Sticky Hopebox Soapbox Podcast

✨ Ep. 7: Meet Nicholas--Caregiving, Cats, and Catharsis

✨ Ep. 7: Meet Nicholas--Caregiving, Cats, and Catharsis Welcome back to Sticky Hopebox Soapbox Podcast! I’m B—as in--your Bestie in the HOPE department, and I’m so glad you're here! Every episode, in approximately 20 minutes, I aim to bring you a pocket-sized dose of hope, a resource or coping skill, and of course, a sticky note of the week! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Nicholas! He is an author, poet, podcast host, cat dad, former peer specialist, and great listener. In this first episode with Nicholas, we talk about, of course, his favorite color, his top coping skills, how caregiving became full circle in caring for his mom in her last days, grief, anticipation of death, baseball, and mental health challenges. He tells us about his podcast, his poetry and writing, and the party that I haven't been able to stop talking about since I heard about it. This episode is full of heart, humor and hope. Nicholas is a white man with short red hair and medium-length red beard, or as he refers to himself, a diminished redhead. He is wearing a black button grandfather shirt and black headphones. This is recorded in May of 2025, and we are on a video call. He has a painting and a bookcase with books behind him. He is sitting down in a chair with his black and white cat, Bubba, joining him on his lap at times. Please meet the nurturing narrator, Nicholas. Let’s keep going, together. 💛 Sticky Hopebox Soapbox Podcast Podcast Music From: #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/dawn Ilya Kuznetsov-Dawn ⏱️ 20 minutes (ish) 🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share what resonates! 📲 Follow on IG--@StickyHopeboxSoapbox for bonus content & behind-the-scenes. ⚠️ Quick but important note: This podcast is for peer connection, not professional care, and it discusses topics that may be sensitive to listeners. Discretion is advised. Resources are linked in the descriptions of podcast episodes. This space welcomes varied experiences and opinions but will always remain rooted in kindness. A gentle reminder that this podcast does not provide medical, legal, financial, nutritional, spiritual, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your trusted professionals for guidance. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Resources Specific to this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/IHaveNoProcess https://www.healthline.com/health/losing-a-parent https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/journaling.aspx https://andreagibson.org/come-see-me-in-the-good-light https://5calls.org/ https://oia.lacounty.gov/kyr/ --Know Your Rights https://blog.gratefulness.me/gratitude-exercises/ --Gratitude Exercises

✨ Ep. 6: Holding Hope with B

✨ Ep. 6: Holding Hope with B In this raw and intimate solo episode, B, your bestie in the hope department, shares deeply personal reflections from a transformative year — turning 38, celebrating five years alcohol-free, navigating loss, trauma, and resilience, and finding new meaning through community action and self-care. You’ll hear stories of growth through grief, volunteering, finding spiritual peace in unexpected places, returning to in-person work, and discovering hope amidst chaos. Whether it’s confronting religious trauma, healing from systemic injustices, or simply finding a reason to smile, this episode is a gentle reminder that you are not alone — and if you're not ready to hold hope just yet, B will hold it for you. Podcast Music From: #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/dawn Ilya Kuznetsov-Dawn ⏱️ Under 20 minutes (ish) 🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share what resonates! 📲 Follow on IG--@StickyHopeboxSoapbox for bonus content & behind-the-scenes. ⚠️ Quick but important note: This podcast is for peer connection, not professional care, and it discusses topics that may be sensitive to listeners. Discretion is advised. Resources are linked in the descriptions of podcast episodes. This space welcomes varied experiences and opinions but will always remain rooted in kindness. A gentle reminder that this podcast does not provide medical, legal, financial, nutritional, spiritual, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your trusted professionals for guidance. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Resources Specific to this Episode: https://oia.lacounty.gov/kyr/ --Know Your Rights https://100happydays.com/ ---100 Happy Days https://blog.gratefulness.me/gratitude-exercises/ --Gratitude Exercises https://www.religioustraumainstitute.com/ -Religious Trauma Support

✨ Ep 5: Meet Jess- Spoons, Sleep, and Safe Spaces

✨ Ep. 5: Meet Jess-Spoons, Sleep, and Safe Spaces 🎂 Recorded during her 30th birthday weekend in 2024, Jess shares her journey of navigating narcolepsy through the lens of the spoon theory, where she's found healing and hope, and what coping tools support her journey. 🌈 We also reflect on Pride Month, the importance of queer community, and how finding the right stories—whether in books, music, or TV—can anchor us in hard times. ⚠️ Content note: This podcast is for peer connection, not professional care. It discusses topics that may be sensitive to listeners. Discretion is advised. Not every episode will resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. This space welcomes varied experiences and opinions but will always remain rooted in kindness. Please remember that this podcast does not provide medical, legal, nutritional, spiritual, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your trusted professionals for guidance. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. 🎧/ 📄 Listen/Read now, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! 🛼 Follow Sticky Hopebox on socials for behind-the-scenes clips! ✍️ Resources in Episode: ✨ https://narcolepsynetwork.org/ ✨Trevor for Support: therevorproject.org ✨Trevor to Help/Donate: thetrevorproject.org/donate ✨Text 'Trevor' to 1 (212) 695-8650 ✨ lgbthotline.org, 888-543-4564 ✨translifeline.org ✨transyouthemergencyproject.org ✨afsp.org/lgbtq-crisis-and-support-resources/ ✨ Trevor The Musical: Currently on Disney+

