike shares his personal story on how suicide impacted his life and changed his perspective. Learn the events that led up to the suicide of someone very close to him and how he dealt with the avalanche of emotions. Mike further discusses the genesis of Walk the talk America, how it has impacted the gun community, and where it is today. https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ Bridging the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership Walk The Talk America believes that by improving the quality and availability of mental health resources to gun owners we can reduce suicide by firearm. We are paving the way by educating mental health professionals about gun culture and breaking negative stigmas around mental health for gun owners. We are saving lives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Want to be a guest? Know of someone who wants to be a guest? Please share! About the show: web site: https://www.amatterofperspective.org/ phone: 508-677-7219 e-mail: bdalpe@comcast.net

In This Episode

We have a full house of the ACP crew to celebrate 200 Episodes of this Podcast! Weer'd  and Erin are joined by Oddball, David, and Xander, as well as Matt from Geeks Gadgets and Guns, to cover a wide range of topics. In this Roundtable Episode we discuss the NRA, the history of outrage in the media, and new guns hitting the market. Thanks to all our listeners and supporters,  and here's to another 200 Episodes!

Did you know that we have a Patreon? Join now for the low, low cost of $4/month (that’s $1/podcast) and you’ll get to listen to our podcast on Friday instead of Mondays, as well as patron-only content like mag dump episodes, our hilarious blooper reels and film tracks.

Show Notes

• Everytown has finally updated their page on carry permits to longer say that "most" states require one
• OSD 167: Gun culture is v2.0 software on v1.0 hardware
• NRA Dissidents Call on Allen West to Challenge Wayne LaPierre for CEO Role
• Allen West to Challenge Wayne LaPierre in NRA Election
• Famous knife designer shot by police
• SIG ‘Soft Launches’ New P320 XTEN 10mm Pistol
• OSD 168: There’s nothing new under the gun
• ATF Revoked 500% More FFLs in 11 Months Since Biden Declared War on Guns
• Victory in North Carolina against sheriff delaying handgun purchase permits
• Winchester Awarded $15M to Design Next Gen Ammo Facility
• IWI Releases the Masada Slim 13-Round Micro Compact 9mm Pistol
• The Idahoan Show BR-15 – An Affordable Bullpup Conversion
• TFB Review: Wilson Combat SFX9
• Walther PDP F-Series
• Mec-Gar USA Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary
• New straight pull bolt action from Beretta

If rich, famous, beautiful people can die by suicide, what does that mean for the rest of us?  The recent suicide of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019, was shocking. Research supports that after a high-profile person dies by suicide, rates of suicide also go up. Additionally, there is a cost to fame. It is harder for well-known figures to ask just anyone for support, even when they're in danger. There is enormous pressure to stay at the top and high levels of fame can be extremely isolating. Much of what we are taught is that if you work hard and are successful, then you will be happy.  What does it mean when a celebrity like Ms. Kryst, who was so successful, was also so unhappy?

In part two of our conversation, we look at how anger may be a part of the grieving process when we lose someone to suicide. Anger is a normal stage in processing loss. When suicide is involved, anger may be directed at the individual who died, or at another friend or family member, and even at yourself for failing to prevent the death. Additionally, we discuss considerations for how anger may affect some of our most vulnerable groups. What should we be aware of in terms of red flags for anger in groups that already have high levels of suicidal thoughts?  Lastly, we talk about the term "anger management." What does that really mean?

We often think of depression as a possible symptom for suicide, but anger can also become lethal. Excessive anger is often a sign of depression. In fact, anger is usually a mask we wear to hide how sad or disappointed we feel. Most of us are more comfortable sharing that we are mad rather than sharing that we have become depressed. These stigmas about anger and sadness often prevent us from properly assessing when someone is at risk for suicide. If we are unaware of the relationship between anger and suicide, we may miss the signals that someone we love is hurting.

It’s a new year…again?! So why does it feel a little like nothing’s changed? The idea of “resolution” means that something has ended, but for many of us the reality of COVID-19 is still not over. In that case, does it even make sense to make a resolution? Whether acknowledged or not, change happens to each of us. Our advice is to take some stock of what you are grateful for. If your resolution is about improving your mental health, working with a therapist could be an amazing tool to achieving that goal. Additionally, if you’re feeling down, don’t forget the value of helping those less fortunate than you.

Can therapy ever be harmful? That's the question that first sprang to my mind when talking with an acquaintance about her problematic experiences in counseling. Asking for help is hard. There is a tremendous stigma that surrounds speaking with a therapist. In some examples, working with a therapist who is a bad fit for you can even be harmful. It can inflict new psychological damage and be re-traumatizing. If your counselor is judgmental, unavailable, or a bad listener, perhaps it is time to work with someone else.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... or is it? There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Let's face it, the holidays are tough. Whether you're navigating tricky family dynamics or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of finding the perfect gift, many of us experience the holiday blues. What are some ways we can cope with the stresses of this time of year?

In the conclusion of our conversation with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q), we learn about his long road towards getting diagnosed with PTSD and his advice for anyone dealing with a mental health crisis. Additionally, Sgt. Q shares his insights on how the faith-based community can better support those struggling with mental health issues. Also, we ask Sgt. Q for his list of things NOT to do when going through a hard time.

In this special episode, we talk with Sergeant Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) about his personal journey in overcoming childhood trauma, homelessness, two tours of duty in Iraq, PTSD, and suicidal ideation to living a life of service and mental health advocacy. Sgt. Q has turned his experiences with trauma into a calling, helping fellow veterans find healing through his award winning non-profit, Q-Missions. Sgt. Q recalls his early childhood trauma and how it further impacted his time serving in Iraq. He candidly discusses what it is like to suffer from PTSD. He explains the feeling of inadequacy that led him to becoming suicidal and how a small action by a friend served as the intervention in suicidal thoughts.

Shame around suicide is pervasive and exists in many different forms. We may feel ashamed if we lost someone to suicide. We may feel shame if we've ever had suicidal thoughts. We sometimes even use shame as a tactic to try and stop someone from taking their own life. We talk with Dr. Jana Tran, psychologist, about shame. Dr. Tran has spent many years serving high-risk groups for suicide through her work at the VA and serving First Responders at the Houston Fire Department. Dr. Tran examines the message "suicide is selfish." It is harder to seek help when there is no safe space to talk about how badly you feel without getting shamed. Additionally, those who have lost someone to suicide may also feel ashamed. (However unwarranted those feelings may be).

Why do some people claim, "Therapy didn't work for me"? In part two of our series, we discuss some of the issues that stand in the way of success in therapy. Some quit before they've really given the process a chance or are inconsistent about therapy. Additionally, people are often reluctant to seek help, believing they can relying on friends and family for support. If you are suicidal, it is highly unlikely that your loved ones know enough about mental health to provide the exact support you need. If you want to benefit from therapy, be consistent, be honest, and be willing to do your homework. Spend some time researching therapists in your area. Not every therapist is perfect for every person. Sometimes we are put off from seeking therapy because the thought of sharing can feel unbearable. Finding the right counselor will involve opening up. 

We've heard it before. "Therapy can't work for me! My problems are too complicated!" Or "My friends know me better." Or a million other reasons why people are skeptical to reach out to a mental health professional. In terms of suicide prevention, you've got to be willing to give help a chance. It's quite common for people, even suicidal people, to drop out of therapy after only a couple of sessions.  Like any other endeavor, in order for therapy to be successful, you've got to put in the work. Research backs this up. Therapy can benefit everyone, including you. 

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

September 12 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

In an effort to add to the conversation in helpful ways, we wanted to bring on an expert not only on suicide prevention but also what actually keeps us alive and thriving in the world? To only talk about suicide is half the story, we also have to address what makes us resilient? What keeps us alive and thriving?

My good friend Mish Moore of Sources of Strength is on the podcast today to talk all about resiliency and the 8 components that help us built resiliency into our lives.

Resources

https://sourcesofstrength.org/

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

https://www.stevefund.org/

Cheering You On,