✨ Ep. 4-Meet Will- (Part 2) Remembering Bri with Will- A Cacophony of Cosmic Coincidences

✨ Ep. 4-Meet Will!-(Part 2) Remembering Bri with Will- A Cacophony of Cosmic Coincidences Welcome back to Sticky Hopebox Soapbox! I’m B—as in your Bestie in the HOPE department—and I’m so glad you’re here. This bonus episode is a tender, cosmic, and heartfelt tribute to Bri—our unforgettable friend and colleague—who died unexpectedly at 28, eleven years ago last month. In this special Part Two, we reconnect with guest Will (first introduced in Episode 3) as we reflect on Bri’s impact on our lives, her incredible strength and humor, and how her memory continues to echo through our work and healing journeys. 💬 Together, we talk about: -Navigating personal grief in theater and beyond -The powerful bonds of work friendships - How Bri helped us survive our darkest seasons – Coping strategies, growth, and honoring someone’s memory with intention – Unexpected signs from the universe that brought this episode full circle 🎧🎭 This is not just an episode about loss—it's about living with loss, finding hope in the echoes, and remembering out loud. Whether you knew Bri or you’ve ever loved someone who’s no longer here, this episode is for you. And includes a surprise connection to two-time Tony nominee Lindsay Jones and the legendary Avery Brooks. This episode weaves together threads of loss and love across time, music, and space. ✨ If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need it. And if you like it---don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and follow along on socials: @stickyhopeboxpodcast – IG + more 🎵 Podcast Music From: #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):  https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/dawn Ilya Kuznetsov-Dawn ⚠️ Quick but important note: This podcast is for peer connection, not professional care, and it discusses topics that may be sensitive to listeners. Discretion is advised. This space welcomes varied experiences and opinions but will always remain rooted in kindness. A gentle reminder that this podcast does not provide medical, legal, financial, nutritional, spiritual, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your trusted professionals for guidance. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. 🕯️ A link to Bri’s memorial fund: https://hss.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/dance/student-resources/theatre-dance-scholarships/ ✍️ Specific Resources for this Episode: 🖤 Book: Daily meditations and practices 🩶 Grief Day by Day: Simple Practices & Daily Guidance For Living With Loss by Jan Warner 🖤 IG & FB: OptionB-Navigating Grief & Hardship 🔗 warmline.org 🔗 https://www.centerforloss.com/2023/12/mourners-bill-rights/ 🔗 https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss

✨ Ep. 3 – Meet Will- (Part 1) Grief, Growth, & Gratitude

✨ Ep. 3 – Meet Will!- (Part 1) Grief, Growth, & Gratitude Welcome back to Sticky Hopebox Soapbox! I’m B—as in your Bestie in the HOPE department—and I’m so glad you’re here. This week, I’m honored to introduce you to Will: veteran, author, mental health advocate, and father of four, including eight-year-old twins! Will’s story is layered, deeply human, and full of hard-earned wisdom. In Part 1 of our two-part episode drop, we talk about: -How grief shaped Will’s life from childhood through adulthood -His journey into the military—and the mental health challenges that preceded it -What therapy taught him about ownership and acceptance -A simple breathing technique he uses on hard days -What hope means to him now We first met 15 years ago working backstage in live theater, and it’s no surprise that Will’s story and friendship has stayed with me since. His insight, grounded humor, and unwavering honesty are a gift. 💬 As always, we wrap with a sticky note of the week and reflections from past guests—including a powerful update from Felicia (Ep. 2) as she celebrates 7 years of sobriety and a bold new career move! 🎧 Part 2 of Will’s episode drops at the same time, centered around our shared grief for a beloved friend and how we each carry her legacy forward. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need it. And if you like it---don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and follow along on socials: @stickyhopeboxpodcast – IG + more 🎵 Podcast Music From: #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):  https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/dawn Ilya Kuznetsov-Dawn ⚠️ Quick but important note: This podcast is for peer connection, not professional care, and it discusses topics that may be sensitive to listeners. Discretion is advised. This space welcomes varied experiences and opinions but will always remain rooted in kindness. A gentle reminder that this podcast does not provide medical, legal, financial, nutritional, spiritual, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your trusted professionals for guidance. And if you or someone you love is in crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. ✍️ Specific Resources for this Episode: 🖤 Book: Daily meditations and practices 🩶 Grief Day by Day: Simple Practices & Daily Guidance For Living With Loss by Jan Warner 🖤 IG & FB: OptionB-Navigating Grief & Hardship 🔗 https://vets4warriors.com/ 🔗 https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ 🔗 https://mhanational.org/resources/helping-children-deal-with-deployment/ https://www.defense.gov/Resources/Military-Support-Organizations/ For Those Under 18 or who are guardians to those under 18: 🔗 https://www.dougy.org/